Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Inter-generational equity demands that no current expenditure be Essay

Inter-generational equity demands that no current expenditure be financed by loan and that all capital expenditure be financed by loan. Explain and assess thi - Essay Example In other words those generations that take benefit from public spending should also bear the cost of such benefit. The rule of fairness matches the cost and benefits of public spending between generations. In 1997 a golden rule of public finance, that over the cycle, government borrowings should not exceed net government capital formation and hence current spending should be financed by current receipts, was adopted by the government. Application of this golden rule draws a distinction between Capital and current spending. It is clearly understood that the benefit of ‘Capital’ spending may spread over the generations, whereas ‘Current’ spending is for current consumption to be benefited only by current generation. Therefore the current consumption or expenditure must be controlled tightly so that its financial burden does not spread to next generation. This principle works only in approximation as certain overflows are not ruled out. Not all but some benefits of expenditure on infrastructural, institutional and cultural capital investments will pass on to next generation. The ‘benefiter-pays’ rationale of inter-generational equity requires that each generation should pay for the resources it uses. The principal of fairness coupled with ‘benefiter pays’ rule suggests that the entire capital expenditure should not be financed through borrowings, as some benefits of capital expenditure are also being derived by current generation. Accordingly some burden of capital expenditure should be shared by current generation in order to meet the objectives of ‘inter-generational equity’. While defining ‘Inter-generational equity’, Earth & Peace Educational Associates International (EPE) has observed that, ‘each generation has the right to inherit the same diversity in natural and cultural resources as enjoyed by previous

Monday, October 28, 2019

Kant’s Approach to Ethics and the Issue of Suicide Essay Example for Free

Kant’s Approach to Ethics and the Issue of Suicide Essay The Renowned German philosopher, Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) was one of the most influential philosophers of the modern age, whose thought, with its emphasis on the subject, turned the wheels of western philosophy to a new synthesis of idealism and realism in the form of transcendentalism. His ethical theory, developed in his reputed book The Foundations of the Metaphysics of Morals, has to be taken along with the spirit of philosophy that enshrines his three Critiques whenever one attempts a critique on ethical issues like suicide as a gesture of self-love. Body of the Essay (Can suicide be ethical? ) Kant holds the theory of intrinsic morality based on the autonomy of human will. Good is good by itself, and the right is right by itself. It doesn’t depend upon the consequences or effects of the action for a human action to be right or wrong. According to Kantian deontological theory of ethics, committing suicide is wrong and unacceptable from any perspective since it is an action that goes against the categorical imperative he proposed as the norm for ethical decisions. His Categorical Imperative runs thus: â€Å"Act only according to that maxim by which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law. † (Wolf Robert Paul (ed) Foundations of the Metaphysics of Morals: text and critical essays. 1969. p. 44). Each individual subject should decide for himself and act in such a way that he wills that his maxim should be a universal law. (Wolf, p. 21). Let us now take up the issue of suicide. Suicide may be a personally-decided act, on selfish reasons, emotions or recommendations from physical situations (as in the case of euthanasia). In whatever respects it may be, it goes against the Categorical Imperative, and hence, it is inherently or intrinsically wrong to commit it. Kant argues that committing suicide out of self-love is contrary to the categorical imperative because there is a contradiction in a system of nature, whose law would be to destroy life by the feeling whose special office is to impel the improvement of life. (Wolf, p. 45). Rather he thinks that the destruction of life is incompatible with its improvement and that nature always chooses organs adapted to their purpose (p. 13), so that nature couldnt (or wouldnt? ) allow self-love to be used in a way contrary to its purpose which is improvement and nurture of life. In accordance with Kant’s intrinsic morality, the categorical imperative also supports a Practical Imperative, that one has to act so that one treats humanity, whether in his own person or in that of another, always as an end in itself and never as a means only. (Wolf, p. 54). One has to respect and support one’s life because of the dignity implied within. By dignity, he means, unconditional and incomparable worth (Wolf, p. 61). Kant supports this theory with his theory of incommensurability, which holds that moral virtue is infinitely better than anything else. From the perspective of human dignity as well, suicide seems to be an unbecoming action for humans. Conclusion For Kant, reason holds the supreme position (as elaborated in Critique of Pure Reason), and ethics as science, is not rooted in religion or metaphysics, but rather on the inherent worth of existence. Hence, suicide is an unacceptable mode of action even from the perspective of self-love. Love nourishes and does rarely destroy. And even when a bit of destruction is involved, it is only to nurture better that it destroys. Suicide is total destruction without nurture and thus contradicts the very nature of self-love. References Gregory, Mary (ed)(1998) Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals by Immanuel Kant. New York: Cambridge University Press Henson, Richards (1979). What Kant Might Have Said: Moral Worth and the Over-determination of Dutiful Action†, in Phil. Review, January, 1979, pp. 39-54). Smith, Norman Kemp (trans. ) (1965) Critique of Pure Reason. New York: St. Martin’s Press. Wolf, Robert Paul (ed. ) (1969) Foundations of the Metaphysics of Morals: text and critical essays. trans. , by Lewis White Beck. Indianapolis: Bobbs-Merrill.

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Why Americas Capitalist System Is Failing Essay -- Capitalism Failure

Why America's Capitalist System Is Failing   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The American capitalist system works in a way that enables a small percentage of the population to live in utmost comfort with a large percentage of the country’s money and power. The majority of them get to this position through affiliation, and the lesser of them contrastingly through many years of hard work and struggle through a system that forces assimilation prior to incorporation. The majority of the population either lingers in the middle-class working for big businesses, whose ethical role in society they have no say in, or own a business that puts the responsibility of the lives of several shareholders in their hands. The remainder of society lives off of these people; cleaning, cooking, or serving for them. The only difference between this economic system and the old caste system in India is that the Americans can move between castes only by denying their moral beliefs.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Take, for example, the current president George Bush; his business skills did not permit his original business endeavors to succeed. He was actually a drunken party-boy, until the expectations to live up to his family name pressed him to seek success. Despite his disqualifications, the Bush name enabled him to overcome his bad investments and eventually receive a well-paying office job that required little of him. In contrast to a man that came from a less-renowned family, this young man’s lack of characteristics that generally evoke succe...

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Critical Review of Danger Boy Essay

Mark Williams’ â€Å"Danger Boy: Ancient fire† is set in 2019. It is a science fiction and time travelling novel. The text explores the effects of building a time machine. In Mark Williams’ novel, he examines the negative impact of futurist technology. Although the concept of time travelling may seem appealing at first glance, there is an ultimately destructive consequence that comes with it, like losing a love one. The novel opens with an argument between Eli’s father, Sandusky, and Mr Howe, a representative from a government department. Mr Howe persuades Sandusky to invent a machine that can slow down time in a force field. Sandusky’s wife, a scientist, assists Sandusky to invent the time travelling machine but she is sucked into the machine and travels back in time. Therefore, Sandusky is urged to produce another time machine that can slow down time with a more stable core. Upon starting up the machine, a piece of old paper emerges. Eli reaches for the newspaper and gets sucked into the year of Alexandria (415 C. E). Eli and his companion, a dinosaur and an Alexandrian, seeks to reunite Sandusky’s wife, returning to the present day life and save the world from the fatal disease that has slipped through time. The novel is structured by different narrative perspectives, in which different characters narrate the story from their personal point of view and experience. This type of structure of narrative point of views offers the reader a different perspective of the world from three characters: Eli, Clyne and Thea. The writer’s intention here may be to demonstrate the reality is never black or white, but can be interpreted and understood in different ways in different individuals. However, the one limitation to this type of structure is that the reader may experience confusion in attempting to understand the flow of the story, in which disputes the coherency of events. There are no obvious clues to indicate the change of the protagonist. The only visible clue available is the chapter title and the narrator’s name. Hence, this confuses us in terms of identifying the protagonist. As the reader continues to read, they will encounter an acronym many times before it gives its meaning. There are instances in the text when certain words such as â€Å"WHOMPEs† suddenly appear, which disrupts the flow of the story. Reading this novel for the first time will confuse the reader. As the reader progresses through the novel, Sandusky explains to Eli what a â€Å"WHOMPERs† is. It is a â€Å"Wide Orbiting Massless ParticlE Reversers. † The writers intention suggest that the scientific invention is an abstract idea which is foreign to humanity. The author uses a stream of consciousness to enable the reader to engage with the thought process of the character. When Sandusky answered Eli’s question about time, he replied ‘you go into the Fifth Dimension†¦hard to tell the difference between time and space, or when and where. Or even who and what. † This encourages the reader to think and be in the mind of the narrator. This is a really good idea for advanced readers who want to think beyond the novel. Williams’ got inspired to write the novel by his son. He got the idea when his son was running down the hallway yelling out â€Å"I’m a Danger Boy! † The novel’s setting is based on where he lives, which is LA. There could be a connection between the novel’s setting and where he lives. One connection is that LA is a place for relaxation and tourism. The main character travels to LA with his father to relax a bit after the tragic incident. One of the major themes in â€Å"Danger Boy† is time traveling. Time traveling is frequent in the novel. It happens when ever Eli puts his â€Å"WHOMPER† charged baseball cap on. Another theme them is history. History is shown in this novel from many perspectives. It is seen by going back in time to Alexandria (415 C. E). The main motif in the novel is a baseball cap. It is a motif because it’s a device that allows Eli to time travel. Without the baseball cap, Eli would just be like any other ordinary kid. This novel can be compared with Audrey Niffenegger’s â€Å"The Time Traveller’s Wife†. The two novels involve the same themes; history and time travelling. In â€Å"Danger Boy† Eli becomes a time traveller after he touches a time machine. He travels back in time to Alexandria. He can control when he wants to time travel, but can’t control on where it’ll take him. In â€Å"The Time Traveller’s Wife† Henry is born with a genetic disorder. This genetic disorder allowed him to time travel. There was one thing that he can’t control. It is where he lands from time travelling and when he time travels. Ultimately, Williams has created an adventurous and exciting novel. The book was exciting because it produced tension into whether the protagonists find Margret or not. The writer produced a text that was a bit difficult to read and establishment of the main character. The author shaped the words in the sentences really strangely which sometimes doesn’t make sense or it is not suitable, so the reader needs to re-read it to understand it. This novel should be raising questions about time travel, especially in the future.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Principles of Marketing Essay

The course content includes a study of the relationship between marketing and society, nature and functions of marketing, marketing management processes, marketing tools, the markets, and the consumers. Course Objectives The main goal of the course is to provide an overview of the basic principles underlying modern marketing theory and practice. It will provide participants with an understanding of the analysis that is necessary for taking marketing decisions, and the wide range of factors (and interactions of those factors) that need to be considered in the design of a marketing program. Students should come away with this course with an understanding of the marketing system and its role within the Malaysian economy and within an individual firm by studying how products and services are planned, priced, promoted, and distributed in order to satisfy consumers’ wants. Learning Outcomes Upon completion of the course, students should be able to: ? define and apply knowledge of the key marketing concepts. Please dress decently and appropriately (according to university’s dress codes) when attending classes. ? Group projects ; Assignments There will be group projects and assignments. For group project, work together with your group members and at the end of the project your group members will assess your contribution to the project. You are expected to do a group presentation before submission of written copy during the semester. Assignments will be uploaded in UNIEC. In class assignments must be submitted on the specified date otherwise you may be penalized for late submission. If you encounter any problem to submit assignments on the specific date, you are required to inform the lecturer within 2 days of the specified date. For any type written assignments given, the format of the paper should be as follows: ? A cover page with your details – Name, Student ID and Sections ( as registered in CMS) ? Font: Time New Roman , size 12 with 1. 5 spacing ? Include a reference page for every assignment that you submitted. ? Forums Students are required to participate in ALL 3 forums posted by the Course Leader and marks will be assigned based on the quality of the discussion. ? Accessing/ Checking UNIEC Virtual It is utmost important for students to access and check their UNIEC Virtual for any updates and information pertaining to the course regularly throughout the semester. Ignorance is NO EXCUSE. Examination Format Final examination will be a three hours-examination. The exam will evaluate your level of understanding and knowledge acquired in this course. The question formats may consist of multiple choice, true-false, short essays, and case-based problems. Week Topics Covered Overview 1 2 3 4 Topic 1: Marketing: Managing Profitable Customer Relationship Topic 2: The Marketing Environment and the Marketing Information Topic 3: Consumer Markets and Consumer Buyer Behavior Topics/Activities Remarks/ Deadlines Introduction. Class activities: – Getting to know. – Overview of course plan. Marketing: Managing Profitable Customer Relationship ? Definitions of marketing ? Basic concepts of marketing ? Evolutions of marketing ? Relationship marketing ? Marketing strategy and the marketing mix ? Marketing Challenges in the future Read: ? Kotler: Chapter 1 ? Harley-Davidson case. Chapter preview p158. Class activities: ? Discuss reading materials Topic 1 ? Discuss Harley Davidson exercise. The Marketing Environment and Marketing Information ? Company’s Microenvironments ? Company’s Macroenvironments ? Marketing research process Read: Forum 1 ? Kotler: Chapter 3 ; 4 ? Real Marketing 4. 2 ‘Tracking consumers on the Web: Smart targeting or a little creepy’. p 151 Class activities: ? Discuss reading materials Topic 2 ? Discuss ‘Prius: Leading a Wave of Hybrids’ case Consumer Markets and Business Market ? Consumer Buying Behavior ? Consumer Decision-making Process ? Factors Affecting Consumer Buying Behavior.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Gun Control vs. Gun Rights essays

Gun Control vs. Gun Rights essays Since the days of the pioneers of the United States, firearms have been part of the American tradition as protection and a means of hunting or sport. As we near the end of the 20th century the use of guns has changed significantly. Because of fast and steady increase in crime and the fight for the right to own a hand gun, the introduction of legislation for gun control, to try to reduce the crime in the United States, has been a hotly debated issue in recent years. Although many people feel that gun control violates the right of the people, given in the second amendment "the right to bear arms", controlling distribution and sales and the registration of guns and gun owners is necessary because of the homicide rate involving guns and the violence by Many people feel that gun control violates the right of the people given in the second amendment the right "to bear arms". Opponents of gun control, including the National Rifle Association, better known as the NRA, argue that the "right To bear arms" is guaranteed in the second amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America and licensing restrictions penalize law-abiding citizens while in no way preventing criminal use of handguns. It is also argued that by making it difficult for guns to be bought and registered for the American public there is a threat to the personal safety of American families everywhere. However controlling the sale and distribution of firearms is necessary because of the homicide rate involving guns. In 1988 there were 9000 handgun related murders in America. Metropolitan centers and some suburban communities of America are setting new records for homicides by handguns. Larger Metropolitan centers have ten times the murder rate of all Western Europe. For example in Washington,D.C. there was an estimated 400 In addition gun control has been seen ...

Monday, October 21, 2019

Culturally relative ethical issues

Culturally relative ethical issues As it would be observed, human beings are defined by different ethical behaviors and standards. Culturally relativism is very common in the contemporary world, since each and every community in the world has its own activities and beliefs, as it is defined by their own culture (Mackinnon, 2011).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Culturally relative ethical issues specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In most cases, the ethical standards of one community may tend to differ greatly with those of another, due to their varied cultural settings. A perfect example of a culturally relative ethical issue is the belief by some communities that, people of different genders should not shake hands. Another example is the predominant practice of female genital mutilation, which is prevalent in some communities. Shaking of hands is a common habit allover the world, and there are many reasons why people would shake hands with each other i n the first place. While it is usual for people to shake hands to exchange greetings, some communities and tribes would tend to view this as a wrongful practice. This must explain the reason why some Muslim men don’t shake hands with their female counterparts. This practice is also common in the Jewish culture, where shaking of hands between people of different sex is highly forbidden, unless they were married. The people in these communities generally believe that, shaking a woman’s hand is a disrespectful way of touching them, and this may infer sexual desires (Margolin et al., 2005). Many people may not find this perception of hand shake across genders acceptable, but personally I believe it creates some manners and respect between people of different genders.Advertising Looking for essay on ethics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In this regard, other people in the world should try to adopt and foll ow the Jewish culture at all costs. This way, we shall be able to make use of other polite ways while expressing our greetings or regards to people of the opposite sex. The practice of female genital mutilation has been a highly debated issue allover the world. The custom has proved to be acceptable to some communities, while it has remained a big challenge for other communities to embrace. The habit of female circumcision is observed to be prevalent in countries such as; South America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, among other regions of the world. The proponents of this custom have always offered strong cultural reasons as to why they practice it, and one of the common reasons here is that, circumcision is a celebrated right of passage for the female. However, many people across the world see this as an abhorrent practice against the women, and have always detested it. Female circumcision is associated with many ethical and social issues, and this explains why some Western co untries have outlawed it. In most cases, the ritual is carried out between the ages of four and twelve. This is a very tender age for such a risky operation to be carried on a child, especially by persons who have no medical expertise. Apart from the pain and the physical complications which the victims are likely to suffer, there are also many health consequences associated with the ritual. For instance, the procedure is normally conducted without sterile instruments and this can result to serious health effects on the victims (Whitehorn, Ayonrinde and Maingay, 2002).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Culturally relative ethical issues specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More There is no doubt that, female circumcision is one of the most harmful cultural rituals conducted on women today, and in that case, it needs to be eradicated. References Mackinnon, B. (2011). Ethics theory and contemporary issues, 7th ed. Belmont, CA: W adsworth Publishing. Margolin, G., Chien, D., Duman, S., Fauchier, A., Gordis, E., Oliver, P.,Ramos, M., Vickerman, K. (2005). Ethical issues in couple and family research. Journal of  Family Psychology, 19(1), 157. Whitehorn, J., Ayonrinde, O., Maingay, S. (2002). Female genital mutilation: cultural and psychological implications. Sexual and Relationship Therapy, 17(2), 161-170.

Sunday, October 20, 2019

How to Get Reviews

How to Get Reviews I did one of my two-minute podcasts this week on collecting reviews for books, because my mailbox is swamped with articles, podcasts, blog posts, and queries to me on how to land reviews. Just this week I heard from an author friend of mine who just released two books in a series at once. . . and still has less than ten reviews on the two combined even after the publisher sent out hundreds (yep, you read that right) of review copies. Week before last, I posted a call for reviewers on my Facebook page. I have four books with less than 100 reviews (82, 64, 51, and 47 for my last four books), and my goal this year is to reach 100 for all my books. Yes, I read reviews. Do I let a one-star destroy my day? No. Frankly, I dont breathe easy until someone has left me a pissy review, just so its out of my system. As a matter of fact, Newberry Sin has a 4.9/5 rating on Amazon, with only one three-star review. No ones or twos. Beats me why someone hasnt bashed it yet. My editor says thats because theres nothing to bash, but shes just being sweet. Nobody writes a book everybody likes. But how to get reviews? You coordinate them. You are going to learn that there are bookstore people, library people, and Amazon people, and usually, the bookstore people dont post reviews on Amazon. The anti-Amazon people wont post reviews on Amazon. Therefore, people who are active online and make Amazon purchases constitute the preferred reviewer. (Of course, if someone you know has a review column in a major publication, A close second preferred reader is a strong Goodreads person. Do they make their reading choices based upon Goodreads? Then great. Ask away, though an Amazon person will most likely also post on Goodreads. I start with social media, setting a time period in which I am seeking reviews, making it somewhat of a big deal, like an event. I offer print or ebook. Some publishers no longer do print ARCs or review copies. They are indeed pricey, especially when many requestors do not follow through. However, be prepared to send out some print copies. Yes, the cost can add up. Take note of who is doing your reviews. The plus of asking on social media or having to mail/email copies of the books is that you have their contact info. You can then follow-up and ask if they received the book a couple weeks later. This is NOT so you can push them to review. NEVER push someone to review. However, if someone does not follow-through, you know never to send them a review copy again. Common sense without breaking any cardinal rules. After nine novels, I have a list of what I call permanent reviewers. Ill send them a copy of any new release because they always review. Sometimes I ask in FundsforWriters, and other times in my author newsletter C. Hope Clark (sign up at www.chopeclark.com). This past week I sent out 40 copies. Reviews are already coming in. And I thank them. . . gush over them. These people are golden and deserve to be treated accordingly. So, in summation. . . you build relationships. Receiving a free book isnt enough. Goodness knows there are too dang many of those out there to the point that isnt a big deal. Its the back and forth, the willingness to respect and converse with anyone, the manners to say please and thank you. Its being generous and grateful. Readers love helping you if they feel appreciated, and I feel pretty darn grateful for mine.

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Pros and Cons of a Federal System of Government Essay

Pros and Cons of a Federal System of Government - Essay Example Given the basic definition, a federal system of government consist of two or more levels of governments existing within an established territory governing through common structures/institutions with shared or overlapping powers prescribed by a supreme constitution (Shafritz, Edwin and Christopher, 2010). The central government is at the level of the sovereign state tasked with responsibilities of maintaining national security and conducting international diplomatic relations, covering the right of signing binding treaties. The central government is basically mandated to make binding laws for the whole federation; the power that local governments do not posses. Within its structure, the central government functions with ministries, departments alongside agencies in administering the federation. Federalism is thus a political as well as a philosophical concept that outlines how political power is divided or rather distributed to different levels of governments. The extent of division o f power between the levels of governance in a democratic nation may vary. However, the most vital powers relating to security and the stability of the entire union are granted to the center, with regional governments sharing subsidiary responsibility. ... In particular, the United States, Canada, Australia, Germany and Brazil are all examples of federal governments. With regard to the United States, federalism has been an ever evolving relationship between state governments and the federal government. From a system of dual federal system, the American governance structures have evolved to that of associative federalism. In the "Federalist No. 46," James Madison asserts that both levels of governments "are distinct agents and trustees of the citizenry, constituted with distinct powers." According to Alexander Hamilton, ("Federalist No. 28), both levels of government were constituted to exercise authority to the benefit of the citizens. That is to say, if in case the peoples' rights were trampled upon by either of the two, they could make use of the other level of government as the instrument of redress (Hamilton, Madison, and Jay, 1961). As with every system of governance, federalism as a model of governance characterized by sharing of power is not perfect, neither is it any close to achieving perfect harmonious relations among its components. As a system corrected through the ages to achieve its current status in the United States, it is an obvious fact that federalism has its merits and the disadvantages. One of the prime benefits of a federal system is the degree of autonomy granted to regional governments in deciding their local laws, in spite of being a part of a whole. In the US, every state has the authority to modify local laws to fit the local demands. The system is also advantageous with respect to degree with which governance is simplified to achieve the distribution of power. In effect, local problems are dealt with at the local level without letting them gravitate to the national level

Friday, October 18, 2019

The corporate social responsibility practices Case Study

The corporate social responsibility practices - Case Study Example Rasgas firm is the second leading firm in the production and supply of gas to both the local and international markets. The firm has been operation for the last 14years and it has grown its links with various stakeholders which involve the communities it serves. With this strong links, the necessity of Corporate Social Responsibility is inevitable. This report seeks to explore various aspects of Corporate Social Responsibility with a bias on the necessity of information to companies and its benefits to human resource development. As a point of departure, like any world leading organization, the aspect of Corporate Social Responsibility is inevitable. The organization has endeavored to position its CRS policy on four foremost cornerstones, which include education, community, environment, information and health. The four aspects are aligned with the Qatar National Vision 2030. The Corporate Social Responsibility has over some time now played a critical role in strengthening the company’s ties with the rest of the community. The organization believes that through a clear policy on CSR well integrated with the National Development Strategy, it will positively engage the community through activities which involves practical assistance, donation of equipment, employee volunteer and financial contributions (Porter, 2000). These activities work towards increasing awareness of the organization’s produced and these efforts are reflected in the overall revenues and profit margins. In the case of education which is attributed to acquiring information the organization has endeavored to support numerous talented students to the UK Universities for both undergraduate and Masters programmes. These programs and activities are aimed at attaining maximum level of sustainability. In the case of the CSR information to companies and its benefits relative to human development, the Rasgas firm has a big role to play in a bid to update other

CAPM (Capital Asset Pricing Model) and Its Practical Use Essay

CAPM (Capital Asset Pricing Model) and Its Practical Use - Essay Example It is carried out through a properly designed and professional model that does not require to be completely renewed on a case by case basis. It has, therefore, met the requirements of the Asset Management industry in which the capacity to correctly price securities, and to properly infer the right rate of return. These are used to determine traditional and innovative alternative assets and provide all qualities that can make possible for a portfolio manager to gain an early lead over competitors (Brigham and Houston). The model, from a technical perspective, has been based on the works of Dr Harry Markowitz, a widely renowned professional and researcher who had been able to conduct important studies and researches in the field of diversification and of modern portfolio theory. According to his studies, some fundamental proven hypotheses can be synthesized as follows: Harry Markowitz, Nobel Prizer, investigated the effects of correlation rates and of diversification policies and strat egies. As a result, he found that diversification in this sense, when correctly computed and carried out, can reduce and minimize the risk of a portfolio, together with an improvement of its required rate of returns. In this perspective, a Markowitz Efficient Portfolio has been defined as the portfolio where no added diversification can lower its risk for a given return expectation. In this sense, the ability to properly synthesize the main portfolio requirements is needed in order for a portfolio manager to meet the expectations and to reach the highest expected return. Once this efficient portfolio and its relative asset allocation is reached, no investor can minimize the risk further, and any departure from this allocation is perceived as something that impairs the risk level, and any asset added to the portfolio in this sense increases the risk level of the portfolio. An accurate selection of the most efficient portfolio, hence, can be reached through the analysis of the various possible portfolios of the given securities in the light of their degree of diversification. Dr Harry Markovitz also developed and implemented the so called â€Å"efficient frontier†, which represents the total and integral selection of the most efficient portfolios, analyzed on a risk return perspective. Under this view, the portfolios of assets that compose the efficient frontier are the ones that maximize return levels for certain given amounts of volatility (defined as risk). In this perspective, Harry Markowitz developed a mean Variance model that maximizes returns for given risk levels; the major assumptions of the model are the following: Investors tend to be rational Investors can easily determine the set of efficient portfolios highlighted above and can maximize their returns for a given level of risk There is a single period investment, as compulsory one for the analysis Risk of a portfolio is highly dependent on the variability of returns An investor prefers to in crease the consumption Investors are risk averse by their nature The utility function of investors has a concave shape Major technical aspects of this model make possible to infer some major behavioral characteristic: firstly, investors prefer to retain a portfolio with lower risk, for a given return level. In addition to this, for a given risk (and volatility) level, investors tend to prefer portfolios with higher returns (Markowitz). Investors can be defined as risk averse when their expressed main priority is to minimize risk, and therefore, choose portfolios with lower risk. While, on the other side they are believed to be rational when they prefer asset

Thursday, October 17, 2019

The Discord of Relativism in Relation to Universal Wrongs Essay

The Discord of Relativism in Relation to Universal Wrongs - Essay Example But ultimately there are conduct and actions that are acceptable or at the very least inoffensive and which holds in it a universal truth of applicability. In a directly inverse rationalization of the same concept, there are things that are inherently wrong no matter which corner of the world the same is committed. Lenn Goodman in â€Å"Some Moral Minima† exemplified on the assumption that there are inherently wrong things that would never pass any test of appropriateness. This assertion was based on four instances Goodman relates as ‘Deserts’ or expressions which distinguish human beings. His discourse on the verity of this proposition revolved around 1. genocide and induced famine, 2. terrorism and other acts such as hostage taking, 3. slavery, incest and polygamy and 4. rape and clitoridectomy or the removal of a female’s pleasure organ. The author recognizes the commonality among the enlisted illustration of wrongful acts because â€Å"All the wrongs m y proposed norms speak against drag with them some violation of the truth. Not that truth is somehow the arch-imperative from which all others rise, as if by deduction. But the linkage does suggest a way of looking at (or looking for) key moral norms† (Goodman, 2010, p.92). Essentially this argument is in direct contradiction to relativism which suggests that what constitutes right and wrong is dependent upon every culture, person or society. This truly is an appealing take on ethical perspectives because it creates a very wide ground to exonerate wrongful acts as long as they are permitted at any one exception. It qualifiedly extinguishes the distinction between right and wrong whenever relativism is accurately applied. â€Å"This approach seems to allow us to avoid having to defend ethical claims that can be difficult to defend; however, others maintain that relativism has certain crippling problems† (Mosser, 2010, p.11). The adherence to relativism would render the a rgument of Goodman devoid of any merit in the same way that Goodman’s proposition is in direct contradiction to relativism. Goodman did make a direct mention of relativism as the same was inevitable due to the conflict between the concepts. There are cultural and individual distinctions which qualify and fundamentally affect the customs of normal life. But emphasis was divulged in that people can deliberately perplex every given situation to distort the same through the simplistic reasoning that is anchored in relativism. There are objective values that are to be upheld above all others. This is not to say that they are absolutely unjustified but that they are not to be used indiscriminately. The opposition to relativism in the essay was delved into with Goodman’s suggestion that polygamy is among those that are simply wrong. â€Å"Relativists will say that romantic love and companionate marriage are recent inventions, culture-bound and fraught with troubles of their own†¦ But to say that an institution has a history or cultural setting does not imply that any alternative to it is equally humane† (2010, p.91). This is among the arguments that I do agree with. Yes, it may be true that divorce does occur and it is virtually available in all countries, but this does not in any way lessen the value given to marriage by any culture. There are different rituals that occur and the celebration of which vary accordingly but this only goes to show that the same is given much import. Polygamy is even perhaps among the reasons which perpetuate the truth in why Goodman states

Marketing Communication High School Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Marketing Communication High School - Essay Example - whatever communication marketing plans are made to direct and control the marketing operation, they must be flexible, as there are many outside factors which can easily affect the plans, e.g. government legislation; The forth stage is implementation and control of the campaign. Research has shown that over 95 percent of people forget the exact message within six weeks of seeing it. That is why repetition in promotion campaign is so important as the promotion itself (Stone Jacobs 2001). The main activities for advertising agencies have some peculiarities in contrast to traditional marketing communication. But, still, marketing communication mix is the most powerful tool to reach the wide audience in a short period of time. It will include: Incentive schemes. These should be tailored to the needs of a retailer's sales staff and may also include competitions, particularly for sales staff. Competitions linked to generating window displays make a good example of use here, with prizes such as holidays being regularly used. On-line type of promotion. It is featured at the location where many of the final decisions and actual purchases are made. Techniques used here include: temporary price reductions; extra value offers, including offers relating to future purchase; premium offers (incentives), including free mail-in premiums, self-liquidating premiums and banded free gifts (relevant for electronic services). Immediate benefit promotions. A consumer is rewarded for purchasing is immediate, and, as with most incentives, the sooner the reward can be expected and received after the qualifying action, the greater will be the positive effects of that incentive in stimulating purchase action. Included in this promotion category are: price reductions; free gifts (which can be additional service - such as two for the price of one) banded pack offers(service plus discount); economy (special proposition) (McDonald, Christopher 2003). The choice of medium is clearly closely intertwined with the distribution strategy. Today, in rapidly changing environment these communication methods become more varied and sophisticated because of technological innovations borrowed by marketers and the level of competition which forces companies within advertising industry to look for new effective ways to attract customers (Rich 2000).

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

The Discord of Relativism in Relation to Universal Wrongs Essay

The Discord of Relativism in Relation to Universal Wrongs - Essay Example But ultimately there are conduct and actions that are acceptable or at the very least inoffensive and which holds in it a universal truth of applicability. In a directly inverse rationalization of the same concept, there are things that are inherently wrong no matter which corner of the world the same is committed. Lenn Goodman in â€Å"Some Moral Minima† exemplified on the assumption that there are inherently wrong things that would never pass any test of appropriateness. This assertion was based on four instances Goodman relates as ‘Deserts’ or expressions which distinguish human beings. His discourse on the verity of this proposition revolved around 1. genocide and induced famine, 2. terrorism and other acts such as hostage taking, 3. slavery, incest and polygamy and 4. rape and clitoridectomy or the removal of a female’s pleasure organ. The author recognizes the commonality among the enlisted illustration of wrongful acts because â€Å"All the wrongs m y proposed norms speak against drag with them some violation of the truth. Not that truth is somehow the arch-imperative from which all others rise, as if by deduction. But the linkage does suggest a way of looking at (or looking for) key moral norms† (Goodman, 2010, p.92). Essentially this argument is in direct contradiction to relativism which suggests that what constitutes right and wrong is dependent upon every culture, person or society. This truly is an appealing take on ethical perspectives because it creates a very wide ground to exonerate wrongful acts as long as they are permitted at any one exception. It qualifiedly extinguishes the distinction between right and wrong whenever relativism is accurately applied. â€Å"This approach seems to allow us to avoid having to defend ethical claims that can be difficult to defend; however, others maintain that relativism has certain crippling problems† (Mosser, 2010, p.11). The adherence to relativism would render the a rgument of Goodman devoid of any merit in the same way that Goodman’s proposition is in direct contradiction to relativism. Goodman did make a direct mention of relativism as the same was inevitable due to the conflict between the concepts. There are cultural and individual distinctions which qualify and fundamentally affect the customs of normal life. But emphasis was divulged in that people can deliberately perplex every given situation to distort the same through the simplistic reasoning that is anchored in relativism. There are objective values that are to be upheld above all others. This is not to say that they are absolutely unjustified but that they are not to be used indiscriminately. The opposition to relativism in the essay was delved into with Goodman’s suggestion that polygamy is among those that are simply wrong. â€Å"Relativists will say that romantic love and companionate marriage are recent inventions, culture-bound and fraught with troubles of their own†¦ But to say that an institution has a history or cultural setting does not imply that any alternative to it is equally humane† (2010, p.91). This is among the arguments that I do agree with. Yes, it may be true that divorce does occur and it is virtually available in all countries, but this does not in any way lessen the value given to marriage by any culture. There are different rituals that occur and the celebration of which vary accordingly but this only goes to show that the same is given much import. Polygamy is even perhaps among the reasons which perpetuate the truth in why Goodman states

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

The Impact of British Colonization in India Essay

The Impact of British Colonization in India - Essay Example Traders were frequently engaged in hostilities with their Dutch and Portuguese counterparts in the Indian Ocean. A key event providing the Company with the favour of Mughal emperor Jahangir was their victory over the Portuguese in the Battle of Swally in 1612. Perhaps realizing the futility of waging trade wars in remote seas, the English decided to explore their options for gaining a foothold in mainland India, with official sanction of both countries, and requested the Crown to launch a diplomatic mission. In 1615, Sir Thomas Roe was instructed by James I to visit the Mughal emperor Jahangir (who ruled over most of the subcontinent, along with Afghanistan). The purpose of this mission was to arrange for a commercial treaty which would give the Company exclusive rights to reside and build factories in Surat and other areas. In return, the Company offered to provide to the emperor goods and rarities from the European market. This mission was highly successful. The company, under such obvious patronage, soon managed to eclipse the Portuguese, who had established their bases in Goa and Bombay (which was later ceded to England as part of the dowry of Catherine de Braganza). It managed to create strongholds in Surat (where a factory was built in 1612), Madras (1639), Bombay (1668) and Calcutta (1690). By 1647, the Company had 23 factories and 90 employees in India2. The major factories became the walled forts of Fort William in Bengal, Fort St George in Madras and the Bombay Castle. In 1634, the Mughal emperor extended his hospitality to the English traders to the region of Bengal (and in 1717 completely waived customs duties for the trade). The company's mainstay businesses were by now in cotton, silk, indigo, saltpeter and tea. All the while, it was making inroads into the Dutch monopoly of the spice trade in the Malaccan straits. In 1711, the Company established a trading post in Canton (Guangzhou), China, to trade tea for silver3. In 1657 , Oliver Cromwell renewed the charter of 1609, and brought about minor changes in the holding of the Company. The status of the Company was further enhanced by the restoration of monarchy in England. By a series of five acts around 1670, King Charles II provisioned it with the rights to autonomous territorial acquisitions, to mint money, to command fortresses and troops and form alliances, to make war and peace, and to exercise both civil and criminal jurisdiction over the acquired areas. The Company, surrounded by trading competitors, other imperial powers, and sometimes hostile native rulers, experienced a growing need for protection. The freedom to manage its military affairs thus came as a welcome boon and the Company rapidly raised its own armed forces in the 1680s, mainly drawn from the indigenous local population. By 1689, the Company was arguably a "nation" in the Indian mainland, independently administering the vast presidencies of Bengal, Madras and Bombay and possessing a formidable and intimidating military strength. From 1698 the company was entitled to use the motto "Auspico Regis et Senatus Angliae" meaning, "Under the patronage of the King and Parliament of England"4. The efforts of the company in administering India emerged as a model for the civil service system in Britain, especially during the 19th century. Deprived of its trade monopoly in 1813, the company wound up as a trading enterprise. In 1858, the Company lost its administrative functions to the British government following the 1857 uprising

Western cultures Essay Example for Free

Western cultures Essay

Sunday, October 13, 2019

Effects of the Government on the Economy

Effects of the Government on the Economy This essay articulates the principles, relationship between micro economic and macroeconomic by doing research in regard to this essay we can assume that government play a major role in economics such as price control, policies, increasing wages of employees and making decision in the market place however we can also assume economic policies are not influenced if they are not almost generally determined by acceptance of some of these mistakes. Perhaps the shortest and surest way to an understanding of economics is through segmentation of such errors, and particularly of the central error from which they stem. In addition economics is all about policies how society decides what, how, and for whom to produce. INTRODUCTION Human being intend to be able to solve living basic problem such as what goods and services to produce, how to produce these goods and services and for whom to produce these goods and services. Economics is the study of how society decides what, how, and for whom to produce. Economics is also about human behaviour we also could describe it as a science rather than a subject within the arts or humanities. This reflects the way economics analyse problems, not the subject matter of economics. Economist aim to develop theories of human behaviour and to test them against the facts moreover good economics retains an element of art, for it is only by having a feel for how people actually behave that economists can focus their analysis on the right issues. But what exactly is economics? Task1: Most modern definitions of economics involve the notions of choice and scarcity. Possibly the earliest of these is by Lionell Robbins in 1935: Economics is a science which studies human behaviour as a relationship between ends and scarce means which have alternative uses. Virtually all textbooks have definitions that are derived from this definition. Although the exact wording differs from author to author, the standard definition is something like this: Economics is the social science that examines how people choose to use limited or scarce resources in attempting to satisfy their unlimited wants. Scarcity means that people want more than is available. Scarcity limits us both as individuals and as a society. As individuals, limited income (time and ability) keep us from doing and having all that we might like. As a society, limited resources (such as man power, machinery, and natural resources) fix a maximum on the amount of the goods and services that can be produced. b) Concept of opportunity cost: This concept of scarcity leads to the idea of opportunity cost. The opportunity cost of an action is what you must give up when you make that choice. Another way to say this is: it is the value of the next best opportunity. Opportunity cost is a direct implication of scarcity. People have to choose between different alternatives when deciding how to spend their money and their time. Milton Friedman, who won the Nobel Prize for economics is fond of saying there is no such thing as a free lunch. What that means is that in a world of scarcity, everything has an opportunity cost. There is always a trade-off involved in any decision you make. The concept of opportunity cost is one of the most important ideas in economics. Consider the question, How much does it cost to go to college for a year? We could add up the direct costs like tuition, books, school supplies, etc. These are examples of explicit costs, i.e., costs that require a money payment. However, these costs are small compared to the value of the time it takes to attend class, do homework, etc. The amount that the student could have earned if she had worked rather than attended school is the implicit cost of attending college. Implicit costs are costs that do not require a money payment. The opportunity cost includes both explicit and implicit costs. C) Microeconomics is the study of decisions that people and businesses make regarding the allocation of resources and prices of goods and services. This means also taking into income taxes and regulations created by governments. MicroeconomicsÂÂ  focuses onÂÂ  supply and demand and other forces that determine the price levels seen in the economy. For example, microeconomics would look at how a specific company could maximize its production and capacity soÂÂ  it could lowerÂÂ  prices and better compete in its industry. Macroeconomics, on the other hand,ÂÂ  is the field of economics that studies the behaviour of the economy as a whole and not just on specific companies, but entire industries and economies. This looks at economy-wide phenomena, such asÂÂ  Gross National Product (GDP) and how it is affected by changes in unemployment, national, rate of growth, and price levels. For example, macroeconomics would look at how an increase/decrease in net exports would affect a nationsÂÂ  capital account or how GDP would be affected by unemployment rate. While these two learning of economics appear to be different, they are actually interdependent and complement one another since there are many overlapping issues between the two fields. For example, increased inflation (macro effect) would cause the price of raw materials to increase for companies and in turn affect the end products price charged to the public. http://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/110.asp Task2: In this particular task I am going to explain the existing relationship between demand and price also will be giving more detail related to market demand curve and factors affecting demand. According to some researchers demand can be defined as the quantity of a good buyers wish to purchase at each conceivable price, market demand could also be defined as a set of arrangements by which buyers and sellers are in contact to exchange goods or services. The relationship between demand and price describes the behaviour of buyers at every price at every particular price there should be quantity demanded the term quantity demanded makes sense only in relation to a particular price for example in everyday language we say that when the demand for a football match tickets exceeds their supply some people will not get into the ground. Demand curve shows the relation between price and quantity demanded the other things relevant to demand curves can usually be grouped under three groups: the price of goods, the income of consumers and consumer tastes or preferences. Price controls are government rules or laws that forbid the adjustment of prices to clear market for example high food prices mean considerable hardship for the poor the government would prefer to impose a price ceiling on food in order to help the poor to continue purchasing adequate food quantities. In order to be effective a price ceiling must be imposed below the free market equilibrium price therefore it is going to reduce the quantity supplied and lead to excess demand unless government itself provides the extra quantity required. The main factor affecting demand is consumer revenues; consumers intend to purchase a product in order to satisfy their due to their incomes however quantities of demand could increase as consumer incomes rise for example low income people satisfy their needs for clothes by buying low quality clothes as their incomes rise they switch to better quality clothes. Market demand curve is the sum of the demand curves of all individuals in that particular market by asking, at each price, how much each person demands. it also could the horizontal addition of individual demand curves Individual Demand Curve By looking at the graph we could what an important role price plays in the market therefore we can conclude in this demand of goods or services depend on the price and also on consumer incomes the graphs summarise the demand responses to changes in incomes it also show us the effect of income increases although income rises increase the quantity demanded of goods by consumers. Task 3: In this particular task I am going to explain how an equilibrium price and equilibrium quantity can be achieved and also the effects of excess supply, demand on market equilibrium. According to David Begg economic equilibrium is a state of the world where economic forces are balanced and in the absence of external influences the (equilibrium) values of economic variables will not change. It is the point at which quantity demanded and quantities supplied are equal, for example, refers to a condition where a market price is established through competition such that the amount of goods or services sought by buyers is equal to the amount of goods or services produced by sellers. Price controls are government rules or laws that forbid the adjustment of prices to clear market for instance we can assume that when price controls are maintained for many years they may have further repercussions. For example many countries have imposed rent controls limiting the rent a landlord can charge for accommodation. Countries such as the UK have had price ceilings for many years in the rental market in also failed to raise insignificant amount with the inflation therefore many private landlord have quit the business. There are many reasons why government wish to intervene in a free market to set prices as a result prices are set the market forces ( where demand and supply vary) but in some cases government will need to set prices for different products. For instance the European Union EU has used minimum prices for farmers it is also could be argued farmers incomes are too low therefore minimum prices can be used to increase prices above the equilibrium however the government decided to have price controls in farming to encourage farmers to supply as much as possible. This graph show us the existing relation between equilibrium price and demand and also how an equilibrium price and equilibrium quantity can be achieved however we could conclude on this task that equilibrium price is the price at which the quantity demanded by consumers and the quantity at which companies offer services and goods . Task 4: Perfect competition: Economist definition of perfect competition is different from the meaning of competition in everyday usage in economic theory a perfect competition can be defined as a description of markets such that no participants are large enough to have the market power to set the price of a homogeneous product. Because the conditions for perfect competition are strict, there are few if any perfectly competitive markets. Still, buyers and sellers in some auction-type markets say for commodities or some financial assets may approximate the concept. Economic markets in many sectors can be described by the term oligopoly this is where few producers dominate the majority of the industry and the market, perfect competition operate on a number of different assumptions. Economist also assumes there a number of a different buyers and sellers in the marketplace this could lead to a perfect competition in the market which could allow price to change in demand and supply. Perfect competition can be characterized by many sellers and buyers, many products that are similar in nature and as a result of many substitutes, for example in a perfectly competitive market a single firm decide to increase its selling price of a good, the consumers can just turn to the nearest competitor for a better price, affecting any firm that increases its price to lose market share and revenues. According to Stanley Fisher An oligopoly is a market dominated by a few producers, each of which has control over the market. It is an industry where there is a high level of market concentration. However, oligopoly is best defined by the conduct (or behaviour) of firms within a market rather than its market structure. Characteristics of oligopoly can be by competition other than price. Price wars , cutting prices in the market where all large firms tend simply to lead to lower profits, changing little market shares, instead , oligopolistic companies intend to charge relatively high prices but also compete through promotion and advertisement but existing firms can be safer from new companies entering the market because entry barriers to the market are high, for example existing successful brands have a number of a products considerably promoted in the other hand it will be difficult for a new company to establish its own new brand in the market. This graph show us how important perfect competition is in the market in order to launch new product firms will need to follow some entry barriers and have some requirements and follow government policies such price control. Task 5: In this particular I am going to give an explanation and evaluation of what is meant by Keynesian, Monetarist economics: According to Keynesian theory, some microeconomic-level actions if taken collectively by a large proportion of individuals and firms can lead to inefficient aggregate macroeconomic outcomes, where the economy operates below its potential output and growth rate. Such a situation had previously been referred to by classical economists as a general glut. Keynesian economics: during recession periods when aggregate demand is insufficient, monetary and fiscal expansion can boost demand, product and employment in 1930 Britain was partly pulled out the slump of Keynesian policy of government heavy spending on rearmament as the threat of war loomed however in the three decades after 1945 governments of both political parties in Britain attempted to implement the Keynesian policy in order to manage the level of aggregate demand but some of the policy did not work perfectly . In the decade after 1965 both inflation and unemployment grew fairly steadily which build up inflation proved to be a costly after effect Keynesian policies. Today we are more doubtful about the success of the activist period of 1950 and 1960. Keynesian economics proceeds on the assumption that price level given but what can happen if the price level change for example when the economy is near full employment and there is no longer space capacity to make companies think before raising price of products or increasing wages of their employees. On the other hand Keynesian government should be able to tackle unemployment issues otherwise effects of unemployment could reduce production of goods. According to Monetarism theory the governments proper economic role is to control the rate of inflation by controlling the amount of money in circulation. It is the view within monetary economics that variation in the money supply has major influences on national output in the short run and the price level over longer periods and that objectives of monetary policy are best met by targeting the growth rate of the money supply . Finally we can conclude that there is much about which all economists agree but there are some important differences of opinion, both in the positive economics of how the world we are living actually works and in the normative economics of how the government should behave in the market. Due to market power economist intend to play a role in the market by solving problem faced by consumers such as price rises therefore they intend to have price ceiling for each product and I have learn economic is just not a science subject it is there to reconcile the conflict between people virtually unlimited demand with society limited ability to produce goods and services to fulfil these demands.

Saturday, October 12, 2019

The Time Machine :: Free Essay Writer

The Time Machine The Time Traveller had built a time machine that would allow him to journey through time. He traveled into the future to the year 802,700. It is an extremely different world. It seemed almost utopian-like populated by a childish people, the Eloi. He studied and observed these creatures. Then his time machine was stolen. It is then when he discovers the existence of another people, the vicious Morlocks. Unlike, the nonchalant Eloi, the Morlocks live in desperation and must survive by cannibalism. It seems like a Capitalist system gone wrong with the upper class (Eloi) and the lower class (Morlocks). The lazy rich would play and relax all day becoming frail and helpless. Meanwhile, the poor were living underground and began to hunt the Eloi. The theory that a proletariat driven to the depths will devour the upper class is exemplified. While in search of his time machine, the Time Traveller learned about this future world. He befriends an Eloi, who he named Weena. Then he himself was hunted by the Morlocks. He escaped by scaring them with fire. The Morlocks had hidden his machine. He finally found it and returned back to his own time and home in England. The Time Machine certainly makes you think. We picture the future as very advanced and evolved with much more technology than we have now. But in this novel, the reader can see that the progress of mankind could almost go in a cycle. We start off at a low level and as a species, we grow and evolve becoming more advanced. We can only reach a certain peak before we go back down again, which is what happened to the Eloi and the Morlocks. It is interesting to note that technology is not what saved the Time Traveller from these future people. It was fire. Fire scared and killed the Morlocks. In this future, there is no sign of knowledge and what was learned in all of the years of the past. The museums, which are supposed to be filled with all of mankind's greatest achievements, were all in ruins. No one seemed to care.

Friday, October 11, 2019

Drug Abuse in America

? Literatue Review 3 Section 1: Introduction One of the major problem in modern society is the abuise of drugs. Some use illegal â€Å"street† drugs that have no medical use while others abuse prescription drugs for nonmedical purposes. Either way, it is dangerous can lead to serious consquences, including death. In my paper i will answer two main questions; Why and how are drugs available for the general public to use? What are the mental,physical,and financial consquences of abusing drugs(prescprition or â€Å"street†)? My main source for answering these questions was the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) website. It is a federal angency that is responsible for enforcing the medical laws established by the justice department. This includes regulating laws regarding pharmacies, physcians, and drugs. Mr. Michael Martin, the manager of Walgreen's Pharmacy was also a credible source as he provided clear explanations if i had any questions. I chose these questions because these are two very important question because they not just impact the abuser but society as well. However, my focus in this paper will be the consquences because they are a serious threat. Section 2: Summary In order to understand the consquences of drug abuse, one must know why drugs are abused. There are many reasons for drugs abuse, â€Å"The reason for taking the drug depends on the type of drug. Often times the main cause is to escape from their problems or from peer pressure. After some time, the reasons change. They become dependent on the drug and they feel sick or cannot function properly without it. † (Martin) Often times the cause for using a drug is because the brain has a sort of reward center. It creates a pleasurable sensation when a certain action occurs. For example, for a stressed employee drinking after work helps him relax. It causes his mind, mainly his central nervous system to slow down and all the worries in the world are gone for the emploee. This provides an instance of pleasure as the brain feels good, it is able to â€Å"relax'. The four type of drugs are â€Å"depressants, stimulants, sedatives, and hallucionogens† (Martin). Depressants such as alcohol and sleeping pills make a person feel more relaxed. Stimulants like Ecstacy, amphetamines, nicotine and caffeine keep a person energetic and awake. However, once the effects are over, hunger and tiredness will set in. Sedatives such as heroine, morphine and codeine offer relief from pain but cause sleepiness. Hallucinogens, for instance, Ecstacy and LSD, may give strange sensations, causing some to see, feel or hear things that are not there. Each drug provides a relative pleasurable sensation for the user. According to the National Drug Intelligence Center (NDIC) nearly 35 million individuals used illicit drugs or abused prescription drugs in 2007. The federal government â€Å"has allocated more than $14 billion dollars for drug treatment and prevention, counterdrug law enforcement, drug interdiction, and international counterdrug assistance† (NDIC). As stated earlier there are illict â€Å"street† drugs and then there are prescription drugs, both with the potential to be abused. The first focus will be the origin of illict, or â€Å"street† drugs. Drug trafficking organizations (DTOs) are the main cause for the production and trafficking of â€Å"street† drugs. â€Å"Mexican and Columbian DTOs generate, remove, and launder between $18 to $39 billion in wholesale drug proceeds annually. Mexican DTOs are the greatest threat to the United States. Mexcian DTOs are responsible for a â€Å"majority of the cocaine available in the U. S. market† (NDIC). DTOs are responsible for the production of drugs and for trafficking it into U. S. cities. Urban gangs are involved in the sales of these drugs, â€Å"aided by their connections with Mexican and Asian DTOs. Currently Mexcian DTOs continue to â€Å"establish new markets for mexican heroin in northeastern states while gangs relocate from inner cities to suburban and rural areas. However, a threat bigger than the illict â€Å"street† drug problem is the abuse of prescription drugs. Nearly 7 million Americans abuse prescription drugs-more than the number who abuse cocaine, heroin, hallucinogens, ecstasy, and inhalants combined† (DEA). According to the DEA, prescription pain relievers are new drug users' drug of choice vs. marijuana or cocaine. Unlike illicit drugs, prescription drugs are not synthesized by DTOs in some lab. Prescription drugs are obtained through decieving various medical professionals, theft, or from the internet. Decieving medical professionals is a technique known as â€Å"doctor shopping†. This involves a patient going to a doctor for a prescription drug. Then the same patient will go to a different doctor, reveal the same symptons without acknowledging the previous doctor visit, and get another prescription for the same drug. Then the patient will go to more doctors and repeat the steps. In the end, the patient will have numerous prescriptions for the same drug each from a different doctor. The patient will have each prescription filled, most likely at various pharmacies and will have a high quantity of one drug. Now the patient may use the drug or maybe even sell the drug to others who will also misuse it. Some other method of obtaining prescrition include theft from pharmacies or homes, and from traditional drug dealing. Another relatively new method obtaining prescription drugs is through cyber pharmacies. There are many illegal internet pharmacies, that take a prescription, fake or real, and fill it for a patient without any knowledge of the patient or anything else. These pharmacies may also â€Å"check† patients, write them a prescription, and then fill it for them, all without a single face to face with the patient. The consquences of using these illicit drugs is very serious. According to the DEA, nearly one in ten high school seniors admit to abusing prescription painkillers. â€Å"A shocking 40% of teens and adults think prescription drug abuse is safer than abusing â€Å"street† drug because prescription drugs have a medical purpose. â€Å"The diversion of prescription drugs cost insurance companies up to $72. 5 billion dollars annually† (NDIC). Almost $48 billion dollars of the $72. 5 billion are paid by public, governement funded insurance companies. The threat level of drug abuse depends on the dosage of the drug. For example, Dextromethorphan (street name: DXM, Skittles, Robo) is â€Å"an over the counter cough suppresent commonly found in cold medications. DXM is abused in higher than recommended dosages, mainly by adolescents, to create visual and auditory hallucinations. The recommended dosage of DXm is 15-30mg. Taking a dosage of 100-200mg results in mild stimulation, whereas taking a 200-400mg dosage results in euphoria and hallucinations. A 300-600 dosgae results in distorted visual perceptions and loss of motor cordinations. A 500-1500 dosgae may result in dissociative sedation. Any higher dosage will lead to death. As indicated above, the dosage of the abused drug affect the consquences. The higher the dosage than recommended, the more dangerous and serious the consquences. The most abused substance is hydrocodone, which is a depressant. It is a pain reliever that calms the body. â€Å"There are many indications of drug abuse. The symptons witnessed depend on the type of drug being abused† (MayoClinic). Depression and low blood pressure are indicaters of opioid painkillers abuse; drowsiness and impaired judgement indicate sedatives abuse. Stimulants abuse is indicated by insomnia and irregular heartbeat. Section 3: Analysis The research was very helpful in providing answers for the questions. I learned that there are many ways to obtain illict â€Å"street† drugs and prescription drugs. The street drugs are produced by DTOs and even trafficked by DTOs. However, they are sold by local gangs in various environements, mainly in inner cities. I learned that prescription drugs are obtained through decieving and fradulant online transactions. The most suprising fact was that drug abuse has a big affect on society. The cost for counterdrug enforcement and diversion of drugs is very costly and the money could be diverted to something more useful. The research has thought me alot about drug abuse and why avoiding it is the best option. It was helpful to learn these facts and learning the dangers of falling into the viscious drug abuse cycle. Works Cited â€Å"DEA Briefs & Background, Drugs and Drug Abuse, Prescription Drug Fact Sheet. † PE Html PUBLIC â€Å"-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1. 0 Transitional//EN† â€Å"http://www. w3. org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional. dtdhttp://www. w3. org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional. dtd † Welcome to the United States Department of Justice. Drug Enforcement Administration. Web. 13 Mar. 2010. .

Thursday, October 10, 2019

Great Lakes

The North American great lakes including Lake Erie, Michigan, Huron, Superior, and Ontario. Lake Huron is the 3rd largest lake out of all five of them. It measures at 850 cubic meters of water; it extends to about 3,827 miles, measures at 206 miles across, and about 183 miles north to south. The average water depth in this huge lake is 195 ft. These lakes are the largest fresh water supply and home to many of the world’s wildlife. For several years the Great Lakes have served as a dumping ground for many harmful pollutants. Damage from drain pipes and industrial waste produce harmful conditions for the fish, wildlife, and humans dwelling in the surrounding area of the region. Countless people wouldn’t believe so because this is a second home place to many, many families and they travel to this area for their summer vacations. As people travel to the Great Lakes, perhaps they can all see the true of how mistreated these stunning lakes are. The first major source of pollution comes from point source pollution. Point source pollution is simply a direct source of pollution such as a pipe or other vessels. Earlier age industrial companies, such as pulp and paper were located right on the outskirts of the Great Lakes. They were dumping tons of waste including mercury into the water. Some of this polluting was done involuntarily with the malfunctioning of these pipes or vessels. However, some of this pollution was intentional from them thinking that anything would dissolve in the waters and â€Å"neutralize†. Pathogens are another source of pollution to the Great Lakes. Pathogens refer to bacterial organisms found in the intestinal tracts of mammals. Nutrient sources include municipal wastewater treatment plants, septic systems, and agricultural runoffs. There are three major areas which are Saginaw Bay, Severn Sound, and the southeastern shore of Lake Huron Basin. Pathogens have had such an impact on Lake Huron that it had beach closings in these regions due to the findings of E. coli contaminations. Another form of pollution to the Great Lakes is fecal matters. It is believed that fecal matters infested the lakes by sewage. Sewage is known to having some of the most harmful bacteria’s. Putting these bacteria’s into the waters it’s not only polluting them but it’s also making the water quality decline and the bacteria growth will continue to increase (Shear 2006). Air-bound pesticides and fertilizer runoffs are both involuntary forms of pollutants to the Great Lakes. These types of pollutants are deposited into the lakes by the inadvertency of the environment. Testing the tissues of fish and mussels can determine the level of contaminate residing in the waters. Lindane, Dieldrin, Tozaphene, and Chlor-diphhenyl-tichloroethane (DDT) are some of the main harmful substances found in the water (Agency for toxic Substances and Disease registry 1997). Since 1990, Toxaphene has been prohibited yet traces of it still remain. Figure 1 These are all of the pollutants found in the Great Lakes that were reported to Congress. Figure 2 These are the four concentrations of pollutants compared to biomass. Figure 3 This shows the levels of Toxaphene concentration increases, the biomass decreases and vice versa. For humans, interactions with these types of pollutants are extremely likely. You can reach all of the pollutants by simply going to the shorelines. Eating contaminated fish, or wildlife, in pathogen-contaminated waters, can cause infections and stomach disorders. Polluted beaches result in loss of utility for those who have planned to visit or swim in the water; that in turn impacts local economies in the form of lost tourist dollars and the jobs they support (The National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) 2012). Tourists enjoy coming there to do activities such as canoeing, kayaking, and boating. Tourism ensures jobs for the many people that live close to the lakes. Many families rely on fishing to feed their families’. This is why caution must be used when eating the fish in Lake Huron. Lake Huron, along with the other Great Lakes, are very important to us. They are our main source of fresh water in the United States. The government is regulating chemicals and other harmful substances that could affect the Great Lakes. Getting laws passed like the Clean Water Act, recognizes the importance of preserving the Americans waters. Thankfully we have groups like NRDC whose main goal is to make sure that Lake Huron, and the other Great Lakes, stays safe for fishing, swimming, and boating. APA Citation Page Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). (2012). The impact of beach pollution. Retrieved from http://www.nrdc.org/water/oceans/ttw/health-economic.asp Shear, H. (2006). The Great Lakes, an Ecosystem Rehabilitated, but Still Under Threat. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment113: 199 -225 United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2012). The effects of Great Lakes contaminants on human health. Retrieved from http://www.epa.gov/greatlakes/health/report.htm U.S. Environmental Protections Agency. Clean Water Act, July 2006. http://www.epa.gov/r5water/cwa.htm Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. ToxFAQs for Toxaphene. Sept. 1997. http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts94.html

Juvenile Gang

Apply the functionalist point of view to the phenomenon of female juvenile gangs in Hong Kong and evaluate its explanation. The recent female juvenile gang problem has sparked off public concerns in Hong Kong, because they are more rampant in the newly-developed towns such as Tseung Kwan O, Tin Shui Wai and Tai Po. Comparing with the figures of girls joining gangs by Dr. T. W. Lo in 2001 and by the Federation in 2005, the trend of girls’s participation in gangs is increasing. In the following, the phenomenon of female juvenile gangs in Hong Kong will be discussed in detail by the functionalist point of view.Then, the explanation will be evaluated. Before discussing the phenomenon of female juvenile gangs in Hong Kong by the functionalist point of view. Let start with the definition of structural functionalism and definition of female juvenile gangs. Society is a system with various social institutions performing important functions to the society and to individuals. The struct ural functionalism is based on the assumption that society is a stable, the function of each part of the community should be able to co-ordination to make a harmonious and efficient society.Female juvenile gangs is defined as girls who are below the age of 21 and have been members of gangs. Gangs consist of three features. First, gangs are stable groups with regular gatherings. Second, gangs involve deviant behavior such as fighting. Third, gangs affiliate with triad societies. By the functionalist point of view, the social structure and condition have a great effect on female juvenile gangs forming. Girls who were joined juvenile gangs are unable to play their role in different class of society because of social inequality, so they can not achieve the goal and they are tempted to have deviant behavior.At the family level, family put many pressure on the girls, they felt out of place with their family due to poor relationships with parents and bad growing experience. Under such circ umstances, they tend to escape from the real family and seek for other big family which can offer them emotional attachment. At their schools and working level, they can not get the sense of accomplishment in schools or from working. They are forced to attend classes or not satisfied in salary. At the peer level, due to the peer pressure and they meet friends with gang backgrounds, they have more chance to connect with gang members.At the personal level, girls start to demand for autonomy and to be independent form 2 is the most vulnerable period for girls. Due to the puberty, they are easier to have emotional problems. Comparing with the boys, girls want to get protection and free entertainment from gangs rather than showing off. Those factors show that girls who were joined gangs can not take their responsibility in different level of society. They joined gangs in order to find their role in the other family and recognition from other members.Besides, there are three type of femal e juvenile gangs, including autonomous group, satellite group and mixed group. Autonomous group is a all-female group. Members in this group are very independent and autonomous. They are not controlled by the male gangs. Also, these groups have the same features as male gangs in the way they behave and solve problems. Members in satellite group and mixed group are more likely to rely on the male members or gang, they can get more protection or other support such as financial support or provide free entertainment, most girls have the role being ‘wife’or‘little sister’of male members.Female members play an auxiliary role in gangs. They almost carry weapon for male members and provide sexual services to male members. The activities in gang of boy and girl are quite different. For instance, boy involves more in criminal and violent acts than girl. But drug offences are more common in girls as girls are easier to evade the inspection. Boys are less likely to hav e free entertainment and are less emotional and gossip than girls in gangs. Sometimes, female members are needed to help male members to beat the girls from the other gang.It is understandable that male members and female members have different function in gang In order to maintain the female juvenile gangs, there are female leader and fighting girls in gangs. It shows that female members are taking on more specific roles within the group. For female leader, she should have a wide network of contacts in order to get more protection and free entertainment. On the other hand, she should be able to fight to protect her followers and appear to be mature. For fighting girls, those girls are look like a boy and they like fighting.They will keep doing exercise in order to be stronger. It is a way to protect themselves and they can able to stay or exist in gangs. All the female members must know how to protect their reputation. Otherwise, the members of the gang will not respect them and th ey will be rejected or despised. In the female juvenile gangs, each member has their role in gang, such as leader need to be presentable and eloquent. In different role, they have different function and this is how they maintain the system of gang.By the functionalist point of view, the reason of formation of the female juvenile gangs can be explained. The female juvenile gangs also work as a society. Every member has her role and function, they contribute themselves in gang. Female members in autonomous group, satellite group and mixed group have different features and functions. On one hand, male members provide free entertainment and protection to female members. On the other hand, female members help male members to carry the drugs and weapon. There are mutual beneficial relationship between male and female members or gangs.However, structural functionalism can not explain how the girls join the gang as there are many other factors. In addition, it can not explain how are the fe male members formed their identities. By the structural functionalism, we can explain the function of the leader (Big sister) and fighting girls and the relationship between leader and her followers. But, we can not explain how they can be a leader or fighting girls, the process of being the female leader consist of many factors. Structural functionalism can not explain the phenomenon of female juvenile completely. References 1.Chu, Yiu Kong (2005) â€Å"An Analysis of Youth Gangs in Tin Shui Wai in Hong Kong† in Hong Kong Journal of Social Sciences No. 29 Spring/Summer 2005. 2. Clinard, Marshall B. (1995) â€Å"Robert Merton: Anomie and Social Structure† in Earl Eubington and Martin S. Weinberg ed. The Study of Social Problems – Seven Perspectives, London: Oxford University Press. 3. Haralambos, Michael and Holborn, Martin (2000) Sociology – Themes and Perspectives, London: Collins. 4. Mok, James and Chan Shui-ching (2008) A Study on Girls in Gangs, Hong Kong: Research Centre, Hong Kong Federation of Youth Group.

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

Germany and the Germans Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Germany and the Germans - Essay Example Many people are unable to determine whether Hitler is a Christian, Muslim or he does not belief in God due to some of his controversial conversations that were against Christianity religion. However, Hitler’s table talk varies because of varied extraneous sources and interpretations recorded in varied languages. Summary One of the aspects that Hitler in his private conversations talks about is the nature of God. He talks about the laws and nature that will guide people towards the progress path, but quotes that people will not know anything about these laws (Hitler et.al 4). The understandings of human beings cannot envisage of other plans and human being has only discovered in nature the wonderful ideas through worshipping the laws. Therefore, people have a feeling for the all-might, whom they call God, who is the control of the natural laws of the whole cosmos. Therefore, a priest who has always followed and abides by the natural laws threatens humanity that humankind will r eceive a punishment in case they fail to accept the creed that they impose to them. Therefore, it is an issue of custom and habit in case humanity follows the part of such creed. Hitler talks of Russians being atheism because they do not believe in God, but that does not necessarily mean that they are not able to face death. Secondly, Hitler’s table talks are also presented where he argues that National Socialism and religion cannot go hand in hand (Hitler, et.al 4). Therefore, the author argues Christians should not be persecuted in case the National Socialism is ruling. The ultimate solution to these is that the religion should be left to gulp down themselves without harassment and discrimination. The church should not be replaced by something else because that would be dreadful. For instance, in England, the church is governed by the state but in America, it is all an issue of conformism. The people of Germany have outstanding patience but there are other people who are ca pable of undertaking a revolution in the universe (Hitler et.al. 4). This could be better in case the Germany people would make the moral laws their governing principles in any action they take. Thirdly, Hitler talks about the issue of the rebirth of industries in Germany and the trade competition among the Germany and the British people. Hitler.et.al (11) argues the way Germany people work but they do not get the proper salary, which they deserve. Their capabilities are well recognized but the reality is that they live only by their work, which makes them a contempt object to the people whom they serve. This accounts as to why Germany people received little empathy during the Anglo-Saxon world just before the WWI. However, due to large population growth, the Germany people had to migrate and the issues of policy affairs in the state were incorporated in the labor cycle to safeguard those who were paid poorly. During the trade period, the form of production that were considered in G ermany included coal and steel in Germany industries. However, the England paid higher prices and the competition between Germany and England increased; thus England became a rich nation. The millionaires exploited the poor and they reaped a lot of fruits from the toil of other people. England flourished

Tuesday, October 8, 2019

Organizational Behavior Principles Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Organizational Behavior Principles - Essay Example Friendship group is more social in nature. George and Jones define this workgroup as â€Å"a collection of organizational members who enjoy each others company and socialize with each other (often both on and off the job).† Basically, the project team staff which was formed can be best characterized as a task force. Consistent with the definition of George and Jones, the project team was established for a certain goal and that is to â€Å"realize process gains.† There is also a definite time frame for the achievement of the workgroup’s objective, after which it will disband. The workgroup is expected to realize its mission â€Å"within three months.† A research conducted by the Filine Institute concluded that the most essential factors in determining the performance of a workgroup which hopes to achieve a certain goal is good communication and cohesion (Sourcemedia 2005). As a task force, the project staff team can take advantage of these research results as it is an organization which strongly depends on the cooperation of each individual member in the achievement of its common goal. Good communication is really a key in achieving process gains. Communication within the project staff team enables the dispensation of relevant information which will aid the whole organization in transferring ideas, evaluating possibilities, and promotes harmonious relationship between group members. Good communication also eliminates probable errors which can be brought about by miscommunications. Cohesion or interdependence is another key in boosting the performance of project staff team. The realization within the group that they are a part of a cohesive whole whose goals can only be achieved by strong coordination will motivate each member to do best for the group. Cohesion also cultivates each member’s sense of belongingness. Process losses

Monday, October 7, 2019

Terrorism Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Terrorism - Research Paper Example for protection rackets or to enforce a code of silence is usually not labeled terrorism though these same actions may be labeled terrorism when done by a politically motivated group (Beatriz, 2011). Terrorism has been practiced by a broad array of political organizations for furthering their objectives. It has been practiced by right-wing and left-wing political parties, nationalistic groups, religious groups, revolutionaries, and ruling governments. An abiding characteristic is the indiscriminate use of violence against noncombatants for the purpose of gaining publicity for a group, cause, or individual. The symbolism of terrorism can leverage human fear to help achieve these goals (San, 2011). The only general characteristic of terrorism generally agreed upon is that it involves violence and the threat of violence. The terms "terrorism" and "terrorist" (someone who engages in terrorism) carry strong negative connotations. These terms are often used as political labels, to condemn violence or the threat of violence by certain actors as immoral, indiscriminate, and unjustified or to condemn an entire segment of a population. Those labeled "terrorists" by their opponents rarely identify themselves as such, and typically use other terms or terms specific to their situation, such as separatist, freedom fighter, liberator, revolutionary, vigilante, militant, paramilitary, guerrilla, rebel, patriot, or any similar-meaning word in other languages and cultures. Jihad, mujahidin, and fedayeen are similar Arabic words which have entered the English lexicon. It is common for both parties in a conflict to describe each other as terrorists. Terrorist attacks are usually carried out in such a way as to maximize the severity and length of the psychological impact. Each act of terrorism is a â€Å"performance† devised to have an impact on many large audiences. Terrorists also attack national symbols, to show power and to attempt to shake the foundation of the country or society

Sunday, October 6, 2019

Life essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Life - Essay Example Right from a young age I have been taught these values and constantly reminded to follow them in my day to day life. As I have learnt the importance of these values early on it has been easy to emulate them and ever since I truly understood these moral values and culture I have been striving to adhere to them. This life is a god given gift and we ought to spend it wisely and earnestly. Through my life experiences I have learnt that leading a principled life has a lot of positive effect on the mental and physical well-being of the individual. In addition it also helps to cope with difficult situations in life. I have also faced several setbacks in life but the moral values and principles that I believe in have given me the strength and courage to face them with a positive spirit and overcome them with right reasoning and tact. Youngsters of the present generation are being lured into all kinds of addictive habits that have damaging effects on their lives and career. It would be very tempting to tread the negative path initially; the actual effects would only be felt later on in life but then it would be too late. Leading a principled life would teach us self-control which would help to refrain from such activities. There is no doubt that the modern world is becoming more unsafe and ruthless due to the dwindling beliefs in family values, culture, tradition and ethics. Violence and criminal activities have also reached a peak. When closely observed the people behind these activities would be those who have lived their lives without any set values or principles which are largely imbibed from family. The increasing divorce rates resulting in broken families can also be attributed to similar factors and children hailing from broken homes by and large resort to deviant activities. Life has become more materialistic and people are ready to go to any extent to achieve materialistic comforts in life. In the process people forget that apart

Saturday, October 5, 2019

The Current And Potential Use Of Knowledge Management Within The Essay

The Current And Potential Use Of Knowledge Management Within The Airline Industry - Essay Example The Current And Potential Use Of Knowledge Management Within The Airline Industry The various sectors of both AirAsia and the Malaysian Air travel industry were considered and the study research conducted on how they have strategized their operations in order to reap the good benefits of Knowledge Management (AirAsia 2007). The key aspects of Knowledge Management with concern to the airline industry included the information communication technology, organizational learning that involves collective approach towards gaining intellectual capital by the organization, and knowledge sharing that is done between various organizations and institutions either within or externally to acquire better skills and knowledge (Christensen 2007). An industry analysis was conducted and it was clear that the Malaysian Air Services is an oligopoly. It was found out that ICT had been used in innovation, knowledge development and utilization and knowledge capitalization whereas organizational learning and knowledge sharing were so fruitful in improving the modus operandi and new business development for the two airlines. It was thus recommended that the AirAsia knowledge management practices needed to support their expanding business besides sustenance of its cost-leadership advantage and MAS would have to face challenges of its hybrid strategy of competitive pricing and differentiation that would in turn make its brand recognized as a five-star value carrier. (Oxford Business Group 2007). 2.0 Introduction The term Knowledge Management is a diverse field though does not have a specific common definition throughout the universe. In a general sense this is the collective use of skills, principles, facts and rules embodied in a firm’s knowledge assets to add value to the organization by gaining competitive knowledge over othe r firms (Stonehouse and Pemberton, 1999).Knowledge Management is a prerequisite to successful operation by various companies in the current hyper-competitive and ever-dynamic environment where survival can only be a product of their ability to develop longing knowledge-based competencies which can be easily adapted (Nonaka, 1991).though it be difficult to manage, it is most likely that it is the most strategic organizational asset (Shepard, 2000) and is the dominant way of gaining competitive advantage. Knowledge can be classified as either generic or specific though to a certain degree specific knowledge is unique to the firm hence it is more likely source of competitive advantage and is the basis of main competences in comparison with generic knowledge which is even so necessary for business operation (Stonehouse and Pemberton, 1999).the airline industry with its very competitive nature, dynamic stance, complexity alongside its high dependence on knowledge management gives