Dumbing us down: Weapons of Mass Destruction Essay

In the article â€Å"Dumbing us down: Weapons of Mass Destruction† John Taylor Gatto explains how today’s education system needs to be changed to focusing more on children’s interests instead of an institutionalized curriculum. He wants to revolutionize the school system to something similar to his education in a small town called Monongahela, Pennsylvania. When he went to school he was taught through classical schooling, which trained him to develop independent thinking and the appreciation for great old books before his time. In his small town of 4500 numerous important people have been brought up there including: Joe Montana, the founder of the Disney channel and the inventor of the nerf football. He thinks perhaps the success of these people is related to how they were brought up in school getting a hands on experience by cooking there own school meals, handling the daily school maintenance. He questions how college admission such as Harvard put such a big em phasis on standardized test. Gatto thinks that the education system was founded through a strict military system in Germany to keep the lower and middle classes grounded so leaders could keep capitalism running. During his time as a teacher he talks about how he wanted his students to get hands on experiences. For example one of his classmates was interested in comic book art so he sent her to watch a comic book artist for a week. The last part of the article talks about a way to stand up to the current education system by using Mellville’s moran genius in Bartleby, the scrivener. This is a way to peacefully refuse to go by the current system and simply reject it by getting large groups to not take the tests that schools hand out. Although John Gatto has some very intriguing information I, strongly disagree with his article. He never gives a reasonable way to fix our curriculum, but can only hope enough people agree with him to refuse it. The American school curriculum is great because if you work hard and make good grades then many doors will open through numerous colleges and scholarships. I think standardized testing is crucial to our education system because without it there would be no way to gage where every student should go after high school. John Gatto wrote this article specifically because he has been on two different sides of American education. In his youth, he was taught with more hands on learning that molded his view of how children everywhere should be taught. He is biased because of how great of success some people have had coming out of his small town of 4500 people. Then he was thrown into a unfamiliar way of teaching when he taught at a upper Manhattan school. In the Manhattan school a big amount of the focus was on getting kids ready national achievement tests. Although he may be right about how the curriculum was just turning into a achievement prep course, the reality of current schooling is how good you can do grade wise and on achievement tests like the ACT and SAT. In the article he tells of how it was his mission to teach beyond the boundaries of standardized testing and promote a more hands on type of learning so that his students would be motivated to seek out what they were passionate about. Hands on teaching is great, but what happens when they leave his class and are thrown out into standardized testing without and experience or practice. The article never really answers how his students did in the future but he was awarded the New York teacher of the year, and has written numerous books on our failing education system. John Gatto puts real life examples of how his teaching has affected students, which makes his argument a lot more compelling. He tells of how he sent a girl to the state capitol to speak to her local legislature and now she is a trial attorney. In the last part of his article he digs deep in how are education system needs to be reformed, using examples of college dropouts such as bill gate and Steve Jobs who are now running today’s economy. The article states how the government is not going to fix this problem, but it is up to the people to be educated enough to solve it themselves. He gives outlets such as home school or keeping your children aware that having bad grades is not the end of the world. The last paragraph goes into detail about how there are many different ways to get around the school system, but he never gives any real way that it could ever be changed. In the Article John Gatto expresses how achievement test are a waste of time in school, but I think that they are extremely important in showing where every student in the country stands. If we did not have standardized test it would be unfair to students who are in a lot more challenging schools. I did not think standardized testing was important either until my time at Baylor. My eyes were opened when kids with 4.0s in high school were struggling through there first semester. I never realized that some of these kids went to easier high schools then me, and were not prepared for the rigorous curriculum Baylor has to offer. For me standardized testing helped me get into a good college, because my high school was hard and I was not able to make good grades. If Baylor simply placed all its emphasis on GPA there is no way I would be at this school. Standardized testing is said to be a â€Å"pack of words† (Gatto John 593) by Gatto which is so false, because with out it there is no way for students in my situation to be given the opportunity to go to great schools like Baylor. I am thankful for my tough high school education because now at Baylor it is easy for me to stay organized and make good grades. Achievement tests also help kids who are in schools that are not as aca demically demanding. Colleges now have achievement tests like the SAT so they can gage where a student’s intelligence level is on providing admission into their school. John Gatto talks about how he was educated in a classical style with more hands on teaching, and when he was younger college was much to get into. I have talked to my dad and his friends and they say the SAT was almost optional in their time, and you could almost pick any school back then to attend. Today if students want to be taught a classical learning style they would have to be home schooled, because of how expensive it is already to fund the public school system the United States. He is right that hands on learning is critical for children, but a good basic education is needed for kids to be successful out of college. I think that in present times the SAT is critical for students in any situation to rise above and get into a college that is right for them regardless where they grow up. In the article Gatto does not like the r ole capitalism plays in our school system, even though it is actually what makes it possible for the individual to succeed no matter what background they came from. He thinks that capitalism in our schools is a way of keeping lower and middle classes in line when in reality it is there to help people willing to put in the work to get out of there respected social class. Capitalism is why people immigrate to America everyday; knowing that are country promotes the freedom to succeed economically and socially regardless of where you are from. Public schools may not all be on the same playing field academically, but that does not have to stop some one who is smart and motivated. Unlike some other countries, we give everybody a chance to succeed to the best of their abilities. It is impossible to give everyone the same education, but a strict curriculum and government regulations is the best attempt. Capitalism goes hand in hand with another prime example about how college drop outs such as Bill Gates are now some of the richest men in the world. Only in America is this possible, in places like china if you do not have a high education you are given limited opportunity. Gatto does a lot of complaining in his article, but has no real solutions except keeping your child aware that doing well in school will not define your future. I think Gatto is so corrupted by his small town upbringing that he does not understand that his type of education cannot be afforded by every body. Capitalism is what America and education are based of off, and with out it there would be no way for lower or middle class people to display their full potential. I completely disagree with John Gatto’s article, and think it could be hazardous for some people to read. If this article is read wrong children, even young adults will be under the impression that school is not that important; and be under the impression that it is, better to rebel against our school system then to flourish in it. Achievement tests are how capitalism is integrated into our schooling system, and with out it I fear where we would be as a country. Works Cited Wood, Nancy, and Miller James. Perspectives On Argument. 7th ed. New Jersey: Pearson Education, 2012. Print

Personal Profile

I will be discussing the four steps that an organization should take to change its personnel profile. These steps include; performance appraisal, staff training and development, career development, and termination. The first step I will be talking about is performance appraisal. This is usually an annual event for every employee, and sometime contains quarterly and Simi-annual progress reports. It’s useful to mangers and administrations because they are able to determine employee skills and productivity profiles.This helps supervisor and employees to get the highest performers in the main positions. For example, a supervisor would be able to look at; an employee’s work performed strengths, weakness, and level of performance though scoring systems, charting, and comparisons. The second step is staff training and development. This contains the options of in-service training provided by the agency, or out-services training workshops and institutes, which is earned through professional organizations and other groups.The third step is career development. This is set out to assist employees in achieving higher level responsibilities through on the job training and monitoring. This is done by a supervisor and employee coming together, and planning the employee’s short and long term career goals. Fourth, is termination, and is to be used in extreme circumstances. If not done correctly, it can become very costly for the agency. It is a time consuming process for the agency, and can be traumatic for both the employee and agency.Despite this unfortunate feeling it is important for an employer to remember that ignoring a poor performed employee can have a negative effect on how other staff member may view your judgment and authority. For example, employees might see that you are tolerating an employee who is not meeting par standards, and because of that might develop new minimum standards for performance that is incorrect. In conclusion, I believe tha t even though each of these steps serves a different meaning and purpose, they each contribute n some way to changing an organization personal profile.

Grievance and ways of applying discipline in an organisation Essay

Grievance and ways of applying discipline in an organisation - Essay Example s aimed at suggesting better practices on the application of discipline procedures as well as recommending changes in organizational policies and services in order to avoid tribunal and costs caused by inconvenient adjournments. It will also examine the nature and explain the place of grievance and discipline as well as reviewing their effects on employment and how authority responds to the same. The frame work of organization justice in business is also to be examined in respect to grievance and discipline procedures. The study will also investigate what would be considered good practice to ensure legal compliance in applying discipline procedure in the workplace which would see to the reduction of the prospects to tribunal and court costs, avoid the possibilities of employees having to pay other party’s costs, avoid the worry and costs associated with appeal hearings. The study will lastly recommend the ways that will consequently improve employees’ morale and motivat ion to perform better. According to Peterson (2007), A study on the fairness at work was carried out in 2004, where different employees from different organizations in the UK were given questionnaires with their ages, occupation, gender, religion, nationality, and marital status, which was aimed at providing information on how comfortable employees felt with the way disciplinary and grievances affairs were tackled in their different workplaces. The information was to later assist the Government in the formation of the Statutory Grievance and Disciplinary Procedures for workplaces to hold formal grievance and disciplinary procedures, at which employees would be entitled to fair representation in disciplinary and grievance related matters by either a work colleague or a trade union representative. The survey found out that the compliance with the employees’ right to such representation in an employment tribunal was patchy and uneven with little evidence to suggest that rates of disciplinary

Organizational Behavior and Leadership Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Organizational Behavior and Leadership - Essay Example National productivity, increasing organizational effectiveness, reducing employee absenteeism, and increasing job satisfaction among the employees of a company. When an employee joins a new organization, he or she brings to the organization a new and unique set of personal background and characteristics from other organizations (Griffin & Moorhead 2010, p. 3). The manager of that organization must be able to recognize the unique perspective of the new employee in order to manage a better working relationship with that employee. This understanding of employee behaviors in order to improve organizational effectiveness is known as organizational behavior. The main purpose of the study of organizational behaviors is to apply principles to increase the organizational effectiveness by examining the individual impact and to bring required improvements in the organizational structure. Implementation of the essential principles is very important to bring a positive change in the organizationa l structure. Management of the company needs to be fully aware of the basic goals and objectives of the company in order to implement the principles behind any organizational behavior. Some of the main objectives for the application of principles include understanding the employees’ nature, understanding the organizational culture, developing effective leaders, developing good teams, and increasing the productivity (Stevens 2007). Studying organizational behavior is extremely important for the mangers for increasing productivity of any company or organization (Miner 2007). The studies not only makes an employee know his importance in the organization as an employee but also helps him develop good characteristics and behaviors required to progress in the professional career. If we talk about multinational organizations, we can say that such organizations have distinctive organizational characteristics that provide a unique context for organizational behaviors.

Primary Document Analysis Paper #1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Primary Document Analysis Paper #1 - Essay Example osing strategies have gained support as well as criticism with the conservatives supporting Washington’s view while the reformist tended to agree with DuBois. The difference in philosophy between these two leaders led to the emergence of the Bookerites and Niagarites. Booker Taliaferro Washington was among the great black educators in the late 19th century. Washington was very influential on the southern race relations. Washington advocated for an education method that was supported by his followers, but rejected by reformers. His philosophy had three important aspects. The first aspect was accommodation. In his view, he believed that the Black Americans should accept that they were inferior to the white Americas, and could not attain or get the same level or type of education that the white Americans were getting (Reagan & Ferris, 1989). The white Americans were given more opportunities to attain the traditional academic education. He encouraged the black Americans to accept the fact that they were inferior to the white Americans. Washington therefore encouraged the black Americans to tolerate discrimination and instead focus on gaining technical knowledge that would allow them to gain material wealth (Reagan & Ferris, 1989). He argued that this was the only ways that the black Americans can gain recognition and acceptance by the white Americans. The second aspect of the Washington’s perspective of black American advancement was the belief that money and trade were more important to the black Americans than political power (Booker, 1896). The third and probably the most important or noticeable aspect of the Washington’s perspective of the black Americans education was industrial education. Washington believed that education in craft, farming and trade was what the black Americans needed (Booker, 1895). He believed that industrial education would give the Black Americans the needed skills to help them gain material prosperity.In addition to that, he argued

Sex Education System Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Sex Education System - Essay Example Education has always remained the main concern for all the nations of world. States use to organize high level group of professionals to formulate the education policy for the betterment of their future generations, but have not taken enough steps for the sex education system. The introduction of sex education system in schools and colleges are an important subject. Sex and the sex education is still measured as unmentionable even in many developed nations. Parents feel discomfited to converse openly with their kids in this issue. This ignorance they become the victim of different sexually transmitted diseases.The sex education program system was first initiated by American government to the public schools in 1913. Since then, the topic has been a burning debate among many people. The main theme of the sex education in the school level was to beware the children from the sexual abuses and diseases.In this debatable subject, one section of the society believes that these kinds of insu bstantial issues should be left to the parents. While parents feel uncomfortable to talk openly on sex with their children. On the contrary side, the upsetting raise of sex related diseases emphasize that it is vital that sex education should be given more significance in the all educational institutions especially in the schools and colleges. Many believe that sex education only obliterates the morality of people because they consider that sex education educates students only about how sexual intercourse should be done.

Exploring Learning Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Exploring Learning - Essay Example These approaches are important as they give an idea of what different students go through when learning. The approaches have been described by scholars as being able to give a clear distinction between the different learners. Thus, it is mandatory for a teacher to learn and understand these approaches so as to make their students excel and make the most out of themselves (Cooper, 2009). Deep and surface approaches were postulated through in the nineteenth century. These approaches were first carried out by Marton and Saljo in 1976. The two scholars carried a study on a number of students and their learning approach. They gave the sample study a particular task, to read a particular text. After they had all read the text, they were asked questions based on what they had read. The students adopted different methods to understanding the text. Different groups adopted different methods of learning. One group adopted the deep approach and another adopted surface approach of learning. This was evident by how the questions were answered after the students had read the text (Murdoch & Wilson, 2008). In answering the questions, the first group displayed that they had understood fully the text while the second group had a vague understanding of the text. This showed a clear distinction. ... Deep learning approach as the word suggests involves the process of having a critical understanding of what is being taught. The students that fall under this category critically analyze concepts and principles, leading to proper understanding that is used in the long-term. It has been noted that for this approach to work, a student needs to be dedicated for a long time. They need to start reading early in advance so that they can understand better what they need to cover. It is the best method that learners should use (Cooper, 2009). This method ensures that the learning method is effective as learners will have benefitted fully from the learning process. Surface learning approach on the other hand is meant for short term retention of information. It mainly involves memorization of facts. The approach does not promote use of knowledge in the long term. The knowledge or information is only crammed briefly. This particular approach is used normally during examinations, especially when the student is not prepared. They want to quickly learn enough information to help them pass the examination. When the reader has done the examination, he or she usually forgets quickly what they have learnt. This learning approach is not advocated for as students do not grasp the knowledge for long (Jarvis, 2005). There are however some instances where it is embraced. An example is when a person is doing a presentation; it applies once the presentation has been done and in case the idea has been rejected, they can quickly switch to a new idea. The third learning approach is the strategic approach. This method is applied whenever necessary. It is a combination of both methods. However, the learner makes a decision on which method they should apply. This all depends on the

Effects of Nutrition on Human Hair Growth Research Paper

Effects of Nutrition on Human Hair Growth - Research Paper Example In reference to this, the presence of protein in the body means that exist more raw materials to be made into hair. However, it does not mean that the more protein consumed translates to more hair or increased hair growth. Considering that proteins are made of amino acids, the absorption of these amino acids is crucial to the growth of hair; as for healthy hair, all amino acids which are essential for the body should be ingested and digested (The Educational Resource Center of Women’s International Pharmacy, 2003). Moreover, of all the components that make up the hair follicle, lipids are a significant component. These lipids are the result of the breakdown of amino acids through enzymes that are protein in nature. The consumption of fatty substances that are made up of lipids determines the composition of the hair in the form of sebum; of which Sebum, in this case, is a lipid based substance that coats the hair and skin protecting it from the adverse effects of water. In turn , this prevents the growth of microorganisms in the hair and blocks the penetration of toxic substances into the body through the hair. This way, intake of lipids affects the overall wellbeing of the body by creating a protective barrier in the hair (Dunnett, 2001). In addition, as was the case with proteins, lipids are crucial to hair growth, but supplementing intake of fatty acids does not necessarily translate to increased production of sebum and advanced protection and a glossy look of the hair. However, increases in sebum production do increase in some cases leading to improved hair appearance (Dunnett, 2001). In addition, consumption of fatty foods, lipids, contributes towards healthy hair in that they stop it from turning grey. Intake of lipids strengthens the hair by adding to its thickness from the 90% that is made up of protein, collagen (Treasured Locks, 2005). Intake of iron in the body allows for proper circulation of blood around the body various organs; skin and hair included. This way, iron ensures that the follicles responsible for the production of hair are well supplied with nutrients such as protein and that oxygen is supplied in adequate amounts to hair follicles. Furthermore, electrons are transported in the blood with the help of the iron available in the blood; thus by consuming more iron, the hair benefits in that the body synthesises some of the crucial minerals necessary for the total wellbeing of the body and the hair, altogether. In addition, iron works with other minerals that are not so essential such as molybdenum, in detoxifying the body from radicals and breaking down certain products (Arkworld International, 2005). Waste products in the body act as toxins to the body in that they affect the texture, colour and overall appeal of hair. The direct impact of silicon to the hair is seen in what it does to the skin. This concerns the hydrating effect the skin enjoys from adequate supplies of silicon through nutrition. By the skin e xperiencing improved hydration, one’s hair, in turn, benefits from a fine texture emanating from the sebum that is held by the skin giving it a glossy feel and look (Piccardi and Patricia, 2009). In addition to this, the sebum produced from silicon helps in keeping the hair healthy by protecting it from infections, and the adverse effects felt from water. Moreover, silicon toughens hair by making it strong and, as well

Situation Ethics Essay Example for Free

Situation Ethics Essay Situation ethics is not dissimilar from utilitarianism, in that it is a way a deciding upon the correct action that is to be taken in a given situation. It does however take an individualistic approach, with the emphasis being upon each person, rather than looking after the majority, as is the case in utilitarianism. It is a Christian principle, and so would not apply to those outside of Christianity. It revolves around what the most loving thing to do is. Joseph Fletcher, an American professor of ethics used his beliefs and concerns to come up with what he believed was a fair way of deciding what was the right action to take in a situation. He didnt like the way in which so many ethical theories, such as utilitarianism were based upon and around a basic set of rules, a legalistic approach. He believed that it was too rigid, and did not allow for exceptions. He also firmly disapproved of any antinomian, because it Rejects the idea that there are any authoritative laws, rules or regulations that you ought to obey in a decision-making situation.1 Instead he used love as a general rule in decision making; not storge, to love a country or place; not philia, to love a family member or friend; and not eros, to make love and to lust for someone; but instead agape, self-giving love, as is demonstrated by Jesus dying upon the cross. To Fletcher, agape was fundamentally sacrificing, without any reward or pleasure, as the teachings of Jesus are told in the Bible, and he took a lot of his ideas from this. The quote in Matthew saying, Love your neighbour as you love yourself,2 epitomises what agape is all about. He believed that something could be determined as good or evil, depending on whether or not love had been fully served. Fletcher used four different working principles before setting out his theory: i) Pragmatism the proposed course of action must work, and must work towards the end, which is love3 This is based around the idea of reaching a goal or the end. ii) Relativism in situation ethics Fletcher tries to avoid the absolute by not referring to words such as never, perfect and always. He also added that, all decisions must be relative to Christian love.4 iii) Positivism faith comes before reason and anything else. People must see for themselves that love is the most important thing. iv) Personalism a situationist believes you put people first, not laws, and that, There are no values in the sense of inherent goods value is what happens to something when it happens to be useful to love working for the sake of persons.5 He then worked out six fundamental principles about love and these were: The first proposition Only one thing is intrinsically good; namely love; nothing else at all The basic idea behind this lies in his thinking that only love can be good in all situations, and everything else is good or bad depending on the situation and are not properties of actions. Something can only be good if it brings about love. The second proposition The ruling norm of Christian decision is love; nothing else Fletcher believed you are only required to follow laws, rules and regulations if they serve love. Love replaces law and cannot be equalled by any other law. The third proposition Love and justice are the same, for justice is love distributed, nothing else Love is intellectual and Fletcher said, Owe no man anything except to love,6 categorising the two together. His reasoning behind this lies in his belief that Justice is agape working out its problems.7 The fourth proposition Love wills the neighbours good, whether we like him or not Agape doesnt have to be a matter of felling, but of attitude. It isnt sentimental or erotic, but, rather, a desire for the good of the other person.8 This applies to everybody, not just people we know or people we like, but universally, and nothing is required in return. The fifth proposition Only the end justifies the means, nothing else This is the same principle that applies within utilitarianism. You must consider what the consequences of moral actions will be, and the end must be the most loving result. The sixth proposition Loves decisions are made situationally, not prescriptively Something is right or wrong depending on the situation. b) I am now going to examine one moral dilemma relating to sexual equality, and apply some of the principles outlined in situation ethics in this argument, in order to work out what is The most loving thing to do. I shall also try to establish whether or not there are any problems with the ideas of situation ethics in deciding upon the outcome of the given dilemma. The dilemma is one which takes into account a number of moral issues regarding what is right or wrong and it is this: Two people, Mr A, a 25 year old father of one, and Mrs B, a 24 year old single woman have both applied for a vacant job working as a nurse in the accident and emergency department of a hospital. They have both graduated from universities with the same exam grades, and are both in desperate need of work in order to pay off their universities debts; Mrs. A also wants to help save lives after she saw her mother die in casualty, and Mr. B in order to support his family. They are the final two on the shortlist from over 20 applicants and the governing body at the hospital must now decide which one they shall employ. There is a stereotype that would say the Mrs. A is more likely to get the job as it is thought that nursing is a job for women, as building is a job for men, but is this taken into consideration when the choice is taken? There is also the question as to whether or not personal circumstances will be taken into consideration, as you may argue that Mr. B is more entitled to the job, and therefore the pay, because he has to support a family. If you argue from a situationists perspective you may reach one of a number of different conclusions based on your choice of argument. One that you would not come to however is that Mrs. A deserves the position on the grounds that she is female and nursing is a womans job. If you look at the argument from the perspective of why they want the position you may look at the different meanings of love and you could say that they both want the job in the sense of philia; Mrs. A because she is doing it for her mother, after witnessing her death, but this could also be seen as agape on the grounds that she wants to help people who are in a similar position to her mother so this raises a slight problem which is not dealt with within situation ethics. This is a criticism and quite an important one, because if there are numerous reasons for wanting to do something, such as apply for a job, which do you taker into consideration more, philia or agape, and if you choose one or the other, which one and why? Mr. B on the other hand seems to only want the job in order to support his family, and to pay off his debts. This once again raises a problem in the way in which you perceive his reasoning behind supporting his family. Is it because he loves them in the sense of philia and does not want them to leave him if he fails to support them? or is it because he loves them in the sense of agape and wants to be there for them and not for selfish reasons? This again raises a debate as to how you determine what somebody means when they say something. I shall now examine how each persons argument would be accepted or rejected by the situation ethics in relation to the consequences that would occur in giving each person the job, and the benefits of this. Firstly I shall look at Mrs. A and then Mr. B, to finally draw a conclusion to this ethical dilemma. There are a number of reasons for giving the job. Firstly Mrs. B is obviously a very clever person and would perform the job to a very highest standard but this is not one of the criteria which would be looked at from the view of a situation ethicist unless you thought that it would be the most loving thing to do on behalf of the patients who she would treat at the hospital because she would be able to help them in the best way possible. A good reason for her being appointed is that it looks as though she wishes to work from the perspective of agape and this is vital in making any decision within situation ethics. If she is prepared to work for the people you would believe she would not mind working double shifts, and would do the best she could all the time. If this was the case then she is beginning to build a string argument for her being appointed. It is unlikely that she is extrinsically motivated, and working only because of the benefits she will receive in wages, because the pay of nurses working on the NHS is very poor, but she does mention that she wants to pay off her debts. This could be taken as the main reason for her applying for the job, and if this is true she is unlikely to get the job on a situationist basis because this may not be seen as just, if the other applicants are prepared to work for the people not just the money. This may be thought of a reason she should not get the job but if you put it into context then it seems as though her argument of agape and wanting to help the people of her community outweighs her need for money, and it is not as though she wants the money to be greedy. She requires it in order to pay off her debts. The great majority of Mr. Bs argument from a situation ethics perspective lies in the interpretation of his need to support his family. In some ways this could be seen as wrong as he is not using agape, and wanting to help the patients, but on the other hand you could say that he is doing what he believes is the best and most loving thing for his family, not for himself. However, somebody may take a different approach to his actions and reasoning, and for this reason alone prevent him from getting the job. This is another problem that arises when arguing from situation ethics. The ideas are not precise enough to account for all of the possibilities that could arise, and every situation is different to the last one. If you did not give the job to Mrs. B you would have a young woman who does not have a steady income, in a great deal of debt, and unable to support herself, but you would have exactly the same problem if you did give her the job. You may then have a whole family who cannot support themselves, but it is unclear from the criteria, whether or not Mr. As wife is bringing in any sort of income. If she was then you may give the position to Mrs. B because she is unable to support herself, but this would really not be a situation ethics argument. In conclusion, you would not have as much of a dilemma if you were arguing from utilitarianism because for the greatest good of the greatest number you would give Mr. A the job, but you are not, and situation ethics is far broader than one simple statement. I believe you would give him the job however even from a situation ethics perspective but it is very difficult to decide because you have no way of telling the main reasons for each applying, but the fact that Mr. A loves his family and wants to support them appears to give him the edge, not to say that Mrs. B does not have a strong argument, but just not quite as strong as Mr. As. 1 Dialogue-Special Issue, Ethical Theory; p.47 2 The Holy Bible New International Version; Matthew 22:39 3 Ethical Studies; Robert A Bowie; Nelson Thornes Ltd; published 2001; p.102 4 Ibid; p.102 5 Situation Ethics- The New Morality; Fletcher; p.50 (Taken from ibid) 6 Situation Ethics; Fletcher; SCM Press Ltd; published 1966; p.89 7 Moral Responsibility; p.19 8 Ethical Studies; p.104

Propolis To Be Selected For Winter Promotion Essay Example for Free

Propolis To Be Selected For Winter Promotion Essay Introduction In coming winter, there will be a special promotion event and a brand of propolis capsules will be selected to present. The aim of this report is to describe the basic information of propolis, show the popularity of propolis and evaluate the advantages and reputation of best seller on market. Firstly the method of research is described, followed by the findings. Then conclusions are drawn and recommendations are made. Methodology Research was conducted to find out the information about propolis. Firstly, table of information about basic information of propolis and research results of evaluation of Comvita Propolis Capsules were conducted by Mr. Tim Burch. Then, websites of two exhibition were visited to get information on Popularity of propolis as a health supplement product. Findings (a) Basic information of propolis According to the table of information, propolis is produced by bee and it is used to build the hives in nature. It is 100% natural substance. Regarding the function, propolis has special power in strengthen and accelerate regeneration of cell as to speed up wound healing. It helps to whiten skin and make skin fine. Besides, boosting immune system is another unique effect of propolis. It contains some anti-allergies like asthma and nasal allergy. Therefore, it helps fight inflammation caused by viruses, bacteria and fungi and lower the chance for other complication occur. (b) Popularity of propolis as a health supplement product Propolis has a board usage as a health supplement product. From the website of MedinePlus(http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/390.html) shows the following findings. There sufficient evidence to rate effectiveness for Cold sores, Genital herpes and Mouth surgery. Propolis is very popular as it has many medicinal uses today and it presents over the world. From the website of JAFRA(http://www.jafra.gr.jp/eng/propolis1.html)  shows the findings that just in Japan, there are 300 companies are selling propolis health foods and the market is still increasing. Thus, it shows that propolis is very well-received now. (c) Evaluation of Comvita Propolis Capsules Based on research results from Mr. Tim Burch about the best seller on market, Comvita Propolis Capsules. It evaluates this brand of propolis has two major advantages. High purity and flavonoid has found in Comvita Propolis Capsules, it has competitive content of purity and flavonoid than other product. One of the unique features of the product is † additives free†. Comvita Propolis Capsules is a natural product with no artificial colourings lavourings or preservatives. Other than advantages, it has a reputation for honesty and efficiency. There is more than 1000 positive reviews by users on online shopping websites. And Comvita Propolis Capsules becomes the finalist of ‘Product of the Year’ by the Women’s Weekly Health Wellbeing magazine in Australia. It is perceived that Comvita Propolis Capsules is the best seller on market. Nevertheless, the products are not very stable during winter due to the peak consuming season. Pre-order is needed for porduct s supply.

Baku In Azerbaijan: Pollution Levels

Baku In Azerbaijan: Pollution Levels Imagine that you are walking down the street and see nothing but stones, ruins, fissures on the land; its dark and you even do not see what is happening near you because of fog and soot, you try to get something attractive, you want to see blue sea and white seagulls over it, but again, you see nothing but the cruel reality and the saddest thing is that you realize there is nowhere to run to escape this.. It is our world; this is what happened with the planet as a result of human activity. You wish you could leave not because of yourself, but because of your children, you do not want them to grow up in such environment, you realize that theyll never see the things you saw: green trees, blue skies, pure water. They will not understand what the fresh air means, they will hardly believe in story about fish in the sea, birds in the sky. But, maybe you will not even wish to tell them what you saw, because you are sure they will probably ask: So what happened, why everything turned to be so bad, who is guilty? And it will be difficult to explain them that these are people have destroyed their own lives.We all are living on one planet, Who will save it for our children, for new generation if we dont? Azerbaijan has the reputation of being an environmental disaster zone. Many scientists consider Apsheron Peninsula, where 50% of Azerbaijanis live, to be the most ecologically devastated area in the world because of severe air, water and soil pollution. The objective of this paper is to present a brief review related to the pollution in Azerbaijan, in particular in Baku and Sumgait cities, historical development of oil sector and exploration of oil and gas deposits in the country and its influence on environmental situation, history of water, air and ground pollution in Azerbaijan. To achieve the proposed objective, the first chapter of the paper presents the country profile and oil sector development history as well as present production situation. The second chapter covers issues of history of pollution in Baku and the related factors contributed to that as industrial development, decades of lack of sustainable environmental policy. Divided into subchapters it gives more comprehensive detailed analysis of environmental concerns in Azerbaijan. At the end of this document, a brief conclusion about this topic is presented as well as the bibliographical sources used to prepare the respective presentation and paper on the subject of history of environment. CHAPTER 1. COUNTRY PROFILE AND OIL HISTORY Geographical location of Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan is a lower middle-income country with a gross national income per capita of $1,240 in 2005. Territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan is 86,6 thousand square kilometres. Azerbaijan has common boundaries with: Iran in the south along the perimeter 765 km, with Turkey 15 km, with Russia in the north 390 km, with Armenia in the west 1007 km. The length of the coastal line is 713 km. Azerbaijanis situated in the eastern part of the South Caucasus on the Caspian Sea shore and covers an area of 86.6 thousand km2. Capital of Azerbaijan is Baku city. General facts on the country. Population of the Republic of Azerbaijan 8 million and 593 thousand people (for 01.01.2007). The age-composition of the population comprises the following age-classes: people of 0-14 years of age make up 26% of the population, 15-64 years-67%, 65 and above-for 7%. Young people of 18-34 years of age make up 29% of the population with the half of them living in big cities. Country Statistical Profile 2006* Population, total (millions) 8.48 Population growth (annual %) 1.10 Life expectancy at birth, female (years) 75.20 Life expectancy at birth, male (years) 69.60 GDP (current US$) (billions) 19.85 GDP growth (annual %) 34.50 GNI, Atlas method (current US$) (billions) 15.64 Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) 8.30 Foreign direct investment, net inflows (% of GDP) -2.94 Time required to start a business (days) 52.00 Internet users (per 100 people) 9.77 Source: www.world.bank.org Azerbaijan is rich in mineral resources, mainly oil and natural gas but also in iron ore, nonferrous metals, bauxite. The country also has agricultural land and a well-educated labour force with a strong entrepreneurial tradition. Despite the countrys natural resources, poverty continues to pose a major challenge for Azerbaijan. In 2005 29% of the population lived in poverty and 8% in extreme poverty. Azerbaijan has had high economic growth in 2006 and 2007 that was due to large and growing oil exports. The oil and gas sector contributes approximately 1/3 of GDP, while agriculture contributes about 9%. The impressive GDP growth of the past five years with an average annual growth rate of 12% was led mainly by oil and gas production. Oil production is expected to peak in 2011 and decline thereafter in the absence of major new discoveries. Azerbaijan shares all the problems of the former Soviet republics in making the transition from a command to a market economy, but its considerable energy resources brighten its long-term prospects. Several other obstacles slow down Azerbaijans economic progress: the need for stepped up foreign investment in the non-energy sector, the continuing conflict with Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh region, pervasive corruption, and elevated inflation. Trade with Russia and the other former Soviet republics is declining, while trade is building with Turkey and the nations of Europe. Long-term prospects will depend on world oil prices, the location of new oil and gas pipelines in the region, and Azerbaijans ability to manage its energy wealth. 1.3. History of Oil boom in Azerbaijan Information on oil production in Azerbaijan was repeatedly mentioned in the manuscripts of scientists and travelers in the Middle Ages and it was noted that such an uncommon product would generate a significant income. Arabian historian Masudi Abdul Huseyn (9th century) mentioned in his manuscripts that there were two main sources of Black oil and white oil (kerosene) on Apsheron Marco Polo (13-14th century) wrote in his travel notes that Apsheron peninsula was dotted with oil wells and the oil extracted used for lighting and for heating purposes. Engelbert Kaempfer (15th century) oil was transported via wineskins on four-wheeled carts to Shamakhi and Baku. From Shamakhi it is taken across country on camels. From Baku it is taken by sea to other regions Turkish traveler Ortakoy (17th century) The area around Baku has a burning ground. The ground is hot from the burning fuel beneath it. Early views of Baku and first drilling methods Early oil extraction methods were very primitive mainly hand dug wells drilled to very shallow depths (2-3 meters). Overall In 1813, 136 wells were drilled in Absheron which produced total volume of only 64 barrels of oil per day. In 1825, oil was produced on the Absheron peninsular in all suborns of Baku. But it should be stressed out that much of early oil production was wasted in blowout gushers and this was a very uneconomical and environmentally harmful process. Workers were dying because of the gushers. The strong gushers were flooding the houses in the nearest villages. Oil from wells was lost for nothing because of oil gushers. In 1844 in Baku, more than a decade earlier than the oil well in Pennsylvania (USA, 1859), V. Semyonov, the Baku mining engineer, drilled a well 21 m deep using primitive percussion method in the settlement of Bibi-Heybat near Baku. This is considered the starting point of industrial oil extraction in Azerbaijan and in the whole world. The first oil refinery was built in 1859 in Baku. In 1878 the first oil pipeline in the world was constructed between oil fields in Balakhany and the oil refinery in Baku. The length of pipeline was 12 km. 1896-1906 the construction of Baku-Batumi (Georgia) pipeline carrying 900 thousand tons of oil per year. The Nobel Brothers were major contributors to oil transport, who built the worlds first oil carrying steamship, named Zoroaster in 1878 and constructed the first rail tanks for transporting oil in 1883 from Baku to Astrakhan (Russia). By 1900, Azerbaijan was producing more than ten million tons of oil each year which was more than half of the worlds oil supply. Oil boom also influenced on the other sectors and Azerbaijan benefited from the expertise of well known chemists and geologists from the whole world such as the Russian chemist D. Mendeleyev, creator of the periodic table of chemical elements. As a result, innovative new techniques such as rotary drilling and gas lift were tested for the first time in Azerbaijan. The Nobel Brothers oil wells in Bakus suburb Oil boom have had very negative affect as well, particularly on ecological situation in Azerbaijan: oil wells in the vicinity of Baku were pumping oil into reservoir lakes. The ecological disaster started 100 years ago still plagues the region. 1.4. Current oil production in Azerbaijan. The oil and gas industries are the basis of the economy of Azerbaijan. Since World War II, the republic not only fully provided itself with oil and oil products but also supplied the majority of oil and oil products to other republics of the former Soviet Union. Azerbaijans sharp economic decline in the first half of the 1990s has reversed and the economy has been growing since 1996. After gaining independence in1992 Azerbaijan started to attract badly needed foreign investment into the country. The implementation of the 20 production-sharing arrangements Contracts (requiring $60 billion investment) that have been concluded so far is an integral part of Azerbaijans oil strategy. Azerbaijans oil production declined through 1997, but has registered an increase every year since. Oil production under the first of the Contracts, with the Azerbaijan International Operating Company, began in November 1997. A consortium of Western oil companies began pumping 1 million barrels a day from a la rge offshore field in early 2006, through a $4 billion pipeline it built from Baku to Turkeys port of Ceyhan. By 2010 revenues from this project will double the countrys current GDP. The Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline was officially opened in July 13, 2006 and now transports crude oil 1,760 km (1,094 miles) from the Azer-Chiraq-Guneshli oil field (Baku suburb) in the Caspian Sea to the Mediterranean Sea. It is the second longest oil pipeline in the world (the longest being the Druzhba from Russia to central Europe). According to State Statistical Committee of Azerbaijan Republic, the current oil production is the following: Oil production: 934,700 bbl/day (2007 est.) Oil consumption: 160,000 bbl/day (2007 est.) Oil exports: 795,600 bbl/day (2007 est.) Oil imports: 3,924 bbl/day (2004) Oil proved reserves: 7 billion bbl (17 April 2007 est.) Source: www.azstat.org CHAPTER 2. ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS 2.1. History of pollution in Baku and Sumgait In environmental terms, the long history of oil exploration (supplemented during the Soviet days by the petrochemical industry) has left the country with a massive legacy of oil and other chemical pollution, both land-based and offshore. Environmental deterioration is widespread in Azerbaijan. The country faces numerous problems related to air and water quality, land and biodiversity, lowering levels of the Caspian Sea, outdated and polluting industries, and oil field spills. The Government recognizes the need to address environmental problems to sustain economic development and a poverty reduction effort however much remains to be done to improve the countrys environment, particularly in urban areas. ( Baku onshore oil fields. Oil workers work in 24 hour shifts.) Starting from Soviet time economic development of Azerbaijan is concentrated mainly in the coastal areas on the Absheron Peninsula, between the contaminated sections of Bakus districts and the industrial city of Sumgait. These cities were considered the most polluted cities in Soviet Union. Azerbaijan was producing oil not only for itself but also to the all Soviet union Republic and decades of lack of sustainable environmental policy and unsustainable oil production starting from Soviet time till now, left behind huge wastelands with standing oil ponds and severely contaminated soil. Industrial development and mobile sources of fuel combustion have released high concentrations of heavy metals and other toxic and hazardous elements into air, land and water. As a result, urban areas, such as Baku and Sumgait, became classic examples of environmental hot spots. This pool on the edge of town is evidence of the oil pollution in Baku. The transition period (after collapse of Soviet Union) economic output has declined dramatically and industrial and agricultural decline reduced air pollution, industrial water discharges and pollution from agrochemicals. But starting from 1996 the economy began to grow up in a rapid way. In common with other newly independent states, Azerbaijan is an urbanized society (urban population around 55% of the total). The Absheron Peninsula, with Baku and Sumgait, accounts for 50% of the countrys population and is a home to more than 80 big, 370 medium-sized, and 2000 small industrial enterprises. The upsurge of foreign investment in the oil and gas sector since 1996 has further underlined the economic dominance of the coastal area and the Absheron Peninsula in particular. Vehicles emissions significantly increased over the last decade (because of high economic growth) and became a leading source of unchecked air-pollution. Baku-Ceyhan pipeline will also contribute to air pollution because of increased oil production and lack of attention to modernization of oil industry from environmental management perspective. Currently, Azerbaijan achieved Rigs outside the Baku city center, near Ramana significant progress in updating its environmental legislation, build partnership with international agencies and organizations addressing environmental issues, work on capacity development, etc., but the accumulation of toxic industrial waste, waste metals, pesticides residues, and oil pollution represents substantial and unresolved environmental problems. Government of Azerbaijan with the support of international experts developed the National Environment Action Plan identifying four priority categories for Azerbaijan: pollution from industrial production: oil exploration and production; energy; transport; other sources Caspian Sea Forestry, land an biodiversity Institutional development According to Caspian Envoriment Program, the major polluting industrial sectors identified in the Caspian Region are the following: Area/Country Industrial Sectors Sumgait/Azerbaijan Power Plants Petrochemical Industry Inorganic Chemical Industry Organic Chemical Industry Baku/Azerbaijan Power Plants Refineries Oil Gas Exploitation Metal Works Shipyards Harbours Absheron Peninsula/Azerbaijan Breweries Meat Processing Oil Gas Exploitation Northern Azerbaijan Beverages Fruit Vegetable Processing Southern Azerbaijan Fish Processing Fruit Vegetable processing Source: http://www.caspianenvironment.org/newsite/index.htm For more comprehensive understanding of the environmental concerns in Baku, I will proceed with more detailed analysis on water, air and ground pollution in the next sub-chapters. 2.2. Water Pollution. 2.2.1. Availability of water resources. Azerbaijan has limited water resources- only 30% of river flow resources are formed within the country Apsheron Peninsula is one of the least water resources per capita and per unit area. Azerbaijan is almost entirely depends on Kur-Araz river basin originates in north-astern Turkey, passes through Georgia and flows into the Caspian Sea in Azerbaijan. The water is used for agricultural, domestic, and industrial purposes, and for hydropower generation and recreation. The problems in the basin are related to both quantity and quality of water. Water shortage is acute because rainfall declines sharply from west to east across the basin. Drought periods in the basin are very common. Other rivers formed from rain and snow start in mountains very often do not have permanent river beds. Undergrounds water resources make up about 25% of the river flow and have potential for future use, but currently provide only 5% of water abstraction. Piped drinking water reaches 50-95% of the urban population and to some estimates, safe drinking water is available to less tan 50% of urban residents. Baku and Sumgayit, and about 75 other cities receive centralized water supply. Norm of daily water consumption for Baku citizen is about 400-580 litres that is very high in comparison with other countries but the water is undrinkable (recommended to drink only after boiled) and provided in accordance with time schedule. Pollution of water resources Water quality is one of the major environmental concerns. Surface and underground water are polluted by untreated municipal and industrial wastewater and agricultural run-off. Kur-Araz river basin is heavily polluted by neighbouring countries- Georgia and Armenia about 40,000 tons of nutrients released each year before crossing the Azerbaijan border. As an example, on the Azerbaijan side of the border with Georgia in 1992-1994, average annual concentrations of phenols and oil products exceeded existing water quality standards by about 14 and 3 times respectively. Surface water and groundwater are polluted from a) oil spillage, linkage from pipelines, storage tanks, resulting in contamination of petroleum hydrocarbons and heavy metals; b)pesticides from agriculture; c)factory wastes dumped into rivers; salinization of the water due to the Caspian sea water intrusion(raise of level of Caspian sea). Government estimates that 80% of country population uses water from Kur-Araz river basi n for drinking purposes that does not meet Azerbaijanis drinking water standards even after water treatment. Wastewater management and Policy measures/ Institutional responsibilities During the Soviet Union period, large volumes of effluents were discharged into receiving water bodies on the territory of Azerbaijan. Both domestic and industrial wastewater has been discharged into nearby reservoirs without proper treatment, if any. Existing Baku wastewater network, in operation for 100 years, does not have the capacity today for adequate and safe operations. Total wastewater collected in Baku is reported to be 1,3 -1,4 million m3/day. 30,000 m3/day of untreated municipal wastewater is discharged into the Caspian Sea. However only 50% of collected wastewater undergoes treatment and more that 40% of the housing districts not connected. Thus, this figure should be 10 times higher. In addition, of more that 40 oil industrial companies operating in Baku and Sumgait, treatment facilities in only 7 are considered to be functioning reasonably well and, as a result, untreated wastewater form oil fields and other polluting industries is mixed with municipal wastewater. The following measures have bee taken by the government to address the water pollution concern: Adoption of Water Code 1998; Law on water supply and waste water 2000; Law on amelioration and irrigation 1996; Law on environmental protection -1999 Gaps to be further addressed: Lack of national water protection strategy; integration of river basin management approach rather that administrative units approach; lack of institutional capacity of Ministry of Ecology and National Resources and other state bodies Air Pollution Industrialization and urbanization over 30 the past 35 years have resulted in significant deterioration of ambient air quality in urban areas. Currently, the major pollution in Baku and Sumgait is from motor vehicles; oil and gas industries; chemical steel; and power plants; and small and medium-size enterprises. According to data, 96% of the atmospheric pollution emissions are concentrated in 5 main cities of Azerbaijan with the most of air emission in Baku. 2.3.1. Sources and trends of air pollution Mobile sources. Currently, transport is considered to be the main source of air pollution, responsible for increase in NOx, organic chemical, and CO emissions. Historically, the proportion of emissions from transport in Azerbaijan was 30-40%. Because of economic raise number of vehicles is steadily increasing, but the problem is increase in numbers of poorly maintained old vehicles using low-quality fuel. More than 90% of all vehicles are more than 5- years old (foreign models, mostly used cars), and the average age of vehicles is around 15 years. In addition, system of vehicles inspection for checking vehicles emissions (qualified staff, technical equipment; lack of finance; law salary of inspectors) is very poor. Heavy traffic; bad road conditions; lack of bypasses in most cities also contribute to increased vehicle emissions. Stationary Sources. Currently the primary source of atmospheric pollution from Stationary sources are the release of associated gases by power plants, burning of untreated garbage; oil refineries, and factories in Sumgait. In Baku, emission of industrial pollutant unrelated to oil industry is relatively small with exception of releases of chlorofluorides from air conditioners; refrigeration industries; and cement production. Source: www.azstat.org Air Pollution: Trends in Air Quality. In general, the ambient air quality in Azerbaijan has improved in recent years as a consequence of the sharp decrease in air emissions from stationary sources. However, urban air pollution remains a matter of ongoing concern. Air quality data in Azerbaijan is collected by the Monitoring department of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources. According to official data, the air pollution emissions peaked in 1991 2,1 million tons; and is declining since that time (about 0,4 mln 0,2 mln tons) . In spite of lowered total emissions, air pollution is still perceived as critical. Annual air concentration level of soot in Baku is 3-5 times higher (depending on the source of information) that World Health Organization standards (60-90 ÃŽÂ ¼g/m3). Current and projected economic growths will further cause unsustainable deterioration of urban air quality because of lack of monitoring and control equipment Air Pollution: Policy measures/ Institutional responsibilities The following measures have bee taken by the government to address the air pollution concern: Law on Environmental protections 1999; Law on Air Protection 2001; National programmes on adjustment of standards form GOST to WHO international standards; Law on Hydromethereological activity 1998 (hydrometehrological measurements and environmental monitoring). Ratification by Azerbaijan UN Framework Convention on climate change in 1995 and Kyoto Protocol to the Convention in 2000 and Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer in 1996 Gaps to be further addressed: Lack of institutional capacity of Ministry of Ecology and National Resources and other state bodies on adjustment to international standards Lack trained of staff; budget limitations; poor monitoring; symbolic penalties for violators, poor technology Lack of National Strategy addressing air pollution with concrete measures assign 2.4. Ground Pollution Solid Industrial and Hazardous Wastes During the Soviet period mostly heavy and chemical industry, including gas and oil, ferrous, chemical, machinery, as well as food and light industries-produced high volumes of solid industrial and hazardous wastes. At present, oil production, chemical and mineral resources extraction and processing, power plants, and hospitals are the major generators of solid and hazardous wastes. Particularly acute is the problem of the management of waste accumulated over decades of environmentally unsustainable development, as well as of newly accumulated waste. Known hazardous waste disposal sites are overloaded and not adequately sealed. There are no financial or institutional mechanisms to properly arrange for new sites. Solid pollution directly affects human heath via groundwater pollution, food contamination through vegetables and other crops grown in urban and per-urban areas. Soil pollution. As it was mentioned above, Azerbaijan signed an agreement with approximately 30 oil companies from 15 countries requiring that oil exploration and drilling should be according to international environmental standards, that are not fulfilled in most cases and oil-containing products are found both on legal and illegal dump sites with no protection. Unfortunately during soviet time, most of the industrial activities have focused in Sumgait and Baku that ( view from top of the center of Baku to Bail) resulted that exactly that are become most polluted. Baku area- Apsheron Penninsula soil is known for having them most acute oil degradation with more that 10,000 hectares of land heavily contaminated. Copper, lead and zinc mines are the main sources of heavy-metal soil pollution. Steel plants produce dust containing 15-30% zinc, 3-5% lead, 0,1% cadmium.  [1]  In some areas of Baku average concentrations of zinc in soils are up to 50-60 times the acceptable levels. Radioactive waste. The issues of radioactive waste are related to oil drilling and processing operations. Radio nuclides of natural Radium and Thorium that are present in rocks and gases are brought to the surface when water is pumped into the pipes to maintain steady flow. Thats why the radioactive contamination is focused near the oil fields. But there are also other sources of radioactive wastes research and medical institution concentrated mainly in capital Baku. Though there is the special isolated facility IZOTOP located 37 km from Baku for radioactive waste, statistical data for groundwater in Baku give the following figures: Radium 226, Thorium 228.  [2]   Municipal waste. Obviously, population growths in Baku and urbanization have resulted in increased generation of municipal waste. Solid municipal waste contains up to 35% food waste; 20-40% paper; 3-5% wood; 4-5% textile fabrics; 4-5% glass breakage; 1-2% metals; and up to 10% polymeric materials, though the share of paper and polymeric materials has been increasing.  [3]  In most European countries waste separation and recycling in applied but in Azerbaijan no waste separation and recycling is used: about 2% of waste burnt; 1,5% processed, and the left are disposed at municipal waste landfills that are overloaded and do not meet minimum health and environmental requirements. Absence of environmentally controlled landfills leads to: Risk of soil and groundwater contamination with heavy metals, toxics; Risk of dissemination of products containing heavy metals and toxics; Places for stray dogs, insects, rats, spreading infections; Smoke from burning wastes polluting the air 2.4.2. Solid Waste: Policy measures/ Institutional responsibilities The following measures have bee taken by the government to address the solid waste issues: Law on Industrial and Municipal waste in 1998; Hazardous Waste Management Agency established in 2003; National strategy on Hazardous Waste Management Agency (with WB support); Training programmes for national staff on radioactive waste management and computerized registry of radioactive materials by International Atomic Energy Agency; upgrade of IZOTOP facility; Development of criteria for rehabilitation of contaminated cites and national programme on rehabilitation of some oil-contaminated lands; National plan developed to address creation of new waste landfills; sorting disposal, recycling of waste; introduction of methods to generate biogas from municipal waste. Gaps to be further addressed: Plans and strategies are in place but not effectively implemented because of beuroctratic procedures and lack of financing the sector. Water level and Coastline of the Caspian Sea Caspian Sea is unique closed water basin, plays the important role in the establishment of the climate in the region, and has rich stocks of rare kinds of fishes, energy-carriers and large potential for development of sea transport. Disturbing the ecological condition of Caspian sea, caused by its pollution by industrial, agricultural and municipal wastes, offshore and coastal production of oil and gas, shipping company and other circumstances, have caused degradation its biodiversity, exhaust of fish resources, have increased fluctuations of the sea level, that has resulted to have fires of inhabited files and industrial infrastructures. The ecological problems of Caspian Sea can be divided into 3 types: Chemical pollution by the running rivers; Ecological problems, connected to the rise of the level of water; offshore oil industry. The variation of the Caspian Sea water level is a serious specific problem for the country that brings to economic, ecological, and social challenges. During 1927-1977, the surface area of the sea decreased from 425,000 km2 to 370,000 km2, which led to increasing development of the coastal ( Sea side, walking area called Bakinskiy Bulvar) territories and the construction of coast-protecting dams, channels, and roads, based on forecasts of further decreases in sea level. A reversal began in 1978 and during 1978- 1995, Caspian sea level rose by 2.3 m to -26.5 m. The new rise has caused extreme erosion of coastal areas, destruction of construction and engineering facilities, and inundation of vast areas. Scientists predict a further increase in sea level of 1.5-2.5 m by 2010 however the Government is not taking action to mitigate the consequences of sea level variation. In this regard, the most severe environmental effects of the rise in the Caspian water level are associated with secondary pollution of the sea from oil fields and possibly some industrial plants, either through direct flooding or rise in groundwater levels. Health Effects of environmental conditions Numbers of studies show the link between haz Protecting the Environment: Save Water, Save Our Life Protecting the Environment: Save Water, Save Our Life The world is getting thirstier, today, nearly 1 billion people in the developing world do not have access to clean, safe drinking water. 97.5 percent of the earth’s water is saltwater and undrinkable, less than 1 percent of fresh water is usable, amounting to 0.01 percent of the earth’s total water. These astonishing statistics shock me that the clean water we drink every day is hard-won. Water is limited natural resources, also it is the most important thing to all living. If we do not conserve, recycle, and more efficiently use water, our environment would have serious ecological consequences, such as climate change. Water crisis had become the most pressing environment issue, terrible in some countries like Africa. It may not obviously affect American’s daily life, but it would be too late to think about the solutions if the same problem coming to us. Polluted water would undermine the ecological environment. For instance, recently, a Chinese mine spilt into the river, causing animals to die and affecting the  local villages’. â€Å"Polluted water from a Chinese mining site in a Tibetan-populated area in western Chinas Sichuan province has spilt into a nearby river, killing large numbers of fish and livestock owned by villagers, according to sources in the region† (States News Service). In this news, mining activities are a lack of government regulation. The similar thing happened to Tibetan villagers in 2011, local people were legal to protest against environmental destruction and complaints to Chinese authorities yielded no results then, either. Chinese-operated mines not just pollute the drinking water also had caused severe damage to local forests and grasslands. We should perceive problem severity of water pollution in our global village. Moreover, the mismanagement mining or industrials not only issue in ecological environment damage but also waste an enormous amount of money and time for clean up the unsafe water. We will see a doctor and take medicine when we get sick, generally most of the diseases are under our control in short time; water is not alike human body, you might cannot see it from unsafe become clean drinking in your lifetime because water treatment takes over 100 years to recover the polluted water. â€Å"Computer projections in the environmental impact statement say that either active or passive water treatment will be needed for 200 years for the mine site, and up to 500 years for the metallurgical site. The document says water treatment would cost between $3.5 and $6 million per year after the mine closes† (Star Tribune). The reporter establishes that water treatment for mine and the metallurgical site will cost a lot of years and money. What if no one wants to spend money for the long-term water treatment? The answer is simple: Finally, the victims will be animals, plants, and us. According to Maude Barlow’s article, millions of people live in countries that cannot provide clean water to their citizens, because they are burdened by their debt to the global North. More children die each year of water-borne disease than war, HIV/AIDS and traffic accidents combined. â€Å"At least 62 countries need deep debt relief if the daily deaths of thousands of children are to end† (Global Issue 217). Barlow indicates that people in poor countries have not adequate water and exploit their resources to pay their debt. Barlow argues that water is commons and public that everyone can access, no one owns it; but it does not mean that we can waste water and wanton destruction the ecosystem. In my opinion, water does free to everybody, but actuality we pay for water fee for our family every month. I think this is one of the best ways to tell people to save water. However, we should help the poor countries which cannot provide clean water to people because of financi al problem. Today, water is wasted through abuse, inefficiency, leakage, evaporation, and allocation of pure water to tasks that do not need it. The global water crisis getting worse by the day and threatening millions of more people every year, therefore, water protection strategies are needs urgently. In article â€Å"Water of Life†, Postel point out a question that why are the greater amounts of money and sophisticated engineering have not solved the world’s water problem? â€Å"We have been trying to meet insatiable demands by continuously expanding a finite water supply† (Global Issue 225). Postel emphasises that human demand too much water which is limited and unable expand resources. Postel provided some suggest for protect, recycle, and how efficiently use water can contain people’s water demands and avoid or delay an ecological reckoning. â€Å"tried-and-true measures as thrifty irrigation techniques, water-saving plumbing fixtures, native landscaping, and w astewater recycling can cost-effectively reduce the amount of water required to grow food, produce material goods and meet household needs† (Global Issue 225). The author suggestions are convincing because each example she lists are improvable base on the technology today. Another example of wasting water is every people doing every day, which is using pure water to flushing the toilet. I suggest people use dish water or the water after wash vegetables to flushing. This is kind of use up the water by the second time, better than use pure water. In my perspective, to dealing with the global water crisis, we must leave sufficient water in rivers and lakes for ensuring their ecological health. The priority project we should do that is put investment to develop the infrastructure which can turn rainwater and stormwater harvesting, recycling, alternative energy use. In addition, only the protective measures of water are not enough, so we should create a new law to regulate human behaviours in order to protect the environment. As Martin Luther King said, the law may not change the heart but it will restrain the heartless. It is difficult or takes long-term to change human daily habits, but a law with punishments can at least restrict or let human perceive what is right and wrong. Wherever we are, we need water to survive. Not just because sixty percent of the human body is water, also fundamental for the production of food, clothing, and cars etc. Pollute water threatens our body and the next generation health problem. None of us can live on a dry planet, we are responsible for keeping the environment healthy, and make sure every person have clean and safe drinking water. Source Citation CHINESE MINE SPILL KILLS ANIMALS, POLLUTES WATER IN TIBETAN AREA. States News Service 18 Oct. 2013. General OneFile. Web. 18 Nov. 2014. Johnson, June. Global Issues, Local Arguments: Readings for Writing. N.p.: Pearson Education, n.d. Print. Iron Range mine could pollute water for 500 years; StateAEs first copper-nickel mine would require billions of dollars in long-term cleanup, regulators say. Star Tribune [Minneapolis, MN] 5 Oct. 2013: 1A. General OneFile. Web. 18 Nov. 2014.

Abortion: Pro-life! :: essays research papers

Every day, an overwhelming amount of human beings’ lives are terminated. The culprit: unwanted pregnancies. Many woman are (not by choice), becoming pregnant as a result of unsafe sex, rape, and other things. So what is one to do when they discover that they’re pregnant? They have some alternatives: (1) have the child and raise it (2) have the child, then give it up for adoption (3) get an abortion. Sadly, many women choose alternative three, unaware of what they’re getting themselves into. Abortion is very cruel to the baby and even harms the mother. It is murder!There are many different procedures for abortions, all gruesome and pain inflicting on the baby. Suction Aspiration (vacuum curettage) makes up for 98% of first trimester abortions. The cervix is first dilated. Then a suction tube with a sharp cutting edge is inserted which rips the baby to pieces. It then sucks out all the remains. If the mother waits until the third trimester (when the baby is more developed), then she must have Partial Birth Abortion. Using Ultra-sound, the doctor grabs the baby’s legs and forces out all but the head. Scissors are then jammed into the back of the skull and opened, creating a larger hole. A suction tube sucks the brains out, causing the skull to collapse. Then the dead baby is removed.Believe it or not, the mother is also harmed. In Suction Aspiration, if any tissue is left inside, it’ll become infected. For Methoxotrexate Injection, another type of abortion, Methoxotrexate can produce ill side effects such as anemia, nausea, cancer, lung disease, and heavy bleeding. Just think of the mental trauma the mother is also feeling. She has the forever-guilty conscience of being responsible for her own child’s death. Many mothers say, "I’ll regret it for the rest of my life.""I feel like crawling into a hole and dying," says another mother after the operation.A common argument is that abortion isn’t murder because the baby isn’t alive. But on the contrary: life begins at conception. After only 18 days, the heart is formed, and after 20 the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system are developing. A mere four days later, the heart starts beating. Is abortion murder though? According to the Webster Dictionary, abortion is to terminate a pregnancy because the baby is not capable of living.

A View from the Bridge by Arthur Miller as a Tragedy Essay -- Tragedie

A View from the Bridge by Arthur Miller as a Tragedy A view from the Bridge was written by Arthur Miller in 1955 and set in the 1950's Brooklyn, New York. Most of this area was inhabited by immigrants that arrived from countries such as Italy and Sicily, before the restriction of immigrant's law was passed. Although the law denies people to migrate to the country. Illegal immigrants will often be smuggled in from countries like Sicily. The main area is based in Red Hook. Illegal immigrants come into the country and work on the dockyards and Sicily at the time was in great poverty and hardship. The people in this area of red hook are Italian American civilian citizens that have travelled the Island of Sicily because of the hard times that they have had. Such things like no cars, no food, no school, no clean water and no jobs for the poor. Two such characters are in the play called Rodolfo and Marco, who are brothers. That has come from such areas of Sicily. Eddie is married to Beatrice but has sexual feelings for his niece, Catherine and because of his pride he cannot admit that he is in the wrong. This makes it difficult for him to take good advice when given. Eventually Eddie cannot take the thought of losing Catherine to Rodolfo, he phones the immigration bureau and tells them about Rodolfo and Marco. When the immigration officers come and take Rodolfo and Marco. Marco realises that Eddie was the one who told the immigration officers about them being illegal immigrants. Marco is furious because he knows that he has no chance of staying in America and provide money for his family in Sicily. Whereas if Rodolfo marries Catherine he would become an American citizen. Finally when the day of Catherine?s an... ...still relevant today because it still goes on in today?s world. For example Natural law uses emotions to kill people and the government uses constitutional law to stop people by using the police. I think that ?A View from the Bridge? has been a very good tragedy and has a good structure so people can learn the moral of the play. I would class ?A View from the Bridge? as an excellent classic tragedy because it has all the Aristotelian elements for a classic tragedy. One of the main ways of being a classic tragedy is that it has to be didactic and ?A View from the Bridge? is very didactic with a chorus which keeps you informed and explained what is going on so that the audience are always one step ahead of the play. Also a classic tragedy is ?Universal truth? so it can relate to anyone, people can watch the play a century later and still learn from it.

Occupy Movement

Currently in the United States and in several countries around the world individuals are speaking out and holding protest for issues important to the people of the world. The issues include jobs, government assistance, foreclosures, freedom of speech, labor, education, and the banking industry. These protests are against the current high unemployment, greed, and corruption, economic inequality, and unjustified influence of financial corporations. It’s called the Occupy movement which is labeled as a protest movement. The current slogan for the Occupy movement is â€Å"We are the 99%†, which represents the difference between the population and the wealthy 1% of the population. On September 17, 2011 the first occupy movement took place In New York City called Occupy Wall Street. Occupy protests have been ongoing since October 9, 2011 in over 600 communities in the United States, 82 countries and over 95 cities across the nation. This is a non-violent movement lead strongly by the people of this nation. I feel as a citizen in the city, state or country you reside in each person should have the right to fight for his or her beliefs affecting him or her directly or indirectly. It seems as though with all the current occupy movements taken place the police presents has been a major problem for the protestors. Instead of protecting and serving they are bullying and beating on protestors. I believe the more people that stand up and join the movement the more powerful the revolution will become. The Occupy movement has gone from the streets into homes. There is a Occupy Homes movement that has begun for people experiencing foreclosures. This has become the most recent of the Occupy movements. I watched a story of a young African American family experience a home foreclosure; they had nowhere to go with 3 children. After consulting with the Occupy homes movement they decided to take shelter in another foreclosed home. It was such an amazing site to see over two hundred eople show up to support the family. Individuals cheered outside of the home with signs and bull horns and help the family occupy the home. We are slowing losing our rights the worse the economy becomes as individuals in this world there is no more important time to go out and be a part of something so special. The Occupy movement reminds me of the Civil rights movement. Individuals in the world have become tired of his or her circumstances and have begun to speak out and get their voices heard. It seems as though everyday there is something occurring in the world that suggests taken our rights away. Currently in congress there is a bill being debated on, that would allow the President to arrest citizens without the right to an attorney if the individual falls under the guidelines of being a terrorist. I believe with the Occupy movement in action and growing each day this is the perfect time for the people of America and other countries to speak out and fight for change. I have begun to participate in the Occupy movement by becoming a part of the website designed for the Occupy movement. I want to help in any way I can and make sure my children have a sound understanding of the current economic situation the world is in. I believe all people should at least look into the current movement and research what it stands for. We as a people have to stick together and fight for the changes we feel are necessary in today’s world. If we don’t I am not sure what the end result will be after our rights get stripped away one by one. I believe the Civil Rights movement was a model for the current Occupy movement taking place. The Occupy movement is peaceful and when you watch the videos or see the clips they show on the news. People are chanting what he or she expects, what he or she want’s and what he or she deserves. Take pride in becoming a part of making history with other individuals in the world. Join the Occupy movement and stand for changes that need to take place in order for the people of this world to live his or her best life. References http://occupywallst.org/ http://www.occupytogether.o

The TQM & HR: How Business Functions and Works

Over the past few decades, Total Quality Management (TQM) has become a business wide concept. One important aspect often overlooked is the relationship between TQM and Human Resources (HR). Both of these aspects play a significant role in how ones business functions and works. Even though they are both equally recognized as key components of any prospering productive business, there is limited current research that discusses the link between the two. The purpose of this study is to present the current data on the subject as well as offer new information that may help business use these aspects of their businesses more effectively. As is inevitable for any idea that enjoys wide popularity in managerial and scholarly circles, total quality management has come to mean different things to different people. There is now such a diversity of things done under the name â€Å"total quality† that it has become unclear whether TQM still has an identifiable conceptual core, if it ever did. We begin with a close examination of what the movement's founders had to say about what TQM was supposed to be, and then we assess how TQM as currently practiced stacks up against the founders) values and prescriptions. (Hackman & Wageman, 1995) Virtually everything that has been written about TQM explicitly draws on the works of W. Edwards Deming, Joseph Juran, and Kaoru Ishikawa, the primary authorities of the TQM movement. Rather than studying the precise writing, this research simply draws on the main concepts presented by them. TQM has become something of a social movement in the United States. Hackman & Wageman (1995) identify a number of gaps in what is known about TQM processes and outcomes and explore the congruence between TQM practices and behavioral science knowledge about motivation, learning, and change in social systems. It has now been a decade since the core ideas of TQM set forth by W. Edwards Deming, Joseph Juran, and Kaoru Ishikawa gained significant acceptance in the U. S. management community. In that decade, TQM has become something of a social movement. It has spread from its industrial origins to health care organizations, public bureaucracies, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions. There are particular assumptions set in place regarding TQM. The first assumption is about quality, which is assumed to be less costly to an organization than is poor workmanship. A fundamental premise of TQM is that the costs of poor quality (such as inspection, rework, lost customers, and so on) are far greater than the costs of developing processes that produce high-quality products and services. Although the organizational purposes espoused by the TQM authorities do not explicitly address traditional economic and accounting criteria of organizational effectiveness, their view is that organizations that produce quality goods will eventually do better even on traditional measures such as profitability than will organizations that attempt to keep costs low by compromising quality. The strong version of this assumption, implicit in Juran and Ishikawa but explicit and prominent in Deming's writing, is that producing quality products and services is not merely less costly but, in fact, is absolutely essential to long-term organizational survival. (Hackman & Wageman, 1995) The second assumption is about people. Employees naturally care about the quality of work they do and will take initiatives to improve it–so long as they are provided with the tools and training that are needed for quality improvement, and management pays attention to their ideas. As stated by Juran (1974: 4. 54), â€Å"The human being exhibits an instinctive drive for precision, beauty, and perfection. When unrestrained by economics, this drive has created the art treasures of the ages. † Deming and Ishikawa add that an organization must remove ail organizational systems that create fear–such as punishment for poor performance, appraisal systems that involve the comparative evaluation of employees, and merit pay. The third assumption is that organizations are systems of interdependent parts, and the central problems they face invariably cross-traditional functional lines. To produce high-quality products efficiently, for example, product designers must address manufacturing challenges and trade-offs as part of the design process. Deming and Juran are insistent that cross-functional problems must be addressed collectively by representatives of all relevant functions (Juran, 1969: 80-85; Deming, 1993: 50-93). Ishikawa, by contrast, is much less system-oriented: He states that cross-functional teams should not set overall directions; rather, each line division should set its own goals using local objective-setting procedures. (Hackman & Wageman, 1995) The final assumption concerns senior management. Quality is viewed as ultimately and inescapably the responsibility of top management. Because senior managers create the organizational systems that determine how products and services are designed and produced, the quality-improvement process must begin with management's own commitment to total quality. Employees' work effectiveness is viewed as a direct function of the quality of the systems that managers create. Some writers have asserted that TQM provides a historically unique approach to improving organizational effectiveness, one that has a solid conceptual foundation and, at the same time, offers a strategy for improving performance that takes account of how people and organizations actually operate. In the early 1980s, a new concept entered managerial discourse: Total Quality Management (TQM). Later called â€Å"Total Quality† (TQ), TQM was heralded by governments, major corporations and the business media as the most effective and elegant way out of the economic crisis and into the global market. It should be noted, however, that the preoccupation with quality is by no means new. In the 1980s, TQM became a product in itself, nearly a billion-dollar industry (Giroux & Landry, 1998). Human Resources has been seen as an ineffective business component by some researchers, one in which only gave reason the everyday paperwork and employee relations (Jones, 1996). Globalization in the business theater is driving companies toward a new view of quality as a necessary tool to compete successfully in worldwide markets. A direct outcome of this new emphasis is the philosophy of TQM. In essence, TQM is a company-wide perspective that strives for customer satisfaction by seeking zero defects in products and services. (Clinton, Williamson & Bethke, 1994) TQM is an encompassing management approach whose principal tenets are to satisfy (internal and external) customer needs through strategies of employee empowerment and performance measurement. Customer needs are addressed through the multi-faceted concept of quality,' which includes such elements as performance, conformance, accuracy, reliability, and timeliness. In many instances, these elements are quantifiable and, hence, subject to evaluation, assessment, and continuous improvement. Employee empowerment is used because it allows employees to address customer problems in a timely and often tailored way (Berman & West, 1995) A common problem with the implementation of productivity improvement innovations such as TQM is that many organizations implement them at a token level rather than fully committing themselves to success (Downs and Mohr, 1980; Miller, 1993). Token implementation, or paying lip service, occurs because organizations and individuals receive recognition and other benefits from being or appearing to be in line with current thinking, while avoiding the risks of actual innovation. Such behavior is reinforced by perceptions of meager rewards for success or often severe, punitive consequences of failure. Token implementation also occurs as the result of a flawed implementation plan, inadequate commitment, and follow-through by those mandating the implementation of innovation, a lack of training in applying the innovation, incongruent organizational policies, and other factors (Radin and Coffee, 1993). TQM provides a paradigm shift in management philosophy for improving organizational effectiveness. TQM focuses the efforts of all members of the organization to continuously improve all organizational processes and increase value to customers, while relying upon a clear vision of the organization's purpose. This depends on the removal of barriers both within the organization and between the organization and its various stakeholders. TQM has been embraced by thousands of organizations as an important, approach to management. The key reason human resources was not effective in the past was the structure, which was hierarchical and functional. Another deterrent to human resource effectiveness is the lack of collaborative relationships with the business units. Human resources had historically managed from a position of control, so there was hot a real sense of partnership with the units. Human resource strategy and planning has changed and grown significantly during the last 25 years. We can track these developments from functional strategies in the 1980s to capabilities strategies in the 1990s to results strategies today. Strategic shifts in HR mirror the business and labor market conditions of the times and follow influential breakthroughs in business thinking, from the 7-S model to competing on core competencies to the current rise of operating models and execution. Longer-term changes in the employment relationship, from relational to transactional employment, and the current emerging three-part workforce of elites, profit makers, and costs, provide another important context for HR strategy and a way to view the future. Looking ahead, we can see differentiated, results-based strategies and plans for different workforce segments. We can also envision the need for more vital contributions from HR in HR and business strategy and ethical and cultural leadership. (Gunman, 2004) As Conner (1997) reported in the research, Working, people care desperately about the meaning of their work and its significance. This conclusion is a fundamental principle of organization theory and behavior, human resources management, and public personnel management. It rests on a nearly unshakable empirical foundation. Employees who â€Å"experience meaningfulness† from their work are more likely to enjoy high internal work motivation and high job satisfaction, to exhibit less absenteeism and turnover, and to do high-quality work. In addition to reminding us that people want to experience meaning in and from their work, the quality movement emphasizes the notion of â€Å"empowerment. † Unfortunately, what this term means is not exactly clear, perhaps because it means different things to different people. The idea seems to be that people are empowered† to the degree that they understand what is expected of them; they are given the ability to meet those expectations; and they are given an incentive, either intrinsic or extrinsic, to do so. It follows, then, that they are empowered to translate their understanding into goal-accomplishing behavior. Some organization theorists describe empowerment as a â€Å"psychological mindset,† which comprises several dimensions: the fit between one's job and personal values; the belief that one has the necessary knowledge, skills, and so forth, to perform a job or task well; and the belief that one can make a difference with respect to organizational outcomes. Making quality improvements was once thought to be the sole responsibility of specialists (quality engineers, product designers, and process engineers). Today, developing quality across the entire firm can be an important function of the HRM department. A failure on HRM's part to recognize this opportunity and act on it may result in the loss of TQM implementation responsibilities to other departments with less expertise in training and development. The ultimate consequence of this loss is an ineffective piece-mealing of the TQM strategy. Thus, HRM should act as the pivotal change agent necessary for the successful implementation of TQM. (Clinton, Williamson & Bethke, 1994) HRM can act as senior management's tool in implementing TQM in two fundamental ways. First, by modeling the TQM philosophy and principles within its departmental operations, the HR department can serve as a beachhead for the TQM process throughout the company. Second, the HR department, with senior management's support, can take the TQM process company-wide by developing and delivering the long-term training and development necessary for the major organizational culture shift required by TQM. The HR department also has major strengths in terms of recruitment, selection, appraisal, and reward system development to institutionalize a quality-first orientation. An appreciation of the capabilities of HRM to model and institutionalize TQM begins with an understanding of the TQM philosophy. HRM can jumpstart the TQM process by becoming a role model. (Clinton, Williamson & Bethke, 1994) This means that HRM has two specific tasks: â€Å"Serving our customers, and making a significant contribution to running the business. † This emphasis on customer-oriented service means that the HR department must see other departments in the firm as their customer groups for whom making-continuing improvements in service becomes a way of life. In their efforts to achieve total quality management, HRM can demonstrate commitment to TQM principles by soliciting feedback from its internal customer groups on current HR services. HRM should include suggestions from its customers in setting objective performance standards and measures. In other words, there are a number of specific TQM principles that the HR department can model. The current emphasis on quality as a competitive strategy has produced many views regarding the actions necessary to achieve it. A number of approaches have been created that have been considered as effective. There are five basic principles, which flow throughout the different themes. Focus on customers' needs; Focus on problem prevention, not correction; make continuous improvements: seek to meet customers' requirements on time, the first time, every time; Train employees in ways to improve quality; and, apply the team approach to problem solving. To institute total quality management as a philosophy within an organization, all employees must come to realize that satisfying customers is essential to the long-run well-being of the firm and their jobs. No longer is the customer-driven focus exclusive to the marketing department. However, customer satisfaction can only be achieved after first defining the customer groups. The new perspective here is that all employees exist to serve their customer groups, some internal and some external to the firm. The human resources department has internal customers to satisfy, which indirectly provides ultimate satisfaction to external customers. In addition to identifying customer groups, there are other essential TQM customer issues. Clarifying what products and services will provide maximum customer satisfaction, measuring satisfaction, and continually monitoring and improving the level of customer satisfaction are all fundamental to the TQM philosophy. For the HR department, applying these TQM issues would translate into identifying the expectations of senior management, their principal internal customer, regarding TQM, and spearheading the TQM program's implementation based on those expectations. TQM in practice for HRM might also mean periodic surveys, both formal and face-to-face, to monitor senior management's levels of satisfaction as the TQM process unfolds. Giroux & Landry, 1998). The TQM approach entails identifying the wants and needs of customer groups and then propelling the entire organization toward fulfilling these needs. A customer's concerns must be taken seriously, and organizations should make certain that its employees are empowered to make decisions that will ensure a high level of customer satisfaction. This can be achieved by promoting an environment of self-initiative and by not creating a quagmire of standard operating procedures and company policies. Flexibility is the key, especially in a business environment that is diverse and constantly changing, as most are today. In modeling these aspects of the TQM process, the HR department would need to identify human resource concerns of other departments and undertake to continually improve its performance, especially in any trouble areas that become known. Based on this â€Å"customer first† orientation, organizational members are constantly seeking to improve products or services. Employees are encouraged to work together across organizational boundaries. Underlying these cooperative efforts are two crucial ideas. One is that the initial contact with the customer is critical and influences all future association with that customer. The other idea is that it is more costly to acquire new customers than to keep the customers you already have. Exemplifying TQM here would mean that the HR department would need to train itself, focusing on being customer-driven toward other departments. Quality improvement programs typically involve the directed efforts of quality improvement (QI) teams. Using teams and empowering employees to solve quality-related issues using such tools as statistical process control. (SPC) represent fundamental changes in how many businesses operate. The Focus of SPC, also known as statistical quality control (SQC), is defect prevention as opposed to defect correction. Defect prevention results from continuously monitoring and improving the process. In this context, â€Å"process† refers to service delivery as well as manufacturing. To ensure that output meets quality specifications, monitoring is performed by periodically inspecting small samples of the product. SPC alone will not ensure quality improvement; rather, it is a tool for monitoring and identifying quality problems. (Giroux & Landry, 1998). The effective use of quality improvement teams, and the TQM system as a whole, can be reinforced by applying basic principles of motivation. In particular, the recognition of team accomplishments as opposed to those of individuals, and the effective use of goal setting for group efforts, are important in driving the TQM system. The HR department is in a position to help institutionalize team approaches to TQM by designing appraisal and reward systems that focus on team performance. After 25 years of progress, we can look at HR strategy and planning to see where it has been, where it is, and where it may go. Keep in mind three intertwining elements: change, continuity, and context. In HR strategy and planning, the overriding changes are big ones: From little strategic thinking before 1980 to functional strategies throughout the 1980s and early 1990s to capability strategies in the 1990s to results strategies, which are emerging today. (Gubman, 2004) Functional strategies describe HR processes that usually are synonymous with parts of the HR department. Therefore, we have training strategies or compensation and benefit strategies, depending on which HR programs most need attention or answer some particular organizational issue. Capability strategies address the culture, competencies, and commitments the business needs to succeed and how HR can secure them. If the business strategy is to become a leader in a new technology, this means organizing and recruiting a new generation of engineers and scientists to launch a research and development group. Alternatively, if the company needs to improve customer service in its call center, it means becoming a leader in work/life programs to attract and retain highly skilled customer service representatives who get more flexible work arrangements. Gubman, (2004) reported that results strategies are comprised of the HR-related business outcomes that are part of companies' overall business strategies. For a mega discount retailer, an HR results strategy is a specific level of speed and cost in recruiting and hiring, designed to provide people at the right time, volumes, and prices. For an insurance company, it's the timely development of a particular number of agents to grow the business. Often these strategies are part of a balanced portfolio of performance measures. Continuity refers to the three challenges always in front of HR: Attract, develop, and retain talent; Align, engage, and measure and reward performance; and continually control or reduce HR program and people spending. These challenges are timeless, and every HR function can be arranged under one of them. You might even say these are why HR exists: It fulfills these tasks for the organization. Because of this, HR leaders have to handle all three challenges well; HR strategists need to pay attention to all of them, not something they always do. Truly, how much strategy is directed at cost control? Usually it is not even seen as a strategic issue. Yet it is easy to argue now that the biggest HR trend of the last 10 years, at least as measured in program dollars, has been outsourcing key HR processes. In addition, this trend is likely to continue until the last dollar of excess costs has been saved. Particularly intriguing is how these challenges wax and wane depending on the economy. All three are always present, but which one dominates depends largely on the robustness of the economy and the job market. When jobs are plentiful and talent is in shorter supply, attracting, developing, and retaining moves to the forefront and somewhat less attention is paid to the other two. When there are more people than jobs, and there are pressures on profits, increasing productivity through measurement and reward and cost controls/reductions take the main stage. This argues for a high level of economic knowledge and awareness among HR leaders and strategists. They should be able to make a nimble reading of the economic situation–macro, industry, company, and division–to know what to emphasize. We could argue about how many are knowledgeable and can react to changing economic conditions, but it is easy to agree few writings on HR strategy even broach the topic. The economy and the job market are part of the context in which HR operates. The last 20 years have seen dramatic shifts in technology, globalization, and workforce demographics and values. Each of these affects HR strategy and planning significantly. Some impacts can only be seen over a long period of time and appear quite gradual. Others appear in the blink of an eye. How many among us were talking about the permanent loss of high-knowledge jobs to developing countries as little as 12 months ago? If we are truly strategic thinkers, keep in mind how all of these elements–the changes from functional to capability to results strategies, the three constant challenges or tasks of HR, and the power of contextual influences (the economy, technology, globalization, and the changing workforce)–interact as we survey past, present, and future in HR strategy and planning. We probably will fall short in drawing all the connections and implications of these powerful variables. After all, as Jim Walker pointed out in 1980, strategic thinking is hard work. (Gubman, 2004) For many companies, the philosophy of TQM represents a major culture shift away from a traditional production-driven atmosphere. In the face of such radical operational makeovers, a determined implementation effort is vital to prevent TQM from becoming simply latitudinal and the team approaches just another management fad. Senior management must take the lead in overt support of TQM. Human resource management can plan a vital role in implementing and maintaining a total quality management process. HR managers are responsible for recruiting high-quality employees, the continual training and development of those employees, and the creation and maintenance of reward systems. Thus, TQM controls processes that are central to achieving the dramatic cultural changes often required for TQM to succeed. Tailoring the TQM cultural development program to the firm's circumstances is essential in overcoming resistance to change and moving beyond simple compliance toward a total commitment to TQM. Holding a major liaison role between top management and employees, HRM has many opportunities to establish communication channels between top management and other members of the organization. Using these channels, HR personnel can ensure that employees know they are the organization's number one priority in implementing TQM. Building trust through an open exchange of ideas can help allay fears regarding the work-role changes that TQM requires. This can provide the foundation for all employees to be trained to consider their peers in other departments as internal customers. Here again, HRM has the opportunity to emphasize this new outlook by example. By exemplifying a customer-first orientation, HRM can help establish a departmental view of service throughout the entire organization. Part of HRM's functional expertise is its ability to monitor and survey employee attitudes. This expertise can be particularly important for a TQM program, since getting off to a good start means having information about current performance. Thus, a preparatory step is to administer an employee survey targeting two primary concerns. One involves identifying troublesome areas in current operations, where improvements in quality can have the most impact on company performance. The other focuses on determining existing employee perceptions and attitudes toward quality as a necessary goal, so that the implementation program itself can be fine-tuned for effectiveness. In general, HRM is responsible for providing training and development. With their background, HR departments are well positioned to take the leading role in providing such programs consistent with the TQM philosophy. HR managers have an important opportunity to communicate a history of their organization's TQM program and its champions. Equally important, HRM can tell stories of employees who are currently inspiring the TQM philosophy. As corporate historian, the HR department should be primarily responsible for relaying the TQM culture to members of the organization in employee orientation training. Beyond communicating the TQM philosophy, the specific training and development needs for making TQM a practical reality must be assessed. Basically, HR professionals must decide the following: What knowledge and skills must be taught? How? What performance (behaviors) will be recognized, and how will we reward them? HRM has faced these questions before and can best confront them in the TQM process. Training and development that does not fit within the realm of these questions will more than likely encounter heavy resistance. However, training and development does fall within the realm of these questions probably will be accepted more readily. Quality can no longer be viewed as the responsibility for one department. It is a company-wide activity that permeates all departments, at all levels. The key element of any quality and productivity improvement program is the employee. Consequently, employee commitment to a TQM program is essential. Because of its fundamental employee orientation, HRM should seek the responsibility for implementing TQM programs rather than risk losing their influence over the key element of TQM — the employee. Organizations with a solid reputation for providing high customer satisfaction have a common viewpoint: consistently taking care of the smaller duties is just as important as the larger concerns. Just as they attempt to instill an overall quality philosophy across the company, HRM can emphasize consistent quality in its own operations. The day-to-day delivery of basic HR services can be just as important as developing strategic programs that may have higher visibility and supposedly greater long-term consequences. As a guardian of such functions as recruitment and selection, training and development, performance evaluation and reward systems, the HRM professional is best able to take charge of these important functions as they relate to a TQM strategy. The full potential of the entire work force must be realized by encouraging commitment, participation, teamwork, and learning. HRM is best suited to accomplishing this by modeling these qualities. Leading by example, the HR department could then sustain the long-term TQM process company-wide. A by-product of setting a TQM example can be the improved standing of the HR department in the eyes of other, traditionally more influential departments. (10) But, the primary end result can be total quality management as a successful competitive strategy for organizational survival. (Clinton, Williamson & Bethke, 1994) Not only has the presented data shown the significance of TQM and HRM, it has also supported the idea that there is a strong correlation between the two, and it is necessary to have a balance and understanding of the importance of each aspect of business. Therefore, when discussing the relation between the two it is easy to state that they go hand in hand. It is also evident that they enhance one another. As stated earlier, both concepts separately were see as positive aspects with faults and difficulties, however, those problems and difficulties seem to diminish substantially when the two concepts are intermingled and utilized to their fullest extent.