Literature Review and Empirical free essay sample

From the early eighties to the nineties, the Standard Rate increased modestly, but is still below its mid-seventies level. While researchers have identified many reasons for the low UI recipiency rates over the past twenty years, many questions remain as to the causes behind the low rate and steps that policy and program officials might take to increase it. While the Standard Rate is the most commonly used measure to evaluate the effectiveness of the UI program, researchers have developed alternative UI recipiency rates to address some of the limitations of the standard measure. The standard measure is expressed as the ratio of the insured unemployed (i. e. , the number of regular UI claimants) to the total number unemployed. Alternative measures have been designed to better capture the effectiveness of the UI program by including the full range of UI programs available to the unemployed (beyond the regular program) and by more accurately defining the UI target population (a subset of unemployed workers). We will write a custom essay sample on Literature Review and Empirical or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Purpose and Methodology The purpose of this report is to examine why the Standard Rate, as well as alternative recipiency rates, declined sharply in the early eighties and continued to remain well below their midseventies level in the early nineties. We critically reviewed the findings from the research literature to explore the factors others have identified to explain the drop in the UI recipiency rate. The literature review enabled us to identify factors for inclusion in our empirical analysis and to assess the effects of factors that could not be included in our own analysis. Our empirical analysis is based primarily on the methodology used by Burtless and Saks (1984) and focuses only on changes in the UI recipiency rate over recessionary periods. It is important to compare similar economic periods because the UI recipiency rate is higher during recessionary periods and lower during periods of economic expansion. We first replicated the analysis from Burtless and Saks, estimating the effects of various factors that influenced the rate used in their original analysis from the seventies recession (1975-76) to the eighties recession (1981-83). We then extended their earlier analysis by testing the effects of additional factors during that period. Next, we updated the analysis to include data from the most recent recessionary period in the nineties (1991-92). We chose the period in the nineties to be consistent with the periods of rising unemployment rates selected by Burtless and Saks. Finally, we extended their analysis by using the Standard Rate and two additional measures of UI recipiency selected to measure the performance of the UI programs during recessionary periods. Our conclusions about the effects of various factors on the UI recipiency rate are based on the findings from both the critical review of the literature and our empirical analysis. We also present evaluation design options to address some of the limitations of current knowledge. The Lewin Group, Inc. E-1 156059 Executive Summary C. UI Recipiency Rate Measures Four UI recipiency rate measures were selected for the empirical analysis. Standard Rate: number of weekly claims for regular program unemployment insurance benefits, as a proportion of all unemployed workers;1 All Programs Rate: number of weekly claims for all program (regular, extended and federal) unemployment insurance benefits, as a proportion of all unemployed workers; Standard Short-term Rate: number of weekly claims for regular program unemployment insurance benefits, as a proportion of job losers unemployed less than 27 weeks; and All Programs Job Loser Rate: number of weekly claims for all program (regular, extended and federal) unemployment insurance benefits, as a proportion of all job losers. The final three UI recipiency rates deviate from the Standard Rate by changing the definition of UI claimants, unemployed workers, or both. Because the All Programs Rate and the All Programs Job Loser Rate include all UI program claimants, Wandner and Stengle (1996) argue that they are generally better measures of UI coverage during recessionary periods when extended benefit programs are provided. The All Programs Job Loser Rate differs from the All Programs Rate because it targets a subset of unemployed workers (i. e. , job losers) who would be most likely to qualify for UI benefits. The Standard Short-term Rate only includes regular program claimants and the general â€Å"target population† for the regular state program, job losers unemployed less than 27 weeks. This final measure was used in the original Burtless and Saks analysis. All three alternative rates are larger than the Standard Rate because they use either a more expansive definition of UI claimants and/or a more restrictive definition of unemployed workers. From the seventies to the eighties, all four recipiency rates declined sharply (Exhibit 1). The largest reductions are for the All Programs Rate and the All Programs Job Loser Rate. These rates declined by more than the Standard Rate because of the large cutbacks in the extended benefit programs that were implemented in the early eighties. From the eighties to the nineties, the Standard Rate increased slightly. There is not, however, a large change in either the All Programs or All Programs Job Loser rates over this period, due to the small number of extended claimants. If, however, the analysis were extended to periods following March 1992, there would be an increase in both of these rates because of the extension of benefits through the Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EU3) program. 2 The Standard Short-term Rate follows the same general pattern as the Standard Rate, though there is a much sharper drop-off in the Standard Short-term rate in the early eighties that corresponds with fewer short term job losers receiving regular program benefits.

Organic Foods essays

Organic Foods essays Certified Organic by Geoffrey Cowley The United States Department of Agriculture will standardize the definition of foods labeled organic as of this October the twenty first. These organic foods generate eleven billion a year and are beneficial to the environment. What Consumers want to know is how they benefit from purchasing organic foods. Otto Kramm owns a large organic produce distributor, Earthbound Farm, since 1996. Kramm presently owns six thousand acres and three prosperous farms. Kramms relieved to be working at a farm that does not contain hazardous pesticides and chemicals he could bring home to his children. Over the past ten years, the organic food market has grown up to twenty percent a year! Forty percent of consumers reach for organic foods at their grocery store, and sales are expected to reach $11 billion for organic foods this year. Notable companies such as General Mills and Heinz promote organic products. Organic farms, however provide less than two percent of the nations food supply and less than one percent of U.S. cropland. As of October 21st,, the USDA seal proclaiming products sold as organic as of October twenty first, must meet specific criteria. All organic foods must be produced without hormones, antibiotics, herbicides or insecticides. The USDA does not state that organic food is safer or better than other kinds of foods. Products labeled 100% organic cannot contain any non- organic ingredients; organic products are ninety five percent organic; made with organic ingredients seventy percent organic ingredients; and some organic ingredients less than seventy percent organic. There are three aspect that benefit consumers when purchasing organic foods; more flavor, healthier produce and they are much better for the enviroment. For thirty eight percent of consu ...

Brown Vs. Board Comes Up Again Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Brown Vs. Board Comes Up Again - Essay Example The other side argues that they are trying to integrate schools as said by Brown vs. Board. They see it as trying to keep segregation from happening, not making it happen. The case was defeated in two smaller courts, but now is in the hands of the Supreme Court. Ethically, the lines between the two sides are muddled, unclear, and hard to walk. The most taken ethical standpoint is that all segregation is wrong. The idea that segregation is ethical would not cross many minds at all. In fact, the ideas of ethics combat the very ideals of segregation the core. Segregation always makes one side left out and short changed, not a very ethical stand point at all. The Supreme Court has huge ethical obligations here. The Supreme Court is the highest judicial power in the country, and being so its rulings at looked at with great esteem and should be made with the proper wisdom and patience of any such huge decision. The Courts also have the ethical obligation to review all the facts and the stories of both sides, to make sure that this case is done fairly and receives its proper due process of law. Ethically the people on the court have a duty to the people in the case, the people on each side of the argument, and really the entire country. If an incorrect or hasty decision was to be made, the ill effects would ripple through the country, and possibly have ill effects on the future and other decisions. The image of the Court as a high ruling power may also be tarnished if the proper ethical obligations are not held. This ruling is to have far reaching effects, as it turns out many schools use such programs to help keep schools even. How ever, is it fair to say that a policy that tries to support integration is unfair to some kids If kids are not allowed in a school because of color, that is segregation. However, maybe the policy simply needs to be revised and looked at, and parts of it change. I do not think the parents are upset over the entire policy, just the fact of the affirmative action and their kids not being accepted based on color. The obligations of the court must be to the Constitution and other ethical material. This ruling could affect many school policies, and could also have the potential to stop affirmative action for students of color on the high school, or any level. This is going to be an interesting case, and the outcome will be a milestone for the future of affirmative action

Developing a Public Relations Plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Developing a Public Relations Plan - Essay Example The American Red Cross is the US affiliate to International Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The organization does not have business profits as its motive of operation. On the other hand, the mission of American Red Cross is to help and save the people of the society by providing them shelter, food, education and basic amenities of life during the conditions of emergency. The purpose of the American Red Cross is to lend a helping hand as life support to the destitute and people affected because of disasters. The disasters may be natural as well as man-made. American Red Cross serves the noble cause of supporting the section of the society who are helpless and are in need of basic amenities for existence. Facts and rationale: the event that created negative publicity The American Red Cross elected its seventh CEO, Gail. J. McGovern amidst scandals involving their former CEO in 2007. Post-election of the seventh president, the American Red Cross lay off around one thousand employe es from its operational work force. The job cuts imposed by the senior management was brought about in order to restore a balance in the financial condition of the non-profit organization in a situation of crunch in the fund raising activities. The squeeze in the donation receipt in the denominations of the dollar as sources of funds for the organization led to the job cuts of around one thousand workers. ... The public relation between the organization and the society is extremely important for carrying out their welfare activities. Thus negative publicity due to this event laid to the public relations crisis. Goals of campaign: rationale behind choosing these goals The goals of the campaign are to reduce the caused damages due to the occurrence of public relations crisis. The specific goals include sustaining the public image of the organization that has developed over the years, maintain the confidence level of the public on the operations of the organization and also maintain a continuous flow of donations to the organization as a major source of fund for its operations. The reason behind choosing these goals is to maintain a healthy public relation with the society which is the key to effective operations of the organization. The organization provides relief, shelter, food, education and other basic amenities of life to the helpless people of the society and to the victims of disaste rs. These are funded majorly from the donations of the public. The organization conducts fund raising campaign in order to raise money from the people. Thus, healthy public relations are required to be maintained by the organization with the people of the society. In order to restrict the damage due to the situation of public relations crisis from the job cuts imposed, these goals have been chosen as a part of the damage control campaign. Steps to achieve the goals The steps to be taken in order to achieve the goals are to be designed in a calculated manner. A crisis communication plan needs to be set up by the organization. As a part of the crisis communication plan, the content of communication with the public needs to be prepared

Netflix Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Netflix - Essay Example Many consumers’ purchase behavior takes the form of a flag that follows whatever pattern and direction of a gust of the blowing wind. As search, there are very many cultural factors that influence a consumer’s decision to buy or not buy a Netflix subscription. There are very many subcultures such as religion, ethnicity, and race that inform most of consumer behavior and choice. The subcultures, therefore, have a bearing on the kind of entertainment that such groups will embrace since there are those that may not condone explicit sexual scenes, and there are those that may not have any issue depending on their value systems. Social class is another cultural factor that influences a consumers’ willingness to pay for a Netflix subscription. Members of the middle class watch a lot more TV than members of the other classes hence they are more likely to but the subscription due to the considerable time they spend in front of their TV screens. The inner tension that the consumer feels is called cognitive dissonance (Lamb, Hair and McDaniel 97) that arises from the post-purchase psychological confusion. Cognitive dissonance is a post-purchase behavior that many consumers experience when they feel that they either made a wrong choice or the dealer gave them a raw deal. In this case, the consumer’s post-purchase behavior resonates with the definition of cognitive dissonance since she finds that she does not have an interest in the programs that Netflix offers in their subscription service.

Benefits Of Using Gis In Waste Management Environmental Sciences Essay

Benefits Of Using Gis In Waste Management Environmental Sciences Essay Solid waste management involves a number of stages starting from the choice of sites for landfill, collection, transportation and disposal of the solid waste. Both economic and environmental planners are concerned with the setting up of cost effective and environmentally friendly systems for solid waste management. Geographical Information System (GIS) is a tool that can provide spatial and non spatial information for urban planning and management. This paper focuses on the application of GIS as a planning and data collection tool in Solid Waste Management and analyses to what extent GIS is being used in solid waste management by the local authorities in Mauritius and also identifies the barriers to the proper use of GIS in this sector. A GIS model for the Grand Port-Savanne District Council (GPSVDC) a local authority in Mauritius is produced using ArcGIS software and this can be used as a decision support tool in planning waste collection and disposal. The Republic of Mauritius is a small island developing state (SIDS), situated at 800 km off the East coast of Madagascar at longitude 58 ° East and latitude 20 ° South in the Indian Ocean with a total surface area of 1870 km ². In addition to the island of Mauritius, the Republic includes the islands of Cargados Carajos, Rodrigues and the Agalega Islands. The main island of Mauritius has a population of around 1.28 million inhabitants. The rapid industrialization and urbanization during the past decade have led to changing production and consumption patterns that continue to present new demands for natural resources and create new waste streams. It is expected that solid waste produced in Mauritius is about 380,000 tons a year (or 1,200 tons per day) and is expected to reach 418,000 tonnes in 2014. The present strategy of disposing wastes  at the  landfill and/or dumping sites will in the long-run be no longer sustainable or appropriate with the rapid increase in waste gene ration, scarcity of appropriate landfill sites and the density of human settlement. The development of an integrated solid waste management strategy is among the priorities identified in the National Environmental Strategies to reduce future costs from environment degradation. Governments policy is to promote waste reduction, minimize its generation, encourage the adoption of environmentally sound methods of resource recovery and modernize the institutional and legal framework for the entire logistical chain collection, storage, transfer and disposal and introduce a cost recovery mechanism. There has been awareness regarding waste management amongst many countries. There has been development of new technologies for improving the waste management systems. GIS is one of the new technologies which have contributed a lot in very less time span to the waste management society. (Moiz Ahmed Shaikh, 2006) This paper analyses the benefits of using GIS as a tool in solid waste management and makes an assessment of how far GIS is being used by the local authorities in Mauritius and identifies the barriers to the use of GIS in solid waste management in Mauritius. A GIS model for the Grand Port-Savanne District Council (GPSVDC) a local authority in Mauritius is produced using ArcGIS software and this can be used as a decision support tool in planning waste collection and disposal. SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN MAURITIUS Solid Waste Management in Mauritius falls under the responsibility of the Ministry of Local Government and Outer Islands. The main island of Mauritius has five Municipal Councils namely (i) Port Louis, (ii) Beau Bassin/Rose Hill, (iii) Quatre Bornes , (iv) Vacoas/Phoenix and (v) Curepipe. There are also four District Councils namely (i) Pamplemousses/Rivià ¨re du Rempart, (ii) Moka-Flacq, (iii) Grand Port-Savanne and (iv) Black River. Solid waste collection and disposal is undertaken by these local authorities in areas under their jurisdiction and is disposed of at the Mare Chicose landfill via a network of transfer stations situated in St Martin, Roche Bois, Poudre DOr and La Brasserie. Waste collection and disposal is also carried out by private companies on contract basis. The only landfill on the island is at Mare Chicose which is managed by a private contractor. With the increase in waste production the life span of the landfill is going on decreasing and soon there will be a n eed to increase the capacity of the landfill or to find another locality to set up a second landfill. The daily management of waste collection and disposal activities is carried out by officers of the Health Department of the Municipal Councils and the District Councils. 1.3 What is GIS? GIS is a computer system for capturing, storing, checking, integrating, manipulating, analyzing and displaying data related to positions on the Earths surface. Typically, a Geographical Information System is used for handling maps of one kind or another. These might be represented as several different layers where each layer holds data about a particular kind of feature. Each feature is linked to a position on the graphical image on a map and a record in an attribute table. GIS allows us to view, understand, question, interpret, and visualize data in many ways that reveal relationships, patterns, and trends in the form of maps, globes, reports, and charts. A GIS helps you answer questions and solve problems by looking at your data in a way that is quickly understood and easily shared. GIS technology can be integrated into any enterprise information system framework. 1.4 Uses of GIS in Solid Waste Management Solid waste management comprises several phases, starting from the stage where the waste is generated till it reaches its final destination or at a stage where it is no more a threat to the environment. It is observed that solid waste management can be bifurcated into mainly two phases. One is the waste management in the area where it is generated and second is the management of waste at dumping grounds. (Moiz Ahmed Shaikh, 2006). The development of Geographic Information System (GIS) and its use throughout the world has contributed a lot in improving waste management systems. GIS helps to manipulate data in the computer to simulate alternatives and to take the most effective decisions. GIS can add value to waste management applications by providing outputs for decision support and analysis in a wide spectrum of projects such as route planning for waste collection, site selection exercises for transfer stations, landfills or waste collection points. GIS provides a flexible platform w hich integrates and analyses maps and waste management databases. GIS allows us to create and store as many layers of data or maps as we want and provides various possibilities to integrate tremendous amounts of data and map overlays into a single output to aid in decision making (Chang et al. 1997). The changing production and consumption patterns have caused a rise in the volume of solid waste putting considerable pressure on Governments in dealing with the increased waste generation. It implies that local authorities will require huge capital investments and operational strategies for collection, transportation and disposal of solid waste. Delimiting factors such as limited financial resources have made it imperative to replace existing ad hoc methods employed in solid waste management and planning (Vijay et al. 2008). Sarptas et al. (2005) studied the use GIS in solid waste management in coastal areas as a decision support system with a case study on landfill site selection. The results of the study are that GIS is becoming a powerful tool in SWM. However there are still some drawbacks and deficiencies in applying the method extensively. For example, it is not applied in solid waste generation studies because large fluctuations in solid waste generation by time and space and the dynamic nature of urban areas generate several difficulties in determining the current solid waste generation patterns. In the early period of GIS technology, from the 1980s to the early 1990s, GIS software was capable of executing only basic geographical operations. These capabilities of GIS software limited the user to only basic tasks such as exclusion and allowed them to determine only alternative landfill sites in landfill siting applications. Advances in information technology and increasing access to computer system s by decision makers have improved the usefulness of computer models and computer aided technologies in DSS in the last decade. One of the typical examples is the SWM systems. The GIS models do not only support the decision procedure but also facilitate the communication and mutual understanding between decision maker and the people, because the implications of a SWM closely affects the society. However, the basic limitations in the use of GIS in SWM is the data availability. Because, especially in developing countries the available data are very scarce and access to the data is very poor and tiring. In addition, the existing data are not reliable, not collected, stored and disseminated systematically. More comprehensive researches and more efforts on data gathering to fulfill the needs of GIS models are recommended. Since routing models make extensive use of spatial data, GIS can provide effective handling, displaying and manipulation of such geographical and spatial information. For example, Ghose et al. (2006) proposed a model for the system of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) collection that provides planning for distribution of collection bins, load balancing of vehicles and generation of optimal routing based on GIS. According to Reddy et al. (2007), traditional and static approaches are no longer adequate for analyzing network flows and conducting minimum cost routing. Reddy et al. attempted to develop a decision support system for generating an optimum route for solid waste disposal in Hyderabad City and hence to reduce the distance ran by the collection vehicle using GIS. GIS tool provides an effective decision support through its database management capabilities, graphical user interfaces and cartographic visualization. The system developed by Reddy et al. used the Network Analyst module available in Arcview, which is a path-finding program used to model the movement of resources between two points or more. Chatila (2008) developed a GIS system for natural resources management and recycling of solid waste in the village of Marjeyoun in Southern Lebanon. A GIS map was prepared to serve as a zone management plan along with an environmental assessment that identifies cumulative pressures and impacts of some human activities on the village and the environment. A recycling program was developed based on solid waste sampling and analysis of collection systems. In a study carried out by Bergeron et al. (2010), 3D visualization and GIS were used to produce a digital city model for the Star City, West Virginia to allow government officials and managers to manage assets and perform day-to-day operations, develop sustainable planning initiatives, and management of solid waste assets and facilities, planning for solid waste and recycling facilities and drop-offs, mapping and planning efficient waste hauler routes and identifying issues such a underserved populations and illegal dumping. However, building and using a GIS requires expert knowledge, and can often prevent such systems from being used to their full capability by local officials. In addition, local government is often comprised of mature citizens who are committed to serving their community but may be wary of new technologies that are unfamiliar to them. 1.5 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The aim of this paper is to analyse the extent to which GIS is being used in waste management by the local authorities in Mauritius, to identify barriers to proper use of GIS in solid waste management and to assess to what extent GIS affects sustainable waste management as a decision support tool in planning waste collection, recycling, waste segregation and disposal in order to create cost-effective systems. Finally a model will be proposed for the Grand Port-Savanne District Council (GPSVDC) a local authority in Mauritius using ArcGIS software that could be used as a decision support tool in planning waste collection and disposal. The model produced will be used to store information regarding the existing collection routes, land use data, population data etc and data regarding the volume of waste produced. Based on these information decisions appropriate decisions can be taken to improve the existing solid waste management system and also predictions can be made for future plans. Hence, in short the aims of this project are mainly as follows: To identify to what extent GIS is being used in waste management in Mauritius. To identify barriers to proper use of GIS in waste management. To assess to what extent GIS affects sustainable waste management as a decision support tool in planning waste collection, recycling, waste segregation and disposal To carry out a case study for the Grand Port-Savanne District Council (GPSVDC) a local authority in Mauritius in order to produce a database for decision making. The paper will also carry out a literature study of some examples of GIS work for waste management. The study will include a discussion and a critical analysis of the models. The analysis of these studies will allow us to learn about the usefulness of GIS as a tool is solid waste waste management and these may be developed for Mauritius in the context of creating an Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan. Further to literature review, a number of hypotheses have been designed and have been described briefly GIS and Social Development H1: There is a significant link between GIS and Social Development. H0: There is no significant link between GIS and Social Development. GIS and Economic Development H1: There is a significant link between GIS and Economic Development. H0: There is no significant link between GIS and Economic Development. GIS and Environmental Development H1: There is a significant link between GIS and Environmental Development. H0: There is no significant link between GIS and Environmental Development. To achieve these aims, a logical step has been carried out to complete this project. The structure of the research gives an idea of the issues covered in this project. 1.6 Methodology In order to analyse the general waste management situation in the local authorities (Municipalities and District Councils) in Mauritius, a scientific approach was implemented to gather primary information which comprises of different steps. These steps are as follows: Step 1: The target group was identified. 30 officers working in the Local Authorities were interviewed. Alongside, a questionnaire vide Appendix 1, was designed to retrieve information from the respondents. Step 2: The 30 officers were interviewed and the questionnaire was used as a guide to ensure proper flow of questions. However, much emphasis was put in open ended questions so as to get maximum information concerning their point of view relating to the present waste management system. Step 3: The data collected was analyzed using SPSS and Excel whereby results were shown on a first instance in terms of descriptive statistics being line charts, bar charts and in terms inferential statistics being correlation, cross tabulation. Step 4: A list of recommendations and suggestions are given regarding the use of GIS in solid waste management in Mauritius and how they it can help in sustainable waste management. As well as, what can be done to mitigate the barriers that prevent the proper use of GIS. Chapter 2 GIS Model Analysis 2.1 Model 1 This is an overview and a discussion of the paper, A case study of fuel savings through optimisation of MSW transportation routes written by Gilberto Tavares, Zdena Zsigraiova, Viriato Semiao, Maria da Graà §a Carvalho published in 2008 in the Journal Management of Environmental Quality, Volume: 19 Issue: 4. At the end of the discussion there are critical views on this paper work. 2.1.1 Waste management background in Cape Verde This study has been carried out for Cape Verde where the demographic growth, tourism and other economic activities are putting enormous pressure on government. There is still evident lack of development plans, the existing waste management being rather poor and characterized by inefficient collection systems. (Gilbero Tavares, 2008) Besides, the negative impact of untreated waste on public health and on public concern, which focused the attention of engineers and scientists on the quest for waste management solutions viewing the prevention of undesired environmental effects, economy plays also an important role on this activity. In fact, collection and transportation of waste can absorb as much as 75 per cent of the municipalities MSWM budget that are usually the institutions responsible for such activities. (Gilbero Tavares, 2008) One of the heavy costs present in MSWM systems is the fuel price and its consumption is inevitably associated with undesired pollutants emissions. Therefore, the minimisation of fuel consumption to perform waste collection and transportation to its treatment or final disposal brings enormous savings and environmental benefits. 2.1.2 GIS approach The methodology used comprised of three phases. Phase 1 The model of the terrain and the road network A 3D model of the entire island of Santo Antao, Cape Verde was produced based on a digitised map provided in CAD files. The 3D model is generated as polylines based on contour lines that reflect the actual relief of the terrain. Using ArcGIS 3D Analyst, the 3D road network is then generated from both the 2D road network and the terrain model complying with the road gradients. This methodology makes possible the generation of road networks in the appropriate form allowing for the calculation of all inclinations of each road segment, which permits to determine the fuel consumption for both road directions (uphill and downhill). The 3D digital model and the road network obtained allows the large variability of the relief to be observed. Phase 2 Calculation of actual fuel consumption Fuel consumption during waste collection and transportation is influenced by the travelled distance and by the actual operation conditions of a given vehicle. These effects are incorporated in the model through the methodology established by Ntziachristos and Samaras (2000) in COPERT, which is a computer programme to calculate emissions from transport vehicles on road. (Gilbero Tavares, 2008) Besides considering specific vehicle parameters, the methodology also takes into account different driving conditions, namely the type of the driving situation, the vehicle load and the road gradient. The gradient of a road increases, when positive, or decreases, when negative, the resistance of a vehicle to traction. Therefore, and because of their large masses, the power employed during the driving is the decisive parameter for the fuel consumption. Once calculated, the fuel consumption value for each route arc is stored in the spatial data base to be used later during the route solver procedure that searches for the route with minimum fuel consumption. Phase 3 Optimisation of vehicle routing The efficiency of a management system that is able to solve problems related to vehicles circulation in road networks can be measured through its capacity to obtain optimised routes. For a system of MSW transportation, this consists of generating an optimal route for a given vehicle so that the value of the selected cost criterion is minimised. For the calculation of the optimal routing, the model used herein makes recourse to ESRIs programs ArcGIS, ArcInfo and Network Analyst extension, and it finds the minimum defined impedance path through a network. In order to compare solutions and clarify the potential of the present methodology, the routes are optimised regarding either the lowest fuel consumption or the shortest distance. Findings The findings of the study showed that the optimisation for the lowest fuel consumption yields 52 per cent savings in fuel, when compared to that for the shortest distance, even travelling a 34 percent longer distance, which shows the importance of considering simultaneously the relief of the territory and the lowest fuel consumption criterion when optimising vehicle routes. 2.1.3 Critical views With such a supporting decision tool savings in fuel are huge, the efficiency of management systems is improved and the environmental impact during daily operation is reduced. The GIS 3D route modelling takes into account the effects of both the road inclination and the vehicle load. The originality of the work lies in the chosen approach. To optimize vehicle routes the criterion of minimum fuel consumption rather than the commonly used shortest distance is used, since fuel consumption is the factor reflecting actual costs relative to MSW management. 2.2 Model 2 This is an overview and a discussion of the paper, A GIS Approach to Waste Management and Recycling in New York State. Written by Ghaly, Ashraf and published in 2009 in the journal Proceedings of the International Conference on Waste Technology Management, p1140-1150. At the end of the discussion there are critical views on this paper work. 2.2.1 Purpose of the study Solid waste and recycling programs requires management of large databases including collection data, transfer, processing, disposal, export, import, and future planning. The body of information involved in the decision making process is too challenging to effectively mange due to the many components it contains. A GIS approach takes advantage of the spatial nature of data presentation to illustrate the areas of strength in the system and to identify the areas in need for improvement. Such a system is not only useful to managers and state officials but it also is easier for the public to comprehend and appreciate. GIS also makes it easier to measure success and detect trends, which ultimately help improve the system to better manage collection, sorting, and recycling facilities. (Ghaly A., 2009) The existing recycling programs are put in place to reduce the use of virgin materials from forests, energy consumption, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and water pollution. These programs ultimate goal is to promote conservation and to encourage the members of the public to be active participants in this effort. This paper uses GIS to demonstrate, using maps, the current state of waste management and recycling efforts, future plans, and methods of measuring success across geographic boundaries. The paper concludes that a spatially-based management system offers advantages, which makes it superior to non-spatial systems. Data Collection This paper uses data published by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) for all the counties in the state to study the efficiency of the existing recycling programs and to find ways to optimize the use of landfills. This analysis is done for Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), industrial waste, demolition and construction debris, and for waste exported out of the state to neighboring North East states. For better management of solid waste in the state of New York, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) maintains a comprehensive database on waste composition, pattern of waste generation, and methods of disposal. The success of this operation depends on the quality and accuracy of data collected. This data helps in the decision making process regarding the transfer and processing of solid waste, disposal, import/export, recycling, and in making plans for the future. To contribute to these efforts, the Northeast Recycling Council (NERC) developed an Environmental Benefits Calculator which generates estimates of the environmental benefits based on the tonnages of recycled materials. Environmental benefits metrics involves quantifying the reduction in use of virgin materials from forests, oil supplies, and mines; reduction in energy consumption; reduction of Green House Gas (GHG) emissions; and the reduction of water pollution, and conservation of natural resources. These are all goals that DEC is interested in increasing awareness for. Waste management and recycling are impacted by economic and political factors. These factors add a layer of complexity to the data collection process. Some of the concerns related to these issues are solid waste migration of recyclables across geographic boundaries, which involve dealing with regulations of various agencies and governments. In addition, the diversity and variety of recyclable materials add to the difficulty of compliance with required transportation methods across boundary lines. Four Phase Plan The DEC developed ambitious plans for data collection and analysis. This plan is made of four phases: Phase 1: Fill in data gaps by enforcing reporting requirements; researching recyclables data available from transfer or disposal facilities; and seeking voluntary data from non-regulated recyclers. Phase 2: Validate/improve data by using metrics to compare data from Planning Units and facilities; auditing a sampling of annual reports; include data source checks at facility inspections; and investing in electronic reporting mechanisms. Phase 3: Develop State policies to improve recycling by updating regulations to foster increased recycling; using permit conditions to promote best practices; involving State agencies/facilities; and incorporating these ideas into the State SWM Plan. Phase 4: Work with Planning Units to grow recycling by establishing more recycling metrics; reestablishing State promotion of 3Rs (reduce, reuse, and recycle); targeting higher recovery for paper and organics; and targeting outreach toward specific sectors such as government agencies, schools, and food service. Role of GIS in NYS Plan Data is the heart and soul of waste management analysis and future planning. In complying with their reporting requirements, the enormous number of facilities involved in waste management and recycling in NYS delivers tremendous amount of data. With its spatial nature as shown in the above maps, GIS can add a visual dimension to data that is otherwise too complex to comprehend. With more emphasis placed on enhancing reporting to comply with regulations, the bulk of the collected data is expected to increase and become more elaborate. It is believed that GIS with its excellent spatial techniques can help in the analysis phase and in the decision making process as well. Critical views A spatially-based geographic information system (GIS) for data management and analysis seems to be more capable of handling enormous amount of data similar to the volume collected by New York States Department of Environmental Conservation on solid waste and recycling activities in the state. With the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) aiming at improving reporting and analysis for better management, GIS can offer the tool necessary to accomplish these tasks with efficiency and ease. Based on this model, GIS can be used to collect data in respect of the type and volume of recyclable materials around the island of Mauritius. We can thus better plan the collection of recyclable wastes. 2.3 Model 3 This is an overview and a discussion of the paper, GIS Application in Coordinating Solid Waste Collection: The Case of Sinza Neighbourhood in Kinondoni Municipality, Dar es Salaam City, Tanzania. Written by Alphonce Kyessi and Victoria Mwakalinga and published in 2009 in the journal FIG Working Week 2009. At the end of the discussion there are critical views on this paper work. In this paper Alphonce Kyessi used GIS in ROUTING EFFICIENCY ANALYSIS FOR SOLID WASTE COLLECTION IN SINZA A NEIGHBOURHOOD IN DAR ES SALAAM. 6.1 Location Sinza A is one of five residential neighbourhoods of Sinza ward in Kinondoni Municipality in Dar es Salaam. Accommodation about 5,000 people, the neighbourhood is located about 12 kilometres from the Dar es Salaam city centre. The Kinondoni Municipal Council had contracted private companies and civil societies organisations in the collection of solid waste in residential neighbourhoods. Kimangele Company Limited is one of those private contractors. The routing system for Kimangele Company was studied in detail to assess the solid waste collection efficiency as shown in Figure 5 and 6. Figure 5: Location of Sinza A area for Kimangele Contractor Source: Mwakalinga, 2005 Kimangele plies from house to house to establish a solid waste collection system known as bring system in Sinza A. The bring system is done in big catchment areas i.e. above 50 metres in radius. Waste generation and collection Sinza A consisted of 876 households (Mwakalinga, 2005). Generally the area generates about 14.5 tonnes of waste per day. The waste composes of plastics, tins, organic food waste, packaging materials, clothes, metals and bottles. Out of the waste generated, the contractor collects 8.4 tonnes from households. The rest About 5.1 tonnes (47.7%) of waste are collected by informal collectors (using wooden carts) to designated collection centres. The rest (about 1 tonne) is haphazardly dumped in rivers, on roads sides, burnt or buried. About 160 households are not members of house to house collection service; they prefer using the informal collectors instead of the contractors trucks. When interviewed, these households complained of ineffective collection system by the Contractor. One of the given reasons was that the truck was not following the rout as agreed. Others households said the collection charge of TShs. 2000/= per household was too high. They were ready to pay only TShs. 500/= per house regardless the number households in the house. Figure 6: Collection Systems as applied by Kimangele Company in Sinza A Source: Mwakalinga, 2005 When the Contractor was interviewed in 2005, he replied that, out of 716 households he was serving only 70% paid the refuse collection charges (Mwakalinga, 2005). According to Figure 8 below, there are some areas where the truck drives twice creating overlaps. Normally, a truck stands at a pick-up point, about 50 meters from the other. In other circumstances, the distance is more than 50 metres, and as a result more waiting time by the truck is needed indicating that the whole system of waste collection was foiled. Work Organisation The collection frequency by Kimangele was done twice a week i.e. Wednesdays and Saturdays. The service starts at 6.30 am to 5.30pm. The truck was making two trips on each day due to the amount of waste generated and the ability of the truck to carry the waste. The route for the first trip starts at Superstar area and ends at Kivulini through Sam Nujoma road to Mtoni kwa Kabuma dump site, about 30 kilometres away (see Figure 7). The route for the second trip passes through Morogoro road via Shekilango road; the first point in this trip is Super Star Street ending at cafà © Latino Street. Thereafter the route enters Sam Nujoma road to the main dump site, Mtoni kwa Kabuma. Figure 7: Existing Route for Kimangele Company in Sinza A Neighbourhood 6.4

Colorblind Love Essay -- Pesronal Narrative Ethnicity Racism Papers

Colorblind Love I met my wife Aretha in the fall of 1997; she had just moved from Portland, Oregon, to my hometown of Portland, Maine. By Christmas we were dating, and before we knew it we were both graduating and heading to Boston for college. We’re now happily married and have a one-year-old baby girl. It sounds like a classic high school sweetheart romance, right? Well, to us, yes. But to many people, we’re â€Å"different†. These people’s views have nothing to do with our love, our relationship, or our daughter. They have to do with race. Yes, I’m talking about the mere color of our skin. My wife is Black and I am White. We’re both Americans, born on the same soil and raised within the same language and popular culture—all variables are equal except for our skin color. Yet many people see us as two entirely different types of people who do not belong together, as if Cupid’s arrows discriminate. Have these bigots ever bothered us? Of course, we’ve been affected in some ways. But overall, we thank them for their ignorance, as our relationship has only grown stronger. For instance, if we’re at the mall and a few people stare at us or point in our direction, we smile and wrap our arms around each other even tighter. A major reason we receive stares and assume special status is not only because of people’s views, but also because we are relatively rare. Slavery was abolished almost 140 years ago and our own parents witnessed the civil rights movement of the 1960’s. So why do interracial marriages still only account for 2.9 percent of all American marriages according to the latest U.S. Census data? Or more specifically, why do Black/White couples like Aretha and me account for only 0.7 percent? Of course there is no simple answer ... ... will approach melting pot status; the blender will grind the vegetables. If my grandchildren ever have to write a paper like this, my hope is that it will document success and the achievement of real racial equality. Works Cited: Randall Kennedy, Interracial Intimacies: Sex, Marriage, Identity, and Adoption, Pantheon Books, 2003; Maria Root, Love’s Revolution: Interracial Marriage, Temple University Press, 2001; Maria Root, â€Å"The Color of Love,† The American Prospect, 8 Apr. 2002; Michael Lind, â€Å"Far From Heaven,† The Nation, 16 Jun. 2003; Regan Good, â€Å"Questions for Randall Kennedy: Color Dynamics,† New York Times Magazine, 9 Feb. 2003; â€Å"Racial Patterns Across the United States,† Society, Nov./Dec. 2001; United States Census Bureau, "Interracial Married Couples", 12 Jun 2003, http://www.census.gov/population/socdemo/hh-fam/ tabMS-3.pdf.

Inventory management

Do they ever face the problem of receiving orders for an item that their vendor is not able to fulfill because it is out-of-stock (over-ordering or running out of stock)? I. If no, can this be a problem they might have in the future? 1. If no, why not? N. If yes, how does the vendor handle it? 1. Cancels Order a. Does canceling order affect your relationship with the customer? B. Does canceling order affect the customer reputation for the vendor? C. Are there any other issues associated with canceling an order? 2. Purchases from another vendor to fulfill order a.Does it affect their profit margin? B. Are there any other Issues associated with purchasing from another vendor? . Vendor will manufacture additional products to fulfill order a. Does this affect the delivery time? I. If yes 1 . Is changing delivery time okay with you? 2. Is changing delivery time okay with the customer? B. Are there any other Issues associated with manufacturing product after an online order has been receiv ed? 4. Is there another way to handle this Issue apart from canceling and order / Purchasing from another vendor / manufacturing additional products? Iii.Would it help your vendors to have a tool that allows them to manage inventory across multiple online marketplaces? 1 . If yes a. Would your vendors be willing to pay for such a tool? B. Does your marketplace allow for a software to connect to your online marketplace using a Website API to allow l. Product uploads Inventory updates iii. Orders v. Viewing competitors asking prices c. Would you be willing to help us market such a tool? 2. If no, why not? V. Do you encourage your vendors to view their competitors pricing and price their products accordingly? 1 . If yes, would It help your vendors to have a tool that allows Inventory Management Purpose of research A study of inventory management is undertaken in order to know the inventory performance and position of selected companies and to know the strength and weakness and to assess the profitability of the companies. Inventories constitute most significant part of assets of large majority of the companies in India. Inventory a double edged sword is usually an asset of an organization, if not used properly it will become liability. It is therefore absolutely very important to manage inventories efficiently and effectively in order to overcome unnecessary investment.Excessive stock, or excess inventory, is the result of bad management of stock demand or of material flow in process management. Excessive stock is also associated with loss of revenue owing to additional capital bound with the purchase or simply storage space taken. Shortage of stocks leads to loss of business, hence inventory management plays a key role. Literature review: †¢Article on inventory manage ment by weilege †¢Case study on coco-cola bottling inventory management by S. L Adyemi †¢Article on inventory management by James H Aim: â€Å"To identify the problems/challenges involved in the Inventory Management process†Objectives: 1. To study the inventory control measures and methods of valuation of inventory of selected companies in India of manufacturing industry 2. To identify problems related to inventory management specific to manufacturing industry of selected companies 3. To make a comparative study of inventory management of selected companies under manufacturing industries and to offer suggestions for effective inventory management Hypothesis: Research hypothesis: â€Å"Optimum inventory management leads to profitability of companies† Research methodology: a)Primary data:The primary data will be collected by personal interviews with officials. b) Secondary data Files, annual reports, periodicals, manuals and text book. Which have already been p assed through the statistical process are the secondary data used. Scope of the study: †¢ This study is to find the facts and opinions of inventory management and control of selected companies under manufacturing industries. †¢ In accordance with the present trends it aims mainly at finding out the inventory control procedures. Limitation of the study †¢ The study is related to only specific or selected companies in India of manufacturing industries.Proposed content of the dissertation: 1. Chapter 1: introduction 2. Chapter 2: literature review 3. Chapter 3: data collection and research methodology 4. Chapter 4: analysis and data interpretations 5. Chapter 5: findings and recommendations 6. Chapter 6: Conclusion 7. Bibliography 8. Annexure Work plan: First two weeks : literature review next two weeks: data collection for the project next four weeks: analysis and interpretation of data next two weeks: Findings and suggestions or recommendations next two weeks: compilin g of project report last few weeks : correction of report and final report preparation. Inventory Management Purpose of research A study of inventory management is undertaken in order to know the inventory performance and position of selected companies and to know the strength and weakness and to assess the profitability of the companies. Inventories constitute most significant part of assets of large majority of the companies in India. Inventory a double edged sword is usually an asset of an organization, if not used properly it will become liability. It is therefore absolutely very important to manage inventories efficiently and effectively in order to overcome unnecessary investment.Excessive stock, or excess inventory, is the result of bad management of stock demand or of material flow in process management. Excessive stock is also associated with loss of revenue owing to additional capital bound with the purchase or simply storage space taken. Shortage of stocks leads to loss of business, hence inventory management plays a key role. Literature review: †¢Article on inventory manage ment by weilege †¢Case study on coco-cola bottling inventory management by S. L Adyemi †¢Article on inventory management by James H Aim: â€Å"To identify the problems/challenges involved in the Inventory Management process†Objectives: 1. To study the inventory control measures and methods of valuation of inventory of selected companies in India of manufacturing industry 2. To identify problems related to inventory management specific to manufacturing industry of selected companies 3. To make a comparative study of inventory management of selected companies under manufacturing industries and to offer suggestions for effective inventory management Hypothesis: Research hypothesis: â€Å"Optimum inventory management leads to profitability of companies† Research methodology: a)Primary data:The primary data will be collected by personal interviews with officials. b) Secondary data Files, annual reports, periodicals, manuals and text book. Which have already been p assed through the statistical process are the secondary data used. Scope of the study: †¢ This study is to find the facts and opinions of inventory management and control of selected companies under manufacturing industries. †¢ In accordance with the present trends it aims mainly at finding out the inventory control procedures. Limitation of the study †¢ The study is related to only specific or selected companies in India of manufacturing industries.Proposed content of the dissertation: 1. Chapter 1: introduction 2. Chapter 2: literature review 3. Chapter 3: data collection and research methodology 4. Chapter 4: analysis and data interpretations 5. Chapter 5: findings and recommendations 6. Chapter 6: Conclusion 7. Bibliography 8. Annexure Work plan: First two weeks : literature review next two weeks: data collection for the project next four weeks: analysis and interpretation of data next two weeks: Findings and suggestions or recommendations next two weeks: compilin g of project report last few weeks : correction of report and final report preparation.

Fragmentary Sentences and Sentence Fragments

Fragmentary Sentences and Sentence Fragments Fragmentary Sentences and Sentence Fragments Fragmentary Sentences and Sentence Fragments By Mark Nichol A sentence can be fragmentary, but it shouldn’t be a fragment. What’s the difference? Writers should distinguish between fragmentary sentences and sentence fragments. The following sentences are fragmentary: â€Å"A virtuoso performance? Some virtuoso.† Despite the absence of a subject and a verb, which are considered standard components of a sentence, the reader fills in the missing parts: (â€Å"[Do you call that] a virtuoso performance? [That musician is] some virtuoso.†) A sentence fragment, by contrast, is usually a dependent clause formatted as if it were a complete sentence, such as the second sentence in the following passage: â€Å"I went to the store. Because I need to buy some toiletries for my trip.† The form shown in the second sentence isn’t necessarily always wrong; it’s appropriate as a response in colloquial dialogue: â€Å"Why did you go to the store?† â€Å"Because I need to buy some toiletries for my trip.† Otherwise, however, it’s erroneous. It’s possible, too, for a complete sentence to be misconstrued as a sentence fragment because of a simple error such as omission of punctuation. For example, â€Å"Before I was inclined to agree† is a sentence fragment, because the words do not constitute a complete thought; no useful information has been conveyed. The implication is that a condition will be described: â€Å"Before I was inclined to agree, I needed more proof.† If, however, before is supplied as an adverbial tag, followed by a comma (â€Å"Before, I was inclined to agree†), the wording becomes a coherent statement indicating that in the past, the writer would likely have agreed with something. Presumably, a sentence will follow with a similarly constructed reversal written in the present tense (â€Å"Now, I’m not so sure†). However, fragmentary sentences are valid. Besides the commentary form, shown above in the examples about the alleged virtuoso, they may take the form of interjections (â€Å"Whew!† â€Å"How sad!† â€Å"What a nightmare!†), expressions (â€Å"Good job!† â€Å"So long!†), and partial imperatives (â€Å"To the castle!†) Though, of course, exclamation points are not required in fragmentary sentences, they are common, and note that such sentences are considered colloquial and should be used with caution in formal writing. You with me? 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 Style category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Coordinating vs. Subordinating ConjunctionsThe Letter "Z" Will Be Removed from the English AlphabetHow to Style Titles of Print and Online Publications

From Communism To Democracy Essays - G20 Nations, Free Essays

From Communism To Democracy Essays - G20 Nations, Free Essays From Communism to Democracy Gradualism is naturally the most feasible approach to any situation. Since the fall of the iron curtain, these two Communist power houses have chose to move towards democracy. China has chosen to take the natural, more gradual approach to democracy where as Russia has chosen the fast-paced, more dangerous approach. These two nations have chosen to change their economies from a collectivized command one to a market oriented one in order to increase the ezdard of living in their countries. As we have seen in recent years, China is booming and becoming more and more successful, while Russia seems like it is regressing back to parochial ways. It is impossible to compare anything but Russia and China's approaches to change, and the results that incurred. The two nations have vastly different economies and to compare one economy to another would be illogical. China and Russia's approach to change are vastly different, almost like night and day. China's political and economic policy has always been to do things gradually. Whereas Russia believed in going through the necessary changes quickly, so that the hardship would in turn pass just as quickly. In the implementation of their policies, we have seen that China's approach has led to a 29% of growth in their industrial field. But in comparison, Russia only yielded 15% with their approach. But one must keep in mind that China has more industrial sectors than does Russia, so their job in improving industry is notably easier than Russia's feat in developing an industry. Politically, the two nations have the same policies that they held in their economies. China believes in gradually letting the people have more access to political freedom. And again, Russia's policy has been to flood them all at once with these new found freedoms. Unfortunately Russia's policy hasn't been the most naturally feasible approach again. Their people have been suddenly bombarded with all of these new found freedoms they have never experience before. They are like little children let loose in a candy store. There are all of these new things available to them, and most of the younger generation wants too try everything at once. All of these citizens experimenting with their new freedoms are creating political chaos. The Russian citizens don't have time to savor their new freedoms and are just trying to grab them from left and right. For they are probably afraid that if they don't take their freedoms quickly, they will leave as quickly as they came. On the other hand, China refuses to allow their citizens run the nation. Instead they are continuing to shun democracy. They refuse to have democratic elections, pro-democracy demonstrations, and still censor the press. They are still trying to maintain that wall that separates them from the rest of the world. From a democratic aspect, China's approach is appalling. China is refusing basic democratic rights that the Western nation citizens take for granted. China is under the misconception that they can give it's people little crumbs of freedom and keep them from wanting more. China's leaders think that they can keep controlling that many people for an undetermined amount of time, they don't realize that once the people know about a better life, nothing can stop them from pursuing that life also. So looking at Russia and China's political policies, it is safe to say that what is good for the economy may not necessarily be good for the people. When looking at evolution and physiology, one will also notice that changes naturally happen gradually. Over time, living organisms change and evolve, but the key ingredient is time. Sometimes changes take place over thousands of millions of years, as intended by nature. But when examining a change in nature that occurred spontaneously or quickly, one will notice that the change was usually a fluke, or a by-product of the interferences by mankind. China has taken the natural path, and has gradually succeeded in the short time span that it has be on the market-oriented path. On the other hand, Russia, who chose to take a fast-paced approach is suffering and has not succeeded in changing. Personally, I believe that the Russian people will

Dialectical Shifts Writing Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Dialectical Shifts Writing - Assignment Example She compares her dance to swaying of the cruise ship. The dancer/singer wants each one in her company to reach the ultimate in the world of enjoyment. Her concept of enjoyment is without any limits, definitions and boundaries and singing and dancing are only the mediums. She detests the word ‘restrictions’ when it comes to pleasure-seeking. The poet reminds her audience that the weekends are meant for enjoyment. Night and enjoyment make the perfect combination and as such the poet compares herself to the queen of the night. For such people societal restrictions and cultural barriers have no meaning, and they are inclined to take over everything in the world of enjoyment. She wants them to lose their minds, beat space and time and remain engulfed in the ocean of drinks. She wants the fellow dancers to be in absolute control of their body, mind and soul. The words kenzo and benzo carry highly positive sense and the poet is willing to break all formal disciplines of dancing to achieve the final objective of enjoyment. Def jam is a hip-hop music label. The poet assures the dance lovers that she has huge collection of songs to make the night memorable. In fact, she is not willing to make any other thought pass through her mind except that of enjoyment. In this part of the poem, the poet attains a new dimension of rage, almost to the point of recklessness. The lyrics are penned down with a devil-may-care attitude. She shows awareness about the societal criticism about her questionable feminist politics and her resentment on the male authority. She tenders immediate challenge to the criticisms levelled against her through this poem and is not willing to give any latitude for reconciliation

Post conflict establishments Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Post conflict establishments - Essay Example Historically, there were conquests and wars geared towards constructing territories that were subject to a supreme ruler. A good example is the Roman Empire that used fierce battles to expand its territory, and everyone was subject to the emperor in Rome. With modernity that has been pushed from the time of capitalists such as Karl Marx and other proponents of economic independence, there has been a shift in how nation building has to be approached (Fukuyama, 1991). With revolutions being witnessed in several nations in the world even in the recent years, the challenge of achieving a national unity has been a major headache to the government authorities as well as the international community. The world’s superpowers such as the United States together with other international bodies including the United Nations have been in quest of promoting democracy, but several attempts by such external parties have often made the situations worse. A good example is that of two countries â €“ Somalia and East Timor – where use of brutal force and captivity made the countries even more ungovernable and with the recent developments in East Timor, it has been evident that the approach to be taken in solving issues of nation building should be more inclusive. This paper tries to examine the challenges that the external aggressors, as they are sometimes referred to, have faced in their quest to help nations come out of conflict and develop. It further explores the possible means of eliminating those challenges so that the goal of creating stable and progressive nations is attained. Nation Building and Its Challenges As discussed below, there are various challenges that will have to be resolved to be able to achieve the intent for making nations more united and focused on attaining cultural, ideological and political diversity as proposed by Forman (2002). To begin with, the question of different cultural influence in the post-war nations has taken a great toll i n how the issue of nation building is to be handled. Finding a compromise for often sharply divided tribal groups has not been an easy task as will be discussed in the following section. Socio-Cultural Beliefs and Identity Many of the conflicts in countries have been as a result of conflicts from different groups that may present a religious, ethnic, class or any other social identity. Resolving disputes among a sharply divided people who are historically enemies is a heavy task for external organizations which might not be able to understand the very basic reasons why the people are in constant conflict. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict provides an insight into how religious teachings and ideological differences caused by historical misrepresentations have resulted in a deeply rooted conflict. In some cases such as this conflict, nation building between the two states through conflict resolution and even the constant use of force has not helped in solving the conflicts. However, so me nations did succeed in resolving conflict through arbitration even though it was not easy. A good example is South Africa during and after Apartheid. Whereas Bishop Desmond Tutu and President Nelson Mandela immediately set up the Truth and Reconciliation Commission with a sole purpose of restoring peace and justice, their main objective was to grant amnesty to those perpetrators who committed abuses during the Apartheid era. This however was done under stipulated