Friday, December 27, 2019

The Dichotomy Between Capitalism And Communism Essay

Economies throughout the world differ along varying lines, with some taking worker oriented approaches, and others pushing profit and risk into priority. The dichotomy between Capitalism and Communism throughout the 20th century can lead one to feel that capitalist nations are a unified front in how they approach economics. This is untrue, as even capitalist nations view the free market in different forms. Some may view government involvement as a necessity, others as a plague. American economics have long been dominated by this latter approach, a liberal market approach. While coordinated economies have gained strides in approval and productivity in recent years, individuals have claimed the US needs to follow the example. However, as the US most likely will retain its liberal approach for the time being, one must look at specifics to begin working on to better both the economy and its people. Therefore, industrial relations, that is, the relation between workers and their respectiv e companies, comes as the issue that can best be developed to assist the United States economic status and conditions of its workers. While the American economy stands out as the most developed and rich in the world, the workers and those contributing to this success often do not see the success firsthand. Relationships between highly profitable industries and their workers remain a contested issue, with large corporations such as Wal-Mart being regularly targeted over unfair wage practicesShow MoreRelatedThe Industrial Revolution705 Words   |  3 Pagesthat led to Karl Marx’s idea of communism as a massive grass roots reaction to the revolution’s social abuses. Firstly, the Industrial Revolution featured the construction of machines, systems and factories that allowed goods to be manufactured at a faster rate with a lower cost. The seed drill made it so there could be â€Å"a semi-automated, controlled distribution and plantation of wheat seed†(Jones 2013). Secondly, there was a great social and economic divide between the wealthy owners and the poorRead MoreThe Cold War and the War on Terr or987 Words   |  4 PagesTerrorism. During the Cold War there was more of a correlation between fighting Communism, and buying consumer goods. During the war on terrorism Americans were asked to give up some of their rights in order to maintain their safety. There is an abundance of similarities between the Cold War and the War and Terror. In Echoes of the Cold War, Elaine Tyler May says, â€Å"The war against terrorism, like the struggle against Communism, defines the enemy as a worldwide conspiracy†¦with operatives infiltratingRead MoreWorld War One And End Of The Twentieth Century1330 Words   |  6 PagesThis contracts between wars and massacres and goes forward to technology and science. †¢ This book begins with World War One and ends with the diminish of communism; this introduction gives a brief overview of the highs and lows of which the following chapter go into further detail. †¢ Hobsbawn uses his own experiences and memories to give a powerful interpretation of the simple facts of the mass slaughter, social upheaval and economic transformation of the twentieth century. †¢ Between the years ofRead MoreRussia And The Soviet Union1670 Words   |  7 PagesFrom the Beginning of the Soviet Union, the West opposed the communist nation ideologically, the capitalist West feared communism. Communism was the reason that the Soviet Union was not compatible with the Western capitalist nations. With the end of the Soviet Union and the birth of capitalism in Russia, the West believed that their eastern problem was over, although as time would tell this assumption would be incorrect. Over the next decade, Russia would exert their power over boarding nations tryingRead MoreMarx And Engels s Views On Female Oppression1309 Words   |  6 Pages Marx and Engels both contributed largely to the development of the idea of communism and class struggle and within this framework of ideas consisted an explanation of the struggles between men and women throughout history. Although Marx and Engels would classify feminist issues about female oppression over time as simp ly another aspect of class struggle, they nonetheless explained the development of female oppression using terms such as matrilieality, patriarchy, monogamy and class society. TheseRead MoreContemporary Mainstream Approaches : Neo Realism And Neo Liberalism1527 Words   |  7 Pages republican, sociological and liberal instituitonism. Commercial liberalism promotes free trade and capitalist ideals as the way to worldwide peace and prosperity. Sociological liberalism often promotes the idea of community and interdependence between states. Sociological Liberalist usually are advocates for globalization, especially when it deals with the betterment of popular culture and civil society. Neo-liberal institutionalists believe that peace and prosperity can only be achieved by countriesRead MoreThe Adventures of Mr. West in th Land of the Bolsheviks625 Words   |  3 Pagesfamine of 1921, affected the film. Also the idea of class struggle that is portrayed in the film between the charact ers and how their class is connected their actions. The amount of symbols in the film are great from the U.S flag to the peasant thieves themselves as it is warning of western/capitalist ideology. Although this film is about a gullible American it does not go into foreign relations between the nations and does not portray the United States as â€Å"evil†. This film probably went through censorshipRead MoreThe Relationship Between Iron Man And Iron Man1252 Words   |  6 PagesIron Man, a superhero, and his arch nemesis, Mandarin, are an example of the complexities the relationship between a villain and superhero contain. The relationship between superheroes and the villains they fight are vital to their storylines, but also to our understanding of humanity. Iron Man and Mandarin elucidate how the methods each employs to achieve his aims are what differentiate them as good or evil, while simultaneously showing how villains can hold sympathetic qualities or share qualitiesRead MoreThe Dispossessed by Ursula Le Guin1486 Words   |  6 PagesThe Dispossessed by Ursula Le Guin is a criticism of today’s capitalism by investigating what society structure would be best for human society. Le Guin uses the two models of capitalism and communism to be compared and contrasted against one another to determine which would function better and how to achieve such success. In order to depict what a replacement structure would look like; Le Guin creates two worlds to highlight the advantages and disadvantages of influence that each of these modelsRead MoreKant s Philosophy Of The State And Analysis Of Historical Summit1312 Words   |  6 Pagesdetached from its capitalist class and leads to the establishment of a classless society. Marx notes on this necessary revolution that â€Å"†¦Communism abolishes eternal truths, it abolishes all religion and all morality, instead of constituting them on a new basis; it therefore acts in contradiction to all past hi storical experience† (530). Marx’s notion of communism maintains and expands upon Hegel’s moral structure in his ideal of the state as concrete moral identity and unity. Damla Kaya

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

The Ethical Dilemma of Gambling in Pro Sports - 1660 Words

Gambling in professional sports is an ethical dilemma that needs to be examined from all angles before making a decision on whether to bet or not. Gambling has been a part our society for thousands of years, dating back to the original Olympic Games in Greece. Depending on where you live, there will be different laws regarding the rules of gambling. The story of Pete Rose shows a good example of what can happen to a sports manager that bets on his own team and others in his sport. In this case, there will be a situation where someone is faced with an ethical dilemma and they must go over all options before making a decision. Before betting on a sports team, one must look at all alternatives to betting and the consequences that come with each one. After this, a choice must be made regarding the ethical dilemma. This decision must be looked at from the legal side of things, as well as your own gut feelings towards your choice. You also must ask yourself how you would feel about it if y ou told the world what your decision is. The code of ethics of sports managers can also play a role in the decision making process. An ethical theory called utilitarianism will also be a way of looking at how and why the decision was made. By covering all these topics, it will assist in making the decision for an ethical dilemma. According to Frixo.com (2014), for as long as there has been matches with winners and losers, there has been betting. However, when it comes to popularizing andShow MoreRelatedEthical, Morality, Or Survival : Dilemma Of A College Athlete?1462 Words   |  6 PagesEthical, Morality, or Survival: Dilemma of A College Athlete? Collegiate sports brings in over $6.3 billion a year to universities all over the country. The college coaches are compensated up to seven figure salaries to head the programs. College athletes are not paid one dollar for their contribution for the revenue being brought in to the universities as a result of their performance. There is a strong argument that could be presented by the student athletes and an equally strong case that couldRead MoreHockey Players Are Pretty Good People1536 Words   |  7 PagesSo this brings up my first point and ethical dilemma; is it right for the NHL to put their players in this town? One can argue that is not the responsibility of the NHL to control the actions of their players, however, is it a good idea to even present the opportunity for a millionaire athlete to be tempted by this excessive town, that is Las Vegas? Generally, hockey players are pretty good people, including professionals playing in the NHL, or instance; P.K. Subban, current Nashv ille Predator, andRead MoreMinding the Business of College Athletic Programs7955 Words   |  32 PagesNews Introduction Be a sport, young people are admonished. Play fair. Play by the rules. Everywhere in the developed world, sports are raised high up on social pedestals as redeeming activities that characterize the best of the human spirit, fair competition, and physical achievement. Society welcomes athleticism due largely to anticipation of the wholesome and upstanding values with which it is associated. Character is said to be built through participation in sports. While certainly thereRead MoreStephen P. Robbins Timothy A. Judge (2011) Organizational Behaviour 15th Edition New Jersey: Prentice Hall393164 Words   |  1573 PagesBalance Work–Life Conflicts 21 †¢ Creating a Positive Work Environment 22 †¢ Improving Ethical Behavior 22 Coming Attractions: Developing an OB Model 23 An Overview 23 †¢ Inputs 24 †¢ Processes 25 †¢ Outcomes 25 Summary and Implications for Managers 30 S A L Self-Assessment Library How Much Do I Know About Organizational Behavior? 4 Myth or Science? â€Å"Most Acts of Workplace Bullying Are Men Attacking Women† 12 An Ethical Choice Can You Learn from Failure? 24 glOBalization! Does National Culture AffectRead MoreFundamentals of Hrm263904 Words   |  1056 PagesPrinted in the United States of America 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Brief Contents PA RT 1 Chapter 1 Chapter 2 UNDERSTANDING HRM The Dynamic Environment of HRM 2 Fundamentals of Strategic HRM 28 PART 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 THE LEGAL AND ETHICAL CONTEXT OF HRM Equal Employment Opportunity 56 Employee Rights and Discipline 84 PART 3 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 STAFFING THE ORGANIZATION Human Resource Planning and Job Analysis 110 Recruiting 132 Foundations of Selection 154 PARTRead MoreExploring Corporate Strategy - Case164366 Words   |  658 Pagesââ€"  PAGE NUMBER IN THE BOOK 605 608 619 625 629 652 662 667 677 685 694 708 712 718 727 733 740 746 CASE Ministry of Sound – rapid growth but a questionable future in the music industry. Pharmaceutical Industry – global forces at work in the ethical pharmaceutical industry. TUI – competitive forces in the travel industry. HiFi – how can small players survive changing markets? Amazon (B) – latest developments in a successful dot.com. Formula One – developing the capabilities for competitive successRead MoreHuman Resources Management150900 Words   |  604 PagesIdentify the three different roles of HR management. Discuss the three dimensions associated with HR management as a strategic business contributor. Explain why HR professionals and operating managers must view HR management as an interface. Discuss why ethical issues and professionalism affect HR management as a career field. ââ€"  ââ€"  ââ€"  ââ€"  ââ€"  3 HR TRANSITIONS HR Management Contributes to Organizational Success More effective management of human resources (HR) increasingly is being seen asRead MoreCase Study148348 Words   |  594 Pagesis very informal. Accounting and sales management are done manually. Rituals and routines. Numerous rituals in the villages signifying the abandonment of social norms and ‘hippy’ equality: pearl necklaces instead of money, songs and dances, shows, sports events with medals and so on. Stories. The origins (Blitz and Trigano), the first tent village in Alcà ºdia, former GOs who became artists or television hosts. The 1978 motion picture French Fried Vacation, even if it was not located in a Club Med villageRead MoreOverview of Hrm93778 Words   |  376 Pageswith HRM Components of an organization Concepts of people working together Individual vs. Group behavior and Teams History of HRM New trends at workplace with changing environment Workforce diversity, pros and cons Functions of HRM Relationship between HR specialist and line managers Legal and ethical issues in HRM Human resource planning (HRP)Human resource information system (HRIS) Job analysis Job analysis continued Job analysis outcomes. Recruitment Source of recruitment Selection Selection TestsRead MoreDeveloping Management Skills404131 Words   |  1617 PagesSensitive Line 58 Understanding and Appreciating Individual Differences Important Areas of Self-Awareness 61 Emotional Intelligence 62 Values 65 Ethical Decision Making and Values 72 Cognitive Style 74 Attitudes Toward Change 76 Core Self-Evaluation 79 SKILL ANALYSIS 84 Cases Involving Self-Awareness 84 Communist Prison Camp 84 Computerized Exam 85 Decision Dilemmas 86 SKILL PRACTICE 89 Exercises for Improving Self-Awareness Through Self-Disclosure 89 Through the Looking Glass 89 Diagnosing Managerial Characteristics

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Memo on Communication Audit Findings for Juniors and Colleagues

Question: Discuss about theMemo on Communication Audit Findings for Juniors and Colleagues. Answer: This is to inform you all that the authority of the company recently took the initiative to conduct a communication audit. A communication audit is a set of procedures used to establish the internal and external communication faults and strengths. Through auditing, our company is able to understand its communication practices and how well our target-market is informed about our company. The purpose of the audit specifically was to know how well the current communication is working and what efficient and cost-effective processes could be initiated for future communication. The audit serves as a gateway to evaluate our goals and objectives of the company, with regard to the efficiency, reach and gratification of our prevalent communication strategy and achievement. Just for those who are unaware, there have been increased concerns and complaints about our communication to clients, juniors, colleagues, and seniors of this company. Sufficient and appropriate communication audit evidence is urgently needed by the management to make decisions. Important to note, the audit will be independent from any compromise, and this is for the purposes of relevance and reliability in forming a sound opinion about our communication criteria. It is apparent that external communication processes, such as marketing and promotions of the products are effective and cost-effective. However, there are a few problems that were brought to light by the auditing, including: Employees not choosing the appropriate means of communication for the context and the audience. Inappropriate means of communication may damage our relationships with customers, loss of productivity and increased conflicts among the employees. The internal organizational communication network is limited and partial, with some groups being left out. This is inauspicious since the outcome is always lack of transparency to an organization, whereby the company will not grow well and may lead to an ineffective team. Inter-organizational meetings are unproductive. They lead to a low outcome in performance by the employees whereby, communication will be limited. This is the reason as to why organizational conflicts exist. There remain enormous gaps in the communication process due to the ineffective inter-organizational meetings. In solving these problems, members are encouraged to employ the following approaches. To begin with, the members are required to check on their ways of communication amongst themselves and even the audience. Additionally, the medium for communication should be chosen appropriately. The members need to prioritize communication in this organization and are also encouraged to create some communication guidelines for the organization. For example in marketing and promotion of products, employees are encouraged to use blogs, tweets, podcasts, video conferencing, face to face channels which may include social events and gatherings, and speeches. Employees should also provide feedback promptly regarding the inquiries of the clients. Furthermore, the communication network should be reconsidered, and all groups are incorporated. There is need to use social collaboration platforms that will ensure that employees get access to a single platform for communication. Additionally, employees are required to use the online forum which will enhance sharing of information among themselves and responses to be given accordingly. This will enable efficient communication flow in the company. Finally, inter-organizational meetings should begin with immediate effect. Employees should avoid using grapevine communication which is unreliable. There is need to allow for turn-taking while communicating in the meetings and also respect given to every member's grievances. This will provide all employees with a noble chance to contribute towards the growth of the company through airing out views and issues that could be making the company fail. In summary, the memo is to bring to your attention the main problems affecting the internal communication process. All employees are supposed to be enlightened of all these problems with the various actions and steps to be undertaken in order to curb these problems. Consequently, all employees are requested to come up with other ways to boost communication in Data Solutions Company both in Brisbane and its constituent offices in Melbourne and Sydney. Please understand that we are prudently notifying you in order to increase the productivity of our company. Therefore, employees are requested to comply with the memo positively for the betterment of ourselves and the organization at large. If all the actions are put in place, each one of us will have his or her place in the organization, and none will feel left out. Thank you for your cooperation and please direct any point of concern to my office. You can also call on my office line for further clarifications. Help desk 020-075 Email: info@datasolutions.org References Alsop, R., Nicholson, P., Miller, J. (2009). Generation Y in the workforce commentary.Harvard Business Review,87(2), 4349. Alvesson, M., Willmott, H. (2002). Identity regulations as organizational control: Producing the appropriate individual.Journal of Management Studies,39, 619644. Ballard, D. I., Seibold, D. R. (2003). Communicating and organizing in time: A meso-level model of organizational temporality. Management Communication Quarterly,16(3), 380415. Ballard, D. I., Seibold, D. R. (2004). Communication-related organizational structures and work group temporal experiences: The effects of coordination method, technology type, and feedback cycle on members construals and enactments of time.Communication Monographs,71(1), 127. McCann, R. M., Giles, H. (2006). Communication with people from different ages in the workplace: Thai and American data.Human Communication Research,32, 74108. Miller, K. (2009).Organizational communication: Approaches and processes(5th ed.). Boston: Wadsworth Cengage Learning. Pasieka, S. A. (2009).Exploring the changing workforce: Understanding and managing the generation of Millennial workers. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, Northcentral University, Prescott Valley, AZ.

Tuesday, December 3, 2019

The Plant Location Puzzle free essay sample

Ann felt that her strategy of keeping all the parts of the company in the same location, while unconventional, had contributed greatly to cooperation among various departments and, ultimately, to the company’s growth: EDC had become the largest and most profitable bicycle company in the United States. Yet her manufacturing vice president, Sean Andrews, was now urging her to build a plant in China. â€Å"Look at the number of companies here,† he had said that morning, as they helped several other EDC staffers stack brochures on the exhibit table and position the company’s latest models around the perimeter of their area. Manufacturing heads rarely attended trade shows; in fact, this was Sean’s first, but he had wanted to attend, and Ann had supported his interest. â€Å"There are too many players in this market,† he had said. â€Å"I’ve been saying this for two months now, and you know the forecasters’ numbers back me up. We will write a custom essay sample on The Plant Location Puzzle or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page But if they weren’t enough to convince you, just look around. The industry is reaching the saturation point here in the States. We have to break into Asia. † â€Å"Leave it alone, Sean,† Ann had replied. â€Å"I know this is something you’re pushing; you’ve said so in the past. But let’s set up a time to talk about it in detail later. This isn’t the time or the place. † Now, three hours later, with the show in full swing, Ann understood why Sean had been compelled to speak up again. Having all their competitors in the same room at the same time was a powerful visual reminder of how the industry had changed. She thought about what Sean had said about the U. S. market. In 1992, EDC’s sales and earnings had hit record levels. The company now produced almost 30% of the bicycles sold in the United States. But U. S. mass-market bicycle sales were growing by only 2% per year, while the Asian market for those same bikes was nearly doubling on an annual basis. And Eldora could not competitively serve those markets from its U. S. manufacturing facility. Two of the largest bike manufacturers in the world, located in rapidly growing Asian markets, enjoyed a significant labor and distribution cost advantage. She stopped at a mountain bike display set up by a fast-growing, young bike company. Mountain bikes with front suspension were the latest trend—the added support and cushion allowed riders to better absorb the shocks inherent in off-road riding without slowing down or losing balance. Most of these bikes were still prohibitively expensive. But Eldora, too, had an entry in this product category, retailing for about $190, and Ann was proud of it. For years, the company had concentrated its efforts on inexpensive bicycles, which retailed through mass merchandisers for between $100 and $200. Eldora’s prices were slightly higher than other low-end competitors’, but large retailers were willing to pay the premium because EDC had consistently been able to offer many state-of-the-art styles and features with quick, timely deliveries that competitors building overseas couldn’t match. One of the reasons the company had been so successful was that Boulder, Colorado, was a bicyclists’ mecca. Eldora employees at all levels shared a genuine love of bicycling and eagerly pursued knowledge of the industry’s latest trends and styles. Someone was always suggesting a better way to position the hand brakes, or a new toe grip that allowed for better traction and easier dismounts. And Eldora never had a shortage of people willing to test out the latest prototypes. Another reason was that all marketing staff, engineers, designers, and manufacturing personnel worked on one campus, within a 10-minute walk of one another. Ann had bet big on that strategy, and it had paid off. Communication was easy, and changes in styles, production plans, and the like could be made quickly and efficiently. Mountain bikes, for example, had gone from 0% to more than 50% of the market volume since 1988, and Eldora had met the increased demand with ease. And when orders for cross-bikes—a mountain/road bike hybrid that had enjoyed a spurt of popularity—began to fall off, Eldora had been able to adjust its production run with minimal disruption. EDC had also benefited from its foray into the high-end market (bicycles retailing for between $400 and $700) 12 years earlier. One of Ann’s first moves as CEO had been to enter into a joint venture with Rinaldi, a high-end Italian bicycle manufacturer that at the time was specializing in racing models. As part of the agreement, EDC had begun importing Rinaldi bikes under the brand name Summit and selling them through specialty bike dealers. Similarly, Rinaldi had begun marketing EDC bikes in Europe. That arrangement had had lasting rewards: although racing bikes were no longer very popular, EDC’s offerings had taken off. About 20% of EDC’s sales were now made outside the United States (primarily in Europe and Canada) through this and other agreements.

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

dumb essays

dumb essays Gazprom is pioneer in Russia in introducing the system of production/ecological monitoring of its units Gazprom's ecological policy in a progress of its realization The Company operates in the framework of ecological policy adopted in 1995. Environmental protection is continuously funded: 168 mln rubles of capital investments were allocated for this purpose in 1998. Running expenses covered from internal funds of Gazprom's enterprises were 3 times higher compared to 1997 and amounted 1.2 bln rubles. Reduction of industrial impact to environment and rational use of natural reserves are the basis of the Company's environmental approach. None of Gazprom's units has exceeded in 1998 the limits of pollutant emissions, though in total they were 110000 t higher compared to 1997 as the result of increasing gas production and underground storage. The water consumption decreased by 42.6 mln cu m down to 259.1 mln cu m. Consequently, water return decreased as well, down to 73.7 mln cu m. 94.0% of sewage disposal passed by water treating facilities. Closed cycle of water Gazprom is pioneer in Russia in introducing the system of production/ecological monitoring of its units Gazprom's ecological policy in a progress of its realization The Company operates in the framework of ecological policy adopted in 1995. Environmental protection is continuously funded: 168 mln rubles of capital investments were allocated for this purpose in 1998. Running expenses covered from internal funds of Gazprom's enterprises were 3 times higher compared to 1997 and amounted 1.2 bln rubles. Reduction of industrial impact to environment and rational use of natural reserves are the basis of the Company's environmental approach. None of Gazprom's units has exceeded in 1998 the limits of pollutant emissions, though in total they were 110000 t higher compared to 1997 as the result of increasing gas produ ...

Saturday, November 23, 2019

The Importance of Infrastructure

The Importance of Infrastructure Infrastructure is a term architects, engineers, and urban planners use to describe essential facilities, services, and organizational structures for communal use, most commonly by residents of cities and towns. Politicians often think of infrastructure in terms of how a nation can help corporations move and deliver their goods- water, electricity, sewage, and merchandise are all about movement and delivery via infrastructure. Infra- means below, and sometimes these elements are literally below the ground, like water and natural gas supply systems. In modern environments, infrastructure is thought to be any facility we expect but dont think about because it works for us in the  background, unnoticed- below our radar. The global information infrastructure for communications and internet involves satellites in space- not underground at all, but we rarely think about how that last Tweet got to us so quickly. Infrastructure is not American or exclusive to the United States. For example, engineers in nations across the globe have developed high-tech solutions for flood control- one system that protects an entire community. All countries have infrastructure in some form, which can include these systems: Roads, tunnels, and bridges, including the Interstate Highway SystemMass-transit systems (e.g., trains and rails)Airport runways and control towersTelephone lines and cellphone towersDams and reservoirsHurricane barriersLevees and pumping stationsWaterways, canals, and portsElectrical power lines and connections (i.e., the national power grid)Fire stations and equipmentHospitals, clinics, and emergency response systemsSchoolsLaw enforcement and prisonsSanitation and waste removal facilities for solid waste, wastewater, and hazardous wastePost offices and mail deliveryPublic parks and other types of green infrastructure Infrastructure Definition infrastructure:  The framework of interdependent networks and systems comprising identifiable industries, institutions (including people and procedures), and distribution capabilities that provide a reliable flow of products and services essential to the defense and economic security of the United States, the smooth functioning of governments at all levels, and society as a whole. - Report of the President’s Commission on Critical Infrastructure Protection, 1997 Why Infrastructure Is Important We all use these systems, which are often called public works, and we expect them to function for us, but we dont like to pay for them. Many times the cost is hidden in plain view- added taxes to your utility and telephone bill, for example, may help pay for infrastructure. Even teenagers with motorbikes help pay for infrastructure with every gallon of gasoline used. A highway-user tax is added to each gallon of motor fuel (e.g., gasoline, diesel, gasohol) sold. This money goes into what is called the Highway Trust Fund in order to pay for repairs and replacement of roads, bridges, and tunnels. Likewise, each airline ticket you buy has a federal excise tax that should be used to maintain the infrastructure needed to support air travel.  Both state and federal governments are allowed to add taxes to certain products and services in order to help pay for the infrastructure that supports them. The infrastructure may begin to crumble if the tax doesnt keep increasing enough. These exci se taxes are consumption taxes that are in addition to your income taxes, which also can be used to pay for infrastructure. Infrastructure is important because we all pay for it and we all use it. Paying for infrastructure can be as complicated as the infrastructure itself. Nevertheless, most people depend on transportation systems and public utilities, which also are essential for the economic vitality of our businesses. As Senator Elizabeth Warren (Dem, MA) famously stated, You built a factory out there? Good for you. But I want to be clear: you moved your goods to market on the roads the rest of us paid for; you hired workers the rest of us paid to educate; you were safe in your factory because of police forces and fire forces that the rest of us paid for. You didnt have to worry that marauding bands would come and seize everything at your factory, and hire someone to protect against this, because of the work the rest of us did. - Sen. Elizabeth Warren, 2011 When Infrastructure Fails When natural disasters strike, stable infrastructure is necessary for swift delivery of emergency supplies and medical care. When fires rage in drought-ravaged areas of the U.S. we expect firefighters to be on the scene until the neighborhoods are safe. All countries are not so fortunate. In Haiti, for example, the lack of well-developed infrastructure contributed to the deaths and injuries suffered during and after the earthquake of January 2010. Every citizen should expect to live in comfort and safety. On the most basic level, every community requires access to clean water and sanitary waste disposal. Poorly maintained infrastructure can lead to a devastating loss of life and property. Examples of failed infrastructure in the U.S. include: When the Oroville Dams spillway eroded, thousands of Californians evacuated, 2017Unsafe drinking water from lead supply pipes affected the health of children in Flint, Michigan, 2014Sewer spills during hard rains in Houston, Texas created a public health hazard, 2009The collapse of Interstate 35W Bridge in Minneapolis, Minnesota killed motorists, 2007Failure of the levees and pump stations after Hurricane Katrina flooded communities in New Orleans, Louisiana, 2005 Governments Role in Infrastructure Investing in infrastructure is nothing new for governments. Thousands of years ago, Egyptians built irrigation and transportation systems with dams and canals. Ancient Greeks and Romans built roads and aqueducts that still stand today. The 14th-century Parisian sewers have become tourist destinations. Governments around the world have realized that investing in and maintaining a healthy infrastructure is an important government function. Australias Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development claims that It is an investment that has a multiplier effect throughout the economy, generating lasting economic, social and environmental benefits. In an age of terrorist threats and attacks, the U.S. has stepped up efforts to secure critical infrastructure, extending the list of examples to  systems related to Information and communications, gas and oil production/storage/transportation, and even banking and finance. The list is the subject of an ongoing debate. Critical infrastructures now include national monuments (e.g. Washington Monument), where an attack might cause a large loss of life or adversely affect the nation’s morale. They also include the chemical industry....A fluid definition of what constitutes a critical infrastructure could complicate policymaking and actions. - Congressional Research Service, 2003 In the U.S. the Infrastructure Security Division and the  National Infrastructure Simulation and Analysis Center are part of the Department of Homeland Security. Watchdog groups like the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) keep track of progress and needs by issuing an infrastructure report card every year. Books About Infrastructure Infrastructure: The Book of Everything for the Industrial Landscape by Brian HayesThe Works: Anatomy of a City by Kate AscherMove: How to Rebuild and Reinvent Americas Infrastructure by Rosabeth Moss KanterThe Road Taken: The History and Future of Americas Infrastructure by Henry Petroski Sources President’s Commission on Critical Infrastructure Protection, October 1997, pp. B-1 to B-2, PDF at https://fas.org/irp/crs/RL31556.pdf Summary, Critical Infrastructures: What Makes an Infrastructure Critical? Report for Congress, Order Code RL31556, Congressional Research Service (CRS), Updated January 29, 2003, PDF at https://fas.org/irp/crs/RL31556.pdf Infrastructure, Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development, Australian Government, https://infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure/ [accessed August 23, 2015] Elizabeth Warren: There is nobody in this country who got rich on his own by Lucy Madison, CBS News, September 22, 2011, cbsnews.com/news/elizabeth-warren-there-is-nobody-in-this-country-who-got-rich-on-his-own/ [accessed March 15, 2017] Highway Trust Fund and Taxes, U.S.Department of Transportation, https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/fastact/factsheets/htffs.cfm [accessed December 25, 2017]   Ascher, Kate. The Works: Anatomy of a City. Paperback, Reprint edition, Penguin Books, November 27, 2007. Hayes, Brian. Infrastructure: The Book of Everything for the Industrial Landscape. Paperback, Reprint edition, W. W. Norton Company, September 17, 2006. Kanter, Rosabeth Moss. Move: How to Rebuild and Reinvent Americas Infrastructure. 1 edition, W. W. Norton Company, May 10, 2016. Petroski, Henry. The Road Taken: The History and Future of Americas Infrastructure. Hardcover, Bloomsbury USA, February 16, 2016.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Is the Future of Democratic Journalism Better than the Past Essay

Is the Future of Democratic Journalism Better than the Past - Essay Example Media have been used in journalism as the modes of communication in sending the founded information to the public. It has been known that journalism focuses on the truth that lies in the current issues and happenings in the society and surroundings. Various subjects have been incorporated to journalism from businesses to governmental activities and reactions of the society at large (Pavlik 2001, p. 83). It also contains entertainment and show business as artists, actors and directors are the topics of the rendered reports. Journalism may be performed by making documentaries, doing some interviews and capturing photos of the footage. In the current state of the world, people heavily rely on the news media as the professional body to analyze and manage the information flow regarding public events and happenings (Pavlik 2001, p. 83). The way media and journalism are used undergoes changes as technology progresses swiftly. People are migrating to the newer form of journalism which is don e through the power of the Internet. The digital age has greatly changed journalism as wired networks allow people to exchange information anytime and anywhere as geographical boundaries are not obstacles anymore. Gadgets are widely-used nowadays like tablet PCs, laptops, desktops, smart phones and other products that are connected to the Internet through cables or wireless capabilities (p. 213). Print media have been in the dilemma of becoming less popular and may lead to extinction as the audience prefers digital news over the print media like newspapers (Paterson 2008, p. 115). Some journalists may look at the change and shift of journalism and media as a negative phenomenon as the traditional ways may be gone in a matter of years. In contrary, other journalists think that the Internet as the emerging media for journalism has a bright potential that is waiting to be used to the full extent and for the development of journalism as a practice. News organizations are slowly embracin g the advent of the new media as digital technology is incorporated now into the delivery of news and public affairs though the traditional media may not be able to cope up. Various techniques are then employed to ensure the quality and improve the way news is generated based on the gathered information. Some even make use of maestro concept which is a brainstorming method of getting the job done. A group of journalists and media men compose the brainstorming session in constructing the news stories and projected images for the news scoop. It had been formulated by Professor Leland Ryan, a journalism educator who had assisted various reporters, artists and media men into how they can create good news stories. In performing the brainstorming session, a leader is assigned as the maestro among the members of the team who will preside with the format of the story planning. The group then will think about the questions that the audience may ask once they have perceived the news and jot t hem down. Afterwards the concept would be formulated based on the listed questions by answering them. Next, the team will visualize the scenario and how they can put the news story on a page. Lastly, the group will think of the obstacles that may prevent them from posting a good news story. They may need to consider the appropriate images and fonts for the stories and some logos or additional graphics that may enhance the delivery of the news. The group may even think of possible lay-outs for