Deforestation as a Major Problem Essay - 3194 Words

In order for living creatures to survive, a stable environment must exist. Although the environment is crucial for mans survival, man has been destroying it since the beginning of time. Man has been destroying trees for the use of wood for centuries. Today with an increasing population the amount of wood available has declined seriously in recent decades. People have been harvesting wood to cultivate land, burn, and for the use of raw materials for industry (Urquhart 2014). The estimated amount of deforestation taking place is twenty million hectares per year (Urquhart 2014). Climate change and global warming are just a few of the problems associated with the degradation of our forests. Scientists themselves are just beginning to†¦show more content†¦This is just as damaging to a forest as cutting down individual trees (NASA Facts). It is so damaging because to get the machinery into a forest they must cut down trees to form a pathway. By forming this pathway the trees in the way become useless because they were bulldozed out of the ground. Population affects the land differently by the ways people use the lands. From 1990 to 2000 closed forests lost a lot of land. The closed forests worldwide lost 34.8 million hectares and other land cover lost 21.6 million hectares. The total landmass of this loss of forests is comparable to the size of France (Marcoux). Most of this land was lost due to permanent agriculture and pastures. This is a lot of land over a ten year period that people have destroyed when they could have used other methods of farming to gain more profit and conserve land. This type of farming also leads to rapid population growth in these areas, which are taking more and more forestland. The rapid growth comes from people trying to seek land to colonize for it’s farming, or by agricultural entrepreneurs trying to make commercial operations (Marcoux). After the change from closed forest to open forest farmers took another 9 million hectares. The main reason for this was for fuel wood exploitation, grazing and related fire practices, and selective farming (Marcoux). Aside from cutting down forests for timber or farms, there is also a waste of forest due toShow MoreRelatedDeforestation Is The Real Consequences Of Deforestation1231 Words   |  5 Pageslike without these forests? If the rate of deforestation continues to increase then we may have to find out the answer to that question. Deforestation is a recurring global problem which is the act of tearing down a forest to use the land for a different purpose. Today’s society is so steadfast on advancement that they aren t stepping back to look at the solutions to the problem, alternatives, nor the very real consequences of deforestation. Deforestation could be destroyed in multiple ways. One ofRead MoreDeforestation: A Major Reason for Global Warming753 Words   |  3 Pages Topic: Climate Change Research question: How is deforestation a major reason for global warming? Deforestation is cutting down of trees for some purpose (furniture). It is very harmful for everybody as it causes landslides, earthquakes and many more problems†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.Deforestation is a major cause as it also causes the main problem global warming. Global warming is an increase in average temperature of earth’s atmosphere. Deforestation also helps the greenhouse gas to spread (increase).Greenhouse gasRead MoreEssay on A Speech on Banning Deforestation614 Words   |  3 Pages Deforestation is a major problem and it causes a number of disruptions. Did you know that an area of forest equal to 20 football or rugby fields is lost every minute? This just gives you an idea of how much deforestation takes place. Deforestation is known as the world’s most pressing land-use problems, so don’t you think that something should be done about this? The size of the world’s forest total is 4.7%, yet emits 25% of the world total carbon dioxide. CarbonRead MoreDeforestation Of The Amazon Rainforest833 Words   |  4 Pages David Alas ENF 111 11/01/15 The Deforestation of the Amazon Rainforest I. Introduction A. The Amazon Rainforest is one of the most important natural features of our planet, crucial to our way of life. However, what Godfrey (1990) described as â€Å"one of the world’s last great settlement frontiers† is severely under threat. B. According to some experts, during the past 40 years close to 20 % of the Amazon rainforest has been destroyed. Furthermore, it has been suggested that this figure could beRead More The Controversy of Deforestation Essay1347 Words   |  6 Pages The affect of environmental issues occur everyday and in particular deforestation is becoming a highly ranked subject. From animals to the human race, the alacrity of trees that are cut down affects every individual in a variety of ways. Not only do people need to help the planet but they need to help themselves and further generations to come, such as children and grandchildren because these natural resources that are being taken away from society are as well shaping the future. For comprehensibleRead MoreDeforestation And Environment1125 Words   |  5 Pages Deforestation is a clearing of a wide area of into cleared land that is used for a variety of reasons. The impact on the environment from cutting down, burning and damaging forests is very detrimental and there will be severe consequences for the environment and future generations because of deforestation and approximately  7.3 million hectares of forests are being destroyed per year in the world. (citation)   In this essay, I will explore the impact that deforestation on the environment and I willRead MoreEnvironmental Issue: Tropical Rainforest Deforestation1624 Words   |  7 Pagesworld, deforestation has become a major problem. The rainforest is arguably the most complicated and largely interwoven ecosystem on land. However, this treasure is being lost and demolished day by day, the land being cleared away for the pure interest of money making, in the process of deforestation. Not only are thousands of species of organisms being driven to extinction, but we are also effe ctively eliminating any chance of studying many of the species. Also, deforestation has a major impactRead MoreClimate Change : Global Warming1197 Words   |  5 Pagesnot confined to a single region. It has become an important issue all over the world for the past few years. Reasons of global climatic change ïÆ'Ëœ Global warming is one of the major reasons in marine pollution. For an instance in year 2010 there was an oil leakage near Mumbai in Arabian Sea. ïÆ'Ëœ Another reason is deforestation. ïÆ'Ëœ Automobiles release the un burnt carbon monoxide due to which ultraviolet rays got a way to enter into atmosphere. Consequences for the global climatic change ïÆ'Ëœ HurricanesRead MoreDeforestation And Environment1402 Words   |  6 Pages Deforestation is an increasing global crisis and is mainly caused by human actions. Forests cover approximately 31% of the area on the planet (Deforestation, n.d.). Deforestation is the destruction of a wide area of forest land into a cleared land that is used for a variety of reasons. The impact on the environment from cutting down, burning and damaging forests is very detrimental and there are severe consequences for the environment and future generations due to deforestation. According to theRead MorePaper Towels And Its Effects On The World891 Words   |  4 Pageslead to deforestation- conversion of forested regions to non-forest land for human use and industrial gain until I really need it. After a long look at the mirror, I smirked to myself and turned around settling my wet hands in my pants pocket so that they would dry till I reach my class. After a few days of attachment to the commitment, I realized that although it might be just a drop of water in an ocean but we ca n really minimize the consumption of products that lead to deforestation. For that

Martin Luther King Jr. - 1137 Words

In the 1960s, the idea of equal rights for African Americans citizens began to take hold in the United States At the head of this major movement were two major leaders: Martin Luther King Jr. Despite the fact that they had the common goal of racial equality, they had opposing views on how to obtain it. Martin Luther King Jr. believed that Civil Rights should be obtained peacefully, through methods such as boycotts, sit-ins, and marches. While Malcom X believed that such a thing should be obtained at all costs, with violence or otherwise. While many blacks found themselves divided between the two. I believe that Martin Luther King Jr. s made the most sense. While in his prime, Martin Luther King Jr. had used a wide range of methods to promote his methods of peace and racial equality. One of his first tasks was leading the Montgomery bus boycott. As a result of his hard work and perseverance, the Montgomery buses were desegregated in less than a year. Two years later, King formed the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. While he was in Birmingham, he wrote Letter From a Birmingham Jail about why the civil rights movement could not afford to be stalled. King was known for his wonderful public speaking and motivational skills, for example, he gave the Our God is Marching On Speech after marching from Selma to Montgomery We are on the move now. The burning of our churches will not deter us. We are on the move now. The bombing of our homes will not dissuade us.Show MoreRelatedMartin Luther King Jr.867 Words   |  4 Pagespeople, one of them is Martin Luther King Jr. He made the world a better place for black citizens by doing non-violence movements and marched the way to freedom. Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta Georgia as Michael King Jr., but changed his name to Martin Luther King Jr. in honor of Protestant Martin Luther. Through his activism, King played a pivotal role in ending the legal discrimination of African American citizens. During his childhood, Martin Jr.’s father stronglyRead MoreMartin Luther King Jr1194 Words   |  5 Pagesï » ¿ Simmons 1 Gabrielle Simmons Mrs. Fitzgerald Social Studies 8A 4/27/10 Martin Luther King Jr. Martin Luther King Jr. is a well known and an inspiring man to all cultures of the world. King was and still is one of the most influential heroes. King s views and believes helped African Americans through the 50 s and 60 s to the rights and liberties that was their right. King faced many obstacles on his journey, things like jail and even assassination attempts. Despite these obstacles,Read MoreMartin Luther King Jr.1078 Words   |  5 PagesMartin Luther King, Jr., was a very strong person, constantly fighting for what he believed in, which was equality for African Americans. He was not scared to stand up and tell the world what he wanted for society. He was fearless and did everything in his power to prove a point. Martin Luther King, Jr., was the strongest individual of his time, for he fought until death, which proves how much he was willing to risk his life to make the world an equal place. Growing up, he had a very interestingRead MoreMartin Luther King, Jr Essay1153 Words   |  5 Pagesbe slaves, African-Americans saw a road trip to equality through the eyes of Martin Luther King, Jr. Even after being emancipated from slaves to citizens, African-Americans were not ready to wage the battle against segregation alone. The weight which African Americans carried on their back, was lightened when they began to see what Martin Luther King, Jr. brought to the table against segregation. Martin Luther King, Jr. was the single most important African-American leader of the Civil Rights MovementRead MoreBiography of Martin Luther King, Jr745 Words   |  3 PagesMartin Luther King, Jr. (January 15, 1929-April 4, 1968) was born on in his mothers parents large house on Auburn Avenue in Atlanta, Georgia. He was the second child, and was first named Michael, after his father. Both changed their names to Martin when the boy was still young. King JR was born into a financially secu re family middle class with that, They received better education in respect to most people of their race. King Jr, noticed this and this influenced him to live a life of social protestRead MoreEssay on Martin Luther King, Jr.591 Words   |  3 PagesMartin Luther King, Jr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was born at home on Tuesday, January 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia. His parents were Martin Luther, Sr. and Alberta King. He was born into a world where segregation was the law. Where his boyhood best friend, who was white, wasnt allowed to play with him once they started school. Where black people went to separate bathrooms, drank from separate water fountains, couldnt eat in whites only restaurants, and had toRead MoreMartin Luther King Jr.1144 Words   |  5 PagesMartin Luther King Jr. (January 15 1929-April 4, 1968) Brief Summary (of who MLK Jr. is): Martin Luther King Jr. was a Baptist minister and an activist who led the civil rights movement in the 1950. He was a fundamental force behind the civil rights movement that ended legal segregation. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. But he was sadly assassinated in 1968 on a second floor balcony of Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee†¦ Childhood: Martin Luther was never poor. He lived with a middleRead MoreMartin Luther King Jr.2405 Words   |  10 PagesMartin Luther King Jr. was a Baptist minister and social activist, who led the Civil Rights Movement in the United States from the mid-1950s until his death by assassination in 1968. IN THESE GROUPS NOBEL PEACE PRIZE WINNERS FAMOUS PEOPLE WHO DIED IN 1968 FAMOUS PEOPLE WHO WENT TO PRISON FAMOUS CAPRICORNS Show All Groups 1 of 19  «  » QUOTES â€Å"But we come here tonight to be saved from that patience that makes us patient with anything less than freedom and justice.† —Martin Luther King Jr. Read MoreMartin Luther King Jr. Essay1862 Words   |  8 Pagesbut the content of the character,† (Martin Luther King Jr,1963) Martin Luther King Jr. was a smart child and had a good childhood. He learned values from his parents, and Martin Luther King Jr was a man of much wisdom during his time. He was a major contributor to the civil rights movement, and those contributions have profound effect even today. Michael Luther King was Martin Luther King Jr’s name when was born. His parents changed his name to Martin Luther King when he was just a young boy. TheyRead More Martin Luther King Jr. Essay637 Words   |  3 Pages Martin Luther King, Jr. was perhaps one of the most influential person of our time. As the father of modern civil rights movement, Dr.Martin Luther king, Jr., is recognized around the world as a symbol of freedom and peace. Born January 15, 1929, King was the son of an Atlanta pastor. King accomplished many achievements during his life. He graduated from Morehouse as a minister in 1948 and went on to Crozer Theological seminary in Chester, Pa., where he earned a divinity degree. After that King

Choice Of Making Strategic Decisions Samples †MyAssignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about the Choice Of Making Strategic Decisions. Answer: Globalization has changed the perspectives of most of the organization and many companies in the market are using innovative strategies to handle the uncertainties in the market. However, there are two perspectives that have been taken into consideration by the companies in the market: one is the strategic choice and the other is the deterministic approach. The deterministic theory believes that the market has its own sets of control (Pisano 2017). Thus, many organizations are trying to make use of the strategy and respond to the changes in the market. These companies continuously observe the changes in the market situation so that they quickly adapt to the changes. The identification of the patterns in the market is important in this perspective because it will facilitate the organizations in capitalizing on the market situations. The industry, social environment and the market place will determine the structuring of the organization. However, this concept has not been widely accept ed and majority of the companies are following the strategic choice approach (Tokman, Richey and Deitz 2016). Strategic choice is an approach which states that the organization have the same amount of control of the market environment and the customers. The organizations can predict the future trends to identify the strategies that have to be applied. This predictive helps the organization to be prepared for the uncertainties so that the changes in the market environment will not affect the organization. Moreover, the organization can control the market by changing the strategies in pricing, networking and advertising. This shows that the organizations are more focused on the preventative measures than the counter measures (Strong et al. 2014). This essay will critically analyze both the perspectives to identify which will be appropriate for the future trends in the market. The central factor to making strategic decision is the process of strategic choice, which is effective. The management has a degree of discretion, which means that they have the choice of making strategic decisions. They are not only accountable for the factors such as availability of the technology and environmental factors in the market. It is the responsibility of the manager to make decisions for the organization so that they can gain competitive advantage in the market. However, there are certain degree of limitations and bindings to the choice they have to make, as they are accountable to the higher officials and the stakeholders (Hill, Jones and Schilling 2014). Therefore, the mangers make use of the strategic planning tool to evaluate the various choices they have so that they make the best possible choice for the organization. This will facilitate to prepare for the contingencies and make improvement in the business model. The contingency plan and the strategic plan are link ed together and both of them is required for effective management of the organization. Therefore, in order to develop the corporate strategy, strategic planning is required for maintaining sustainability of the organization (Whittington 2014). There are lot of strategic issues in the organization, which the management will have to explore so that could evaluate and find the solution to various issues. The shape of the issues and the relationship among them will identify the potential effects of the issues. Thus, after analyzing the issues it will be easier for themanagement to develop strategies. In this context, strategic choice is an important aspect, which will help to identify the various options and strategise that, will have to be implemented (AM Vermeulen et al. 2016). The management will analyze the impact of the issues so identify the potential threats and their severity so that they can boost the performance of the organization. The management will have o make the choices after setting up the array of the issues. Initially it is necessary to validate the purpose of the organization, which will include the clear definition of the stakeholders and the benefits they will gain. There are certain guidelines, which has to be made so that the management can follow these structures to fulfil the objective of the organization. The higher-level official and the governing body of the organization will have to be in agreement with the choices they are making. Corporate social responsibility is one of the strategic choices of the organization. The establishment of the triple bottom-line also a choice and does not deal with the performance of the organization (Wheelen and Hunger 2017). These strategic choices will follow the principle of no harm, which include the responsibility of being a good corporate citizen. Strategic choice will depend on the various macro and micro environment analysis of the organization. The internal analysis of organization is also important and there are other forms of analysis, which will analyze the value chain and processes in the operations of the organization. This will help to identify the various issue and the contingencies, which the organization will have to face (Cep tureanu, Ceptureanu and Marin 2017). This will also include the current trend in the market and identification of the market opportunities. This will help to identify the various strategies that will have to be implemented and the choices the organization will have to make. The strategic choice method will predict the future trends and possible threats in the market so that the organization and implement strategy and be prepared for any of contingency. The management will have to make a choice among the possibilities with highest chances of effect and damage. This will help to minimize the effect of the market on the organization and maintain sustainability (Charki, Josserand and Boukef 2017). This approach believes that the organizations have the ability to control the corresponding environment by implementing various strategies. This could be of various types, such as financial, promotional and operational. The organization could change the strategies to make sure that they can control consumers and the market. This is followed by majority of the organizations who try to make sure that they can make changes to the organization depending upon the future market trends (Tatham 2017). However, there are various strategic options, which will help in the identification of the strategies that has to be chosen. The four factors, which will help in making the choice, are authenticity, communicability, believability and deliverability (Ghosh, Ranganathan and Rosenkopf 2016). The choices that are made by the organization must be authentic. In order to check the authenticity of a strategy the viable alternatives to the organization will have to be found out. The strategic choice wil l help to identify the things the organization is suppose to do and the things they are not suppose top do. The limitations are equally important as it help to improve the business model of the organization. The authentic choices will include the factors, which will help the organization to compete so that the firm can gain competitive advantage in the market. The choice is believable if the strategy consists of various facts and real time data that help to understand the feasibility. The choices will have to be trustworthy, relevant and representative which will provide evidence that the strategic choice is logical. This will validate the strategy that it can be implemented in the particular organization setting (Pisano 2017). There are lot of opportunities, which are illogical and not feasible for the organization so the believability is an important factor. Communicability is another factor in making strategic choice, a strategy can be believable and authentic but if not communic ated in an effective manner then the implementation is not possible. The management team implements all the strategies so it is essential o communicate all the details so that they can understand and agree to the objective. The last factor that is important for making the strategic choice is deliverability, even though the strategies have been evaluated, validated and narrowed down, it important for the organization to make sure that they will be able to execute the plan that has been suggested (Kelly 2013). Thus, the execution of the strategies is most important factor because there are lot of strategies, which are not feasible for the organization. The cost of the implementation of the strategy is a big factor; it may happen that the cost of the strategy is more than the lifetime revenue that can be generated. In this scenario, the strategy is not feasible for the organization and other alternatives have to be evaluated. The deterministic approach states that the any organization will have to change according to the changes in the market conditions. This is due to the fact the companies in the market will have to change along with the upcoming changes if they want to maintain their sustainability in the market (Soni, Jain and Kumar 2014). The deterministic theory is not flexible or open to change, they are rather forced to change. This means that the organization will have no control over the market uncertainties and instead of taking preventative measures they will be forced to adapt to the changes in the market. the resource dependency theory deals with the dependence of the organization on the external resources. This can be the raw materials the organization uses for making their products (Malatesta and Smith 2014). The market needs are changing and it is an important concept in the deterministic theory as alteration in the raw materials is needed and the organization who can make the transformat ion quickly will be the one to gain competitive advantage in the market. There are organization who are dependent on their resources so it is essential for them to control the raw materials. The dependency on a single source could be a weakness so organizations try to manage their resources to maintain their long-term sustainability. Thus, the strategy will have to be based on these theories so that it has a positive impact on the organization. Chance will play an important role as it will affect the strategy of the organization. The random events in the market could act in favour of the organization at the same time it could have adverse effect on the organization. It may happen that various trivial choices may lead to consequences that were never expected by the organization and similarly, it may happen that some tight actions which were coupled together in a nice way will produce magnificent results which were never expected. Thus, chance plays an important role in the determinis tic theory (Voss and Brettel, 2014). The institutional theory states that the environment of the organization will have a lot of impact on the structure. This means that the impact of the organizational environment can have more impact than the adversity in the market. This means that innovation in the structure is an important factor for the success of the company. However, the formal structure will reduce the effectives of the organization and so it is essential to adapt to the changes so that there is an improvement in the business model (Fuenfschilling and Truffer 2014). The firm are forced to adopt similar structure due to the legal mandate in the industry or they would like to copy the structure of the organization who are successful and are the market leaders. However, it may also happen due to the professional groups that has been hired for the implementation of the strategy. The ecology of any organization is divided in to three levels; population, community and organization. The theory assumes that change in t he organization is based on the population deaths and births. However, the organizations can change on their own and go through drastic transformation but there is sustainability (Rockwood 2015). The organization adapt to the changes in the environment and grow to become a better organization. However, there are factors like institutionalization which prevents the organization to make changes. Thus, after the evaluation of all the theories it can be said that deterministic theory is applicable and suited to a particular type of the organization. However, in case of the strategic choice approach it is widely sued and has less amount of risk. This type of structure is more flexible and realistic as it will help in mitigating the risks and the contingencies in the organization. However, the deterministic is a futuristic approach which will be widely used in the upcoming years as it is becoming quite difficult to predict and identify the changes in the environment. References AM Vermeulen, P., Zietsma, C., Greenwood, R. and Langley, A., 2016. Strategic responses to institutional complexity.Strategic Organization,14(4), pp.277-286. Ceptureanu, S.I., Ceptureanu, E.G. and Marin, I., 2017. Assessing the Role of Strategic Choice on Organizational Performance by JacqueminBerry Entropy Index.Entropy,19(9), p.448. Charki, M.H., Josserand, E. and Boukef, N., 2017. The paradoxical effects of legal intervention over unethical information technology use: A rational choice theory perspective.The Journal of Strategic Information Systems,26(1), pp.58-76. Fuenfschilling, L. and Truffer, B., 2014. The structuration of socio-technical regimesConceptual foundations from institutional theory.Research Policy,43(4), pp.772-791. Ghosh, A., Ranganathan, R. and Rosenkopf, L., 2016. The impact of context and model choice on the determinants of strategic alliance formation: Evidence from a staged replication study.Strategic Management Journal,37(11), pp.2204-2221. Hill, C.W., Jones, G.R. and Schilling, M.A., 2014.Strategic management: theory: an integrated approach. Cengage Learning. Kelly, J.S., 2013.Social choice theory: An introduction. Springer Science Business Media. Malatesta, D. and Smith, C.R., 2014. Lessons from resource dependence theory for contemporary public and nonprofit management.Public Administration Review,74(1), pp.14-25. Pisano, G.P., 2017. Toward a prescriptive theory of dynamic capabilities: connecting strategic choice, learning, and competition.Industrial and Corporate Change,26(5), pp.747-762. Rockwood, L.L., 2015.Introduction to population ecology. John Wiley Sons. Soni, U., Jain, V. and Kumar, S., 2014. Measuring supply chain resilience using a deterministic modeling approach.Computers Industrial Engineering,74, pp.11-25. Strong, D.M., Johnson, S.A., Tulu, B., Trudel, J., Volkoff, O., Pelletier, L.R., Bar-On, I. and Garber, L., 2014. A theory of organization-EHR affordance actualization.Journal of the Association for Information Systems,15(2), p.53. Tatham, M., 2017. Disentangling actors from their environment? Pitfalls and added-value of the strategic-choice approach.International Journal of Public Administration, pp.1-14. Tokman, M., Richey, R.G. and Deitz, G.D., 2016. A Strategic Choice Theory Taxonomy of Retailers Strategic Orientations.Journal of Marketing Theory and Practice,24(2), pp.186-208. Voss, U. and Brettel, M., 2014. The effectiveness of management control in small firms: Perspectives from resource dependence theory.Journal of Small Business Management,52(3), pp.569-587. Wheelen, T.L. and Hunger, J.D., 2017.Strategic management and business policy. pearson. Whittington, R., 2014.Corporate Strategies in Recession and Recovery (Routledge Revivals): Social Structure and Strategic Choice. Routledge.

Reformation Essay Example

Reformation Essay I believe choosing to take the course on the Renaissance would be a very wise decision. After recently finishing an in depth study on the Italian and Northern Renaissance I could tell you a few things that might spark your interest. One being that the popular cartoon show Ninja Turtles got their character names from four of the most famous men of the Renaissance. Also, I am sure that you didnt know the old saying live life to the fullest began during the Renaissance.Finally, I will close with how, where, and when the Renaissance began and ended. As a kid I always knew the names Donatello, Leonardo, Michelangelo, and Raphael as the totally, awesome NINJA TURTLES.Yes, as a girl I still loved the fighting ninjas! But, recently in my World History class I was taught that these for names arent just cartoon characters. In fact, they are much more than that. Donatello was an outstanding sculptor of the 1400s. His most famous work was the statue of Venetian general, Gattemelata. Donatello w as also thefirst sculptor to display his knowledge of human anatomy. The ninja turtle Leonardo gets his name from the Italian Renaissance artist, Leonardo Da Vinci. Although everyone knows Leonardo Da Vinci for his wonderful paintings, The Last Supper and The Mona Lisa he has also studied geology, chemistry and anatomy. Michelangelo was also a man very good a several things. He was a great sculptor, architect, painter, and poet. One of Michelangelos most famous work was the walls and ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, which he painted for a total of four years. Raphael was a painter known for his beautiful religious paintings. Leo X and Julius II were two popes very fond of Raphaels work. Raphael also was appointed chief architect of the St. Peters Church. One of the most common sayings is to Live life to the fullest, this was a very popular saying during the

Hiring Trends Show Older Workers in Demand

Hiring Trends Show Older Workers in Demand According to U.S. News and World Report, 70 percent of human resource experts believe older workers have a strong work ethic. Based on the number of adults over the age of 50 who are part of the workforce, this assessment seems accurate. For older Americans seeking employment, the need many companies have for their skills and experience makes finding a job easier. How Have Workforce Age Dynamics Changed?Companies are hiring more workers age 50 and older, and this trend is growing. Even before the Great Recession, mature workers age 65 and older were working than in the past. However, with fluctuations in the economy came a decrease in pension plans and other forms of worker security. This evolution opened the floodgates to older workers since it helped to level hiring practices. The number of older workers increased, and replacing them with workers who have the same level of skill and experience is difficult. A shortage of qualified workers is continuing to grow, and estimates indica te this will continue in the years ahead.Why Older Works Are SoughtAccording to the Society for Human Resource Management, workers over 50 show greater job engagement than younger workers. This is a key ingredient in a company’s growth. Other factors favoring older workers are their experience and skill subset, according to 77 percent of employers questioned. Assembly line workers between the ages of 50 and 65 have increased productivity due to a decrease in errors. Seventy-one percent of employers also said that older workers exhibit greater professionalism, a trait that is highly valued. An AARP study, done in 2015, showed that older workers have lower turnover rates and that company cost to train new workers is decreased.Baby Boomers Are Part of the WorkforceSome older workers are unable to retire due to economic considerations, while some have grown children to support. In addition, some want to stay engaged and feel working is a means to that end. This need has resulted in many workers seeking employment. Getting a job with the growing number of companies who seek older employees means setting up a plan to accomplish that. Since older Americans are computer literate, according to the Pew Research Center, the search for full-time or part-time jobs for seniors is done online. Searching job sites can be time consuming, and developing a job search strategy is important.TheJobNetwork Can HelpOlder workers who wish to search job sites online might be interested in TheJobNetwork’s platform. By setting up a profile listing skills, experience and job preferences, searching is consolidated and takes less time. This job search site lets you look for jobs in your field, and jobs are constantly updated, ensuring that a listed opportunities are available and new jobs are posted on a 24-hour basis. In addition, you can post your resume, listing your education, training and skills, and the platform will search for jobs as they become available that match yo ur qualifications.Matches are ranked according to how closely they match what you want.Searching TheJobNetwork may help the older worker find the type of job he or she is looking for online. Using this platform may help you bring your skills and experience to a company that would benefit from your presence.

10 Great Jobs for People Who Love to Travel

10 Great Jobs for People Who Love to Travel If you’re the type that doesn’t get antsy about travel, and wouldn’t prefer to stay within a 10-mile radius of home, then a career on the road might be for you. You might, of course, be thinking that a career not spent in one spot would require being an airline pilot or a traveling salesman, but you would be wrong. Here are 10Â  great jobs for people who love to travel.1. Travel NurseIf you don’t mind being flexible, or shipped off at a moment’s notice to wherever you might be needed most, then working as a travel nurse might just be for you. You’ll have a variety of duties across a wide swatch of places, and you’ll be well-paid and in demand.2. Athletic Talent ScoutEver wonder how professional sports players make it from the minor to the major leagues? If you love sports and know enough to spot an ace when you see one, consider working for a franchise or team to bring in the new talent. You’ll want to know your chosen sport in side and out, and also be comfortable with the pressure of choosing the next big hope.3. RoadieLove music? Ever wish you could go out on tour with your favorite artist? It might just be possible. Work doing electrics or rigging or sound or stage-handing for one of your favorite local musicians, and you could up doing the same for the biggest stars.4. Tour GuideWant to move somewhere specific? Know a lot about that place and want to geek out even more? Tour guiding might just be for you. Learn your spot inside and out, then make everyone love it as much as you do, and you’ll be sure to succeed.5. Civil ServiceConsider applying to the U.S. State Department. See a different part of the world, get really in-depth in the issues, and still feel like you have something interesting to say at a dinner party. Almost regardless of your background, there might be a job in civil service for you. As long as you can pass the security clearance, you should be all right.6. International AidWo rk for an independent aid organization and really help people around the globe. It’s important to want to help others- and to make a difference, but this can be an incredibly willing career. You’ll be paid well, but you still should love what you do.7. ArchaeologistYou’ll need a bit of schooling, and you’ll never quite be Indiana Jones, but you’ll get to dig up all sorts of extremely unique artifacts and feel like you’re unearthing history. If you like science and working outdoors and solving intricate, tedious mysteries, then this could be for you.8. English TeacherYou probably imagine your high school English teacher standing in front of the same old class year after year. But imagine teaching ESL in various places all over the world. You’ll need a Bachelor’s degree, perhaps even a Master’s, but then the world is your oyster.9. Field Service TechIf you feel qualified to be a doctor of technology, but don’t want to have to get an advanced degree, you could consider working as a field service technician fixing broken mobile technology, cranes, elevators, trains, etc. You can work independently, for a company, or even for the government. And you can get most of your training directly on the job.10. Yacht CrewIf you love the water and you don’t mind doing a bit of manual labor, you can absolutely see the world by crewing yachts. Live on a superyacht and stay in some of the most exciting ports in the world. You’ll hobknob with some of the biggest names in the business, and in the world, and you’ll spend a great deal of time outside in the most beautiful surroundings.

Changes in Political Economy of Development Essay

Changes in Political Economy of Development - Essay Example This essay stresses that in the 20th century there have been many scholars who have done extensive research on the different policies adopted. However, each researcher has been advocating for their own framework and it has been the responsibility of leaders to adopt the best for their countries. Since the dawn of communism and capitalism in the world where the two were seen to be at war with each other there have been massive changes in the systems all over the world. The conventional communism and capitalism have been overtaken by liberalism and eventually neo-liberalism. One can only ask if there are changes that will be seen in future with massive economic and political changes shaping the world. Capitalism is one of the oldest models that were used at the dawn of the 20th century and its failure was culminated by the great depression that hit the United States massively. This paper makes a conclusion that a huge gap still exists between the developed countries and the developing countries. Instituting similar paradigms and economic policies will not be helpful to the developing countries since they do not have similar levels of resources. There is a need to ensure independent a factor that should not be applied only at individual level. However, the world is braced for major transformations due to the changes in the political and economic arena and therefore leaders have a responsibility to get the best out of their economies. The changes have helped the world economy but there is more to be done to ensure the same is felt by individuals all over the world.

Analysing research literature Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Analysing research literature - Essay Example It is also identified to be associated with different issues which include health problems, obesity and hearing problems among others. In this regard, the research study conducted in this journal is conducted with the objective of ascertaining the importance of physical activity (PA) for the children along with young people having DS. The journal implies that PA is an essential element for the management and for the prevention of chronic diseases in children. Moreover, PA aids in reviving health conditions of individuals so that children and young people have better physical fitness and body mass. Consequently, the children and young people will be facilitated with the opportunity of having an independent life. In this respect, the study in the journal article has provided adequate knowledge to different researchers about the importance of PA in children and young people about the influence of DS. Respectively, the study in the journal has provided important information in relation t o research methodologies along with intervention design that are appropriate for the people suffering from DS. Thus, the study has been effective in briefing the importance of PA in the early life of children and young people affected with DS for its better intervention along with assisting them to develop with a better health and body growth (Downs & et. al., 2013). There is a procedure on the basis of which journals are to be critically reviewed which includes introduction, literature review, discussion and conclusion (Shon, 2012). Consequently, a mixed response can be depicted for the article. Critical Analysis PA is an important element assisting children and young people to grow and develop with greater independence as it can be recognised from the study of various researchers. Additionally, it is critically argued that children and young people with DS should be provided with adequate knowledge in relation to PA so that they are able to develop physically along with in terms o f body mass (Kasser, 2005). PA which includes swimming, walking along with other exercises have assisted people with DS by a significant extent to retain healthy body and to prevent illness. PA has been an efficient measure for minimising health issues associated with DS which include obesity and cardiorespiratory problems. In this regard, it has been identified that deficiency of PA is one the major causes of DS. Additionally, a lack of PA amid individuals with DS tends to enhance the risks in relation to health problems (Urbano, 2010). The study has also been effective in ascertaining the facilitators and the barriers in relation to PA. Contextually, the article has provided adequate information about the various aspects of DS and the importance of PA in minimising risks associated with DS. In a similar context, Stanish & Frey (2007) have stated that there are several facilitators and barriers to PA. In this context, the most important facilitator is the parents and on the other h and, the barriers comprise transportation cost and social interaction among others (Stanish & Frey, 2007). These are the several strengths that can be derived from the research study in this journal (Downs & et. al., 2013). According to Jobling (1994), PA plays an effective role in the life of people having DS. PA assists them to grow and develop independent skills so that they are able to retain a healthy life in future (Shields & et. al., 2009; Jobling, 1994). Similarly, Buckley (2007) has stated that PA

Industrial Relations Essay Example for Free

Industrial Relations Essay Industrial relations has three faces: science building, problem solving, and ethical. [9] In the science building phase, industrial relations is part of the social sciences, and it seeks to understand the employment relationship and its institutions through high-quality, rigorous research. In this vein, industrial relations scholarship intersects with scholarship in labor economics, industrial sociology, labor and social history, human resource management, political science, law, and other areas. Industrial relations scholarship assumes that labor markets are not perfectly competitive and thus, in contrast to mainstream economic theory, employers typically have greater bargaining power than employees. Industrial relations scholarship also assumes that there are at least some inherent conflicts of interest between employers and employees (for example, higher wages versus higher profits) and thus, in contrast to scholarship in human resource management and organizational behavior, conflict is seen as a natural part of the employment relationship. Industrial relations scholars therefore frequently study the diverse institutional arrangements that characterize and shape the employment relationship—from norms and power structures on the shop floor, to employee voice mechanisms in the workplace, to collective bargaining arrangements at company, regional, or national level, to various levels of public policy and labor law regimes, to varieties of capitalism (such as corporatism, social democracy, and neoliberalism). When labor markets are seen as imperfect, and when the employment relationship includes conflicts of interest, then one cannot rely on markets or managers to always serve workers’ interests, and in extreme cases to prevent worker exploitation. Industrial relations scholars and practitioners therefore support institutional interventions to improve the workings of the employment relationship and to protect workers’ rights. The nature of these institutional interventions, however, differ between two camps within industrial relations. 10] The pluralist camp sees the employment relationship as a mixture of shared interests and conflicts of interests that are largely limited to the employment relationship. In the workplace, pluralists therefore champion grievance procedures, employee voice mechanisms such as works councils and labor unions, collective bargaining, and labor-management partnerships. In the policy arena, pluralists advocate for minimum wage laws, occupational health and safety standards, international labor standards, and other employment and labor laws and public policies. 11] These institutional interventions are all seen as methods for balancing the employment relationship to generate not only economic efficiency, but also employee equity and voice. [12] In contrast, the Marxist-inspired critical camp sees employer-employee conflicts of interest as sharply antagonistic and deeply embedded in the socio-political-economic system. From this perspective, the pursuit of a balanced employment relationship gives too much weight to employers’ interests, and instead deep-seated structural reforms are needed to change the sharply antagonistic employment relationship that is inherent within capitalism. Militant trade unions are thus frequently supported. History Industrial relations has its roots in the industrial revolution which created the modern employment relationship by spawning free labor markets and large-scale industrial organizations with thousands of wage workers. [9] As society wrestled with these massive economic and social changes, labor problems arose. Low wages, long working hours, monotonous and dangerous work, and abusive supervisory practices led to high employee turnover, violent strikes, and the threat of social instability. Intellectually, industrial relations was formed at the end of the 19th century as a middle ground between classical economics and Marxism, with Sidney Webb and Beatrice Webb’s Industrial Democracy (1897) being the key intellectual work. Industrial relations thus rejected the classical econ. Institutionally, industrial relations was founded by John R. Commons when he created the first academic industrial relations program at the University of Wisconsin in 1920. Early financial support for the field came from John D. Rockefeller, Jr. ho supported progressive labor-management relations in the aftermath of the bloody strike at a Rockefeller-owned coal mine in Colorado. In Britain, another progressive industrialist, Montague Burton, endowed chairs in industrial relations at Leeds, Cardiff and Cambridge in 1930, and the discipline was formalized in the 1950s with the formation of the Oxford School by Allan Flanders and Hugh Clegg. [13] Industrial relations was formed with a strong p roblem-solving orientation that rejected both the classical economists’ laissez faire solutions to labor problems and the Marxist solution of class revolution. It is this approach that underlies the New Deal legislation in the United States, such as the National Labor Relations Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act. Industrial relations scholars have described three major theoretical perspectives or frameworks, that contrast in their understanding and analysis of workplace relations. The three views are generally known as unitarism, pluralist and radical. Each offers a particular perception of workplace relations and will therefore interpret such events as workplace conflict, the role of unions and job regulation differently. The radical perspective is sometimes referred to as the conflict model, although this is somewhat ambiguous, as pluralism also tends to see conflict as inherent in workplaces. Radical theories are strongly identified with Marxist theories, although they are not limited to these. Pluralist perspective In pluralism, the organization is perceived as being made up of powerful and divergent sub-groups, each with its own legitimate loyalties and with their own set of objectives and leaders. In particular, the two predominant sub-groups in the pluralist perspective are the management and trade unions. Consequently, the role of management would lean less towards enforcing and controlling and more toward persuasion and co-ordination. Trade unions are deemed as legitimate representatives of employees, conflict is dealt by collective bargaining and is viewed not necessarily as a bad thing and, if managed, could in fact be channeled towards evolution and positive change. Unitarist perspective In unitarism, the organization is perceived as an integrated and harmonious whole with the ideal of one happy family, where management and other members of the staff all share a common purpose, emphasizing mutual cooperation. Furthermore, unitarism has a paternalistic approach where it demands loyalty of all employees, being predominantly managerial in its emphasis and application. Consequently, trade unions are deemed as unnecessary since the loyalty between employees and organizations are considered mutually exclusive, where there cant be two sides of industry. Conflict is perceived as disruptive and the pathological result of agitators, interpersonal friction and communication breakdown. Marxist/Radical perspective This view of industrial relations looks at the nature of the capitalist society, where there is a fundamental division of interest between capital and labour, and sees workplace relations against this background. This perspective sees inequalities of power and economic wealth as having their roots in the nature of the capitalist economic system. Conflict is therefore seen as inevitable and trade unions are a natural response of workers to their exploitation by capital. Whilst there may be periods of acquiescence, the Marxist view would be that institutions of joint regulation would enhance rather than limit managements position as they presume the continuation of capitalism rather than challenge it Industrial relations today By many accounts, industrial relations today is in crisis. 14][15][16] In academia, its traditional positions are threatened on one side by the dominance of mainstream economics and organizational behavior, and on the other by postmodernism. In policy-making circles, the industrial relations emphasis on institutional intervention is trumped by a neoliberal emphasis on the laissez faire promotion of free markets. In practice, labor unions are declining and fewer companies have industrial relations functions. The number of academic programs in industrial relations is therefore shrinking, and scholars are leaving the field for other areas, especially human resource management and organizational behavior. The importance of work, however, is stronger than ever, and the lessons of industrial relations remain vital. The challenge for industrial relations is to re-establish these connections with the broader academic, policy, and business worlds.

A Violent Message in the Art of Popular Culture Essay -- Pop Culture R

A â€Å"Violent† Message in the Art of Popular Culture Many people believe that present-day music cause division, tension, and sometimes violence. However, it is acknowledged as art in popular culture. Art in popular culture revolves around action movies, television sitcoms, and provocative song lyrics, which have themes centered on explicit sexuality. Art in popular culture is embodied in music, dance, photography, and other artwork that embraces the ills of the world and acknowledges that they are appealing to the senses of people who live in a not so perfect world. Many critics say that popular culture is a product of generation X. A messed up group of people. What is wrong with popular culture? Why do the baby boomers regale this era of popular culture an era of madness? The answer is blatantly clear. Popular culture accepts the flaws of all its admirers and participants. For example, music in popular culture is generally deemed as negative. However, a positive consequence is that it has an international language and every one around the world can relate to what it communicates. Art in popular culture encompasses a common language, especially the art of music. This language rejects the sophisticated, civilized, intellectuals. For instance, popular culture inhibits the old, boring, classical music that operated out of the same musical dictionary and responded to the same chords. Whereas, music in popular culture rejects harmony as being important and values improvisation that breathes life-giving rhythm in non-structural chords. Music in popular culture is a genre distinct from both folk and classical music genres. According to The New Harvard Dictionary, it differed from the former being composed and notat... ...lent in this country. Some examples of Manson’s music, which can influence youth of today or could have taken the life of the young teenager previously mentioned are Dried Up, Tied Up and Dead to the World; Get Your Gun; Cake and Sodomy; Organ Grinder; Snake Eyes and Sissies; and etc. It is funny how rap and hip hop is essentially the only thing deemed violent, but popular culture stems from chaotic and violent factors. The two examples above can vouch for the previous statement. When looking at other outcomes of popular culture such as slasher movies with explicit sex scenes; talk shows that depicts American women as housewives or whores; or people like Monica Lewinsky who shows her bloomers to married men, popular culture music genres are just artistic expressions that mirror societal values in popular culture. Sometimes people do not like the reflection.

Coffee preparation Essay

1. Introduction 1. 1 fig Coffee  is a  brewed  beverage  with a distinct aroma and flavor, prepared from the roasted seeds of the  Coffea  plant. The seeds are found in coffee â€Å"cherries†, which grow on trees cultivated in  over 70 countries, primarily in equatorial  America, Southeast,  South Asia  and  Africa. Green (unroasted) coffee is one of the most traded agricultural commodities in the world. Coffee is slightly acidic (pH 5. 0–5. 1) and can have a stimulating effect on humans because of its  caffeine  content. It is one of the most consumed drinks in the world. Wild coffee’s energizing effect was likely first discovered in the northeast region of Ethiopia. Coffee cultivation first took place in southern Arabia;[4]  the earliest credible evidence of coffee-drinking appears in the middle of the 15th century in the Sufi  shrines of  Yemen. In East Africa and Yemen, coffee was used in native religious ceremonies that were in competition with the Christian Church. As a result, the  Ethiopian Church  banned its secular consumption until the reign of Emperor  Menelik II of Ethiopia. The beverage was also banned in  Ottoman  Turkey during the 17th century for political reasons  and was associated with rebellious political activities in Europe. Coffee berries, which contain the coffee seeds, are produced by several species of small  evergreen  bush of the  genus  Coffea. The two most commonly grown are also the most highly regarded  Coffea arabica, and the â€Å"robusta† form of the hardier Coffea canephora. The latter is resistant to the devastating coffee leaf rust (Hemileia vastatrix). Once ripe, coffee berries are picked, processed, and dried. The seeds are then roasted to varying degrees, depending on the desired flavor, before being ground and brewed to create coffee. Coffee can be prepared and presented in a variety of ways. An important export commodity, coffee was the top agricultural export for  twelve countries  in 2004,  and it was the world’s seventh-largest legal agricultural export by value in 2005. Some controversy is associated with coffee cultivation and its impact on the environment. Consequently,  organic coffee  is an expanding market. Many studies have examined the  health effects of coffee, and whether the overall effects of coffee consumption are positive or negative has been widely disputed. The method of brewing coffee has been found to be important in relation to its effects on health. For instance, preparing coffee in a  French press  leaves more oils in the drink compared with coffee prepared with a paper  coffee filter. This might raise the drinker’s level of â€Å"bad cholesterol. † Etymology The first reference to â€Å"coffee† in the English language is in the form  chaoua  and dates to 1598. In English and other European languages,  coffee  derives from the  Ottoman Turkish  kahve, via the Italian  caffe. The Turkish word in turn was borrowed from the  Arabic: ,  qahwah. Arab  lexicographers  maintain that  qahwah  originally referred to a type of  wine, and gave its  etymology, in turn, to the verb qaha, signifying â€Å"to have no appetite†,  since this beverage was thought to dull one’s hunger. Several alternative etymologies exist that hold that the Arab form may disguise a  loanword  from an Ethiopian or African source, suggesting  Kaffa, the highland in south western  Ethiopia  as one, since the plant is indigenous to that area. However, the term used in that region for the berry and plant is  bunn, the native name in  Shoa  being  bun. History Ethiopian ancestors of today’s  Oromo people  were believed to have been the first to recognize the energizing effect of the coffee plant,  though no direct evidence has been found indicating where in Africa coffee grew or who among the natives might have used it as a stimulant or even known about it, earlier than the 17th century. The story of  Kaldi, the 9th-century Ethiopian goatherder who discovered coffee, did not appear in writing until 1671 and is probably  apocryphal. Other accounts attribute the discovery of coffee to Sheik Omar. According to the ancient chronicle (preserved in the Abd-Al-Kadir manuscript), Omar, who was known for his ability to cure the sick through prayer, was once exiled from Mocha, Yemen to a desert cave near Ousab. Starving, Omar chewed berries from nearby shrubbery, but found them to be bitter. He tried roasting the seeds to improve the flavor, but they became hard. He then tried boiling them to soften the seed, which resulted in a fragrant brown liquid. Upon drinking the liquid Omar was revitalized and sustained for days. As stories of this â€Å"miracle drug† reached Mocha, Omar was asked to return and was made a saint. From Ethiopia, the beverage was introduced into the Arab world through Egypt and Yemen. The earliest credible evidence of either coffee drinking or knowledge of the coffee tree appears in the middle of the 15th century, in the Sufi  monasteries around  Mokha  in Yemen. It was here in  Arabia  that coffee seeds were first roasted and brewed, in a similar way to how it is now prepared. By the 16th century, it had reached the rest of the Middle East,  Persia,  Turkey, and  northern Africa. Coffee seeds were first exported from Ethiopia to Yemen. Yemeni traders brought coffee back to their homeland and began to cultivate the seed. The first coffee smuggled out of the Middle East was by  Sufi  Baba Budan  from  Yemen  to India in 1670. Before then, all exported coffee was boiled or otherwise sterilised. Portraits of Baba Budan depict him as having smuggled seven coffee seeds by strapping them to his chest. The first plants grown from these smuggled seeds were planted in  Mysore. Coffee then spread to Italy, and to the rest of Europe, to  Indonesia, and to the Americas. In 1583,  Leonhard Rauwolf, a German physician, gave this description of coffee after returning from a ten-year trip to the  Near East: A beverage as black as ink, useful against numerous  illnesses, particularly those of the stomach. Its consumers take it in the morning, quite frankly, in a porcelain cup that is passed around and from which each one drinks a cupful. It is composed of water and the fruit from a bush called bunnu. —Leonard Rauwolf,  Reise in die Morgenlander  (in German). From the  Middle East, coffee spread to Italy. The thriving trade between  Venice  and North Africa, Egypt, and the Middle East brought many goods, including coffee, to the Venetian port. From Venice, it was introduced to the rest of Europe. Coffee became more widely accepted after it was deemed a Christian beverage by  Pope Clement VIII  in 1600, despite appeals to ban the â€Å"Muslim drink. † The first European coffee house opened in Italy in 1645. The  Dutch East India Company  was the first to import coffee on a large scale. The Dutch later grew the crop in  Java  and  Ceylon. The first exports of  Indonesian coffee  from  Java  to the Netherlands occurred in 1711. Through the efforts of the  British East India Company, coffee became popular in England as well. Oxford’s  Queen’s Lane Coffee House, established in 1654, is still in existence today. Coffee was introduced in France in 1657 and in Austria and Poland after the 1683  Battle of Vienna, when coffee was captured from supplies of the defeated  Turks. When coffee reached North America during the Colonial period, it was initially not as successful as it had been in Europe as alcoholic beverages remained more popular. During the  Revolutionary War, the demand for coffee increased so much that dealers had to hoard their scarce supplies and raise prices dramatically; this was also due to the reduced availability of tea from British merchants. After the  War of 1812, during which Britain temporarily cut off access to  tea  imports, the Americans’ taste for coffee grew, and high demand during the  American Civil War  together with advances in brewing technology secured the position of coffee as an everyday commodity in the United States. Coffee consumption declined in England, giving way to tea during the 18th century. The latter beverage was simpler to make, and had become cheaper with the British conquest of India and the tea industry there. During the  Age of Sail,  seamen  aboard ships of the British  Royal Navy  made substitute coffee by dissolving burnt bread in hot water. The Frenchman  Gabriel de Clieu  brought a coffee plant to the French territory of  Martinique  in the Caribbean, from which much of the world’s cultivated Arabica coffee is descended. Coffee thrived in the climate and was conveyed across the Americas. The territory of San Domingo (now  Haiti) saw coffee cultivated from 1734, and by 1788 it supplied half the world’s coffee. The conditions that the slaves worked in on coffee plantations were a factor in the soon to follow  Haitian Revolution. The coffee industry never fully recovered there. Meanwhile, coffee had been  introduced to Brazil  in 1727, although its cultivation did not gather momentum until independence in 1822. After this time, massive tracts of rainforest were cleared first from the vicinity of Rio and later Sao Paulo for coffee plantations. Cultivation was taken up by many countries in Central America in the latter half of the 19th century, and almost all involved the large-scale displacement and exploitation of the indigenous people. Harsh conditions led to many uprisings, coups and bloody suppression of peasants. The notable exception was  Costa Rica, where lack of ready labor prevented the formation of large farms. Smaller farms and more egalitarian conditions ameliorated unrest over the 19th and 20th centuries. Coffee has become a vital  cash crop  for many  developing  countries. Over one hundred million people in  developing countries  have become dependent on coffee as their primary source of income. It has become the primary export and backbone for African countries like Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, and Ethiopia,  as well as many Central American countries. World production In 2011  Brazil  was the world leader in production of green coffee, followed by  Vietnam,  Indonesia  and  Colombia. Arabica coffee seeds are cultivated in  Latin America,  eastern Africa, Arabia, or Asia. Robusta coffee seeds are grown in western and  central Africa, throughout  Southeast Asia, and to some extent in Brazil. Seeds from different countries or regions can usually be distinguished by differences in flavor, aroma,  body, and acidity. These taste characteristics are dependent not only on the coffee’s growing region, but also on genetic subspecies (varietals) and processing. Varietals are generally known by the region in which they are grown, such as  Colombian,  Java and  Kona. 2011 Top twenty green coffee producers| Rank| Country| Tonnes| Bags x1000| 1|   Brazil| 2,609,040| 43,484| 2|   Vietnam| 1,200,000| 20,000| 3|   Indonesia| 495,000| 8,250| 4|   Colombia| 468,000| 7,800| 5|   Ethiopia| 390,000| 6,500|. 6|   Peru| 326,580| 5,443| 7|   India| 319,980| 5,333| 8|   Honduras| 270,000| 4,500| 9|   Mexico| 258,000| 4,300| 10|   Guatemala| 225,000| 3,750| 11|   Uganda| 192,720| 3,212| 12|   Nicaragua| 126,000| 2,100| 13|   Costa Rica| 107,940| 1,799| 14|   Ivory Coast| 96,000| 1,600| 15|   Papua New Guinea| 84,900| 1,415| 16|   El Salvador| 70,500| 1,175| 17|   Cambodia| 64,980| 1,083| 18|   Ecuador| 64,500| 1,075| 19|   Democratic Republic of the Congo| 63,360| 1,056| 20|   Venezuela| 60,000| 1,000| Total|   Ã‚  World| 7,875,180| 131,253| 1. 1 (table) Biology 1. 2 fig (Illustration of  Coffea arabica  plant and seeds). Several species of shrub of the genus  Coffea  produce the berries from which coffee is extracted. The two main species commercially cultivated are  Coffea canephora  (predominantly a form known as ‘robusta’) andC. arabica. C. arabica, the most highly regarded species, is native to the southwestern highlands of Ethiopia and the  Boma Plateau  in southeastern Sudan and possibly  Mount Marsabit  in northern  Kenya. C. canephora  is native to western and central Subsaharan Africa, from  Guinea  to the  Uganda  and southern Sudan. Less popular species are  C. liberica,  excelsa,  stenophylla,  mauritiana, and  racemosa. All coffee plants are classified in the large family  Rubiaceae. They are  evergreen  shrubs or small trees that may grow 5  m (15  ft) tall when unpruned. The leaves are dark green and glossy, usually 10–15  cm (4–6  in) long and 6  cm (2. 4  in) wide. The flowers are axillary, and clusters of fragrant white flowers bloom simultaneously and are followed by oval berries of about 1. 5  cm (0. 6  in). Green when immature, they ripen to yellow, then crimson, before turning black on drying. Each berry usually contains two seeds, but 5–10% of the berries  have only one; these are called  peaberries. Berries ripen in seven to nine months. Coffea arabica  is predominantly self-pollinating, and as a result the seedlings are generally uniform and vary little from their parents. In contrast,  Coffea canephora,  C. excelsa, and  C. liberica  are self-incompatible and require  outcrossing. This means that useful forms and hybrids must be propagated vegetatively. Cuttings, grafting, and budding are the usual methods of vegetative propagation. On the other hand, there is great scope for experimentation in search of potential new strains. 2. Coffee Production Processing Coffee berries and their seeds undergo several processes before they become the familiar roasted coffee. Berries have been traditionally selectively picked by hand; a labor intensive method, it involves the selection of only the berries at the peak of ripeness. More commonly, crops are strip picked, where all berries are harvested simultaneously regardless of ripeness by person or machine. After picking, green coffee is processed by one of two methods—the dry process method, simpler and less labor intensive as the berries can be strip picked, and the wet process method, which incorporates fermentation into the process and yields a mild coffee. 2. 1 fig -Coffee sorting in Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia). 2. 2 fig – Coffee berries from Kerala, India Then they are sorted by ripeness and color and most often the flesh of the berry is removed, usually by machine, and the seeds are fermented to remove the slimy layer of mucilage still present on the seed. When the fermentation is finished, the seeds are washed with large quantities of fresh water to remove the fermentation residue, which generates massive amounts of coffee wastewater. Finally, the seeds are dried. The best (but least used) method of drying coffee is using drying tables. In this method, the pulped and fermented coffee is spread thinly on raised beds, which allows the air to pass on all sides of the coffee, and then the coffee is mixed by hand. In this method the drying that takes place is more uniform, and fermentation is less likely. Most African coffee is dried in this manner and certain coffee farms around the world are starting to use this traditional method. Next, the coffee is sorted, and labeled as green coffee. Another way to let the coffee seeds dry is to let them sit on a concrete patio and rake over them in the sunlight. Some companies use cylinders to pump in heated air to dry the coffee seeds, though this is generally in places where the humidity is very high. Some coffee undergoes a peculiar process, such as kopi luwak. It is made from the seeds of coffee berries which have been eaten by the Asian Palm Civet and other related civets, passing through its digestive tract. This process resulted in coffee seeds with much less bitterness, widely noted as the most expensive coffee in the world with prices reaching $160 per pound. Roasting 2. 3 fig – Roasted coffee seeds The next step in the process is the roasting of the green coffee. Coffee is usually sold in a roasted state, and with rare exceptions all coffee is roasted before it is consumed. It can be sold roasted by the supplier, or it can be home roasted. The roasting process influences the taste of the beverage by changing the coffee seed both physically and chemically. The seed decreases in weight as moisture is lost and increases in volume, causing it to become less dense. The density of the seed also influences the strength of the coffee and requirements for packaging. The actual roasting begins when the temperature inside the seed reaches approximately 200  °C (392  °F), though different varieties of seeds differ in moisture and density and therefore roast at different rates. During roasting, caramelization occurs as intense heat breaks down starches, changing them to simple sugars that begin to brown, which alters the color of the seed. 2. 4 fig – The appearance of unroasted, green coffee seeds. Sucrose is rapidly lost during the roasting process and may disappear entirely in darker roasts. During roasting, aromatic oils and acids weaken, changing the flavor; at 205  °C (401  °F), other oils start to develop. One of these oils, caffeol, is created at about 200  °C (392  °F), which is largely responsible for coffee’s aroma and flavor. Grading the roasted seeds. Depending on the color of the roasted seeds as perceived by the human eye, they will be labeled as light, medium light, medium, medium dark, dark, or very dark. A more accurate method of discerning the degree of roast involves measuring the reflected light from roasted seeds illuminated with a light source in the near infrared spectrum. This elaborate light meter uses a process known as spectroscopy to return a number that consistently indicates the roasted coffee’s relative degree of roast or flavor development. Roast characteristics The degree of roast has an effect upon coffee flavor and body. Darker roasts are generally bolder because they have less fiber content and a more sugary flavor. Lighter roasts have a more complex and therefore perceived stronger flavor from aromatic oils and acids otherwise destroyed by longer roasting times. A small amount of chaff is produced during roasting from the skin left on the seed after processing. Chaff is usually removed from the seeds by air movement, though a small amount is added to dark roast coffees to soak up oils on the seeds. Decaffeination Decaffeination may also be part of the processing that coffee seeds undergo. Seeds are decaffeinated when they are still green. Many methods can remove caffeine from coffee, but all involve soaking the green seeds in hot water (often called the â€Å"Swiss water process†) or steaming them, then using a solvent to dissolve caffeine-containing oils. Decaffeination is often done by processing companies, and the extracted caffeine is usually sold to the pharmaceutical industry. Storage Once roasted, coffee seeds must be stored properly to preserve the fresh taste of the seed. Ideally, the container must be airtight and kept in a cool, dry and dark place. In order of importance: air, moisture, heat, and light are the environmental factors responsible for deteriorating flavor in coffee seeds. Folded-over bags, a common way consumers often purchase coffee, are generally not ideal for long-term storage because they allow air to enter. A better package contains a one-way valve, which prevents air from entering. In 1931, a method of vacuum packed cans of coffee was introduced, in which the roasted coffee was packed, 99% of the air was removed and the coffee in the can could be stored indefinitely until the can was opened. Today this method is in mass use for coffee in a large part of the world. Brewing 2. 5 fig – Espresso brewing, showing desirable dark reddish-brown crema Coffee seeds must be ground and brewed to create a beverage. The criteria for choosing a method include flavor and economy. Almost all methods of preparing coffee require the seeds to be ground and mixed with hot water long enough to extract the flavor, but without over extraction that draws out bitter compounds. The spent grounds are removed and the liquid is consumed. There are many brewing variations such as the fineness of grind, the ways in which the water extracts the flavor, additional flavorings (sugar, milk, spices), and spent ground separation techniques. The ideal holding temperature is 79 to 85  °C (174 to 185  °F) and the ideal serving temperature is 68 to 79  °C (154 to 174  °F). The roasted coffee seeds may be ground at a roastery, in a grocery store, or in the home. Most coffee is roasted and ground at a roastery and sold in packaged form, though roasted coffee seeds can be ground at home immediately before consumption. It is also possible, though uncommon; to roast raw seeds at home. Coffee seeds may be ground in several ways. A burr grinder uses revolving elements to shear the seed; a blade grinder cuts the seeds with blades moving at high speed; and a mortar and pestle crushes the seeds. For most brewing methods, a burr grinder is deemed superior because the grind is more even and the grind size can be adjusted. 2. 6 fig – (An Ethiopian woman preparing coffee at a traditional ceremony. She roasts, crushes and brews the coffee on the spot. ) The type of grind is often named after the brewing method for which it is generally used. Turkish grind is the finest grind, while coffee percolator or French press are the coarsest grinds. The most common grinds are between the extremes; a medium grind is used in most common home coffee-brewing machines. Coffee may be brewed by several methods: boiled, steeped, or pressurized. Brewing coffee by boiling was the earliest method, and Turkish coffee is an example of this method. It is prepared by grinding or pounding the seeds to a fine powder, then adding it to water and bringing it to the boil for no more than an instant in a pot called a cezve or, in Greek, a briki. This produces a strong coffee with a layer of foam on the surface and sediment (which is not meant for drinking) settling on the bottom of the cup. Coffee percolators and automatic coffeemakers brew coffee using gravity. In an automatic coffeemaker hot water drips onto coffee grounds held in a coffee filter made of paper, plastic, or perforated metal, allowing the water to seep through the ground coffee while extracting its oils and essences. The liquid drips through the coffee and the filter into a carafe or pot, and the spent grounds are retained in the filter. In a percolator, boiling water is forced into a chamber above a filter by steam pressure created by boiling. The water then seeps through the grounds, and the process is repeated until terminated by removing from the heat, by an internal timer, or by a thermostat that turns off the heater when the entire pot reaches a certain temperature. Coffee may be brewed by steeping in a device such as a French press (also known as a cafetiere, coffee press or coffee plunger). Ground coffee and hot water are combined in a cylindrical vessel and left to brew for a few minutes. A circular filter which fits tightly in the cylinder fixed to a plunger is then pushed down from the top to force the grounds to the bottom. Because the coffee grounds are in direct contact with the water, all the coffee oils remain in the beverage, making it stronger and leaving more sediment than in coffee made by an automatic coffee machine. The coffee is poured from the container; the filter retains the grounds at the bottom. 95% of the caffeine is released from the coffee seeds within the first minute of brewing. The espresso method forces hot pressurized and vaporized water through ground coffee. As a result of brewing under high pressure (ideally between 9–10 atm), the espresso beverage is more concentrated (as much as 10 to 15 times the quantity of coffee to water as gravity-brewing methods can produce) and has a more complex physical and chemical constitution. A well-prepared espresso has reddish-brown foam called crema that floats on the surface. Other pressurized water methods include the moka pot and vacuum coffee maker. Cold brew coffee is made by steeping coarsely ground seeds in cold water for several hours, then filtering them. [85] This results in a brew lower in acidity than most hot-brewing methods. Serving 2. 7 fig Presentation can be an integral part of coffeehouse service, as illustrated by the common rosetta design layered into this latte. Once brewed, coffee may be served in a variety of ways. Drip-brewed, percolated, or French-pressed/cafetiere coffee may be served as white coffee with a dairy product such as milk or cream, or dairy substitute, or as black coffee with no such addition. It may be sweetened with sugar or artificial sweetener. When served cold, it is called iced coffee. Espresso-based coffee has a wide variety of possible presentations. In its most basic form, espresso is served alone as a shot or with hot water added, known as Caffe Americano. Reversely, long black is made by pouring espresso in water, which retains the crema compared to Caffe Americano. Milk is added in various forms to espresso: steamed milk makes a caffe latte, equal parts steamed milk and milk froth make a cappuccino,[86] and a dollop of hot foamed milk on top creates a caffe macchiato. The use of steamed milk to form patterns such as hearts or maple leaves is referred to as latte art. Coffee can also be incorporated with alcohol in beverages—it is combined with whiskey in Irish coffee, and forms the base of alcoholic coffee liqueurs such as Kahlua, and Tia Maria. Coffee is also sometimes used in the brewing process of darker beers, such as a stout or porter. Instant coffee A number of products are sold for the convenience of consumers who do not want to prepare their own coffee. Instant coffee is dried into soluble powder or freeze-dried into granules that can be quickly dissolved in hot water. Originally invented in 1907, it rapidly gained in popularity in many countries in the post-war period, with Nescafe being the most popular product. Many consumers determined that the convenience in preparing a cup of instant coffee more than made up for a perceived inferior taste. Paralleling (and complementing) the rapid rise of instant coffee was the coffee vending machine, invented in 1947 and multiplying rapidly through the 1950s. Canned coffee has been popular in Asian countries for many years, particularly in China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. Vending machines typically sell varieties of flavored canned coffee, much like brewed or percolated coffee, available both hot and cold. Japanese convenience stores and groceries also have a wide availability of bottled coffee drinks, which are typically lightly sweetened and pre-blended with milk. Bottled coffee drinks are also consumed in the United States. Liquid coffee concentrates are sometimes used in large institutional situations where coffee needs to be produced for thousands of people at the same time. It is described as having a flavor about as good as low-grade robusta coffee, and costs about 10? a cup to produce. The machines can process up to 500 cups an hour or 1,000 if the water is preheated. 3. Coffee beans A coffee bean is a seed of the coffee plant. It is the pit inside the red or purple fruit often referred to as a cherry. Even though they are seeds, they are incorrectly referred to as ‘beans’ because of their resemblance to true beans. The fruits – coffee cherries or coffee berries – most commonly contain two stones with their flat sides together. A small percentage of cherries contain a single seed, instead of the usual two. This is called a peaberry. Like Brazil nuts (a seed) and white rice, coffee seeds consist mostly of endosperm. The two most economically important varieties of coffee plant are the Arabica and the Robusta; 75-80% of the coffee produced worldwide is Arabica and 20% is Robusta. Arabica seeds consist of 0. 8-1. 4% caffeine and Robusta seeds consist of 1. 7-4% caffeine. As coffee is one of the world’s most widely consumed beverages, coffee seeds are a major cash crop, and an important export product, counting for over 50% of some developing nations’ foreign exchange earnings. The United States imports more coffee than any other nation. In 2009 the average person in the United States consumed 4. 09 kg (9 lbs) of coffee. Cultivation of the coffee seed originated in Ethiopia, in approximately 850 C. E. Farming of the coffee plant then spread to the rest of Arabia, where it was first mentioned in writing around 900 C. E. The Yemenites guarded it carefully, but some plants were eventually smuggled out to the Dutch, who kept a few plants for gardens in the Netherlands. The Americas were first introduced to the plants around 1723. South America is now responsible for approximately 45% of the world’s total coffee exports. Most of this coffee is made in Brazil. Significant dates * First cultivation in Europe (also first cultivation outside of east Africa/Arabia) – 1616 * First cultivation in India (Malabar) – late 1600s * First cultivation in Java – 1699 * First cultivation in Caribbean (Cuba, Haiti, Jamaica, Santo Domingo, Puerto Rico) – 1715–1730 * First cultivation in South America – 1730. * First cultivation in Dutch East Indies – 1720 * Roasted seeds first sold on retail market (Pittsburgh) – 1865 * Important spray-drying techniques developed in 1950s Coffee plant The coffee tree averages from 5–10 m (16–33 ft) in height. As the tree gets older, it branches less and less and bears more leaves and fruit. The tree typically begins to bear fruit 3–4 years after being planted, and continues to produce for 10–20 more years, depending on the type of plant and the area. Coffee plants are grown in rows several feet apart. Some farmers plant fruit trees around them or plant the coffee on the sides of hills, because they need specific conditions to flourish. Ideally, Arabica coffee seeds are grown at temperatures between 15–24  °C (59–75  °F) and Robusta at 24–30  °C (75–86  °F) and receive between 15–30 cm (5. 9–12 in) of rainfall per year. Heavy rain is needed in the beginning of the season when the fruit is developing, and less late in the season as it ripens. The harvesting period can be anywhere from three weeks to three months, and in some places the harvesting period continues all year round. Content of green coffee seeds The term â€Å"green coffee seed† refers to unroasted mature or immature coffee seeds. These have been processed by wet or dry methods for removing the outer pulp and mucilage, and have an intact wax layer on the outer surface. When immature, they are green. When mature, they have a brown to yellow or reddish color, and typically weigh 300 to 330 mg per dried coffee seed. Nonvolatile and volatile compounds in green coffee seeds, such as caffeine, deter many insects and animals from eating them. Further, both nonvolatile and volatile compounds contribute to the flavor of the coffee seed when it is roasted. Nonvolatile nitrogenous compounds (including alkaloids, trigonelline, proteins and free amino acids) and carbohydrates are of major importance in producing the full aroma of roasted coffee, and for its biological action. * Nonvolatile alkaloids 3. 1 fig – Coffea canephora green seeds on a tree in Goa, India. Caffeine (1,3,7-trimethyl-xanthine) is the alkaloid most present in green and roasted coffee seeds. The content of caffeine is between 1. 0% and 2. 5% by weight of dry green coffee seeds. The content of caffeine does not change during maturation of green coffee seeds. Lower concentrations of theophylline, theobromine, paraxanthine, liberine, and methylliberine can be found. The concentration of theophylline, an alkaloid noted for its presence in green tea, is reduced during the roasting process, usually about 15 minutes at 230  °C (446  °F), whereas the concentration of most other alkaloids are not changed. The solubility of caffeine in water increases with temperature and with the addition of chlorogenic acids, citric acid, or tartaric acid, all of which are present in green coffee seeds. For example, 1 g (0. 035 oz) caffeine dissolves in 46 ml (1. 6 US fl oz) of water at room temperature, and 5. 5 ml (0. 19 US fl oz) at 80  °C (176  °F). The xanthine alkaloids are odorless, but have a bitter taste in water, which is masked by organic acids present in green coffee, however. Trigonelline (N-methyl-nicotinate) is a derivative of vitamin B6 that is not as bitter as caffeine. In green coffee seeds, the content is between 0. 6% and 1. 0%. At a roasting temperature of 230  °C (446  °F), 85% of the trigonelline is degraded to nicotinic acid, leaving small amounts of the unchanged molecule in the roasted seeds. In green coffee seeds, trigonelline is synthesized from nicotinic acid (pyridinium-3-carboxylic acid) by methylation from methionine, a sulfur-containing amino acid. Mutagenic activity of trigonelline has been reported.

The American Health Care System is Most Expensive but not the Best in the World

No doubt, the United States has gained enough attention on the amount it spends on health care every year. Ten years ago, it was documented that America spends $4,178 per capita per year on health care (Chua 5) with the second greatest spender spending almost just half of what this country spends. Switzerland, which then held second place in health care spending, spent only $2,794 per capita per year on health care. Up to the present, 15% of this country’s GDP goes to health care while most of developed countries spend only an average of 8.6% of their GDP on health care (Chua 5). By far, the United States is the greatest health care spender among the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries. In spite of the whopping amount that goes to health care each year, it could be argued that Americans spend a lot on health care without providing the best possible health services to Americans. This is the position that shall be defended in this paper. To be able to show that the American Health Care System lags behind in spite of spending, it will be best to first establish certain standards.For this paper, the standard set by the World Health Organization (WHO) should be used. In 2001, WHO pegged the goals of world health care into three: good health, responsiveness, and fairness in financing (WHO in Bureau of Labor Education of the University of Maine 1). By good health, WHO simply refers to having desirable health for the citizens within the expected life cycle. This would mean the availability of health services that could aid the citizens live a flourishing life from birth until death.Responsiveness, on the other hand, refers to â€Å"the extent to which caregivers are responsive to the client/patient expectations with regard to non-health areas such as being treated with dignity and respect† (Bureau of Labor and Education o the University of Maine 6). Fairness in financing refers to a health care system that makes the less privilege also spend less. This means probably having payment caps or similar services that relieves the less privileged of health expenses. Given such, we could now look at how the American Health Care System measures up to such a standard.In spite of America’s big spending on health care, more than 50% of spending is still done by private entities: 35. 8% are paid for by private insurance (American Hospital Association 6). Consumers’ out-of-pocket spending on health care account for 13. 7% of the 2003 health care expenditure, while other private expenditure account for 4. 8% of the expenditure (American Hospital Association 6). In spite of the very large per capita spending of the state on health care, out-of-pocket spending and other private expenditure are still big.This probably may not be a very bad thing, but in spite of all the money going to health care, a large 15% of non-elderly adults do not have access to health care since this population is uninsured (Ch ua 1). Converted to numbers, this amounts of millions of non-elderly American adults who through some reason were unable to get either a publicly or privately funded insurance. This puts this population at risk, millions of potentially or actually productive Americans whose health is at risk because of some faulty health care system.If millions of non-elderly adults are at a health risk due to lack of access to health care, the elderly also have their own share of problems in health care. It is true that the elderly aged 65 and above have access to Medicare. This means that the seniors have access to hospital services, physician services, as well as prescription drug services (Chua 2). This sounds all good but there are geriatric needs that are not covered by Medicare. This forces the elderly to avail of premiums that would make their Medicare account more useful for geriatric needs.The premium account would make the senior citizen have access to nursing facilities; preventive care coverage; and coverage for dental, hearing, or vision care. As such, the elderly would have to spend a total of 22% of their income for the cost of health care (Chua 2). It could be noticed that the premium account covers services that should be basic for the elderly. These services may be optional for younger populations but these become real needs for people aged 65 and above.As such, it becomes a source of wonder why an insurance card that is designed for the elderly and the disabled requires an account upgrade for services like nursing facilities, dental, hearing, and vision care. The United States ranks poorly in infant mortality rate compared to other OECD countries: it ranked 26th in infant mortality rate among the industrialized countries (Bureau of Labor Education in the University of Maine 5). This speaks of a big problem somewhere in the health care system that fails to save infants in instances that ought to be curable.America also ranked 24th among the OECD countries on disability-adjusted life expectancy rate. This means that many Americans are expecting to live a part of their lives as disabled. This should not come as a surprise since millions of Americans do not have good access to health care. Given the above reasons, America spends too much but inefficiently. We may have the biggest spending rate on health care but America is far from being the best health care service provider in the world. Works Cited American Hospital Association. 2005.Overview of the US health care system. Database online. http://www. aha. org/aha/issues/CBHCS/index. html. Bureau of Labor Education of the University of Maine. 2001. â€Å"The US healthcare system: best in the world or just most expensive? † Chua, Kao-Ping. 2006. â€Å"Overview of the US Health Care System† under the AMSA Jack Routledge Fellowship. http://www. amsa. org/uhc/CaseForUHC. ppt. 2007. â€Å"Health Care in the United States. † http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Health_care_in _the_United_States.

The Military Sealift Command

The Military Sealift Command Executive Summary The Military Sealift Command or MSC was designed to aid in the logistical and transportation needs of the United States Military, and specifically handles the transportation, supply, and personnel needs of the U.S. Navy and other seafaring vessels in the U.S. military.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Military Sealift Command specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Today, the MSC has three main divisions, including the Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force, the Special Missions Program, and the Prepositioning Program. Each subdivision operates under the jurisdiction of the federal government and employees a variable mixture of civilian mariners and enlisted officers. The purpose of this strategic plan is to further describe the current configuration of MSC, its operational nature, the overall vision and value system, and the foreseeable risks and opportunities in the future. Also, this plan will detail the implem entation of the most effective business strategy for the plan future endeavors as well as briefly outline a basic risk management plan. Based on available information, and a clear assessment of the foreseeable risks and responsibilities into the future, this strategic plan will suggest that the best operational framework in which MSC can operate is within an entrepreneurial system, where certain, logistical and routine needs are meet through the contracting of private entities who meet all the criteria for federal employment and contracting. Through this delegation of responsibility, MSC can more easily handle the more immediate needs of coordinating the logistical and transportation support needed by the U.S. Military and associated research and development vessels. Company Background Prior to 1949, marine transportation was controlled by four separate governmental agencies. However, after the end of World War II, it was determined that a singular entity would be better prepared to handle and supervise the multi-faceted arena of sea transportation and logistical support for the United States Department of Defense. Thus, the Military Sealift Command (MSC) was formed. The MSC has always assumed the responsibility for ocean transportation for the military and other governmental entities.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In modern times, MSC is utilized by the U.S. military and their civilian counterparts for the logistics and transportation of such things as fuel, humanitarian aid, research vessels, and military and civilian maritime personnel around the world. In addition, MSC vessels have also played a vital role in the nation’s fight against terrorism.Nearly 16 billion gallons of fuel as well as 110 million tons of supplies and equipment were delivered by MSC in 2008. In addition, medical vessels operated by MSC have been able to treat thousands of patients worldwide. Organizational Mission The organizational mission of the Military Sealift Command is fivefold: provide quality services to our clients, regardless of their needs, provide quality assistance to help them achieve their short and long term goals, to provide support to the Global War on Terrorism, to develop and maintain a support system for all staff and employees, ensure that our resources, including maritime and personnel are always able to meet the needs of our clients, now and in the future. In order to meet these goals and the changing demands of the maritime environment, the MSC is divided into three main subgroups. These subgroups include the Naval Fleet Auxiliary, the Special Mission Program, and the Prepositioning Program. The organizational structure of each of these sub-groups is described in the following paragraphs. Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force This subdivision of MSC contains more than 40 ships which are used for organizing the supply to the US Navy vessels by sea. The ships deliver such things as food, fuel, ordnance, replacement parts, mail service, and other necessary supplies. This resource allows naval vessels to remain at sea, and to have the ability to respond quickly during times of military or humanitarian need. Moreover, the Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force is also responsible for towing and salvage operations along with medical and rescue services. Individual ships are manned by a crew of civil service mariners, and may contain a small group of naval personnel aboard for operational support. The vessels are also operated under governmental ownership. Special Missions Program This section of MSC operates a total of 25 vessels which provide operational platforms and command vessels for both research and military ventures. Routine missions may include such things as oceanographic surveys, underwater surveillance, as well as hydrological and acoustic surveys, and various other missions involved in wartime support . These services are supplied to such entities as the U.S.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Military Sealift Command specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Fleet Forces Command, the Oceanographer of the Navy, the U.S. Air Force, the Strategic Systems Programs Office of the U.S. Navy, and the United States Environmental Protection Agency to name a few. The majority of ships within this section of MSC are operated by civilian mariners that work for private companies contracted by MSC. Also, some ships are operated by a hybrid crew, consisting of both civilian and military personnel that work under the supervision of a U.S. Navy captain. Prepositioning Program This portion of the MSC aids in the readiness strategy of the United States Military. Prepositioning is the act of placing military equipment and key supplies on designated vessels located in significant locations at sea. This ensures the availability of resources d uring times of increased conflict, war, a humanitarian operation, or other contingency. A total of 32 pre-positioning ships are in use by MSC to support all branches of the U.S. military and coalition allies. The Prepositioning fleet includes vessels owned by the U.S. government, chartered vessels, and ones that have been activated from the Maritime Administration Ready Reserve Force. The private contractors employed by the federal government are responsible for selecting the candidates for the crew of the ships which consist mainly of civilian mariners. Vision The overall vision of the Military Sealift Command is to deliver the most innovative and efficient delivery of resources and solutions within the maritime community (Military Sealift Command organization). Value Statements Above all else, Military Sealift Command values the people that make the realization of its vision and mission a reality. These include the employees, the clients, both military and civilian, and those who are affected by what we do for the military community, here and abroad. MSC also places a high value on maintaining a transparent and quantitative decision making process that is highlighted by professionalism, efficiency, and innovation.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Environmental Scan In order to assess and create an effective strategic plan, it is necessary to conduct an assessment of the external, internal and economic factors that will affect the Military Sealift Command. The following subsections will provide a summation of those factors. External Factors The following factors have been designated as external factors that would have a significant influence on MSC: access to global ports and sea-lanes, poor or inadequate infrastructure development, type of information and communication technology utilized, government regulations and fiscal restraints, and investment in new technology. Access to Global Ports and Sea-Lanes In the changing world of global dynamics, the transportation of materials and personnel to international ports and through international sea-lanes is becoming more crucial. Perceived opponents to the successful transportation of goods and services would undoubtedly try to prevent access to certain global ports and sea-lanes, critically affecting the ability of MSC to provide quality resources and personal to our clients. The freedom of access is crucial to the global economy as it facilitates the movement of both resources, and the natural growth and expansion of free trade. The inability of MSC to travel effectively would mean that that the supported presence of the United States Navy has the potential to be adversely effected in a number of established locations. Infrastructure Development Another significant external factor facing the MSC is the challenge of poorly developed or inadequate infrastructure in areas that the U.S. has shown future interests. The areas in question often lack the transportation and logistical necessities found in most developed areas, including airports, seaports, and established road networks. In addition, many of these areas have poor or inadequate water resources, poor sewer or electricity services. These shortcomings will most likely become a direct hindrance to the de ployment of military personnel and their support personnel by the United States and allied countries in a response to humanitarian necessity. Information Technology and Communications While current information technology and communication systems are important to the success of any military operation, the advancement of technology in this area also has the potential to cause problems for the military as well. Perceived opponents also have the opportunity to gain significant technological advances, including the technology currently being used by the United States military forces. These acquired technologies can then be utilized to attack, disrupt, or even degrade the ability of the U.S. military to communicate effectively. Governmental Regulations and Fiscal Restraints Since the military, and indirectly MSC operate under the supervision and guidance of the United States government, they must adhere to any and all regulations, budgetary restraints, and laws that could directly or ind irectly affect them. Currently, the United States government is having to manage a significant budget deficit which has affected many military operations, and therefore the ability to utilized support companies such as MSC. Investment in New Technology Based on the growing determination of the perceived enemies of the United States to utilize new and innovative technology to win the war on terrorism, it is essential that the United States government in new and remodeled programs, improved platforms. This will ensure the continued dominance of the United States military and their allies on the global stage. Internal Factors In addition to numerous external factors that influence the strategic planning of MSC, there are also a number of internal factors that must be accounted for. These include various strengths and weaknesses that have been revealed by a detailed analysis of the internal environment. A SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis was conducted for Military Sealift Command. It focused on four main areas, including resources, funding, naval-maritime relationships, and workforce. MSC Resources At the current time, MSC operates approximately one hundred and eleven non-combatant civilian-crewed ships worldwide. The MSC also operates approximately fifty military ships that are currently on standby, ready for military use. The headquarters of MSC is located in Washington D.C., and auxiliary branches are located throughout the county. MSC employs approximately 8,000 employees that are comprised of both military and civilian personnel. In addition, another 4,000 civil servants derived from both the United States Marines and federal governments are utilized to strengthen its non-combatant naval auxiliary and special mission ships. Funding There are two major sources of fiscal resourcesfor MSC. These include the transportation working capital and the navy working capital fund. Each funding source is designated for a set of unique purpo ses. The purpose of the Transportation working capital is to finance the operation of sealift services, while the main purpose of the navy working capital fund is to support the naval taskforce, operations, and other military entities. It should be noted that MSC does not obtain funding through its command operations. Operational funding is provided through either a working funds capital, or from invoicing of MSC clients. These are the financial resources utilized by MSC to finance its command operations. MSC is a non-profit making entity, and therefore no profits are built into the budget. Naval-Maritime Relationship According to the Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement (VISA) of the 1990s, an agreement was reached between the US government and the maritime industry. The purpose is to provide joint planning and assured access for the commercial ships at rates agreed upon in cases of national emergency. VISA allows the United States military to use the offshore transport equipment as well as private ships during emergencies, and in times of war. The treaty also allows the government to provide the maritime industry subsidies, and or contracts that involve the transportation of military equipment in times of peace. This enables the establishment of a relationship between the private firms and military, which can later be used during times of conflict. Workforce MSC’s workforce consists of approximately 9,000 employees worldwide. Approximately 80% of those employees are working at sea. The majority are mariners who are employed through a civil service in their respective federal governmental agencies. Other portions of MSC employees work for private firms as commercial mariners, civil servants, or as members of the reserve military. All MSC ships are operated by civilians, as opposed to naval vessels which are operated by military personnel. While operated by civilians, MSC vessels still may be involved in military operations during times of war or conf lict through the transport of military supplies, and communication equipment. This is accomplished through the use of small military compartments and departments that are specifically designed to facilitate these operations. Strength Analysis Based on the information provided above, MSC strengths include a highly trained workforce and a management system that is focused on both quality and safety considerations. Weakness Analysis Despite its apparent strengths, there are a number of weaknesses that have become apparent in the analysis of MSC. One such weakness is the relatively slow hiring process for new shoreline employees. Another weakness is the scarcity of available resources for use by MSC to support military operations in the forms of force sustainment, delivery of combat equipment, fuel, vehicles, ammunition in times of war and peace. This apparent shortfall of supplies has, unfortunately led to misappropriate use of funding in the past. This misuse is due in part to decisio ns made during mission implementation, where the priorities are not financial, but rather logistical. Another weakness, specific to military personnel is the added performance pressure that is experienced due to high turnover rate and the expectation of high performance and promotions. Often these personnel face the dilemma of choosing between careers and professional interests when they are involved in the decision making process (MSC, 2010). Economic Factors In addition to internal and external factors that the MSC strategic plan has identified, there are also a number of economic constraints that can be considered to have both internal and external components. One such economic influence is the changing use and need for energy resources. Since a larger percentage of fossil fuels are being utilized by emerging countries, these limited resources will most likely become unavailable in the foreseeable future. Therefore, alternative energy sources must be found and developed for use b y the U.S. military and their associated civilian operations (MSC 2010). Strategy Organization The primary objective of strategic planning is to understand how a particular business will be implemented, operated in the future, and how the entity will manage expected risks and new developments. There are a number of available strategies that the MSC could undertake, and one of the best alternatives will be discussed in the following paragraphs. Based on information obtained, the most beneficial strategic organizational structure is that of an entrepreneurial company (Pearce, Robinson, 2004, p 34). This assessment is based on a number of criteria, including the expected enhancement of the effectiveness and efficiency in MSC operations. The extensive amount of business management knowledge that has been made available to entrepreneurial systems will allow for a more seamless operation of administrative functions. In addition to operating under an entrepreneurial model, it is also impor tant for MSC to adopt the use of external resources such as outsourcing services that are designed to meet specific criteria and functional uses. By outsourcing certain routine aspects of their operations, some financial resources may be made available for additional employee benefits, additional research and development, or to provide a more stable financial foundation for future endeavors. Another possibility is to utilize more of the civilian workforce than is currently. In most cases, military personnel demand a higher wage, and more benefits than their comparable civilian counterpart. By using more of the civilian resources available, MSC could potentially reduce its overall cost of doing business. Implementation Plan While developing this implementation plan, one should first identify the major objectives that have to be attained by Military Sealift Command. These objectives are as follows: Establish more productive partnerships with private suppliers; Improve HR management i n the organization, especially when we are speaking about slow hiring process and high turnover of military personnel. Increase the speed of internal operations within the agency; Develop better control mechanisms over the resources. The achievement of these objectives is crucial for the effective functioning of the MSC. However, in order to reach these goals one has to single out a set of specific tasks. They can be presented in this way: Make a call for tender in order to attract private contractors. The private contractors of MSC have to be assessed in terms of their reliability, pricing policies, experience in the field, and ability to collaborate with military agencies. Set more stringent accountability standards for private contractors. One of the key issues, faced by MSC is the inability of this organization to control contractor-operated ships. The thing is that in many cases, MSC has to be twice for the same job (GAO, 1995, p 2). They need to make sure that the prices of contractors are reasonable and that overhaul work is done properly. Purchase or design an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) application that would enable the administration to gain a better control over such areas as human resources, financial reporting, supply chain, etc. Establish a department that would be occupied solely with the recruitment of the civil personnel. As a rule, Military Sealift Command often has to deal with numerous employment agencies, acting as mediators between the employer and the candidate and a result the process of hiring is usually very slow. Therefore, it is advisable to incorporate this agency into the structure of MSC. Review and modify remuneration policies of MSC. It has been mentioned before, the turnover rate in MSC is very high. In part, it can be explained by the fact that the employees are not content with the compensation that they receive for their work or they may be dissatisfied with the way their performance is assessed. It is possible to single out several milestones in this plan: the beginning of tenders and their ending; the design and installation of ERP system; the adoption of new accountability standards. The efficiency of this plan should be measured according to such parameters as the speed of operations, organizational costs, and turnover rate within the company. The administration of MSC has to establish at least workgroups, which would do the following tasks: organization of tenders and assessment of the offerings, made by various private entities; the evaluation of reporting practices within organization and development of new accountability policies; the design of ERP system; recruitment of the civil personnel. Such allocation of human resources seems to be the most appropriate for the needs of MSC. When speaking about the budget estimations, we need to say that it is too early to make them now because at first it is necessary to assess IT needs of the organization. Only on the basis of this assessm ent one would be able to determine what kind of software and hardware is needed by MSC. Besides, one would have to determine the costs of tenders and the costs of creating a new HR department in the organization. Without these data, it is rather difficult to carry out break-even analysis. At this point is rather difficult to set some specific deadline for the implementation of plan. However, we may argue that it will take MSC at least a year and a half to put the plan into execution because tendering process and the development of ERP system are very time-consuming. Overall, the implementation of this plan depends on several success factors: the availability of funding and the willingness of the employees to collaborate with the administration. Risk Management Risk management and contingency planning is defined as the recognition of foreseeable risk, the development of plans to manage those risks, as well as the specific steps that will be taken to minimize the impact from currently unrecognized future risk and problems. The goals of such planning and implementation is to increase the overall prosperity of the company, assess and effectively manage current and future risks, increase the ability of the company personnel to make effective and timely decisions, and to become proactive in managing new situations. Conclusions Based on the current information, and the foreseeable risks and responsibilities in the future, it is believed that the best strategic plan of operation for the MSC is to create a system modeled after entrepreneurial businesses, where coordination is handled by a more centralized administration, and certain routine or other logistical needs of the clients are met through subcontracting qualified private companies. Through this division of labor, it is believed that MSC will be more able to handle the changing risks and operational needs of its clients. Reference List Barney, J. B. (2007). Gaining and sustaining competitive advantage. Upper Sad dle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall. Government Accountability Office. (1995). Weak Control and Management of Contractor-operated Ships. Government Accountability Office. Web. Military Sealift Command organization. (n.d.) n.a. Web. Pearce, J., A., Robinson B. (2004) Strategic management: Formulation,  implementation and control. Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill.