Controversy over gay & lesbian couples raising children as opposed to Research Paper

Controversy over gay & lesbian couples raising children as opposed to straight couples - Research Paper Example Even in United States, some states do not allow same sex partners to adopt children. This is also the case in some of the European countries except for England, in which adoption by gay and lesbian couples have been legalized in order to provide parents to homeless children. Around the world, countries vary in the level of rights they provide to gay and lesbian couples in terms of adoption (Simon & Brooks 2009). There are two sides to this argument of whether same sex partners can be good parents or not. Some individuals believe that if gays and lesbians adopt children, they then will be preventing heterosexuals from adopting; however, many gays and lesbians adopt children from foster care or other countries as it is difficult to find families for these children (Adamec & pierce 2000). The analysis of how fine the kids grow with gay couples or straight couples is still incomplete and the conservatives think that these adoptions should not be legalized until it is proved that same sex parenting is completely safe. Other side of the argument says that the sexual orientation of the parents have no connection with the upbringing of the children. They say that the child’s social, emotional and behavioral patterns are not affected by this issue. Gay rights groups in many states fought for the right of gay adoption, which gradually began to change the climate on this issue (Kranz & Cusick 2 000). It is considered by liberals that both women and men have the same capability to be good parents. The children of same sex partners do not show different behavior if compared to children raised by straight parents. With the gradual change in the society, the concept of perfect straight couple marriage is gradually fading. There are other alternatives which are now acceptable as a perfect marriage model. Many countries are gradually accepting this fact

Management - Henri Fayol's Management Theories Essay

Management - Henri Fayol's Management Theories - Essay Example The present discussion focuses on identifying and assessing the adoption of Fayol’s principles in contemporary management through distinct examples drawn from modern organizations and their practices. There is no doubt that the contemporary management concepts have evolved from classical theories such as Fayol’s; however, there exists much debate about the influence of classical theories and their application in present management concepts. For instance, Fayol’s principles of management form the core job of managers even today, although the focus is shifted to one or few of these principles at a time. In present-day service industries, the focus usually oscillates between initiative, teamworking, order or efficiency with some other activities such as discipline, equity, division of work etc providing direction to better business management. These focus areas also differ with the type of industry as well as organizational goals. Roethlisberger and Dickson (1939) h ave argued that the contemporary management concepts have profound impact from studies that emerged from behavioral sciences, especially the human relations movement that resulted from Hawthorne experiments (cited in Allen & Gilmore, 1993). Some management scholars refer to Fayol’s principles as the present-day management functions that correspond to planning, organizing, leading, and controlling (Schermerhorn, 2011). In short, Fayol’s 14 principles include division of work, authority, discipline, unity of command, unity of direction, subordination of individual interests to the general interests, remuneration, centralization, scalar chain, order, equity, stability of tenure of personnel, initiative, and esprit de corps (cited in Allen & Gilmore, 1993). From a manager’s perspective, Fayol’s principles seem to be the most apt and provide a comprehensive understanding to any management personnel, with or without experience. However, differing views of manag ement theories emerged, which consider classical concepts as contradictory. Unlike Taylor’s scientific management concepts that focus on the objective of driving maximum prosperity for the employer along with similar outcomes for the employees (Schermerhorn, 2011), Fayol’s principles can be regarded as completely management focused; this could be one of the reasons for argument/debate that subsequent theorists focused upon (Brunsson, 2008). Fayol’s conceptualization is based on the premise that all organizations are similar and hence the managerial duties are also similar. Brunsson (2008) asserts that this conceptualization compliments the fact that managerial talent can be acquired through training. If this premise were to be true, then all organizations would be performing at the same level and all managers within the organization would produce same outcomes. However, management and organizational outcomes are very different within and outside. Moreover, manag ement styles, patterns, policies, practices, etc. are different in different regions or countries, as proven by Hofstede (1980). Hofstede’

Reflection Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 31

Reflection - Essay Example The experience narrated on the Magnaporthe grisea (MGA) dilemma faced by Professor John Hamer, reportedly a molecular biologist at Purdue University, paved the way for the discovery of a practical, yet revolutionary discovery, using the four habits of the mind. One, therefore, realized that there are still much to be discovered through scientific inquiry or through assuming an explorative and inquisitive stance in life. Today’s problems in various facets, could find solution with the appropriate application of these habits of the mind. The example of its application in a science classroom enabled the development of needed skills in the students; and paved the way for greater interests in learning. One hereby asserts that through the knowledged gained from the article, one is truly inspired that through the four habits, solutions to societies’problems could be envisioned as viably possible – with enough curiosity, openness, skeptism, and communication. Other course modules could use these theoretical framework to be integrated in the curriculum, as a means to find practical solutions, to problems which could have been deemed

The Early Inhabitants of the Americas Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The Early Inhabitants of the Americas - Essay Example In this regard, the United States sought to establish a strong presence across the world in order to enhance its superiority. On the other hand, the Soviet Union fought its way by seeking support in African countries and across the East (Jones, 19). 2) The discovery of America was a turning point in the European international affairs. Countries like England, Portugal, and France were envious of Spain on the great wealth it got from the American and this led to the fight for control of the colonial lands. The focus was basically to benefit from the huge spoils. Indeed, the discovery of America created the impetus and motivation for colonization of the world and the growth of empress across the world. In comparison to the modern times, it is seen that China and the West are increasingly getting interested in Africa due to the potential of the continent. The focus of China is therefore to establish a strong presence and this is already causing much concern for countries like the United States. As such, the United States is extending various development programs to Africa with the hope of neutralizing China’s presence (Jones, 70). 3) After getting interested in the Americas, the European powers began pressing into the interior of the land and laying claims. They placed much pressure on the Spanish and this led to a series of proxy wars. The whole region came under much competition and many of the proxy wars involved the natives. The last of the war, the Yamasee War marked the end of the militancy of the Native Americans in the South. On various occasions, the United States has used such proxy wars involving natives in achieving some of its goals. For instance, during the Battle of Tora Bora in search for Osama Bin Laden in 2003, the Americas used the natives of the region who were well acquainted with the conditions in fighting against the terrorists (Jones, 89).

Red Cedar Redevelopment Project Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Red Cedar Redevelopment Project - Assignment Example Currently, in the area is a wooded section that extends about 20 feet along the banks of the River Cedar. Modifications in this area will include the restoration of wildlife, the creation of nature trails and parks. The project divides the site into sections; environmental conservation, community development, and infrastructure. Given that the site is a floodplain, it will be easier to develop the area. The government and the policymakers should give due consideration to the project. The first reason is that the project aims at reducing the pollution of the environment. The implementation of the project will lead to the restoration of the native species of wildlife and control the human access for water testing and recreation. Second, there will be the introduction of fishponds, nature trails, and parks in the region. The third will be the expansion of the scope of water management. There will be a link between water management, the native vegetation, wildlife, and social activities such as boat riding and water spotting (Ryan 46). Other than activities involving nature, there will also be a development of passive recreational activities. Examples of such activities are chess, golfing, and baseball games. It is worth mentioning that the redevelopment activities will also cover the development of a welcoming social environment. This will be through the creation of spacious and ample parking area, integration of cultural values and education into the entire environmental aspects. The plan involves the creation of streetscapes that will make the area welcoming, dense, and urban. Moreover, the project covers the construction of first-floor commercial and residential buildings. There is an allocation for a variety of pedestrian-friendly setbacks and ample space for the social events. Hence, the project is big and has a high potential for success.

Social Contract Essay Example for Free

Social Contract Essay Discuss the view that morality is a social contract (30 marks) Jean-Jacques Rousseau said Man was born free, and he is everywhere in chains and what he is trying to show is that a social contract is binding on the members of a society, everywhere he is bound to be moral. The sources and reasons for the upholding morality (that is what is right and what is wrong) has been questioned since the days of Plato and one answer was given by Thomas Hobbes a contractarian answer. A contractarian believes that human beings are self-interested and it would be rational for him to co-operate with others. Hobbes developed this view by making us aware of the (imagined) state of nature in Leviathan (1651) in which people were present before any form of social cohesion and organisation. Hobbes asserts that at this time, everyone would look out for their self-interest but this would involved a great deal of hostility and an inability to do things out of fear (a humans self-interest could be to steal from you and thus cause you fear). Life would be a torment; war of all against all is how Hobbes puts it. The solution to this is cooperating between people. The implication of this is that there is no morality independent of what people in any given society think. There are however problems with this namely historically there has never been any contract. If we looking historically, we have made agreements (be it the Fourth Geneva Convention or the Magna Carta) but there has never been a collective social moral contract. Humans appear to be innately social. Indeed, it is not even just humans ants appear to work in colonies. Further, a contract would only be understood by a social being. As a result of there being no contract (factually), it would seem to make the idea redundant for if I havent signed anything, why should I be obligated? Although we can object and say that Hobbes isnt saying that people sat around and signed a codified document rather what he is suggesting is that if we were to imagine the state of nature to be the case, it would justified for us to accept such a contract hence giving a justification for us to be moral (as well as the existence of societies). However, there seems to remain one problem. By saying that societies develop morality and that there is no morality independent of this, it leaves us with the problem of cultural relativism. For it would be right in a society to kill all the enemies if thats what society determines, in the case of the Nazis it would be the Jews, yet seldom do we find someone who would actually call this moral and not demand action be taken. We could however say that the contract applies universally and that we have not reached the signing. Yet this is not what the contract is saying, for even if we were to accept that rules applied universally is the contractarian approach really telling us about morality? No! Even if something benefits me that may not the reason why I do it and definitely not the reason it is moral. An absolutist would say that rules are moral in themselves, regardless of the time or society in which they agreed. Locke develops the idea that there need be no actual agreement by saying that it is a tactic agreement. This means that a person who seeks to reap the benefits of society implicitly agrees to social contract and if I dont then I am free to leave. However am I really free to leave? It would not seem so. To leave, I would most likely have to leave this would not only mean having a passport to go to a different country, which would have its own set of rules but meaning that to get to the airport I would have to abide by the road rules lest I wish to be arrested. Even if Hobbes is correct in saying that there is no actual contract, we are left with why should we honour the agreement? Indeed, if we are self-interested as Hobbes says then surely when the time came, we would act in a self-interest way? This view can be illustrated by Ian McEwans Enduring Love; there is a hot air balloon and in the basket lays a child there is a sudden gust and the balloon starts it flight. Five men grab onto the rope of the balloon, alas there is another gust and if all five men carry on holding on then the child will be saved. This did not happen. All but one, were left clinging on to the rope. Whats even more so apparent is that if I am sure that I will get away with doing something immoral, why shouldnt I do it? If I knew I wasnt going to be caught stealing money then it would be in my self-interest to steal it. Hobbes answer to the aforementioned question is a Sovereign. This means that there is someone to enforce the law (the terms of the contract). By doing this, it would show that when acting against the contract and giving primacy to self-interest, it would not be in our long term self-interest to do so. However this still doesnt answer the question as to why someone who knows they will not get caught should be moral. Indeed, there are many people who are criminals and it is only found out after they have died. Also, there seems to be a different argument put forward by David Gauthier who argues that to there is no need for a sovereign because those of us who have dispositions to altruism, will in the long term have more benefits than those who are shot-sightedly self-interested. This view is strong in the sense that it shows that human beings are genuinely altruistic with a purpose of doing so and thus not having an over pessimistic view of humans (thus the lesser need for a sovereign). There are further problems with the social contract approach. When a terrorist has a hostage, he can use the hostage to dictate the terms of an agreement. This means that despite this being unfair, or even immoral, he can ask for however million pounds and for him to be pardoned of his act. This is obviously immoral and wrong. This situation is analogous to the state of nature period and someone strong dictating the terms which are not moral such as making all children workers. Furthermore, we could take the view of Marx and Thrasymacus (from Platos Republic) who say that the social contract is a means of social control by the minority. This means that the powerful and rich peoples interests can be carried out under the veil of morality. An example is the respect for property which, by no coincidence, is what the ruling class have. This means that the weak can be exploited and the rulers can maintain their position. We can criticise Marx for not taking into account that people do not steal because they do not want to offend the ruling class but this is not what Marx is trying to say. Indeed, what he is saying is that this is the correct reason why people do not do such things and through instruments such as religion and education (throughout history) they have been taught these rules and regulations. However John Rawls argues in his Theory of Justice that to counter this, we must decide the terms under a veil of ignorance in which nobody is certain for their position and so everyone will be fighting for minority rights in case they are within that minority; nothing is assured! If we posit Hobbes view as truth then we also find ourselves holding a pessimistic view of life for we have ample opportunity to break the rules of the contract yet we do not. If we were to hold Hobbes view societies would long be over because we could no longer trust people because they would take such selfish actions. To say that people dont mug each other in fear of being caught is not plausible. Surely the actions of a mother or a carer in the slums seem to show that we do not act just for self-interest. Further, is Hobbes really giving an accurate account of morality? We can indeed have a contract but is the only reason we do not break it because we fear the courts? Surely this isnt morality but a preference of prudence in an action but this view does not correlate with what we express. If someone were to say Stealing is wrong, they do not mean that it is better if you dont because it is more sensible, they mean it is a morally irreprehensible action. Hobbes view is also put under fire by alternative views, Richard Dawkins argues that altruistic behaviour can lead to evolutionary success and is thus embedded in our genes. There was never a conventional agreement rather because it is mutually advantage behaviour helps our evolutionary success, humans do it. So it is not because it is mutually advantageous that we choose to do it but we do it because it is advantageous and has helped us reach this stage. This, of course, is not the only alternative view others view moral as what the Bible says or even the Quran. We could even take the utilitarian approach and say that what is moral is the thing that obtains the greatest number of peoples happiness. To take this view is, as said, to ignore every instance of altruism. However what about blatant acts of altruism? The egoist could say that subconsciously we gain self-gratification from doing right things. However, again, it does not follow that I am doing these things because I want self-gratification. In the case of Mother Teresa, it is not plausible that she only did those things because she wanted self-satisfaction. As the egoist claims that everything is in some way selfish, it negate the idea of selfish and selfless as it distorts the distinction and leaves nothing but motives which is not a direct accurate description of the world. Thus to conclude, to hold the view that morality is defined, described and prescribed by a social contract ultimately fails. Alternative ideas not only, in some cases, have scientific backing but also have a more accurate representation of the real world. The view is both pessimistic and would lead to the powerful being on top and the weak being exploited. Thus we must conclude as Hume did and say that there is not historically validity (among other things) to this claim.

Competitive Strategy of the Oil and Gas Industry

Competitive Strategy of the Oil and Gas Industry Challenge: Through intense research, interviews, and interaction with NOC executives, created a comprehensive picture of the current regional situation; an assessment of the size of the prize available to foreign oil companies, including our client; and a model of stakeholder objectives along with a core set of options for a new type of relationship to be introduced . Solution: Using country-specific models and expertise, we can identified key opportunities for the client to improve its short-, medium-, and long-term positioning in each potential target country and gave the client significant advantage and bargaining intelligence before approaching new investor relationships. Oil Gas: Competitive strategy Corporate business unit strategy Management works with oil and gas companies to design and implement corporate and business unit strategies that deliver profitable growth and enhance shareholder value. Our clients include upstream, downstream, and service companies. Management approach to corporate and business unit strategy is built on a solid understanding of the economic fundamentals of our clients business and its competitive position in the industry. Company help clients sort through complex market, competitive, and economic issues to enhance or reshape corporate and business strategies and work : the external industry environment and the value chains in which we participate evolving  positioned against changes in the external environment and our competitors strategy  The capabilities and assets can we bring to bear on new markets and opportunities  improve our position or alter the competitive landscape  strategic options do we have to grow our business scale and geographic breadth  attractive opportunities to accelerate growth via MA or partnership investments  strategic options do we have to enter a new market Assess resource and execute our growth strategies,  current reserves and production assets meet target levels of risk and returns restructure to enhance growth and facilitate resource access? investing in the right technologies to compete and grow and enter a new growth sector? Selecting best partners given our structure What are critical areas of market uncertainty and how can we mitigate risk Oil Gas: Competitive strategy Market analysis In highly competitive environments, incisive market assessments can help companies capitalize on growth options, capital investments, and new product or technology introductions. experienced industry consultants specialize in defining market structures, driving forces, and global competition. We have deep expertise in the industry and in economics, and consistently deliver world-class market research, insightful analysis, and tangible results. We collaborate closely with our clients strategy development, marketing, and sales teams, and tailor our research and analysis to particular client needs. Specifically, we help companies: Analyze strategic and competitive industry position Develop new strategies for market entry and growth Develop new markets and products tailored to customer needs Segment existing markets to identify growth opportunities Assess technologies to define opportunity and/or threat Assess competitor strategies and likely competitive response Understand customer behavior to identify new ways to profitably serve them Analyze programs and budgets to ensure spend is appropriate to expected returns Oil Gas: Intellectual property technology management Company can combines a high degree of technical competency, proven management tools and processes, and deep industry knowledge to help our clients identify sources of technology value and transform them into profitable growth. We help clients align technology strategy with overall business strategy and advise on: Technology strategy, planning, and execution Technology platform development, structuring, and execution RD portfolio and resource management Commercialization Technology market and competitive evaluation Intellectual property strategy and management Technology strategy, planning, and execution A sound business strategy must be supported by a properly-aligned technology strategy. We work with RD heads and corporate or business unit management to forge the links necessary to define, create, and execute properly-aligned technology strategies. We also work side-by-side with management and RD teams to ensure that programs with the highest potential are properly resourced and managed, and that technology and capabilities critical to the future of the company are accessed and nurtured to deliver advantage and profitable future growth. Technology platforms Technology platforms are vital to gaining competitive advantage. We can help you develop, structure, and commercialize platforms that leverage your firms distinctive technologies and competencies to yield market-leading performance. Portfolio and resource management Achieving the appropriate balance of new and long-term, as well as incremental and breakthrough, technology investments is essential to balancing risk and performance. CRA works with clients to create and deploy portfolio and RD process design tools to increase the expected value of RD portfolios, inform make/collaborate/buy decisions, and maximize the value created from RD resources. Commercialization Unfamiliar markets, partnership tensions, and capital constraints are a few of the challenges faced by companies seeking to commercialize technology. We help companies exploit the full value of their technology portfolios through robust IP strategies that align with commercialization programs. Technology market and competitive evaluation The foundation of technology strategy, planning, and execution is a sound market evaluation. CRA combines technical expertise with in-depth knowledge of the energy industry to evaluate new technologies in relation to current and potential markets, and to define the dimension of the opportunity, drivers of change, and entry/expansion requirements. We work with clients to assess the competitive situation and define appropriate strategies to take advantage of business opportunities. Intellectual property strategy and management Creating and exploiting intellectual property is the lifeblood of technology-based firms. From IP strategies to patent valuation, licensing, and litigation, CRA has the expertise to help oil and gas companies manage, enforce, and extract value from IP portfolios. Oil Gas: Risk management Clients around the world engage CRA to help them develop more effective and more comprehensive strategies, processes, infrastructure, and controls for managing risk. We cut through complexity to give clear, direct answers based on rigorous analysis of hard data. We also provide concrete action plans that enable clients to better manage credit, market, operational, and strategic risks. Mutual respect Management consultants have a deep commitment to success, integrity, and collaboration. We co-develop sustainable frameworks in partnership with clients. Industry focus have a full understanding of our clients businesses, including exchange-traded and over-the-counter products, market participants, and institutions. Risk expertise Management consultants are leaders in the provision of marketing, credit, and operational risk management expertise to top global financial services companies. Proven track record outstanding record of past performance in the implementation of management infrastructure, business processes, and regulatory compliance. Seasoned practitioners -have deep kn Management owledge of the operating environment, as well as underlying capital market participants, regulators, marketplaces, and vendors Oil Gas: Organization performance improvement Organization and performance improvement is a never-ending necessity for oil and gas companies. Shifts in global supply and demand, record-high energy and materials prices, and chronically underperforming assets are only a few of the current challenges. Executives also face considerable pressure to boost shareholder returns, whether through revenue growth, margin improvement, asset efficiency, or some combination. CRA helps clients identify and utilize the levers that can improve business performance. Our tailored, comprehensive approach addresses process, organization, systems, and performance metrics Oil Gas: Environmental strategy Regulatory policy and litigation involving air and water quality and waste disposal now impact virtually every industry. Annual expenditures on environmental protection, cleanup, and damages total hundreds of billions of dollars, and a reduced burden is not expected. Oil and gas companies have challenged themselves to be positive environmental contributors, and a sound environmental strategy is increasingly important to maintain regulatory compliance and demonstrate responsible care. CRA provides expert, far-reaching support to clients facing challenges related to the environment. We help our clients respond to environmental regulatory and legal action, influence the regulatory and legal setting, and anticipate and adapt to future requirements, including possible climate-change regulation. Our consultants advise on: Corporate strategy to address risks and uncertainties surrounding greenhouse gas (GHG) policy Environmental strategic compliance options with federal, regional, state, and local regulations/legislation Emissions trading planning surrounding cap-and-trade policies for SO2, NOX, Mercury and CO2, among others Environmental policy analysis to shape future policy design Regulatory/litigation support in conflict situations involving costs/damages resulting from claims related to the environment Identification of business opportunities that could relate to environmental trends, such as renewable power generation, demand-side management, and energy efficiency