The Debate Over Multicultural Education In America Essays

The Debate Over Multicultural Education in America America has long been called "The Melting Pot" due to the fact that it is made up of a varied mix of races, cultures, and ethnicities. As more and more immigrants come to America searching for a better life, the population naturally becomes more diverse. This has, in turn, spun a great debate over multiculturalism. Some of the issues under fire are who is benefiting from the education, and how to present the material in a way so as to offend the least amount of people. There are many variations on these themes as will be discussed later in this paper. In the 1930's several educators called for programs of cultural diversity that encouraged ethnic and minority students to study their respective heritages. This is not a simple feat due to the fact that there is much diversity within individual cultures. A look at a 1990 census shows that the American population has changed more noticeably in the last ten years than in any other time in the twentieth century, with one out of every four Americans identifying themselves as black, Hispanic, Asian, Pacific Islander, or American Indian (Gould 198). The number of foreign born residents also reached an all time high of twenty million, easily passing the 1980 record of fourteen million. Most people, from educators to philosophers, agree that an important first step in successfully joining multiple cultures is to develop an understanding of each others background. However, the similarities stop there. One problem is in defining the term "multiculturalism". When it is looked at simply as meaning the existence of a culturally integrated society, many people have no problems. However, when you go beyond that and try to suggest a different way of arriving at that culturally integrated society, Everyone seems to have a different opinion on what will work. Since education is at the root of the problem, it might be appropriate to use an example in that context. Although the debate at Stanford University ran much deeper than I can hope to touch in this paper, the root of the problem was as follows: In 1980, Stanford University came up with a program - later known as the "Stanford-style multicultural curriculum" which aimed to familiarize students with traditions, philosophy, literature, and history of the West. The program consisted of 15 required books by writers such as Plato, Aristotle, Homer, Aquinas, Marx, and Freud. By 1987, a group called the Rainbow Coalition argued the fact that the books were all written by DWEM's or Dead White European Males. They felt that this type of teaching denied students the knowledge of contributions by people of color, women, and other oppressed groups. In 1987, the faculty voted 39 to 4 to change the curriculum and do away with the fifteen book requirement and the term "Western" for the study of at least one non-European culture and proper attention to be given to the issues of race and gender (Gould 199). This debate was very important because its publicity provided the grounds for the argument that America is a pluralistic society and to study only one people would not accurately portray what really makes up this country. Proponents of multicultural education argue that it offers students a balanced appreciation and critique of other cultures as well as our own (Stotsky 64). While it is common sense that one could not have a true understanding of a subject by only possessing knowledge of one side of it, this brings up the fact that there would never be enough time in our current school year to equally cover the contributions of each individual nationality. This leaves teachers with two options. The first would be to lengthen the school year, which is highly unlikely because of the political aspects of the situation. The other choice is to modify the curriculum to only include what the instructor (or school) feels are the most important contributions, which again leaves them open to criticism from groups that feel they are not being equally treated. A national standard is out of the question because of the fact that different parts of the country contain certain concentrations of nationalities. An example of this is the high concentration of Cubans in Florida or Latinos in the west. Nonetheless, teachers are at the top of the agenda when it comes to multiculturalism. They can do the most for children during the early years of learning, when kids are most impressionable. By engaging students in activities that follow the lines of their multicultural curriculum, they

10 profesiones mejor pagadas en Estados Unidos en 2018

10 profesiones mejor pagadas en Estados Unidos en 2018 Las 10 profesiones mejor pagadas en Estados Unidos en 2018 superan de media los $168.000 de ingresos anuales brutos, todas ellas pertenecen al mbito de la salud. En este artà ­culo se enumeran las 25 profesiones mejor pagadas y se informa sobre quà © opciones  de visas de trabajo  hay profesionales extranjeros que puedan estar interesados en trabajar en EE.UU. Y es que una cosa es que existan profesiones muy bien pagadas en las que  adems, hay demanda por ms empleados y otra muy distinta que los extranjeros con esas capacidades puedan trabajar en Estados Unidos. 10 profesiones mejor pagadas en Estados Unidos en 2018 Todas estn relacionadas con la salud y son las siguientes: Anestesista: $269.000 sueldo medio anual brutoCirujano generalista: $252.910Obstetra y ginecà ³logo: $234.310Cirujano especialista en maxilofacial: $232,870Ortodontista: $228.780Mà ©dico generalista: $201.840Psiquiatra: $200.220Pediatra: $184.240Dentista: $173.860Dentista especializado en està ©tica e implantes de dientes: $168.140. Los mà ©dicos extranjeros se encuentran entre los profesionales a los que ms atrae la idea de trabajar en Estados Unidos. Para explorar esta posibilidad conviene saber que para desempeà ±arse como mà ©dico se requiere un mà ­nimo de once aà ±os de estudios superiores. En este contexto, para los mà ©dicos extranjeros no es fcil validar sus estudios realizados en universidades extranjeras. El proceso es duro y largo, pero desde luego que es algo posible.   Adems, es posible estudiar la residencia en Estados Unidos para asà ­ especializarse. Se utiliza para ello una visa J-1 de intercambio. Precisamente porque los trmites pueden ser complejos y demorarse por aà ±os, muchos mà ©dicos prefieren obtener licencias para trabajar en USA como enfermeros/as ya que tambià ©n  estn bien pagados, aunque menos que los mà ©dicos. En cuanto a la validacià ³n  de  los estudios  de enfermerà ­a se requiere que se sigan pautas comunes a otras profesiones. Profesiones mejor pagadas posicià ³n 11 a 25 en EE.UU. en 2018 Enfermera especialista en anestesia: $164.030Ingeniero especialista en la industria petrolera: $147.030Gerente IT: $145.740Gerente de marketing: $144.140Podà ³logo: $144.110Abogado: $139.880Gerente financiero: $139.720Gerente de ventas: $135.090Asesor financiero: $123.100Gerente de operaciones de negocio: $122.090Farmacà ©utico: $120.270Optometrista: $117.580Actuario: $114.120Polità ³logo: $112.250Gerente de servicios mà ©dicos y de salud: $109.370 Los farmacà ©uticos extranjeros estn en alta demanda porque los que estudian en EE.UU. no son suficientes para cubrir la demanda. Sin embargo, hay que tener en cuenta que los farmacà ©uticos que han estudiado fuera de EE.UU. deben convalidar sus estudios tomando una serie de exmenes para obtener homologacià ³n, certificacià ³n y licencia. A estos exmenes se les conoce en inglà ©s por sus iniciales de FPGEE y NAPLEX. Tambià ©n estn altamente demandadas las enfermeras extranjeras. Para las interesadas, estas son  10 agencias que encuentran empleador para enfermeros extranjeros, y destacar que, en el caso de candidatas mexicanas, es posible obtener una visa TN para desempeà ±ar esta profesià ³n en los Estados Unidos. Cuando los beneficios tambià ©n importan En algunas profesiones los sueldos no son muy altos pero brindan importantes beneficios, que se deben tener en cuenta. Destacan en este sentido los de los funcionarios del gobierno federal o de los estatales y muy especialmente los beneficios e incentivos de alistarse en el Ejà ©rcito. En muchos casos los trabajos federales estn prohibidos a personas que no son ciudadanas o residentes permanentes legales, es decir, no se pueden desempeà ±ar con una visa de trabajo. Incluso los que son sensibles por cuestià ³n de seguridad estn reservados exclusivamente para ciudadanos estadounidenses. Debe saberse sobre el mercado laboral en Estados Unidos Para las personas interesadas en conocer el mercado laboral en EE.UU., à ©stas son las 30  profesiones que tendrn una mayor demanda en Estados Unidos de aquà ­ a 2022, segà ºn el Departamento de Trabajo. Adems, debe tenerse en cuenta algo que muchas veces se olvida, en Estados Unidos los impuestos varà ­an mucho entre estados con lo que con el mismo salario bruto lo que realmente se ingresa puede varà ­an mucho. Estos son los 10 estados donde se pagan ms y menos impuestos. Tambià ©n hay que tomar en consideracià ³n que Estados Unidos es un paà ­s muy grande y que la economà ­a no es igual en todos los estados. Finalmente, tambià ©n se debe tener en cuenta que el nivel de vida y los gastos no son iguales a lo largo y ancho del paà ­s. De hecho hay una gran diferencia entre las 10 ciudades ms caras  y las 10 ms baratas. Y es que a veces ganar menos, dependiendo de donde se viva, significa poder ahorrar ms o vivir mejor. Requisitos migratorios para poder trabajar en Estados Unidos Para trabajar legalmente en Estados Unidos hay que tener una situacià ³n que lo permita. Las opciones son las siguientes; Ciudadanà ­a estadounidenseResidencia permanente. Los caminos para conseguir una tarjeta de residencia son mà ºltiples.Permiso de trabajo por estar en una categorà ­a especial como asilados, etc.Visa de trabajo. Aquà ­ tambià ©n las posibilidades son muchas. Una empresa en Estados Unidos tiene que patrocinar al trabajador extranjero.   Las empresas pueden utilizar el sistema e-verify para comprobar si un trabajador est autorizado para trabajar legalmente en Estados Unidos. Salario mà ­nimo y otros dato Justo en el lado opuesto de las profesiones que ms ganan estn todas aquellas en las que los trabajadores cobran el salario mà ­nimo. Entà ©rate en el enlace anterior cul es el fijado por el gobierno federal y cul aplica en cada uno de los 50 estados y en el Estado Libre Asociado Puerto Rico. Finalmente, en este paà ­s de inmigrantes, à ©stas son las  10 nacionalidades hispanas ms exitosas econà ³micamente en Estados Unidos. Este es un artà ­culo informativo. No es asesorà ­a legal.

Crew Resource Management. Report(2000 words)- Using the model designed Essay

Crew Resource Management. Report(2000 words)- Using the model designed by Professor James Reason, write a report on the - Essay Example and information about the dangers of Pump A had been misplaced, through the change of staffing which occurred overnight, thus the cause of the explosion when Pump A was turned on and gas began to leak out of the network of piping on the rig. Professor James Reason developed a model known as the Reason Error Prevention Model or the Swiss Cheese Model which suggests that gaps in process or management can lead to on-the-job hazards or accidents (in an environment such as Piper Alpha), with these gaps requiring closure in order to provide effective management and successful adherence to process guidelines. This report identifies certain managerial and process breakdowns which occurred in 1988 on Piper Alpha in order to highlight how better to manage organisational risks, especially in an environment prone to dangerous hazards. Reason’s model suggests that human error is a natural evolution in any business environment and should be considered when creating a leadership or management model. Lack of concentration, carelessness or forgetfulness are human failings and are going to be present in the organisational design, thus leading to undesirable business outcomes. Further, Reason claims that â€Å"adverse events are the product of latent conditions (pathogens) within the organisational system† (Reason, 2008, p.7; Jeffries, 2005). By this, Reason means that even the most detailed and sophisticated management models, maintaining a strong focus on safety and adherence to policy, can still be interrupted by humans or organisational pathogens and lead to workplace hazards. At Piper Alpha, the disaster cost the company $1.4 billion in USD (Peterson, 1991). The pathogen which existed during this time period was failure for safety workers and managers to perform follow-up with on-duty managers after changing shifts overnight. Even though the permit system had been established to ensure that machinery experiencing maintenance was isolated and closed off, shift leaders did

EXPECTING THE UNEXPECTED HOW SWAT OFFICERS AND FILM CREWS HANDLE Assignment

EXPECTING THE UNEXPECTED HOW SWAT OFFICERS AND FILM CREWS HANDLE SURPRISES - Assignment Example 2005 pp. 336). Bricolage is dependent on sociocognitive resources developed by group members, this is done through work draft agreements, reinforcement and involvement of task operations while enabling the development of cross-member expertise. Researchers have started to pay attention to surprise as a crucial element within business operations. (Lampel & Shapira, 2001; Weick, 1995; Weick & Sutcliffe, 2001). Surprise is defined as a split from the normal expected outcome that the participants did not anticipate. Surprises include components within organizations that are unforeseen and pull away participant’s concentration away from progressing on the work. Surprises are fascinating as they demonstrate the extraordinary methods in which various firms come across uncertainties and adjust, while at the same time offer openings for further analysis for future robust action. (McDaniel, Jordan, & Fleeman, 2003; Weick & Sutcliffe, 2001). they happen. This research is interested in the determination of the frequency and success in how police Swat and film crews react to surprise and their preparation to change. This research paper is also interested in how the organizations redirect operations as circumstances change and development of collective resources. Analysis not only requires the investigation of group members’ responses to surprise, but also studying the process that facilitate rapid response. The study made comparisons on organizational practices on both categories of organizations and their mode of expecting, anticipating, and sometimes embracing, the unexpected. The title of the article is plain and clear to the content and the rationale of the research. It concisely explains all the facets of the research in the interested article, which is how swat officers and film crews handle surprises. Hence the title of the article is a reflection of the the

Art exhibition Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Art exhibition - Essay Example Works by Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot, Jean-Franà §ois Millet, Claude Monet, Thà ©odore Rousseau, Gustave Le Gray, and Eugà ¨ne Cuvelier and other artists were placed purposefully providing a view of the scenery at Fontainebleau. The artworks were interestingly supported by the brochures, maps and souvenirs for tourists during the 19th century to give the viewers a realistic tour of Fontainebleau. I appreciated the exhibit very much because the presentation was visibly carefully planned and well researched by the organizers. The paintings complemented by the photographs in the exhibit comprehensively showed viewers the famous scenery of Fontainebleau. The pieces were accurately selected to perfectly complement each other relating the historical significance of Fontainebleau to the Impressionist movement; an example of such complementary work is Claude Monet’s ‘The Bodmer Oak, Fontainebleau Forest’ and Eugà ¨ne Cuvelier’s ‘Beech Tree near the Bodmer Oak’ which both depicts similar scenery at Fontainebleau. ‘In the Forest of Fontainebleau: Painters and Photographers from Corot to Monet entertainingly educate viewers of the significance of Fontainebleau for the painters and photographers during the 19th century. From the exhibit, I was familiarized with the indispensable relationship between painting and photography and their necessity in recounting the history of important events and places. Furthermore, the exhibit visually narrates the progress in the art of Impressionists by displaying works ranging from the early works to the later works of various Impressionist artists. The exhibit’s theme and its purpose of bringing viewers in the forest of Fontainebleau was achieved because the exhibit can be compared to a tour in the forest of Fontainebleau with breathtaking sceneries skillfully captured by the artists in their canvasses and by their

Floral Diversity in Organic and Modern Farming

Floral Diversity in Organic and Modern Farming Is Organic Farming better for floral diversity than modern farming? 1.0 Chapter 1 Introduction1.1 Introduction. Agriculture has had a profound impact upon biological diversity. Agricultural specialization, mechanisation and intensification leading to compaction and soil erosion, and poor farm management, have resulted in a global decline in plant, invertebrate and bird numbers in recent decades (Stoate et al., 2001). The Law of Specialization has encouraged the clearing of natural habitat for the cultivation of a few species, with biodiversity being the victim of this â€Å"trade off† between productivity and variety. This â€Å"modern† approach to agriculture was encouraged and sponsored (i.e. through the Common Agricultural Policy – CAP) by the government after the Second World War. The impact of rationing was still fresh in the minds of the UK population and a concentrated effort was made to increase agricultural output. The â€Å"baby boom† of the 1950s also added incentive to these efforts. The drive to increase agric ultural output was a great success. New fertilizers (N, P, K) and pesticides (DDT etc) were extremely successful at improving crop yields. As time went by however, evidence began to slowly emerge of environmental damage. Despite growing environmental concerns, and numerous academic studies highlighting the negative impact upon floral diversity by modern agricultural practices, the world’s population is estimated to rise to 9-10 billion by 2050, which means there will be increasing pressure on land to build new homes. Consequently, global food security is heavily dependant upon technological advances in order to avoid Malthusians scenario of poverty and famine due to â€Å"overpopulation†.   The question is whether organic farming is better for floral diversity compared with â€Å"modern† farming, but ultimately, even if evidence points to the fact that organic is more favourable than â€Å"modern methods†, the question will be will it be capable of meeting the growing demands placed on agriculture and solve environmental problems? 1.2 Early concerns Rachel Carson sounded the warning bell against the processes and practices associated with agricultural intensification in her book, Silent Spring, published in 1962. In it Carson takes a negative view on the increasing use of agricultural chemicals:    Since the mid-nineteen forties, over 200 basic chemicals have been created for use in killing insects, weeds, rodents and other organisms described in the modern vernacular as pests, and they are sold under several thousand different brand names. The sprays, dusts and aerosols are now applied almost universally to farms, gardens, forests and homes non-selective chemicals that have the power to kill every insect, the good and the bad, to still the song of birds and the leaping of fish in the streams to coat the leaves with a deadly film and to linger on in soil all this, though the intended target may be only a few weeds or insects. Can anyone believe it is possible to lay down such a barrage of poisons on the surface of the earth without making it unfit for all life? They should not be called insecticides but biocides. (Carson, 1962). Carson also talked about the detrimental use of Dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT). Research in the intervening years have somewhat validated her basic argument, though there were some criticisms concerning inaccuracies in her book. The Stockholm Convention is a global treaty to protect human health and the environment from persistent organic pollutants (POPs).   POPs, of which DDT is one of a so called â€Å"dirty dozen†, are chemicals that remain intact in the environment for long periods, become widely distributed geographically, accumulate in the fatty tissue of living organisms and are toxic to humans and wildlife.   In acting as a signatory to the Convention, the Government signalled its intention to eliminate or reduce the release of POPs into the environment. 2.0 Pollution and Biodiversity Our knowledge of the ways in which Biodiversity is essential for the survival of humans, in addition to many other species, is still evolving. From unidentified species to potentially undiscovered medicines, biodiversity is an issue of worldwide importance, providing natural resources which are essential for sustaining not only life on earth, but also economic activities. Biodiversity helps to maintain a healthy and stable environment in which businesses can operate, and its conservation is increasingly viewed by scientists, economists and businesses alike as a key part of economic stability. The growth of environmental legislation in recent times represents a governmental acknowledgement of, and response to, a strong body of scientific data establishing links between pollution and the environment. In the UK, The Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution, established in 1970, interpreted â€Å"pollution† in broad terms of the â€Å"introduction by man into the environment of substances or energy liable to cause hazards to human health, harm to living resources and ecological systems, damage to structures or amenity, or interference with legitimate uses of the environment† (Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution, 2004).   The availability of natural resources is dependant on a stable environment, which is maintained by complex interactions and processes within and between ecosystems. Any significant impacts of environmental pollution on biodiversity can impact upon our biosphere (Trevors, J.T., 2003). The costs following the loss of ecosystem services, and the resources they support, are unpredictable but likely to be considerable, therefore the management and minimisation of this risk should be of high strategic importance to any business. The Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution’s broad definition of pollution effectively means that pollution can be anything that causes damage and/or aggravation to people, wildlife, or the environment such as chemicals, noise or gases. Due to the complex nature of relationships between organisms in an ecosystem, the release of pollutants into the environment can not only kill organisms outright, but they can also change the conditions and processes occurring within a system and result in changes that can degrade entire habitats and disrupt ecological processes. These changes have the potential to cause long-term environmental change through the accumulative effects of their release. Pollutants arise from a variety of sources, such as toxic substances, accidental spills, industrial processes or illegal dumping. Not all pollutants are necessarily man-made, however, human activities often exacerbate or increase their polluting effects. For example, uranium is a naturally occurring radioactive waste that needs to be safely managed, increasing the risk of contamination and radiation that can cause lethal genetic mutations and killing living organisms. In terms of biodiversity, uranium mining often occurs in remote areas that are considered valuable for biological diversity, therefore the control of risks such as leakages into groundwater and food chains is essential. The amount of pollution in the environment is a very significant issue; pollution needs to be reduced in order to reduce its impact on biodiversity. Efforts to reduce pollution often reveal the complex nature of environmental pollution. In the UK during the 1970s and 1980s there was a growing realization that freshwater eutrophication was an increasing problem. Initial research pointed to phosphorus from industrial pollution as the main source of pollution, particularly from Sewage Treatment Works (STWs) due to a growth in phosphate-based detergents. Additional tertiary treatment at STWs failed to reduce levels of eutrophication in the long-term and it soon became clear that diffuse pollution from agriculture was, and is, the main factor resulting in continued water quality problems. The use of P fertilizer has generally exceeded agronomic requirements and led to soil P saturation. Whilst P is an essential plant nutrient, excessive concentrations are affecting the ecosystems natural coping mechanism. The result is one of â€Å"the most pressing environmental problems facing the UK today† (Environment Agency, 2005). 2.1 Ecological Impacts What are the associated ecological impacts of the post-war drive in agricultural intensification? The impact of this intensification on bird populations has been dramatic. Birds provide good indicators of environmental change as they are easily monitored, well researched, and high up in the food chain (Furness and Greenwood, 1993). Between 1970 and 1990, Fuller et al (1995) found that 24 out of 28 species had contracted in range, with a decline of abundance in 15 out of 18 species for which population change could be assessed. Of these species, seven had declined by more than 50%, declines being most pronounced amongst granivorous species (i.e., those with a substantial seed component in the diet). Similar range contractions and population declines were not found in bird communities of woodland or other widespread habitat types over the same period. In addition to fertilizer and pesticide use, practices associated with agricultural intensification also included cultivation and re-seeding of grassland, simplified crop rotations, loss of marginal habitats and increased grazing levels. All of these practices were likely to have an impact on the availability of food for nesting and feeding birds (Wilson et al, 1999). The case of the decline of grey partridge Perdix perdix L. populations in Britain however, complicates this assertion. The decline was partly attributable to poor chick survival as a consequence of the effects of herbicide-spraying of cereals on insect food supply and not necessarily a reduction in food availability (Potts, 1986). However, agricultural practices have affected arable flora in one way or another. What species have been affected? Gramineae (including wild species and stock feed crops e.g. rye grass) Many agricultural practices affect grass abundance e.g. after fertilizer application, grazing intensification, herbicide application, cutting regime and ploughing. However, Wilson et al (1999) show that some of the practices had detrimental and non-detrimental consequences, some promoting abundance of some grasses whilst reducing abundance of others. For example, Increases in cutting, grazing, tillage, fertilizer applications and herbicide usage thus cause declines in species diversity, but favour those species responsive to these conditions, including the meadow-grasses Poa, which are of particular importance in the diet of farmland birds. Polygonaceae The Polygonaceae, represented on temperate European farmland mainly by Polygonum (knotgrasses and persicarias) and Rumex (docks and sorrels), have the capacity for high seed production, making them a rich source of food for birds but invasive weeds of arable and grassland. Reviews of long-term population trends (Wilson et al., 1999) suggest that most Polygonaceae in arable areas are likely to have declined dramatically, whereas in pastures, roadsides, spoil heaps and waste ground, populations may be increasing. Chenopodiaceae This family on farmland is represented by Chenopodium (goosefoots), Atriplex (oraches) and Beta (mainly cultivated forage and sugar beets). In non-crop Chenopodiaceae, herbicide applications and grazing control populations whilst fertilization may encourage growth due to preference for high Nitrogen concentrations. Populations have declined in arable areas (Wilson et al., 1999). Caryophyllaceae The main genera taken by birds on temperate European farmland are Cerastium (mouse-ears), Silene (campions and catchflies), Stellaria (chickweeds and stitchworts) and Spergula (spurreys). With the possible exception of chickweeds, decline of Caryophyllaceae on arable land is likely to have been widespread, but in pastoral areas and other fertile, disturbed areas, not subject to intensive herbicide control, population of chickweeds and mouse-ears may be maintaining themselves or increasing (Wilson et al., 1999). Asteraceae Composites found on temperate farmland in Europe include Arctium (burdocks), Artemisia (mugworts), Carduus (thistles), Centaurea (knapweeds), Cirsium (plume-thistles), Helianthus (sunflowers), Leontodon (hawkbits), Senecio (ragworts and groundsels), Sonchus (sow-thistles), Taraxacum (dandelions) and Tussilago (coltsfoot), all of which are eaten by birds. Of these, sunflowers are oilseed crops grown mainly in warm temperate farmland, whilst the remainder are all found in the wild flora. Evidence points to declines caused by cultivation and herbicide use, and increases in response to increased grazing pressure and fertilizer use. Dandelions are adversely affected by regular ploughing, whereas modern grassland practices such as intensive grazing and inorganic fertilizer application probably favour growth. In the long term, populations of most composites are likely to be stable or declining in intensively arable areas, but in other fertile, disturbed sites, not subject to inte nsive herbicide control, populations may be increasing (Wilson et al., 1999). Brassicaceae The diet of farmland birds includes Alliaria (garlic mustards), Capsella (shepherd’s purse), Raphanus (radishes), Thlaspi (pennycresses), Brassica (includes wild and cultivated varieties of oilseeds, turnips and cabbages) and Sinapis (charlock). Overall, wild Brassicaceae have probably declined dramatically on intensive arable farmland in recent decades (Wilson et al., 1999). Fabaceae On temperate European farmland, Fabaceae are characterised by low, creeping nitrogen-fixers such as Medicago (cultivated lucerne and medicks), Trifolium (clovers and trefoils) and Vicia (vetches and beans). Better drainage and regular grazing encourage legumes, but loss of ley-based rotations has reduced the overall availability of clovers and vetches as sown crops. In the long-term, populations of wild clovers and vetches on farmland are likely to be declining due to herbicidal weed control and grassland improvement, but sown populations of certain clover species (mainly white T. repens L. and red clover T. pratense L.) will mask these declines in areas where grass-clover leys are still sown (Wilson et al., 1999). Labiatae, On farmland, Labiatae are characterised by Galeopsis (hemp-nettles), Lamium (dead-nettles) and Stachys (woundworts). Herbicide applications are detrimental to most members of the family. In the long-term, populations of dead-nettles and hemp-nettles are likely to be declining in arable areas, although dead-nettles may be increasing in other fertile, disturbed habitats (Wilson et al., 1999). Ranunculaceae, Ranunculaceae (typified by buttercups Ranunculus) are in long-term decline in both arable and pastoral farmland, probably due to a combination of herbicide control on arable land, fertilization of grasslands, and loss of pasture to cultivation (Wilson et al., 1999). Boraginaceae, On farmland, Boraginaceae are characterized by Myosotis (forget-me-nots), which are known to be sensitive to herbicide applications. There is also some evidence that populations of field forget-me-not M. arvensis (L.) Hill are in long-term decline in arable land (Wilson et al., 1999). Plantaginaceae, Violaceae, Herbicide application was the only agricultural operation recorded as having detrimental effects on Plantaginaceae (plantains) and Violaceae (violets and pansies) (Wilson et al., 1999). Urticaceae, A review by Wilson et al., (1999) found no evidence of specific impacts of agricultural practices on Urticaceae (nettles). In the long term, however, common nettle Urtica dioica L. and annual nettle U. urens L. are likely to be stable or declining in arable habitats as a result of herbicidal weed control, but are probably increasing elsewhere in disturbed, fertile habitats. Amaranthaceae Amaranthaceae (pokeweeds) are serious agricultural weeds in the Americas (Cousens and Mortimer, 1995), and increasingly so as aliens in parts of Europe. A review by Wilson et al., (1999) found no data on the effects of agricultural operations on the abundance of this family in Europe. 3.0 Analysis of Organic Farming3.1 Organic farming Organic farming has been shown to benefit some species. Recent studies in England suggest that organic systems support more broad-leaved plants than conventional systems. (e.g. Kay and Gregory, 1999). Kay and Gregory (1999) found that, out of 23 rare or declining arable plant species, 18 were more abundant on organic farms, with 13 of them being absent on conventional farms. However, if improvements were made in mechanical weed control technology in conventional farms these differences in plant abundance and species richness between the two systems could be reduced. 3.2 Organic farming a solution? When the environmental problems in agriculture came into spotlight, different forms of organic farming had been practiced in Europe for several decades. These farming methods were quickly presented as a solution for most of the problems agriculture is facing. One reason for the increase in organic agriculture in many countries in Europe today is the need to solve environmental problems. In such situations, we often tend to accept appealing solutions. Furthermore, intensive propaganda by representatives of organic farming movements has had a strong influence on public opinion, politicians, and scientists. But what is the likelihood that Organic farming can meet the requirements of agriculture and solve some of these major environmental problems? Although some environmental problems were already identified as a result of the industrialization of societies from the 19th century, the breakthrough of broad environmental consciousness, as epitomized by the Silent Spring by Rachel Carson, took place in the 1960s. New research orientations, national and multinational environmental protection agencies, and environmental interest organizations were founded. Within agriculture several organizations, sharing a prejudiced view of nature, biodynamic and organic-biological, promoted their agricultural methods as a solution to the environmental problems. One theory of organic farming, biodynamic farming, which is part of a comprehensive philosophy called anthroposophy, was presented by Steiner in 1924. Its aim was not to solve environmental problems but to introduce a form of production forces’. Biodynamic and other forms of organic agriculture exclude easily soluble inorganic fertilizers and synthetic pesticides on principle (KRAV, 1999). A comprehensive review was made by Hole et al. (2005) of the impacts on biodiversity of organic farming relative to conventional agriculture. They identified a wide range of taxa, including birds, mammals, invertebrates and arable flora, which benefit from organic management through increases in abundance and/or species richness. Also highlighted were three broad management practices (prohibition/reduced use of chemical pesticides and inorganic fertilisers; sympathetic management of non-cropped habitats; and preservation of mixed farming) that are largely intrinsic (but not exclusive) to organic farming, and that are particularly beneficial for farmland wildlife. However, most problems that occur in conventional agriculture may also be present in organic farming, such as erosion, nitrogen leaching, ammonia volatilization from animal wastes, high levels of native soil cadmium, accumulation of trace metals in soil, and subsoil compaction caused by farm machinery. Organic farming methods do not offer solutions to many of these problems. For example, the exclusion of easily soluble inorganic fertilizer does not necessarily imply less leaching or less eutrophication. On the contrary, leaching of total N from soil receiving animal manure, either composted or anaerobically stored, can be much higher than from inorganic fertilizer applied at the same N rate if measured over several years. Green manuring can also cause high nitrate leaching losses. From an environmental point of view, it does not matter whether the nutrients come from inorganic or organic sources. What matters is when, how and in what quantity plant nutrients are available to crops, i .e. if the nutrient supply is in synchrony with the demand of the crop (Myers et al., 1997). Crop quality is put forward as an important argument for organic farming. Crop quality depends on the plant nutrient status in the soil, the dynamics of nutrient release, weather conditions during growth, damage caused by pests, toxic compounds produced by the crops themselves and the adherent microflora, contamination with pesticides and pollutants, and the post-harvest treatment. Several investigations have clearly shown that the type of fertilization, contrary to the principle of organic farming, does not affect plant quality (e.g. Hansen, 1981) whereas the intensity of fertilization does. Thus, crop quality is not dependent on the principal difference between inorganic fertilization and organic manuring. Furthermore, considerable variation in crop quality can be found between farms regardless of whether they are using conventional or organic methods. This division into ‘organic’ and ‘conventional’ agriculture loses sight of the principal factors concerni ng crop quality and environmentally friendly agriculture. In contrast to conventional agriculture, organic farming without purchase of feed may result in a nutrient depletion of soils (Nolte and Werner, 1994). Through the import of feeding stuff to farms, which means a net input of nutrients, depletion is normally avoided. As the feeding stuff may be produced elsewhere with inorganic fertilizers, organic farming indirectly depends on the soil fertility of conventional farming. However, regulations about the amount of conventionally grown feeding stuff to be used in organic farming differ between countries. Side-effects caused by synthetic pesticides and drug feeding are not found in organic farming, a positive result. However, the exclusion of pesticides may result in increased concentrations of secondary plant metabolites and of mycotoxins of field fungi. Eltun (1996) reported higher concentrations of deoxynivalenol and nivalenol in grain samples from organic than from conventional farming. Furthermore, in the same experiment no pesticide residues were found in grain samples grown conventionally. Thus, the exclusion of pesticides does not necessarily mean that crop products do not contain unwanted substances. The area for housing and outdoor movement of farm animals has received more attention in organic than in conventional agriculture. This concern is positive and space requirements should be determined for all types of farming. Humans have kept livestock for millennia, resulting in the selection of animals with behaviours that differs from the wild species. The natural behavior can not be the only guideline for livestock management. It is important to keep animals in such a way that the special requirements of each species are fulfilled and destructive forms of behaviour are avoided. In order to understand today’s organic farming movement, it may be useful to know that the highly influential form of organic agriculture, biodynamic farming (Steiner, 1975), had its roots in a philosophy of life and not in the agricultural sciences. A common attitude within the organic movement is that nature and natural products are good, whereas man-made chemicals are bad, or at least not as good as natural ones. This way of thinking may also explain why man-made fertilizers and synthetic pesticides are excluded. Although there is no reason to believe that nature is only good, as exemplified in agriculture by crop failures, plant or animal diseases, and the effects of natural disasters, this romantic way of thinking is widespread. The forces of nature are fantastic and filled with still unknown secrets, but at the same time the results of natural activity may be ‘bad’. That is why natural conditions cannot be the only guideline for an ethical code about interac tions between humans and nature. We have to define an ethical code that takes into account the full truth, and it is our responsibility to do so. As indicated above, views and beliefs originating from a philosophy of life are the driving force behind organic farming. People should have free choice concerning religion or a philosophy of life and a strong ethical foundation is very important, but placing philosophical ideas above scientific thinking, especially if they contradict scientific results, leads to severe communication problems. For example, to demand the exclusion of synthetic fertilizers shifts matters of science into the field of dogma. The fundamental question, why plant nutrients should be added in organic forms or as untreated minerals only, has never been proved. 4.0 Analysis of Alternatives4.1 Alternative solutions The bottom line is that current agricultural practices are not sustainable and alternatives are needed. Plant, invertebrate and bird numbers have all declined during the last century as a result of land management practices, whilst excess levels of fertilizer inputs have led to deteriorating water quality problems (of which, groundwater contamination and eutrophication are perhaps the most significant). The cause has been the increasing intensification and specialisation of farming, with a shift from mixed farming to arable farming in the east and grassland in the west. Biodiversity has also been impacted by the planting of autumn cereals. Whilst Organic farming is being promoted as a better alternative, there is growing interest in the use of genetically modified-based agriculture. 4.2 Biotechnology and Genetically Modified Foods Biotechnology can potentially play a significant input into sustainable agricultural productivity, particularly for poor and/or small scale farmers in developing countries. Some of the benefits include development of techniques to 1) facilitate enhanced resistance to insect pests/diseases responsible for reduced yields 2) ability to tolerate drought/salinity or heavy metals. The Nuffield Council on Bioethics, concluded in 2003 that some GM crops offer real benefits to those in the developing world. Thomas (SDI, 2003) uses the example of half the cotton grown in China during 2002 being genetically modified. The GM crops produced a toxin to the cotton bollworm, a pest that can devastate crops. Yields were estimated to have increased by 10% whilst there was a 60% decrease in reported cases of humans being impacted by the toxic effects of applying pesticides without protective clothing. The report did, however, highlight a need for economi c, political and social change. Watkinson (2000), in a study on sugar beet genetically modified to tolerate broad-spectrum herbicideglyphosate, found that densities of fat hen, a common weed in sugar beet, were less than 10% of those in conventional crops. The seeds of fat hen are an important winter food resource for farmland birds. Skylarks forage preferentially in weedy fields, so therefore the impacts of GM crops critically depend on the extent to which high-density patches of weeds are affected. Argentina provides another example. The uptake of Monsanto’s round-up ready soya was phenomenal during the mid to late 90s. Some 13 million hectares were converted to GM. However, increasing dominance of larger farmers has resulted in many smaller farmers leaving their lands. Traditionally, many people were employed for weeding but increased herbicide usage has resulted in unemployment and increasing concerns surrounding the impact on human health (Branford, 2002). The benefits of using herbicide resistant crops in this context are therefore questionable. Monsanto needs to assess GM application in Argentina in order to learn from any mistakes and develop best practice guidelines for the future. Companies such as Monsanto and Syngenta appear, committed to principles of global sustainable agriculture and both have germplasm protection projects, in addition to community and environmental projects. Monsanto, in conjunction with Bayer CropScience; BASF; Dow Agrosciences; Dupont and Syngenta have established an Agricultural Biotech Council (ABC) in order to promote a reasoned and balanced debate surrounding the use of agricultural biotechnology. However, it appears more like a union to promote the benefits of agricultural biotechnology. 4.3 Biosafety During the Convention on Biodiversity (CBD) negotiations, governments were aware of the potential modern biotechnology had with regards the achievement of its 3 main aims; the conservation of biodiversity, the sustainable use of the components of biodiversity, and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the use of genetic resources. There was, however, a proviso for adequate safety measures for the environment and human health. This proviso constitutes Article 19 of the CBD, which relates to the handling of biotechnology and the distribution of its benefits. Four paragraphs constitute Article 19 and require parties to the Convention to: 1) take appropriate measures to ensure effective participation in biotechnological research activities, especially developing countries 2) to take practical measures to promote and advance access on a fair and equitable basis 3) to consider requirements of a protocol addressing   (including advance informed agreement) and; 4) make available information about the use and safety regulations, as well as any information on the potential adverse impact of the specific organisms. Decision II/5, established an Open-ended Ad Hoc Working Group on Biosafety to develop a draft protocol on biosafety, specifically focusing on transboundary movement of any living modified organism resulting from modern biotechnology that may have adverse effects on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity. The details and history of this working Group, from its formation to the subsequent adoption of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on Biological Diversity on the 29 January 2000, is rather convoluted. Environmental / human health consequences and concerns arising from introduction of GM plants led to the development of regulatory regimes to assess safety. Imports of GMOs into the UK (and EC) are covered by existing Community legislation Council Directive 2001/18/EC on the deliberate release into the environment of GMOs. The Protocol is therefore most beneficial to developing countries without existing legislation on GMOs and who require information before deciding on the conservational and sustainable impact of accepting GMO imports. In the UK, further EC regulations were adopted arising from the need to address exported obligations. Such issues have led to the implementation of EC Regulation No. 1946/2003 on the transboundary movement of GMOs. 4.4 Does Sustainable Agriculture mean sustainable development? The Convention on Biosafety specifically addresses the variety of risks to rural ecosystems, particularly i

A Comparison of George Orwells Totalitarian World of 1984 and America

Orwell's Totalitarian World of 1984 is America in 2004 Orwell's allegorical critique of Stalinism in 1984 is often used in capitalist nations as a poignant literary attack on Communism and other collectivist economic and political systems. The argument often follows the lines of "This is socialism, and as you can see, it doesn't work and just leads to oppression. We're in a nice capitalist democracy, therefore we are better off." But is that conclusion the truth? Orwell didn't just intend 1984 as an attack on communism or socialism; instead it is both an attack and a rather prophetic warning against any authoritarian structure, including the authoritarian structure of capitalist democracies. Often we do not equate "democracy" with totalitarianism, but thanks to the manipulation of language, we can have both "democracy" and a corrupt and oppressive regime simultaneously. How? Through the wonders of Orwell's newspeak and doublethink. This is not newspeak exactly as Orwell portrayed it (a open attempt at centralized modification of language), but more in the form of what Orwell warned about in his essay Language and Politics. The subtle debasing of words has allowed the powerful in democratic nations to successfully install a system which is blatantly counter-democratic in its behavior and yet is masked by twisted language. "Democracy" means, to many Americans, a system in which they choose their own leaders, voice their opinions to representatives in government, and human rights and freedoms are respected by the state. But in practice, "democracy," when applied abroad by the United States, means subjugating native peoples to the will of American corporations, and in the process, the destruction... ...s ideas of Newspeak and doublethink. Those who think America is far from the totalitarian world of 1984 are actually dead wrong. It is 1984 today in many respects; the only difference is that the leaders have done a much better job of covering up their wrongdoing. It could be said that Orwell was the prophet and Chomsky is the messiah of our current "democratic" state. Works Cited Chomsky, Noam. Profit Over People: Neoliberalism and Global Order. New York: Seven Stories Press, 1999. Chomsky, Noam. The Chomsky Trilogy (The Prosperous Few And the Restless Many (1994), Secrets, Lies and Democracy (1994), and What Uncle Sam Really Wants (1992) ). Tucson, AZ: Odonian Press/Seven Stories Press, 1999. (available in e-text from the Noam Chomsky Archive: http://www.zmag.org/chomsky/index.cfm) Orwell, George. 1984. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1949.

HB Fuller Company Essay

H.B. Fuller Company is an operational company that deals with paints, adhesives, coating for manufactures and sealants that we find ourselves using everyday in our life. However, due to its activities mostly being underground or rather that it deals with behind the scene activities and that most of its products we can only see the results not the actual product, most common people may not know it or even have an idea that it exists. They would be surprised to know that it was founded back in 1987 and operates in around 34 countries in North America. It had net revenue totaling to $1. 472 billion in 2006 a 2. 5 percent increment from the previous year. The company is known to make a lot of profit though some of its money ends up in the public relation department in the dealing with cases concerning glue sniffing. It has over 3700 employees worldwide and at present, it reaches over 100 countries worldwide. It is operational and makes profit and was recently celebrated its 120th anniversary and it has been ranked by the Forbes Magazine in its Platinum 400 list of best big companies for two consecutive years. (www. hbfuller. com/about us) The company has Michele Volpi as the President and the Chief Executive Officer, Fabrizio Corradini as Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, Kevin Gilligan as the Vice President, Asia Pacific, Timothy Keenan as Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, James C. McCreary, Jr. s the Vice President, Interim Chief Financial Officer and Controller, Monica Moretti as the Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer, Jan Muller as the Vice President, Europe, Ann Parriott as the Vice President, Human Resources, Cheryl Reinitz as the Vice President, Treasurer, Jay Scripter as the Vice President, North America and Ramon Tico as the Vice President, Latin America. (www. hbfuller. com/about us/ directors) Michele Volpi is the President and the Chief Ex ecutive Officer from December 2006 to present. He holds a B.  A degree and a Masters degree in business administration form Bacconi University in Italy. He is also a certified Six Sigma Green Belt. He was the General Manager and Group President, Global Adhesives Group from 2004 to November 2006. he has been the director of many other companies such Global SBU Manager, Polymer shapes Business Unit, General Electric Company, Huntersville. He has also worked in Italy and Spain. (www. hbfuller. com/about us/ directors) Fabrizio Corradini is the Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer. He holds an MBA from University of Chicago and a Masters of management science from Solvay Business School in Brussels in Belgium. He has worked with HB Fuller as the Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer form 2007 to present. He has also worked with Luxembourg, Management Consultant, Boston Consulting Group, Italy, France, Germany, Spain (1996-1998). (www. hbfuller. com/about us/ directors) Kevin Gilligan is the Vice President, Asia Pacific. He holds a B. S. E. , industrial engineering degree from the University of Michigan and an M. B. A. , marketing & operations from Indiana University, Bloomington. He has been working with HB Fuller from 1994 to present at various positions as the Group vice president, General Manager, operational director, e-business director, product line manager, plant manager and management rotational program. He has vast experience in different fields and he has worked in Poland and Texas. (www. hbfuller. com/about us/ directors) Timothy Keenan is the Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary. He holds a B. A. economics degree from University of Notre Dame. He has worked in the H B Fuller since 2004 as the general and the deputy counsel and corporate Secretary. He has worked as the senior attorney and assistant secretary, International Multifoods Corp. , Minneapolis. (www. hbfuller. com/about us/ directors) James C. McCreary, Jr. is the Vice President, Chief Financial Officer Controller and Chief Financial Officer. He holds a business administration and accounting degree from Kent State University. He has also worked as the Administration, Product Manager and Controller Vice President of the Industrial Chemicals Division in Pittsburgh. (www. hbfuller. com/about us/ directors) H B Fuller is presented in a case where it is accused of using an intoxicating substance that is used by a street boy in the case where the dies after inhaling the substance. It has been accused that it has caused a number of people to die and that most of them are the youth or rather teenagers who sniff the shoe glue. Earlier on, business ethics was viewed as the compliance of the legal standard and the adherence the internal regulations and rules. However as time went by, this turned out to be a different case as the organizations has to consider the wellbeing of the goods and the services that they produce in their companies this would help them get the confidence and the respect of their customers. There is a high growth in demand for social responsibility and companies are held accountable for the actions that come out of their products. Companies are producing comprehensive ethics management systems in their work so that they can be able to deal with the complex ethical issue that they may encounter in their day-to-day life from the places they market their products as some of them pose environmental risks. ( www. pangaea. org/street_children/latin/fuller) There is the Ethics Compliance Management System Standard (ECS2000) that is the guideline for organization and corporations which would like to conduct businesses in a responsible and reliable manner. It offers the all the required standards to a good social responsibility and is made available to most of the ethics research project centers. It is through these codes or standards that H B Fuller was charged in the federal court for the case of the death of Honduras street children after they had sniffed the glue that was produced by the company. (www. pangaea. org/street_children/latin/fuller) On the part of the company, it wanted the case to be dismissed as it claimed that it has reformulated its products and the substance or rather the shoe glue no longer contains any serious intoxicant. It claims that it has replaced the sweet smelling toxic substance with a less intoxicated and not so nice smelling brand. It claims that it has also increases the price of the product and it expects that children may have turn into the other brand. In addition, there had to be the government intervention, as the main issue with the children was the availability of the chemical to these. Though the company has made a lot of profit from the sale of glue, executives claim that the issues relating to the public relation has outweighed the profits. Fuller also decided to pull out of the market as some of its resolution. It decided to pull some of its products such as the Resistol to see to it whether it will have an effect to the abuse by the children. However, this had very little effect and they decided to pull back as it did not have any effect. They resolved to be selling the products to companies and not to individuals. They also claimed that the issue of the black market was the one responsible for the tragic abuse of the children Central America. (www. pangaea. org/street_children/latin/fuller) Fuller also came up with a new provision for the prevention of the use of its substances. It came up with an advertising slogan â€Å"We work chemistry in to answers. † This would help the notion in the people that the glue has been intoxicated and that it is the killing people. Among those that are involved in the case was Linare’s lawyer who filed a case after her brother died of inhaling toxic glue as they called it. Then there is the involvement of the government that had to protect the Fuller Company in the cases that it was accused in most of those third world countries. Also in the case were the human rights advocates who fought for the cases of the children who majority of them were intoxicated and all that they wanted was justice be done for them. (www. business-humanrights. org/Links/Repository) According to Ethics Compliance Management System Standard (ECS2000), a company is supposed to be responsible of all the activities and the outcome of all its products and it should take the required measures to correct the problem. In case the company is sued for a poor product or a hazardous product, it is supposed to take full repercussion for the poor product. (Malachowski 2001, 10)

The Formulation, Implementation and Evaluation of Public Policy

The Formulation, Implementation and Evaluation of Public Policy Introduction The efforts to solve certain problems attracting public concerns create the necessity to formulate and implement public policies. Ridde (2009:939) defines a public policy as an action that a government deems appropriate or inappropriate for its citizens.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Formulation, Implementation and Evaluation of Public Policy specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Put differently, public policy encompasses a set of aims coupled with a specified group of activities, which resolve a particular public problem when properly executed (Lyhne, 2011:324). From this paradigm, the processes of formulation, implementation, and evaluation of policies are defined as covering the integration of myriads of fragmented process (sub-processes) (Ridde, 2009:943). In some situations, governments adopt policies that fail to achieve the anticipated outputs. This scenario occurs when a formulated public policy is implemented, but the problem intended to be solved by the policy continues. Such a situation attracts the attention of policy analysts, who try to determine the reasons for the policy failure. One of the most common approaches to this involves finding out the deficiencies within the policy-formulation and implementation phases (Ridde, 2009:945). Public policy is an important aspect of contemporary government operations. Taking the above arguments as a starting point, this essay aims to discuss evaluation as an important component of policy formulation and implementation. Non-incorporation of evaluation in the two phases creates difficulties in determining eminent deficiencies in policy that has been formulated and implemented. Deficiencies in policy formulation and implementation are risk factors for the failure of a policy to achieve the anticipated outcomes. This essay is divided into two main sections. It first describes the processes of policy formulation, policy implementat ion, and policy evaluation as discrete entities. A discussion of policy evaluation as an integrated process in policy formulation and implementation then follows in the analysis section. The essay also addresses the rationale behind integrating public-policy evaluation into the formulation and implementation stages. In conclusion, the essay will hold that the evaluation, formulation and implementation of public policy cannot be separated into discrete stages. Description Formulating Public Policies Governments, organisations and groups of people set and adopt procedural guidelines towards the achievement of their set goals and objectives. Policies are generally initiated to influence various environments, thereby addressing adverse effects that arise in those environments.Advertising Looking for essay on political culture? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Public-policy formulation involves the processes of studying an d assessing issues that emerge as a potential threat and the impact they may have on the public (Vizzard, 1995:342). The public-policy formulation process intends to limit the identified consequences of a problem for the subject environments or invoke better performance of undertakings in the public sector (Fyfe, Miller McTavish, 2009: 214). Well-formulated policies are rational, specific in their statements, and applicable to specific extents only (Marsh McConnell, 2010:565). Such policies are not ambiguous and are effective in achieving the intended objectives. The process of public-policy formulation is intricate. Creating a policy in order to oversee all stakeholders and pressure groups is a dangerous mistake. The civil society working together with the government is one way of ensuing democracy and collective representation. In the end, this enhances the effectiveness of the policy-formulation process. For an effective policy-formulation process, it is crucial that staff is h ighly knowledgeable of, and conversant with, institutional processes. Institutional processes encompass the determination of policy subject matter, implementation plans, and designing and scrutinising the assessment and revision of public policies (Vizzard, 1995:344). Thorough analysis based on the identified problems in public-policy formulation enhances the realisation of well-formulated policies; thus, mitigating the risks of unintended consequences emerging. Plans made for dealing with organisational setbacks in policy management play a significant part in raising the policy-formulation capability. The process of creating public policy involves decision-making processes; it centres on making amendments during the implementation of public policies (Milward, 1980:256). This implies that the formulation and implementation of public policies works mutually, but not as two separate entities. Implementing Public Policies Policy implementation follows the process of policy formulation. Mazmanian and Sabatier (1983:56) describe policy implementation to include exercising particular policy decisions in a manner directed by the prescriptions of an administrator, law, or court guidance. There are two main approaches to policy implementation: bottom–up, and top-down.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Formulation, Implementation and Evaluation of Public Policy specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The top-down approach is bureaucratic. Sabatier (1986:32) notes that it starts through a â€Å"policy decision and focuses on the extent to which its objectives are attained over time and why†. The establishment of the capacity of the implementation process to be consistent with causal theory, coupled with policy objectives, aims, and goals, is essential for a successful top-down process of policy implementation. The top-down approach to policy implementation is unidirectional (Sabatier, 1986:28). The process does not provide room for information flow through feedback channels. The success of the top-down process of public-policy implementation is a function of the capacity of the legal frameworks and the enforcing agencies to force or compel groups of people targeted by the policy to abide by the policy guidelines. In the implementation of any policy, one determinant of success is how skilled the people charged with the implementation are (Matland, 1995:162). Success in implementing a policy using the top-down approach is also dependent on socio-economic factors. The socio-economic factors have a role to play in policy implementation, as they constitute one of the measures used to assess the success of implementation. The top-down approach requires political willingness as well as political support. May and Wintner (2009:467) maintain that the approach demands that the eventual success of the policy implemented should be measured by how well it is able to solve the problems that it was initially meant to offer solutions to. The process divides the public-policy implementation process into two main segments. The first segment, the ‘top’, takes the role of the development of the policy. The ‘bottom’ constitutes the public-policy implementation agents. This segmentation ensures the flow of voice of command from the uppermost level to the lowest level in a single direction so that bureaucracy is enhanced during the implementation process. A major challenge of using the top-down approach in the implementation of public policies is encountered when all issues affecting groups targeted by a given policy must be fully addressed in the implementation of that policy. As a result, researchers supporting the top-down approach, such as de Leon and de Leon (2002:468), and researchers opposed to it, such as Howlett, Ramesh and Perl (2009:14), fail to agree on an appropriate process for public-policy implementation.Advertising Looking for essay on political culture? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Leon and de Leon (2002:472) state that bureaucrats constitute important agents for public policy implementation, although they are ignored by those who are charged with the role of implementing the top-down approach in public policy. The main argument here is that abiding by policy guidelines should not be a choice. Rather, it is mandatory. As opposed to the top-down approach to policy-implementation process, the bottom-up approach integrates the groups of people targeted by a public policy into the implementation process. Sabatier (1986:32) notes that this step is initiated by â€Å"identifying the network of actors involved in service delivery in one or more local areas and asking] them about their goals, strategies, activities, and contacts†. The acquired contacts are then utilised in the development of myriads of networks with an objective of increasing the number of local, national, and regional actors who would play the roles of financing, planning and executing the pol icy. In the bottom-up approach, ‘top’ as well as ‘bottom’ actors in the process of creating public policies collaborate and exchange information about policy formulation and implementation via a dynamic process. The bottom-up approach maintains that the phases of policy implementation and formulation are inseparable (Matland, 1995:167). According to Pastine and Pastine (2010:85), the approach views politicians and administrators as playing critical roles in the successful process of policy formulation followed by its implementation. Policy-making experts and politicians form the top level of the policy-making process. The people whose problems a public policy seeks to solve form the bottom level. The need for a public policy emerges from the bottom. The response to these needs, however, is a responsibility of those at the ‘top’. Sabatier (1986:41) criticises this direction of information flow in policy-making in the context of the bottom-up app roach, claiming that it is unidirectional because policy-making initiates from the ‘bottom’ and moves towards the ‘top’. The successful implementation of public policies requires the integration of the person affected by the policy in the planning, formulation, and implementation phases of the policy (Cope Goodship, 1999:9). Considering that the top-down public-policy implementation process is unidirectional and Sabatier (1986:46) argues that bottom-up approach is also unidirectional, hypothetically, perhaps the best approach to public-policy implementation is the one that encourages constant interaction between the ‘top’ and the ‘bottom’ actors in formulating and implementing public policy via forward and backward information-flow loops. Such an approach can aid in capturing various intricacies that impede successful policy implementation (Whitford, 2007:21). Efforts to ensure the identification of pitfalls to successful policy i mplementation highlight the need to evaluate public policy at the formulation and the implementation phases (Barzelay Jacobsen, 2009:319). Evaluating Public Policies The evaluation process encompasses an integral aspect of the process of making public policies. It aids in the identification and reflection on the unanticipated and anticipated outcomes of a policy. Evaluation is the process of measuring the efficacy, utility, advantages, disadvantages, and the necessity of a particular process or physical installation (Cope Goodship, 1999:8). The main objective of policy evaluation is to inform policy developers of the progress of policy implementation and to what extent the formulated policies under implementation are providing the anticipated outcomes (Cope Goodship, 1999:11). When public-policy evaluators discover that policies being formulated or implemented have deficiencies that would cause those policies to fail to achieve the desired outcomes, evaluation becomes the tool fo r alerting policy-makers about the need to consider alternative policies. It also helps in the correction of erroneous aspects of a policy during the process of implementation (Rist, 1995:43). Where the policy-implementation process yields the anticipated outcomes, evaluation is also crucial because it forms the justification for the legitimacy of public policy. The evaluation process constitutes an important part of the learning process around policy-making. Evaluation is applied in the policy-making process as a scientific activity and a positivist exercise (Rist, 1995:56). It serves the functions of determining the quality, effectiveness, policy effects, capacity to achieve desired goals, and the rationale for costs incurred in the formulation and implementation of public policies (Marsh McConnell, 2010:580). In this context, evaluation does not form a discrete activity in the making of public policies. Rather, it is integrated into all processes of making public policy, includi ng policy formulation and implementation. Analysis In the description section, policy evaluation was treated as a discrete activity, separate from the formulation and implementation of public policies. In this section, it is presented as an integral part of the implementation and formulation phases of public policies. Simultaneous Evaluation of Public Policies in the Implementation and Formulation phases The formalisation of laws, rules and regulations precedes the process of implementing public policy. In a bid to ensure that policies work, bureaucratic forces then come into play (May Wintner, 2009:473). Policies are developed to ensure that the delivery of public services is in line with public demands and expectations. For the achievement of this outcome, whether bottom-up or top-down approaches to public-policy formulation and implementation are adopted, the evaluation of each of these phases is crucial. It is necessary for every step taken in the formulation and implementation of a policy to be evaluated in a bid to determine its relationship with the final desired outcome (Whitford, 2007:26). The evaluation of the overall effects of all the stages in the formulation of a policy aids in the determination of the overall effects of the formulated policy before it is implemented. In this way, it becomes possible to avoid challenges related to the implementation of policies that have errors at the formulation stage. Policy evaluation should be carried out during the formulation and the implementation phases and after the completion of each of these phases. Evaluation at the Policy-Formulation Phase Executing the policy-evaluation process alongside the formulation phase curtails policy-formulation errors. Such errors replicate themselves in the policy-implementation phase. The political climate and the interests of stakeholders influence the formulation of public policies (Palumbo, 1987:68). Evaluation at the formulation stage ensures that these concerns are addressed in the policy’s formulation process to ensure that the policy achieves the intended outcomes as determined by the stakeholders and the political-philosophical system of leadership in force. Evaluation at the formulation stage captures the attention of policy activists and groups supporting the government. These actors determine the kinds of public policies necessary for implementation (May Wintner, 2009:473). In the absence of evaluation at the formulation phase of any policy, regimes and administrations in power have a chance to advance their interest, which may not be in favour with the public. In later regimes, such policies become irrelevant, which amounts to a waste of scare public resources. Agents of policy formulation mainly include researchers interested in change and who are keen on the elements of a policy at its formulation phase (Palumbo, 1987:78). The researchers are also interested in the policy implementation, which means that they cannot be prevent ed from conducting in-depth scrutiny (evaluation) of the policy’s capacity to achieve its intended change. According to Pollitt (1999:82), policy makers should consider the political influences in the process of policy formulation. An independent body should be contracted to determine the nature and amount of this influence. Successful evaluation of public policy should be measured by the success of its implementation. It ensures that the implementation phase cannot trace its problems back to the formulation phase. Whitford (2007:29) states that the only challenge that can arise is in the event of policy-implementation agents failing to implement the formulated and evaluated policy in a manner that meets the expectations of its recipients. In the formulation phase, evaluation brings together measuring the capacity of the formulated policies to meet the desired policy objectives, aims, and goals. Evaluation at the Policy-Implementation Phase Implementing public policy through bureaucracy places more focus on the conformance of the groups of people targeted by the policy, and less focus on their reactions to that policy. This aspect creates a need for evaluation of policies at the start of the implementation phase through a bureaucratic system of administration throughout its development. Evaluating the implementing agency ensures the determination of its capacity to enforce the policy through established rules, regulations and laws to avoid deviance. The evaluation of policies before the onset of the implementation process is important as it ensures that the enforcing agents are compliant with the legal provisions of these policies, with legal consequences being advanced to those failing to adopt the policies. Bureaucracy is important in the implementation of public policies. It has the capability to understand and alter mythologies, aims, and areas of importance in the policy-implementation process to ensure compliance (Page, 1992:40). It has the abilit y to redefine appropriate policy goals to some extent. Such a policy-remoulding process in order to reduce the reluctance of target groups to comply with the policy constitutes the public-policy evaluation process in the implementation stage. The ability of bureaucratic systems of policy implementation to redefine some aspects of public policy explains the importance of public-policy evaluation at the implementation stage. Evaluation helps in monitoring the actions of the implementation agents. This is important in an effort to mitigate risks associated with the implementation agents’ capacity to redefine policies in ways that impair the implementation approach and methodologies prescribed during the formulation stage (Page, 1992:54). For this purpose, policy-implementation administrative agents such as courts and Parliament (de Leon de Leon, 2002:473) become important evaluators of the policy-implementation process. They also assist in the determination of necessary actions during the implementation process (May Wintner, 2009:474). Administrative agents responsible for policy implementation establish interim and final rules necessary for guiding the implementation process. Evaluation is essential to ensure strict compliance with the rules. It needs to be conducted at all stages of implementation to guarantee congruency of the policy and its anticipated goals, aims, and objectives enumerated during the evaluated formulation stages. Purpose of Integrating Policy Formulation, Implementation, and Evaluation Development of public policies takes place through interrelated stages. The appropriateness of each stage within a phase determines the appropriateness of the next phase in the process to foster the creation of a policy that responds effectively to a public problem. Evaluation is the tool for measuring the extent of the appropriateness of each stage with respect to the anticipated outcomes of the fully formulated public policy. This aspect means that the formulation or implementation of successful public policies is less likely when evaluation is treated discretely. Problems encountered at the policy-formulation phase result in policies failing to achieve their intended outcomes at the implementation stage. These challenges encompass certain implementation constraints, which prove problematic to the agents for policy implementation. These include inadequate time, financial resources, insufficient understanding of policy goals, and a resistance to comply with directions and commands issued by implementation agents (Hogwood Gunn, 1984:82). Integration of evaluation in all steps and sub-steps in the formulation and implementation phase helps to capture all of these challenges. Conclusion Policy formulation and implementation are two important phases of making public policies. The outcome of the implementation phase depends on the proper formulation of policies, which suggests that the two phases are related and their needs are int erlinked. This essay proposed evaluation as the important interlinking phase requiring incorporation in the formulation and implementation phases of making public policies. Evaluating the steps within the formulation and implementation phases helps to avoid the replication of errors and problems impeding realisation of the intended outcomes upon full implementation of a public policy. This essay holds that evaluation during the formulation phase coupled with its successive sub-phases helps pave the way to a successful policy-implementation process. In this context, the essay considers evaluation as an important phase in the process of making public policies, which merges the formulation and implementation phases to avoid the replication or even occurrence of challenges impeding realisation of the intended outcome of a public policy. The top–down and bottom-up approaches were discussed as the main theoretical frameworks of making and implementing public policies. The two theor etical approaches have the inherent problem of treating evaluation as a discrete entity. In proposing an alternative approach to making public policies, this essay discussed and assessed the relevance of incorporating evaluation as an integral part of the policy-implementation and formulation phases. The essay finds that the separation of formulation, implementation, and evaluation of public policies into discrete phases is inappropriate. Reference List Barzelay, M Jacobsen, A 2009, ‘Theorising Implementation of Public Management Policy Reforms: A Case Study of Strategic Planning and Programming in the European Commission’, Governance: An International Journal of Policy, Administration, and Institutions, vol.22 no.2, pp. 319–334. Cope, S Goodship, J 1999, ‘Regulating Collaborative Government: Towards Joined-Up Government’, Public Policy and Administration, vol.14 no.2, pp. 3-16. DelLeon, P DelLeon, L 2002, ‘What Ever Happened to Policy Imple mentation? An Alternative Approach’, Journal of Public Administration and Research Theory, vol.12 no.4, pp. 467-492. Fyfe, G, Miller, J McTavish, 2009 ‘Muddling Through in a Devolved Policy: Implementation of Equal Opportunities Policy in Scotland’, Policy Studies, vol.30 no.2, pp. 203-219. Hogwood, W Gunn, L 1984, Policy Analysis of the Real World, Longman, New York. Howlett, M, Ramesg, M Perl, A 2009, Studying Public Policy, Oxford University Press, Oxford. Lyhne, I 2011, ‘Between Policy-Making and Planning: SEA and Strategic Decision-Making in the Danish Energy Sector’, Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management, vol.13 no.3, pp. 319–341. Marsh, D McConnell, A 2010, ‘Towards a Framework for Establishing Policy Success’, Public Administration, vol.88 no.2, pp. 57-69. Matland, R 1995, ‘Synthesising the Implementation Literature: Ambiguity-Conflict Model of Implementation’, Journal of Public Adminis tration Research and Theory, vol.5 no.2, pp. 145-174. May, J Wintner, C 2007, ‘Politicians Managers and Street Level Bureaucrats: Influences on Policy Implementation’, Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory, vol.19 no.3, pp. 453-476. Mazmanian, D Sabatier, P 1983, Implementation and Public Policy, Scott Foresman, Glenville. Milward, B 1980, ‘Policy Entrepreneurship and Bureaucratic Demand Creation,’ in H Ingram D Mann (eds), Why Policies Succeed or Fail, Sage, Beverly Hills, pp. 61-73. Page, E 1992, Political Authority and Bureaucratic Power: A Comparative Analysis, Prentice Hall, New Jersey. Palumbo, J 1987, The Politics of Program Evaluation, Pluto, London. Pastine, T Pastine I 2010, ‘Politician Preferences, Law Abiding Lobbyists and Caps on Political Contributions’, Public Choice, vol. 145 no. 4, pp. 81-101. Pollitt, C 1999, ‘Stunted by Stake Holder? Limits to Collaborative Evaluation’, Public Policy and Admini stration, vol.14 no.2, pp. 77-90. Ridde, V 2009, ‘Policy Implementation in African States: An Extension of Kingdon’s Multiple-Streams Approach’, Public Administration, vol.87 no.4, pp. 938-954. Rist, C 1995, Policy Evaluation: Linking Theory to Practice, Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River. Sabatier, P 1986, ‘Top-Down and Bottom-Up Approaches to Implementation Research: a Critical Analysis and Suggested Synthesis’, Journal of Public Policy, vol.6 no.1, pp. 21-48. 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Origin of OK

Origin of OK Origin of OK Origin of OK By Maeve Maddox The word OK has found its way into just about every language on earth. Although it’s usually written in all capitals and pronounced as separate letters, OK is a word and not an acronym, although it began as one. The most likely origin of OK is as an acronym for â€Å"Oll Korrect,† a deliberate misspelling of â€Å"all correct.† In the years before the American Civil War (1861-1864), journalists thought it was great fun to misspell words for comic effect. Writer Charles Farrar Browne  (1834-1867),  for example, wrote political humor under the byline Artemus Ward. Abraham Lincoln is said to have been one of his greatest fans. Here’s a passage in which he takes a stand against secession: Feller Sitterzens: I am in the Sheer Yeller leaf.   I shall peg out 1 of these dase.   But while I do stop here I shall stay in the UnionI shall stand by the Stars Stripes.   Under no circumstances whatsomever will I sesesh.   Let every Stait in the Union sesesh let Palmetter flags flote thicker nor shirts on Square Baxters close line, still will I stick to the good old flag.   Translation: Fellow Citizens: I am in the sere and yellow leaf [I’m old]. I shall peg out [die] one of these days.  But while I do remain here I shall stay in the UnionI shall stand by the American flag.   Under no circumstances whatsoever will I secede.   Let every State in the Union secede and let Palmetto flags float thicker than shirts on Squire Baxters clothes line, still will I stick to the good old flag.    Note: â€Å"The sere and yellow leaf† is an allusion to a line from Macbeth. The Palmetto flag was the state flag of South Carolina; it was flying over Fort Sumter on the day the Union garrison surrendered to Confederate forces. Squire Baxter is a fictional character of Ward’s invention. Ward was not the only writer to adopt deliberate misspelling as a stylistic device. By 1839, the misspelling â€Å"oll korrect† for â€Å"all correct† had been compressed to O.K. and was familiar to newspaper readers on the East Coast at least: Boston Evening Transcript 11 Oct. 2/3, 1839.  Our Bank Directors have not thought it worth their while to call a meeting, even for consultation, on the subject. It is O.K. (all correct) in this quarter. –OED citation. When O.K. became associated with the presidential campaign of Martin Van Buren (1782-1862), its use spread throughout the nation. One of Van Buren’s campaign ploys was to associate himself as much as possible with the previous president, Andrew Jackson. Jackson had been known affectionately as â€Å"Old Hickory,† so Van Buren came up with the nickname â€Å"Old Kinderhook,† an allusion to the small New York town that was his birthplace. The abbreviation O.K. for â€Å"Old Kinderhook† became a rallying cry and a logo. The press lost no time in connecting the O.K. of Van Buren’s political slogan with the O.K. that stood for â€Å"all correct.† By the end of the campaign, â€Å"O.K.† was entrenched in American English throughout the country. In addition to its adjectival uses to denote things that are â€Å"all correct,† OK is also used as noun, verb, adverb, and interjection. Note on the word â€Å"acronym† In general usage, acronym refers to words or letter groupings like FBI, TGIF, NATO, and LASER. Some speakers prefer to reserve the word acronym for words like NATO that can be pronounced as words and use the term initialism for letter groupings that are pronounced as a series of letters, like FBI. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the General category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Compared "to" or Compared "with"?Used To vs. Use To5 Ways to Reduce Use of Prepositions

Should governments be allowed to use cameras to give tickets to those Research Paper

Should governments be allowed to use cameras to give tickets to those who run red lights - Research Paper Example It is one good way to avoid controversy and disputes, especially with fines becoming quite hefty. People who live in civilized society need to comply with its laws. By agreeing to do so, it is incumbent upon citizens to obey traffic laws because this is all part of the social contract. Its aim is to impose order; otherwise, societies can become chaotic when laws are disregarded. This social contract implies the surrender of certain freedoms in order to be governed. The ability to strictly enforce the laws, such as those on taxation, is an example of the social contract features (Krugman 1) for society to function in a decent manner. This means all people should comply to all laws and nobody is exempted from compliance. The key players are those local governments and its citizens, with the issue being compliance with the social contract. The expectations are a good citizen will avoid violating traffic laws and the government hopes to raise some revenues. When drivers are aware that cameras are installed at intersections, they are more likely to drive a bit carefully and less pron e to beat a red light (Schlundt, Warren & Miller 77); it is a good way to reduce unintentional injuries, similar to wearing helmets or putting on seat belts for safety. Krugman, Paul. "The Social Contract." The New York Times, p. A35. 22 Sept. 2011. Web. 27 Sept. 2011. Schlundt, David G., Warren, Rueben C. And Stephania Miller. "Reducing Unintentional Injuries on the Nations Highways: a Literature Review." Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved 15.1 (February 2004): 76-98.

Monetary Policy in the United States Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Monetary Policy in the United States - Essay Example 2. As a central agency the FED can seriously affect the manner in which it can affect the banking system. Firstly, it monitors the sale of different government instruments. In this manner it affects the rate of interest in the market and ensures the growth in credit and money supply. Secondly, it also fixes the manner in which these instruments are purchased from the public and corporations, thereby affecting the interest rate again. Thirdly, the FED can monitor the effectively monitor the amount of lending, thereby influencing the price of the securities and bank stock. 3. Very simply put the reserve requirements are the amount of vault cash and deposits that the banks are stipulated to hold with themselves. Less money in the reserves would imply more money available - the bank will have more loan able funds at its disposal, thereby having favorable implications on the cost of transactions and the bargaining capacity of these institutions with other bodies. The changes in the reserve requirements are made rather infrequently by the government, it may even be the fact that this measure has been employed only once or twice in a decade (Jhonson 2005). The discount rate is the price the central bank, other financial banks pays while engaging themselves in money relat