Ethical Considerations of Health Information Management Essay

Ethical Considerations of Health Information Management - Essay Example Naturally, human beings are secretive and tend to limit the extent to which certain information concerning their social and health status should reach the public ear. Societal response to healthcare services often depends on the extent to which the health care service would infringe their civil liberty. This research examines possibility of privacy violation among the medical professionals as well as the effects of such violations to the patients. Problem Statement Handling of patients’ information is critical concern in the medical practice because it affects the liberty of the patient in one side and on the other side, it dictate the ability of the healthcare profession to discharge his duty. The consequent of the above phenomena is the need to create ethical codes that define the manner in which healthcare professionals should handle the patients’ information. In practice, medical officer often request clients to volunteer information concerning their health or perso n problems. This data is instrumental in discharging the right service to the patient as well as designing of an intervention mechanism to a disease outbreak in the society (Harman, 2001). Nevertheless, protection of the patient liberty is critical in ensuring effective service delivery. In this sense, handling of the patient’s information within the stipulated codes necessary, but the code should not bar the medical professional from protecting life. Summary of Research Sources Some critics have demonstrated concerns about the use of social network among medical professionals (Thompson et al., 2011). The fact that the medical professionals use social network aggravate the danger of violation of patient’s privacy. Recent studies indicate that medical institutions have established that some unprofessional medical students post medical information in the social network thereby breaching the patient’s privacy rights. Various laws defining medical practice tend to o utlaw activities or engagements between the medical professional and the public that would lead to breach of patient’s privacy. The Health Information Portability and Accountability Act define the extent to which the medical professional can share confidential information of the patients. The relationship between medical professionals and the patients is not only instrumental in defining the nature of the service delivered to the patients, but also affects the societal perception to the medical practice. Some critics show that patients are unwilling to visit healthcare facilities if their personal information were to reach the public ear (Neurodiagn, 2012). Arguably, this finding does not only affect the patient, but also the societal values establishing the medical practice. Some studies have sought to establish the influence of trust in medical practice (Thompson et al., 2011). Such studies shows that trust between the medical practitioner and the client dictate the nature of response that the patient would give to the medical officer. Information dissemination is a critical component of the medical practice. The medical practitioners rely on the information given to them by the patients. It follows that, lack of trust or breach of trust between the parties involves elicit poor service delivery. The handling of patient’

Assignment About Google Essay Example for Free

Assignment About Google Essay The question requires the student to evaluate how successful Nintendo Wii has been in meeting the needs of today’s gaming through new product development. The answer here is dependent on the student’s ability to analyse and evaluate the case study. The students are expected to make reference to retail marketing mix in their answer. Students’ answer should include the following or other equivalent answers: Considerations when developing new product strategy: i. Ongoing Corporate Planning ii. Ongoing Market Planning iii. Ongoing Technology Management iv. Opportunity Analysis/Serendipity . Market Penetration vi. Market Development vii. Product Development viii. Diversification Application of Pearson’s Uncertainty Map: i. Exploratory Research ii. Development Engineering iii. Applications Engineering iv. Combining Market Opportunities Question 2 Based on the case study, how can Nintendo Wii better manage innovation as a competitive tool in the field of developmental gaming? Answer: The question requires the student to identify organization characteristics and further recommend organization changes to facilitate innovation process within Nintendo Wii. The answer here is dependent on the student’s ability to analyse and give reason for choosing any relevant issues. The organization characteristics that facilitate the innovation process, students’ answer should include the following or other equivalent answers: i. Growth orientation ii. Vigilance and external links iii. Commitment to technology and Ramp;D intensity iv. Acceptance of risks v. Cross function cooperation and coordination within the organization structure vi. Receptivity to change vii. Space for creativity viii. Strategy towards innovation ix. Diverse range of skills Question 1 | Percentage| | Background of the case should be clearly discussed. | 15%| 2| Feasible application should be discussed in depth| 15%| 3| Identify the multi-dimensional concept of float glass technology. | 10%| 4| Use of proper language, grammar, referencing, and acknowledgement of external sources| 10%| | | | | Total| 50%| | | | Question 2 | | 1| Explain the dilemma, recognize the difficulties of managing uncertainty. | 20%| 2| Answers should be justified and must be logical and critical. | 20%| 3| Use of proper language, grammar, referencing, and acknowledgement of external sources| 10%| | Total| 50%| Marking Scheme

Partner Selection for International Joint Ventures (IJV)

Partner Selection for International Joint Ventures (IJV) INTERNATIONAL JOINT VENTURES Partner selection is recognized as being very important to the success of any collaboration. Taking into consideration the lessons from the Collaboration Exercise, the course material and any publicly available information available to you, critically discuss the relevant issues concerned with partner selection for collaboration, specifically in the context of an International Joint Venture company. The questions provided below provide some guidance on the issues you could cover: What are the main characteristics to look for in a good collaborative partner? What would your selection criteria include? Consider also the strategic, political and tactical implications of your choice (30%) What factors are important in determining whether or not you and your partner are a good match, i.e., compatibility of culture? Again, what would your selection criteria include? (30%) What could you and your partner do to create good conditions for a partnership? (40%) Length: All scripts are subject to a maximum word count of 4000 +/- 10%, excluding references, tables of contents and appendices. The final word count should be included at the end of the script. COMPLETION DATE: To be submitted electronically using the appropriate web-form available from http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/wmg/ftmsc/postmodulework/submissions/ and following the guidelines provided in your handbook BEFORE 09:00 on 17/01/11 PLEASE NOTE PMW received after 09:00 will be stamped as having arrived on the next working day. Post Module Work which does not reach WMG by the due date will be considered to be late. Penalties for lateness may be applied at the rate of 3 percentage points per University working day after the due date, up to a maximum of 14 days late. After this period the work may be counted as a non-submission. Complete your assignment from here (heading styles have been set up to assist you in this work) (Delete the instructions in this font before you save and submit your work): MODULE TITLE Table of Contents International Join Venture 2 Environmental characteristics 3 Partner Compatibility Evaluation 5 Creating good condition for partnership 13 Conclusion 16 References 17 Enter a page break here and between each question Partner selection is recognized as being very important to the success of any collaboration. Taking into consideration the lessons from the Collaboration Exercise, the course material and any publicly available information available to you, critically discuss the relevant issues concerned with partner selection for collaboration, specifically in the context of an International Joint Venture company. The questions provided below provide some guidance on the issues you could cover: What are the main characteristics to look for in a good collaborative partner? What would your selection criteria include? Consider also the strategic, political and tactical implications of your choice (30%) What factors are important in determining whether or not you and your partner are a good match, i.e., compatibility of culture? Again, what would your selection criteria include? (30%) What could you and your partner do to create good conditions for a partnership? (40%) International Join Venture International joint venture between two or more companies has benefits of more resources and knowledge share as well as reward and risk share. Reasons that companies create joint venture could be initiated by new product development, opportunity to access wider marketing or expanding the company with at least one company headquartered outside country of operation (host country). The immediate benefits of joint ventures partnerships are access to a wider range of resources with complimentary set of skillsets and expertise, access to extensive market domain and ability to utilise a broader range of technologies. International joint venture partnership is one of the integral factors to grow and develop economics and the most beneficial approach is by engaging with and utilising local business with strong market connections and existing established business networks. Environmental characteristics Government and Politics One of the most important criteria in choosing an international joint venture partner is the environment where joint venture will operate in, as this can have direct effect on the performance of both parties. Host countrys political atmosphere and government policies are key factors to consider when verifying the suitability of the environment; any pressure could directly or indirectly restrict the foreign partners involvement and activities (Blodgett, 1991). According to Ozorhon et al. (2007) host governments unstable policies and regulations, regular changes in laws and restrictions on repatriations and imports, jeopardise the effectiveness of joint venture partnership. In authors opinion host countrys political procedures that disable effective IJV partnership needs to be identified prior to any attempt to start a joint venture. An example of a political issue effecting IJV is political mismatch and disagreements between foreign partners government and the host partners government. This will hugely impact business agreements from taking place even if partners skillsets, organizational policies and objectives match and work very well together. Stable economic situation, government policies and political relationships are crucial to a successful business partnership; the foreign partner needs to find an adequate environment before deciding on finding a matching partner, evaluating economic, political and financial aspects of the environment. Case study This case study will look at current situation of Irans International joint ventures and influence of Western countries political relationship with Iran on business partnership with other countries. The Current UN and European sanctions on Iran over claims that Iran is building nuclear weapons have affected new joint ventures as well as the ones that have been in place for many years. One example is Rhum North sea gas field in Scotland owned by BP (50%) and the Iranian Oil Company (50%), the joint venture started since 1970s. New European sanctions have forced BP to suspend this engagement and stop production in Rhum North Sea (BP, 2010). This demonstrates politics contention between countries, affecting joint ventures and ending related agreements with immediate effect, causing financial loss for both partners. Other countries that are in agreement with the United Nations regulations and countries with good political and economic relation and dependencies with the USA and the West could also consider limiting and ending their joint ventures with Iranian companies. This is to avoid any breaking the United Nation regulation as well as avoidance to jeopardising their relationship and dependency to western countries. A stable host government creates a suitable environment for IJV partners; this has long term positive impact on the courtiers economic and immediate positive effect on the partner companies, allowing the parties to concentrate on the inside organisational progress and improvements. Economic Environment A partners country economic situation can affect the business environment and performance, having stable economic elements provides the foreign partner a constant and secure investment climate (Ozorhon et al. (2007). In authors opinion economic climate could affect IJV partnership viability, economic fluctuation, foreign exchange rates and inflation, with direct impact on the partner selection process. Businesses start joint ventures in other countries considering economic perspectives that fit their needs. The host countrys currency compared to foreign countrys currency, gives an opportunity to investors from foreign countries to benefit from cheap investments (Low cost of capitals) and increased wealth position. Currency appreciation makes higher material and manufacturing cost in foreign country hence foreign partner moves the production to host country to benefit from lower costs and gain more opportunity to compete and be a leader in the related market. Market Power The market power is focused on how businesses can get stronger and develop their market domain through international partnership (Child Faulkner, 1998). In authors opinion, successful companies with high position in the existing local market could take advantages of other countries market, enter international sale and extend their marketplace by starting partnership with other successful company in different countries. Also companies with advanced technologies and skillsets could start a joint venture partnership with small companies in other developing country to benefit from the raw market and extend their domain. Dominant market network, using partnership advantageous creates an International joint venture with mutual benefits to partners, increases growth opportunities and market power for both parties. Business market power is an essential deciding factor in selecting a partner. It is also critical to review the business and economic history of the environment, current climate and future predictions. The regional and national business performance, quality of life and people expenditure on similar product and services help to indicate the partners economic environment suitability. Development and management of international joint ventures in different environments creates their own challenges, above all cultural differences between two partners from different nations adds additional complexity. Other related issues and challenges are language barriers and consequence communication issues, management relationship conflicts, unclear objectives, different objectives, incompatible expertise / facilities, lack of partner support and involvement. Partner Compatibility Evaluation Before making any decision on selecting a joint venture partner, extensive research and detailed study are required to be carried out to identify the partners business prospects, objectives and the environmental and organisational characteristics. SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis is very beneficial and could be utilised to identify the potential partners weaknesses and strength and how they match the companys requirements. This would help to establish if two businesses complement each other (Barnes, 2010). During the International join venture module and the team exercises, author gathered a list of important criteria that are crucial in the partner selection process: Past reputation and positive track record of collaboration, good brand, culture (national and corporate culture), Organisation size, mutual benefit potentials, compatibility of CEOs and the senior management team, ability to work together in operation levels, government laws and regulations, strategic clarity and compatibility, management style, subject matter knowledge and skills, experience in the related market and assets (Barnes, 2010). In this assignment author is going to analyse and explore Cultural differences between partners and Compatible management style. Culture Why culture is an important factor? There should be a cultural fit between companies, for example it is difficult to match a bureaucratic culture to non-bureaucratic culture, as resources are not used to obey rigid rules (e.g. managers stamp or signature to process tasks). International joint venture partnership cannot avoid cultural differences; there will always be a case of hybrid structures. According to Swierczek (1994) majority of joint ventures partnership failures are caused by cultural related issues and mismatches. A study of 110 joint ventures between America and Asia shows 50% of failure is mostly affected by non-complementary cultures and incompatibilities. Partners culture influences commonly known assumptions, unrecorded rules and regulations and common understandings. It is important to evaluate the potential impact of the partnerships effects on the general skills, quality, resources and the company systems and organisational structure. Due to the cultural differences and the need of cooperation, there would be a need to compromise; however the effect of this needs to be analysed and the impact carefully evaluated (Swierczek, 1994). One important factor that determines the success rate of an international joint venture partnership is culture compatibility; without this partners cannot work together and conflict can occur. Compatible cultures can create same understanding and harmony between the partners. To understand cultures and the factors that could impact the possibility of their compatibility, author has evaluated different angles and viewpoints of culture. According to Hofstede (1984) core aspects of culture are: High power distance: Communication with higher positioned members and senior managers has formal process with hierarchy organisational system. Low power distance: Members feel equal, included in decision-makings and communication with senior members and environment is more relaxed and informal. Individualism: Contributor is focused on self-success, own benefits and objectives. Collectivism: Contributor has more interest in team success and group interest High uncertainty avoidance: Keeping away from risk and getting out of conflicts Low uncertainty avoidance: Comfortable with approaching risks and dealing with disagreement Femininity: In Feminine cultures values and approaches are modest, emotional and considerate. Masculinity: This culture is oriented by Competiveness, assertiveness and achievements In authors opinion it is evident that cultures with different values can face conflicts and disagreements, different nations can have different understandings and interpretations and culture as a foundation affects the conflict management style. In multicultural joint ventures, partners communication style will differ and could clash with each other; this could be very frustrating and create unsuccessful results. Different culture means different languages, different outlook, beliefs and problem solving approaches. According to Swierczek (1994) Asian culture generally avoids conflicts and when it occurs they seek help from senior members to suggest solutions but in European cultures there is less respect for hierarchy and when confrontation occurs, the negatives would be pointed out directly. In authors personal experience from Asian and European cultures, people with different cultures have dissimilar attitudes in business, partly because of the educational and discipline methods, that differs in cultural backgrounds. Partnership between two firms could be successful if cultural differences are realised and analysed in early stages. This would be by identifying the potential problems and conflicts with proposed solutions enabling partners to benefit from constructive aspects of multicultural approach. According to Swierczek (1994) building a correct and effective organisational culture and considering the involved cultures could reduce the possible conflicts. To make conflict management more effective two methods are introduced: 1. Compromise style To prevent any win-lose outcome, participants would negotiate and agree to give up their benefits partly so their partner would gain mutual benefits as well. Also when same objectives cannot be reached or more than one agreement is on the table, compromising needs to take place. 2. Collaborative style All the participants need to get involved and identify roots of conflicts and assess the possible outcomes and damages then introduce solutions agreed by everyone (Swierczek, 1994) According to Al-Khalifa and Peterson (1999) in many failed international joint venture (IJV) cases, manufacturing process doesnt last very long and this is caused by the lack of understanding of the local cultural, political and economic environment. Cultures need to fit between the organisations, a lot of international joint ventures collapse because of cultural misunderstanding and differences; it is useful to research the local market first before entering the collaboration. An example of cultural difference is looked at by Lynn (2002) between Japanese and American companies, where Americans had the impression that Japanese are efficient and hardworking but were disappointed when saw different results after starting the international joint venture in America. In Japaneses view deadlines werent as important as it was for Americans, Japanese were more concentrated on what they want to achieve regardless of time but Americans aimed to finish the work by the deadline however possible. This was a big problem for Americans when they used one of Japanese suppliers and received the order six months late. In authors opinion the definition of hardworking and efficiency in different cultures differs where Japanese seem to be aiming for the best result and improving the quality and less concerned about the deadlines. This could be very frustrating to opposite partner with different attitude. It is important that companies find a partner that are compatible and have the same perspective and understanding. Culture awareness and a full initial analysis phase, to gather the required information, helps partners to evaluate the possibility of working together successfully and provide the bases so that parties design a framework and set a realistic plan that would work for both cultures. Partner complementary skill According to Zahra and Elhagrasey, (1994) majority of International joint venture failures are caused by selecting a wrong partner. Partner selection by their brand popularity or reputation is not enough and further research is needed to determine if the partners are compatible If Partners skills and strength matches or compliments the business requirements, the partnership objectives could be successfully met; these requirements could be market, skills or resource access related. The range of skills that each partner can contribute to a partnership varies. A purpose of a partnership would be to fulfill the business requirements where the necessary skillsets such as technical skills, market knowledge skills, production skills, management skills or resource access skills are not at a sufficient level. This could also be due to the associated costs or time limitations challenges with producing these skills locally / internally. When two partners skill sets complement each other, partnership can work well together, however if two partners have similar or identical skill, disagreements and competition could occur. Organisations can often learn from the skills and experiences offered by the partner in an international joint venture to enhance their offerings and abilities. This could reduce the needs of future partnerships. Management Style It is challenging to manage International joint venture (IJV) companies that have been created by two or more parent companies. These companies have different structures, goals, management style and organisational cultures. People management conflicts become evident when partners discuss how the organisation will be managed and who will be in charge. According to Matthews (1999) the problems with international joint venture that require control and structured management are: Different background and cultures Business geographical locations Inevitable IJV short lifetime Joint business political issues The opportunities where management style could have a critical impact include: Combination of technical and business skills Access to IJV parents staff Organizational learning According to Matthews (1999), developing ethnocentric mindset in organisations tends to concentrate on parent companys management methods, be narrow-minded and inflexible. Traditional IJVs used to concentrate on parent companys management procedures and problem solving process which mostly ended up unsuccessful but some chose to approach global mindset and try to understand different cultures, agree to diversity and apply different management approaches where needed. Multiple IJVs management style Within multiple IJVs it is gathered that decentralised approach is more successful than centralised approach. After forming IJVs in different locations and setting up the operations successfully each overseas IJV would plan and react to local market demand. This would improve efficiency and make them able to respond to local customers immediately. According to (Yan and Duan, 2004) matching partners need to have compatible management culture and strategy, consensus on strategies, control and operations management. In authors opinion compatible management style is about managers with efficient communication and skills in creating a balanced relationship between partners. Management control and strategy is the key to be agreed by both parties to prevent any conflicts during the IJV and management control to prevent problems such as rush growth, ineffective use of resources and autonomous goals. Within this process partners need to have a structured management system and build an independent organisational culture. According to Gil and Butler (2003) it is easier to work with an international partner when managers have international business experience and cultural knowledge, this awareness enables them to adapt to environment, have positive attitude, respect multicultural environment and identify business partners capabilities Therefore having multicultural market knowledge can create an opportunity for both partners to understand and respect cultures, agreeing on what is best for joint partnership. According to Gil and Butler (2003) the stability of the relationship depends on trust, conflict and dependenceÂÂ  influenced by management skills affecting IJV performance. Some of the important skills in managing IJV are: Negotiation skills: Compromise, exchange ideas and make decisions at different levels e.g. Engineers and Stakeholders Management Political skills: Negotiate and communicate with government members involved in IJV Diplomacy: Dealing with conflicts and resistance within the partner relationship Inter-partner skills: Managing partnership, communication, expectations and setting objectives Influential skills: Influence and motivate team members Managing ambiguity: Bringing objectives and vision as close as possible. In authors opinion in hybrid IJV organisations, it is difficult to avoid conflicts and control system with openness management style. First steps in IJV early stages are: To identify problems and related solutions agreed by everyone To plan and ensure that the management strategy matches the IJV environment Flexible management approach to adopt as changes happen Balanced relationship creates harmony and trust, successfulÂÂ  managementÂÂ  of an international joint venture mainly depends on a balanced partnership which is based on trust and shared ownership, where parties communicate effectively and clearly to help efficient move towards common goals and clear objectives. At the same time extra cautious needs to be taken when dealing with sensitiveÂÂ  culturalÂÂ  andÂÂ  regionalÂÂ  issues, withÂÂ  a certainÂÂ  degreeÂÂ  ofÂÂ  diplomacy, people andÂÂ  languageÂÂ  skills. Creating good condition for partnership Prior to start of any engagement when forming a joint venture partnership, it is essential for both parties to setup an agreement clearly defining expectations and scope. This will form a clear understanding between partners and helps with effectiveness of communications between parties (Barnes, 2010). In authors opinion to increase the chances of relationship survivor it is important to be open about every aspect of the business from beginning in particularly about financial matters to gain the partners trust. Agreements on goals, responsibilities and performance measurements (KPI) in early stages could indicate any problems and warnings, which could be resolved and prevented in early stages. In the meantime flexible relationship and atmosphere is essential to allow freedom of speech and involvement in suggesting improvements or even change of original objectives. Any partnership would encounter problems and disagreements, however looking at problems positively and promoting an attitude to create situations where win-win approach (Barnes, 2010) is applied is the key for creating a good condition for a successful partnership. There are a number of elements that would significantly impact the condition of an international joint venture experience and environments: Invest time and effort to get to know the partner In an international joint venture partnership it is important for the parties to take the time to get to know each others organisational structure, cultural habits and methods of work. Clear objectives Setting clear objectives and goals prior to any engagements is essential to prevent any ambiguity and conflicts. Management style IJV complex environment could create conflict and ambiguity between partners, compatible management skills could create balanced relationship. Roles and responsibility definition and assignment In a complex joint venture partnership with a large number of unknowns and a mixture of cultures, habits, structures and skillsets, roles and responsibilities ought to be defined clearly to avoid disappointment and ensure effective partnership condition. Expectation management Open and honest communications from start of the business to the end is essential, people involved need to understand what will be achieved and when this will be achieved. Everyone needs to understand the objectives and progress of them. Misunderstood or unrealistic expectations can make a successful process ending as a failure. Create Trust When an environment is stabilised and partners have agreed on compatible goals with set mutual benefits, both parties need to work on gaining each others trust to enable smooth process avoiding unnecessary red tapes to maximise efficiency and workforce effectiveness. Risk forecast, evaluation and prevention It is important for companies in a joint venture partnership, to identify and evaluate the risks related to the partnership program and the associated impacts. Identifying problems and risk evaluation in early stages would prevent any unexpected surprises during the process. Also this would give an opportunity toÂÂ  analyse issues and find solutions. Following are examples of potential risks with IJV partnership: Language barriers Multinational partnership involves different languages; a solution needs to be applied to overcome language barriers. Full reliance on interpreters and translators could introduce additional risks where individuals do not have the required technical and related business experiences. It is highly advantageous if the employee involved with the business strategy, have related knowledge, background as well as being bilingual. Culture Different cultures represent unknowns and risks. Respecting multicultural environment and having awareness could prevent future conflicts, create opportunities to utilise multinational benefits and minimize the level of disagreements between parties. Politics Government laws and regulations vary in different countries. Time need to be invested to fully understand the local policies where the venture is based. Organisational strategies Organisational strategies mismatch between companies could directly or indirectly affect the objectives. These inconsistencies are required to be identified and highlighted to be considered during the planning phase to avoid potential future issues. Geographic consideration Local and related market condition as well as work ethic should be considered and matching business environment appropriately applied. Communication Clear communication is crucial in IJV environment where a lot of conflicts and confusion could occur because of cultural differences. Setting an open networks and freedom where employees can approach management levels easily could create an opportunity for everyone to get involved. Conclusion For countries to develop, create new technologies, use new facilities market and products, joint venture is very beneficial. Joint venture is an opportunity to boost businesses and continues to occur in more countries. Every international joint venture starts with different cultures and because of its multicultural nature it is unavoidable to experience disagreements. Creating mutual benefits and harmonious environments with common objectives and agreed values can overcome the cultural differences and create common culture which benefits partners and uses the positive side of multicultural partnership. It might be more effective to invest in countries that have similar cultures because it would be easier to understand the business networks, market needs and to resolve problems. With countries developing to be multicultural and expanded communication network reaching further distances, it is getting easier to approach new opportunities. People are interested to know other cultures and learn about others. The challenges and complexity in different cultures is unavoidable but nations awareness is very high hence their approach to each other is very positive and relaxed. While achieving strategic fit is more fundemental to the viability of a partnership,a good cultural fit optimises the potential of the partnership and helps to avoid the threats to its continuation which arise from misunderstanding and antipathy. While it is important for partners in an IJV to establish a strategic fit to help improve feasibility of a partnership, an effective cultural match between the companies creates opportunities for a stronger relationship. This helps to avoid misunderstanding, risks and potential issues that could cause damage the partnership. Partners need to establish trust, honesty and priorities to understand elements of successful IJV, structuring relative management style, which is independent from parents company strategy and assigning partners management responsibilities according to their expertise promises positive outcome at the end of the partnership. Partners require creating a relationship based on honesty trust. It is vital for the parties to invest time and resource to understand fundamentals of a successful IJV partnership. Reforming and creating a relative management strategy, which is independent from partner companies are key to a successful joint venture partnership.

Puerto Rico Independence? Essay -- essays research papers

To argue on Puerto Rican Independence, Commonwealth, or Statehood, we must first learn of the history of Puerto Rico. Growing up I was very ignorant about Puerto Rico. It wasn’t till I was in the Navy and got stationed in Puerto Rico did I really find out the small Caribbean island. Although Puerto Rico has an extensive history, I will only give a brief synopsis of it: In November 1493 Christopher Columbus discovered the island of Puerto Rico for the country of Spain. It remained a colonization of Spain until 1898 when Spain ceded the island to the United States after the Spanish-American war. In 1917 Puerto Rican’s became U.S. Citizens, but only 24% consider themselves as American (2000 census). Puerto Rico was also granted its own government and constitution, however, it had to be approved by the U.S. congress. Also Puerto Rico must obey our federal laws. In 1952 Puerto Rico became a â€Å"Commonwealth† associated with the United States. Puerto Rico does not p ay any federal income tax and yet still receive federal benefits. To make for this, they cannot vote in presidential elections and have no voting representation in congress. Puerto Rican Statehood has been a hot issue for several years. Currently, there are three views on this issue: Statehood (New Progressive Party or NPP), Commonwealth (Popular Democratic Party or PDP) and Independence (Puerto Rican Independence Party or PIP). In this report, I hope to show each view clearly and back it up with documentation. VIEW OF STATEHOOD Statehood supporters "see the United States as a union of 50 sovereign states united to give their citizens the best opportunity to succeed in life. "They believe that Puerto Rico is in a unique position to join this union and partake of the benefits, and responsibilities, of being an integral part of the United States of America. There are economic, social, and political advantages to becoming the 51st state." PROS OF STATEHOOD In the economics of Puerto Rico, statehood has many pros. The first is that Puerto Rico will receive taxes from their citizens to build the infrastructure of the state. They will have an open market to trade with all nations that are in alliance with the U.S. With becoming a state, Puerto Rico will enjoy the benefits of America's high per capita income and low unemployment rates. "Puerto Rico's relationship with the United States ... ...erto Rico will be able to enter into trade agreements with other free nations as it so chooses. Chris Dodd, Bill Bradley, Pat Moynihan, and various members of the CBO, of Yale University and Harvard University, and others comment on the Independence economic model in very favorable terms. Every major financial analyst and economist in both the academic and federal sectors have expressed appreciation and approval to the economic strategy as being fair, equitable and workable. In a worse case scenario, Puerto Rico will operate under a combined budget of six billion dollars. Puerto Rico would receive revenue from sources such as customs, parks, excise taxes, user-paid tolls, and service fess. That is what several other small, independent nations are doing right now. Allen, R.E. The Dialogues of Plato, Volume II. London: Yale University Press Publisher, 1991. Grant, Michael. Cicero, Selected Works. Blatimore: Penguin Books Publisher, 1960. Dolan, John P. The Essentials Erasmus. New York: The new American Library Publisher, 1964 Internet. Plato (circa 428-C.-347 B.C) Plato Page. http://www.connect.net/ron/plato.html. Hare, R.M. Plato. London: Oxford University Press, 1892 Puerto Rico Independence? Essay -- essays research papers To argue on Puerto Rican Independence, Commonwealth, or Statehood, we must first learn of the history of Puerto Rico. Growing up I was very ignorant about Puerto Rico. It wasn’t till I was in the Navy and got stationed in Puerto Rico did I really find out the small Caribbean island. Although Puerto Rico has an extensive history, I will only give a brief synopsis of it: In November 1493 Christopher Columbus discovered the island of Puerto Rico for the country of Spain. It remained a colonization of Spain until 1898 when Spain ceded the island to the United States after the Spanish-American war. In 1917 Puerto Rican’s became U.S. Citizens, but only 24% consider themselves as American (2000 census). Puerto Rico was also granted its own government and constitution, however, it had to be approved by the U.S. congress. Also Puerto Rico must obey our federal laws. In 1952 Puerto Rico became a â€Å"Commonwealth† associated with the United States. Puerto Rico does not p ay any federal income tax and yet still receive federal benefits. To make for this, they cannot vote in presidential elections and have no voting representation in congress. Puerto Rican Statehood has been a hot issue for several years. Currently, there are three views on this issue: Statehood (New Progressive Party or NPP), Commonwealth (Popular Democratic Party or PDP) and Independence (Puerto Rican Independence Party or PIP). In this report, I hope to show each view clearly and back it up with documentation. VIEW OF STATEHOOD Statehood supporters "see the United States as a union of 50 sovereign states united to give their citizens the best opportunity to succeed in life. "They believe that Puerto Rico is in a unique position to join this union and partake of the benefits, and responsibilities, of being an integral part of the United States of America. There are economic, social, and political advantages to becoming the 51st state." PROS OF STATEHOOD In the economics of Puerto Rico, statehood has many pros. The first is that Puerto Rico will receive taxes from their citizens to build the infrastructure of the state. They will have an open market to trade with all nations that are in alliance with the U.S. With becoming a state, Puerto Rico will enjoy the benefits of America's high per capita income and low unemployment rates. "Puerto Rico's relationship with the United States ... ...erto Rico will be able to enter into trade agreements with other free nations as it so chooses. Chris Dodd, Bill Bradley, Pat Moynihan, and various members of the CBO, of Yale University and Harvard University, and others comment on the Independence economic model in very favorable terms. Every major financial analyst and economist in both the academic and federal sectors have expressed appreciation and approval to the economic strategy as being fair, equitable and workable. In a worse case scenario, Puerto Rico will operate under a combined budget of six billion dollars. Puerto Rico would receive revenue from sources such as customs, parks, excise taxes, user-paid tolls, and service fess. That is what several other small, independent nations are doing right now. Allen, R.E. The Dialogues of Plato, Volume II. London: Yale University Press Publisher, 1991. Grant, Michael. Cicero, Selected Works. Blatimore: Penguin Books Publisher, 1960. Dolan, John P. The Essentials Erasmus. New York: The new American Library Publisher, 1964 Internet. Plato (circa 428-C.-347 B.C) Plato Page. http://www.connect.net/ron/plato.html. Hare, R.M. Plato. London: Oxford University Press, 1892

Land That Contains Substances Environmental Sciences Essay

Metallic elements have played an of import function in the development of adult male, gold and Cu, both native metals have been worked into desirable objects since 15000BC. ‘Advanced ‘ smelting techniques were developed by 4000BC, used to pull out Cu from ores and within a farther 1,000 old ages, other metals were being extracted, including Ag, lead, Sn and Zn. The development of the blast furnace centuries subsequently led to the big scale production of Fe and steel ( sgm.ac.uk 2002 ) . The last 100 old ages has seen Great Britain shaped by the ‘great ‘ industrial revolution and witnessed the development of a overplus of industries, notably, the steel, coal and chemical industries. Industrial ‘visionaries ‘ , focused on the development of industry had non planned a sustainable hereafter and the effects to the environment were overridden by enlargement. It is this deficiency of planning that has led to historical industrial procedures leting waste to be disposed of by merely tipping it onto the land, chemicals and natural stuffs were frequently spilt in situ ensuing in land taint ( sepa.org.uk 2012 ) .Contaminated landLand that contains substances in or under the land that are considered to be a possible jeopardy to human wellness or the Environment is considered to be ‘Contaminated ‘ ( environmental-protection.org.uk 2012 ) . Contamination can be categorised into assorted signifiers and can impact in different ways, depending upon legion factors including ; type, concentration and the nature of the substance ensuing in a huge array of impacts to both human wellness and the environment ( sepa.org.uk 2012 ) . A study undertaken by the British Geological Survey ( BGS ) in 2009, estimates that in England entirely, there are around 15,470 hectares of land that is classed as contaminated ( nerc.ac.uk 2009 ) . Contamination is assessed on a site – site footing, in a command to ease the deployment of the most efficient and operable technique. In order to find the best technique, inside informations of the contamination ( s ) contained within the dirt foremost necessitate to be assessed along with the type of land stuffs present at the surface and in the subsurface ( defra.gov.uk 2010 ) . Following initial probes, contaminations can be determined and classified into groups depending on their belongingss ( organic or inorganic ) ( Brown 2009 ) . Table 1: Contaminant categories used to find redress technique applied. Adapted from ( defra.gov 2010 ) .OrganicTypical illustrationsHalogenated volatile organic compounds ( VOCs )1-chlrobutane, methoxyflurane, pentafluoropropan-1olHalogenated semivolatile organic compounds ( SVOCs )Chlorophenol, Tetrachlorophenol, ChlordaneNon-halongenated volatile organic compounds ( VOCs )Benzene, Xylene, propanone, Carbon disulphideNon-halongenated semivolatile organic compounds ( SVOCs )Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons ( PAH ) , phenolOrganic CorrosivesAcetic acid, aminobenzineOrganic nitrilesOrganonitrilesPolychlorinated biphenyls ( PCBs )PCB ( Arochlor ) -1016Pesticides / weedkillers4, 4-DDT, HeptachlorDioxins / Furans2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuranInorganicMetallic elementsLead, Mercury, Chromium, ZincRadionuclidesRadioactive isotopes of U, radonCorrosivesHydrochloric acid, sulfuric acidNitrilesMetallic nitrilesAsbestosBlue, brown, whiteMiscExplosives2,4,6 -trinitrotoluene ( TNT ) , hydrazine Table 1 is intended to supply a fundamental position of the categorization of contaminations, measuring the rightness of redress techniques is a complicated procedure in world, in world, several constituent contaminations will be contained within the mark site, each class of contamination would be assessed separately to measure the pertinence of a redress technique ( epa.gov 2012 ) .Redress of contaminated landEnvironmental hazards associated with contaminated land are typically remediated – a technique that seeks to take contaminations contained within the dirt ( ny.gov 2012 ) . Redress techniques are typically capable to an array of regulative demands – Part 2A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 that is based on the likeliness of important injury to human wellness and important pollution of the H2O environment ( northdevon.gov.uk 2012 ) .Appropriate redressThe appropriate redress solution should be implemented to ensue in the land being ‘suitable for usage ‘ . Remediation should render the land no longer contaminated and the effects of any important injury, or pollution of controlled Waterss that has occurred has been remedied, the suitably selected redress technique can in many state of affairss see the degree of taint reduced to such a degree that any considered important hazard is minimum, this does non nevertheless connote that all contaminations are removed wholly, in some state of affairss the contaminations are at such low degrees that they pose no hazard or that they are for good contained unmoved ( environment-agency.gov.uk 2004 ) .Remediation engineerings availableHistorically, the redress of contaminated land can be expensive and relies to a great extent upon procedures that are basically really proficient ( defra.gov.uk 2010 ) . Many of these procedures have involved heavy technology solutions, although considered to be really effectual, and in many instances, the merely feasible option, they have high environmental , societal and economic impacts ( clu-in.org 2012 ) .Categorization of dirt redress engineeringsSoil redress engineerings can be categorised into four distinguishable wide categories ( Table 1 ) harmonizing to the cardinal rules involved in the remotion / containment of contamination ( s ) which can be farther sub-divided into unmoved and ex-situ techniques ( ehu.es 2012 ) . In situ clean-ups require no digging of contaminated stuff, in situ techniques are frequently preferable because of their lower application cost ; nevertheless, the general consensus is that these techniques take longer to make the preferable position and are more hard to supervise because of non-uniformity in intervention because of discrepancies in dirt stuffs ( DETR 1998 ) . Ex situ attacks ( digging of a contaminated country ) and handling it on site ( antique situ, on-site ) or transporting it to a distant site for ‘cleaning ‘ ( ex situ, off-site ) is by and large considered to be the more expensive option given the logistics of the operation, nevertheless, ex-situ techniques present the advantage of taking the bulk of taint forestalling farther spread ( iastate.edu 2012 ) . Table 1: Overview of both in situ and ex situ redress engineerings available, adapted from: ( defra.gov. 2010 ) .In-situTechnologyBiologicalPhysicalChemicalThermalChemical oxidization and decreaseiElectro – redressiiEnhanced bioremediation utilizing redox amendmentsiBlushingiiiPhytoremediationiAir SpargingiBiospargingiStabilization and hardeningiiThermal TreatmentiVentingiiVitrificationiiiEx situBiopilesiSlurry stage bioreactorsiChemical oxidization and decreaseiSoil lavation and separation proceduresiiStabilization and hardeningiiThermal desorptioniIncinerationiEx situ dirt vapour extractioniiVitrificationiiiWater and gas / vapour interventioniiiBiological redress engineeringsBioremediation uses micro-organisms ( barm, fungi or bacteriums ) to degrade organic contaminations ; bioremediation can be carried out both unmoved and ex-situ. The contaminations act as a nutrient beginning for the micro-organisms that break them down. Aerobic processes require a beginning of O, chase awaying C dioxide COa‚‚ and H2O H2O ( clu-in.org 2012 ) ( Figure 1 ) Figure 1: Conventional diagram of aerophilic biodegradation in dirt ( tamu.edu 2008 ) . Ex situ techniques include slurry-phase bioremediation, a procedure of keeping contact between micro-organisms and contaminations by adding H2O to contaminated dirts to organize ‘slurry ‘ ( iastate.edu 2012 ) . Other bioremediation techniques include ; Bioventing Injection of H peroxide ( H202 ) Solid stage bioremediation Landfarming Dirt biopiles Composting ( clu-in.org 2012 ) . Bioremediation is an economical procedure for a wide scope of applications of organic wastes. Many of the procedures can be handled in situ avoiding the demand to transport risky stuffs from site ( sa.gov.au 2005 ) .Physico – Chemical interventionsPhysical methods of dirt renewal are those that do non alter the physic-chemical belongingss of the pollutants accumulated in the dirt to be cleaned ( cieh.org 2007 ) . Physical redress techniques include simplified procedures such as dirt extraction and storage of contaminated dirts along with more complicated and technological techniques ( defra.gov.uk 2010 ) . In the physical procedures, the stage transportation of pollutants is induced. In the chemical processes, the chemical construction of the pollutants is changed by agencies of chemical reactions to bring forth less toxic or better dissociable compounds from the solid matrix ( unido.org 2012 ) . Physical redress techniques offer a cost effectual solution that can be concluded comparatively rapidly, and devour really small technology or energy resources ( eugris.info 2012 ) . Physical applications can be engaged both unmoved and ex-situ, and have the advantage that a wide spectrum of pollutants can be removed from the contaminated site and that they can be widely administered ( little, local sites ) ( unido.org 2012 ) . Physical-chemical interventions include ; Dirt Blushing Dirt lavation ( Figure 2 ) . Fracturing hypertext transfer protocol: //renewcanada.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/swallowtail2.png Figure 2: Dirt rinsing technique ( renewcanada.net 2010 )Thermal interventionsIt is by and large considered that thermic procedures are the most dearly-won, nevertheless, a speedy redress clip is offered as compensation ( unido.org 2012 ) . Thermal redress involves the debut of hydrocarbon contaminated dirts into a het vas and retaining those dirts until they reach a unvarying temperature. Contaminants are heated by the thermic procedure, heat is applied to increase the volatility, to fire, break up, destruct or run the contamination. The hazard of let go ofing dioxins into the ambiance is an of import consideration and hence, runing temperatures are limited to 800A °F ( purdue.edu 2006 ) . Factors that influence the timescale of effectivity are the type and sums of contaminations present that scope from site to site, the physical size of the site and dirt stuff nowadays ( clu-in-org 2012 ) . Thermal techniques can be applied both unmoved and ex-situ, the rule advantage of unmoved techniques is that dirt can be treated without the demand to take and transport cut downing operating costs, nevertheless, unmoved techniques by and large take longer to de-contaminate a site and cost nest eggs are negligible. Ex-situ techniques involve the digging and remotion of contaminated dirts where they are exposed to high temperatures in intervention cells ; the cells contain contaminated media during the application. Although ex-situ techniques offer a decreased intervention clip, increased logistical deductions offset intervention costs ( clu-in-org 2012 ) . Thermal techniques typically include ; Hot gas taint Vitrification Injection of hot air Thermal Conduction Additional techniques are shown in tabular array? hypertext transfer protocol: //www.emis.vito.be/sites/default/files/data_sheets/migrated/schema % 20thermische % 20reiniging.PNG Figure 3: Diagram of thermic cleaning ( vito.be 2012 ) .2.0 A critical appraisal of the effectivity of dirt redress techniques and the protection of groundwater2.1 The Groundwater systemâ€Å" The largest available reservoir of fresh H2O † ( Environment-agency.gov.uk 2012 ) Water that is continually traveling through the environment is known as the H2O rhythm, nevertheless, most of the rain that falls will be soaked up by dirt, through the procedure of infiltration, H2O will soak farther down into the land and finally into underlying stones, this is known as groundwater ( groundwateruk.org 2012 ) .2.2 The importance of groundwater70 % of the planetary capacity of fresh water is groundwater, 30 % of this sum is found within rivers, lakes and watercourses, many of these rivers and lakes etc. are fed straight by groundwater, it can non be underestimated how much groundwater plays an of import function within the human civilization, groundwater is the line of life afforded to planetary wetland sites and a major helper to industry in a planetary context ( environment-agency.gov.uk 1999 ) . Whilst groundwater is by and large of good biological quality, it is invariably threated by contaminations, pollutants that seep through the surface and into the groundwater system, pollution occurs from diffuse beginnings when a pollutant is spread onto the land in the signifier of an applied agricultural pesticide for illustration and besides from point beginning pollution, where a chemical spillage has occurred for illustration. Some pollutants inputs will of course degrade or will be filtered out as the H2O flows through permeable stones, but on many occasions, the pollutants are relentless types and have to be subjected to typically dearly-won redress procedures ( groundwateruk.org 2012 ) . Figure 4: ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ( mfe.gov.nz 2007 ) .3.0 Are dirt redress engineerings effectual at protecting groundwater?The mobility and destiny of contaminations that enter dirt are determined by a figure of factors ( postpone? ) , in order for a comprehensive and realistic site hazard appraisal to be carried out, consideration should be given to the nature and prevalent conditions in the dirts, including ; geology, hydrogeology, hydrology, contaminant geochemistry, geotechnics, ecotoxicology and microbiology, one time these have been decently addressed, a predicted behavior theoretical account of the contamination can be produced to help in the choice of the most efficient and cost effectual redress technique ( eugris.info 2012 ) .Relevant dirt and groundwater belongingss may include:Relevant contaminant Physico-chemical belongingss may include:Soil profile Contaminant concentration Dirt texture ( comparative proportions of sand, loam and clay ) Chemical speciation e.g. the valency or oxidization province of a metal Presence of mineral components such as clays, carbonates, phosphates, oxides and organic affair ( expressed as the fraction of organic C foc ) Solubility in H2O ( or other dissolver if a non-aqueous free stage liquid is present ) Moisture content Sorption ( soil-water divider coefficient Kd and organic carbon-water divider coefficient Koc ) Particle size distribution Octanol-water divider coefficient ( kow ) Bulk dry denseness Vapour force per unit area Porosity ( air-filled and water-filled ) Henry ‘s Law invariable Sorption capacity of the dirt Biodegradation pH and redox possible Nature of metabolites Microbial populations Vegetable consumption ( dirt to works concentration ) Elevation of H2O tabular array Weathering possible Groundwater flow way Diffusion coefficient in air Hydraulic gradient Diffusion coefficient in H2O Hydraulic conduction Viscosity ( gases and bluess ) Hydraulic dispersivity Viscosity ( non-aqueous stage liquids ) Table? : Factors act uponing the destiny and mobility rate of contaminations in dirt, adapted from ( eugris.info 2012 ) .

Inequality essays

Inequality essays The myth of a "classless" American society coupled with social stratification impedes race relations in the U.S. far more than any racial differences. The never ending struggle of the "have-nots" to become one of the "haves" produces a frustration and feeling of oppression that acts as a catalyst for spawning racial tensions. Minorities see the majority of wealth in the hands of the white population and feel that the wealth is unevenly distributed. Whites hear of government programs for minorities and feel as if they are lazy or just looking for a handout. This occurs and stereotypes are formed. Combine all of this with the United States system of "dual welfare"and the perfect environment for racial strife is created. In our "classless"society of false hope the working class and poor are continually seeking opportunities to excel that just aren't there. They have been led to believe that intelligence and ambition are key contributors to one's success. This belief lays blame on the unsuccessful themselves, even if they do possess ambition and intelligence. These people are in a never ending cycle of struggle, followed by minimal rewards, which eventually produces a frustration that sometimes leads to desperate measures. Cornell West expands on this with the following statement : ". . . homicidal assaults by young black men on one another are only the most obvious signs of this empty quest for pleasure, property, and power" (Race and Racism p.123). This statement shows the extremes one will go to in his "empty quest" for a better life. This is not only happening to blacks by blacks. It is happening to all races by all races. People hear of events like these and categorize them as a racial crime or a racially motivated crime just because the victims may be of a different race. As West's statement demonstrates the killings occur as a means to an end, the end being a better life. In our ever diversifying melting p...