Multiple Questions On Issues Of Sustainability Environmental Sciences Essay

Suppose you are taking a class in Strategic Sustainable Development. One of your co-workers, who works for a company as a Director of Sustainable Development, calls you up and inquire what you are larning about. Please list five ( 5 ) broad/overarching constructs that you could utilize to depict the nucleus of Strategic Sustainable Development. ( 5 points ) Note: it is non necessary to depict them, merely list them. The FSSD is a generic model for planning and decision-making for accomplishing success in a system of socio-ecological sustainability. Based on scientifically-based rules ( discussed below ) and systems believing, the FSSD supports decision-making in conditions of high complexness, acknowledging the mutuality of the natural universe and society. It can function as compass to steer society towards a sustainable hereafter ; a scheme for sustainability can be developed which links scientific cognition to decision-making. The FSSD has five distinct, non-overlapping degrees: system, success, strategic guidelines, actions and tools. By utilizing the FSSD together with a principles-based definition of sustainability, it becomes possible to judge how actions can be strategically planned and prioritized to travel an organisation and society towards sustainability. Based on a common linguistic communication and apprehension in order to ease cooperation, toA communicate efficaciously, construct consensus and finally travel toward a vision, the FSSD provides a shared mental theoretical account of sustainability. Because it uses an upstream attack, the FSSD anticipates and avoids jobs before they occur, instead than responding to their downstream effects. B – Scientific foundations of FSSD The FSSD is a scientifiA ­cally strict Framework ; scientific foundations ( e.g. Torahs of thermodynamics, energy, information, photosynthesis, biogeochemical rhythms, mutuality of species, system kineticss, cyclic rule and biogeochemical rhythms ) are used to deduce the basic rules of ecological and societal sustainability. C – Metaphor of the Cylinder and the Funnel In its whole-systems position, the FSSD uses the metaphor of the Cylinder and the Funnel to exemplify the blemished readings and tendencies about current world, jobs with our current industrial system and the challenges of sustainability. The funnel helps to visualise the economic, societal and environmental force per unit areas that impinge on society as natural resources and ecosystem services are depleted and diminution while planetary population grows in figure and there is an of all time increasing ingestion of those resources and heightened demand for those services. D – Four Sustainability Principles ( SP ) and the Model of Nine Universal Human Needs The four, first-order Sustainability Principles ( SP ) of the FSSD clearly spell out what ecological and societal conditions must be in order for a society and hence, for development, to be sustainable now and in the hereafter. Understood within SP 4 is a theoretical account of the nine cosmopolitan human needs as defined by the Chilean economic expert Manfred Max-Neef, every bit good as the interrelatednesss between human demands, wants, satisfiers, and pathologies/poverties. E – Backcasting and the ABCD Methodology Backcasting from sustainability rules ( be aftering from success ) is a tool used in the FSSD. First a vision of success is defined and so a spread analysis, utilizing the lens of sustainability is performed, which so helps specify schemes and prioritized actions that work toward shuting the spread. In the ABCD Methodology – First measure ( A ) understanding how to use Backcasting from Principles to the system for analyses of measure ( B ) current patterns and measure ( C ) solutions/visions and ( D ) prioritized actions to make a scheme to accomplish success. In measure ( D ) , actions are prioritized to guarantee that all selected actions areA ( 1 ) moving in the right way ( towards sustainability ) , ( 2 ) A flexible platforms that avoid dead-end investings, and ( 3 ) good concern determinations ( i.e. offer anA equal return on investing ) . InA Chapter 1 ofA Strategic Leadership towards Sustainability, the writer makes frequent reference usage of the words systematic and consistently to depict difference between the cylinder paradigm and the funnel paradigm.A For illustration:AIn the cylinder paradigm: it is believed that socio / ecological impacts come and go. In the funnel paradigm: in world society is on a downhill class – the very conditions of societal / ecological public assistance are being consistently undermined. In the cylinder paradigm: it is believed that societal / ecological impacts are stray events. In the funnel paradigm: in world societal / ecological impacts are interconnected through systematic mistakes of social design.AWhy are the words consistently and systematic of import to do the differentiation between the two paradigms? ( 4 points ) The job of unsustainability ( as represented by the funnel metaphor ) is that the negative impacts we see from our unsustainable manner of life are due to an underlying â€Å" systemic mistake of social design † that will go on to decline. In the current theoretical account of industrial organisation and neoclassical economic sciences, society at big is organized in such a manner that the environmental impacts – pollution, loss of biodiversity, nursery gas emanations etc. – will go on to increase every bit long as society continues on the same paradigm of development. Equally long as the systemic mistakes continue, the conditions for ecological and societal endurance and prosperity will go on to worsen consistently. The funnel metaphor represents a systems theory manner of thought, which understands the rule operation of the ecological and societal systems, acknowledging the mutuality of the natural universe and society. Why were the System Conditions developed harmonizing to the standards of ( I ) necessary, ( two ) sufficient, ( three ) distinct, ( four ) general, ( V ) concrete and ( six ) science-based? ( 2 points ) In order to be successful and widely accepted as legitimate and valid, the system conditions must be necessary ( required in order to accomplish the planning aim, i.e. , sustainability ) and sufficient ( to cover all facets of the aim ) , distinguishable ( to enable comprehension and facilitate development of indexs for monitoring and appraisal ) general ( to construction all social activities relevant to sustainability and do sense for all stakeholders ) , concrete ( to steer job resolution and actions, serve as a usher in job analysis and solutions ) , and science-based. ( proven, scientifically robust theoretical account, based on systems believing and scientific foundations ( e.g. Torahs of thermodynamics, energy, information, photosynthesis, biogeochemical rhythms, mutuality of species, system kineticss, cyclic rule and biogeochemical rhythms ) from which are derived the basic rules of ecological and societal sustainability ) . What does it intend to be â€Å" strategic † ? ( 1 point ) Part of a decision-making procedure in which picks are made, a scheme is a program of prioritising actions in order to accomplish a peculiar end. Once an organisation has established its purpose/mission/vision of an idealised hereafter, it can choose policies and actions within that scheme to travel an organisation towards accomplishing that end. If we have a clearly principled position of a hereafter sustainable society, so we have a position on which we can strategize – base our determinations on strategic guidelines which direct us on the best manner to continue in order to accomplish success in the system, i.e. sustainability. In the FSSD, together with a principles-based definition of sustainability, it becomes possible to judge how actions can be strategically planned and prioritized to travel an organisation and society towards sustainability. If each of the actions below were done in an on-going mode, which Sustainability Principle would be affected? Please fill in the space with the primary Sustainability Principle that the action contributes to, i.e. 1, 2, 3, or 4 ( Write one SP merely for each reply ) . ( 0.5 point each, 5 points entire ) ___3___ overharvesting of fish ___3___ development of fertile land into urban substructure ___2___ release of antibiotics into rivers ___1___ leaching of mined Cd from batteries ___2___ release of methane from cattles ( if one considers that a concentration of methane occurs because of a human activity – herding cowss to back up a meat based diet in surplus of the natural ecosystem ‘s capacity to absorb the inordinate waste this produces ) ___2___ fertiliser run-off that leads to the overrun of algae in nearby lakes ___4 __ deficiency of development of a health care system ___1___ leaking of U from mining operations ___3___ extraction of groundwater at rates that exceed natural refilling ___4___ insecure on the job conditions The Brundtland definition of sustainable development is â€Å" to run into the demands of today without compromising the ability of future coevalss to run into their demands † ( Brundtland, 1987 ) . Explain how this includes the construct of ecological sustainability. ( 2 points ) Though it is non explicitly stated, ecological sustainability is a cardinal constituent of the Brundtland definition ; all facets of human being and survival – the ability to run into human demands – are integrated with the sustainability of feasible ecological systems. In a systems theoretical account of thought, what happens in one portion of a system affects every other portion. The Brundtland definition is equal in some ways, but does non give counsel as to the design of such a society or how to accomplish this sustainability. It is non specific plenty nor does it hold the simpleness of the FSSD with the four, first-order Sustainability Principles ( SP ) which clearly spell out what ecological and societal conditions must be in order for a society and hence, for development, to be sustainable now and in the hereafter. In the sustainable society, nature is non capable to consistently increasing: concentrations of substances extracted from the Earth ‘s crust ( such as fossil fuels or metals ) , concentrations of substances produced by society ( such as chemical compounds, CFC ‘s, insect powders, and endocrine disrupters ) , debasement by physical agencies ( such as clear-cutting of woods and over-fishing ) Furthermore, in such a ( sustainable ) society, people are non capable to conditions that consistently: 4. undermine their capacity to run into their demands ( such as from the maltreatment of political and economic power ) . The FSSD asks – upstream at the first estimate in the concatenation of cause-and-effect, what are the primary mechanisms of human activities which set off unsustainable impacts downstream? The FSSD recognizes that downstream impacts are rooted in upstream mistakes of social design and operation. All ecological and societal sustainability jobs which society faces today can be attributed to misdemeanors of one or more of these four mechanisms, expressed by the 4 SP. If the society seeks to run into its demands now and in the hereafter, it must conform to the ecological restraints of the first three Sustainability rules, and conform to the social restraints of the 4th Sustainability Principle, so the resources must be adequate to win, in run intoing those demands. Please describe the constructs of a ‘tool ‘ and a ‘framework ‘ , what they are utile for and the difference between them ( 3 points ) A tool is a device that is necessary to, or expedites, a undertaking ; it can besides be a process or procedure used for a specific intent. A model is a basic conceptual construction, a shared mental theoretical account, for traveling an organisation towards accomplishing a end that it has established. A model should inform the choice and usage of tools to back up the model ; tools should be selected and used as needed at each phase. Within the construction established by a model, tools are frequently used to ease actions, gain necessary information, proctor actions and step advancement. The intent is to guarantee that actions are chosen strategically, so that the end ( success ) in the system is achieved. In the FSSD, â€Å" tools † is the 5th degree of the model. When â€Å" backcasting from rules of success † , a tool of the FSSD, is combined with another FSD tool, â€Å" the ABCD methodological analysis † , together they can be used as facilitation tool for analysis, brainstorming Sessionss, larning, vision development, plan design, leading and alteration. In be aftering for sustainable development, illustrations of other utile tools include indexs, direction systems, and life rhythm appraisals. If your co-worker asks you whether this Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development ( FSSD ) is better than other tools or constructs in sustainable development, how would you react? ( 2 points ) With a science-based definition of socio-ecological sustainability, based on systems believing – with four basic first-order Sustainability Principles – the FSSD is a really effectual planning methodological analysis ; it can be used for measuring current conditions, visioning an ideal hereafter, and developing effectual schemes and prioritized actions to accomplish that vision. FSSD is possibly a alone model in that it is, about by definition, a simple ( apprehensible ) yet comprehensive attack that encourages duologue, consensus-building and systems-thinking, all of which create the conditions which can ease profound alteration. The FSSD provides a procedure of continual acquisition that incorporates other methods, tools, and constructs into a shared, structured overview. By its upstream attack – understanding the broader system within which jobs occur every bit good as define the rules which govern success in that system – it becomes an priceless mental theoretical account. It can turn to those jobs at the beginning and turn those jobs into chances for invention, organisational alteration and success. When a practician understands the 5 degree FSSD, the 4 Sustainability Principles, Back-casting and the ABCD methodological analysis, and knows how to use them, that practician has a really powerful usher to voyage the many complexnesss of life sustainably in a complex system. a ) Please discuss the difference between a cardinal human demand, and satisfiers for those demands. Give 2 illustrations of each. ( 4 points ) The Chilean economic expert Manfred Max-Neef presents a different model for New Human Development. He stresses that it is of import that human demands are understood as a system – i.e. they are interrelated and synergistic. Max-Neef considers that human demands are â€Å" finite, few and distinctive † ( as distinct from the conventional impression that â€Å" wants † are infinite and insatiate ) . He defines these cardinal homo demands: subsistence, protection, fondness, apprehension, engagement, diversion ( in the sense of leisure, clip to reflect, or idling ) , creative activity, individuality and freedom. Max-Neef considers that these demands are changeless through all human civilizations and across historical clip periods, but what does alter over clip and between civilizations are the â€Å" satisfiers † – the manner these demands are satisfied. In this theoretical account, any unmet human demand generates â€Å" pathology † – poo rness. In his position, society today is sing corporate pathologies because of the graduated table and dimension of unsated, unmet human demands. Need: Satisfier: Subsistence Healthy balanced diet versus one of high fat, high Calorie, no foods which negatively impacts ecosystems Leisure Time to reflect/dream versus watching violent telecasting passively for long hours B ) Explain how this construct is helpful for sustainable development. ( 2 points ) Max-Neef ‘s definition of what human existences need, and what motivates them, is basically different from the presently held impression. If decision-makers operated harmonizing to his premises instead than those of most economic experts, so the picks they would do would be radically different. Alternatively of utilizing GNP which merely quantifies the economic growing of things and an ever-growing demand for finite natural resources, development must be about people and run intoing their cardinal human demands, non about material objects or money. For the intent of sustainable development, this presents a radically different manner of thought: a new index which quantifies the betterment in people ‘s lives is required and the best development procedure is the 1 that will guarantee the maximal addition in this index of betterment of people ‘s lives. With the Max-Neef theoretical account, sustainable development becomes to the full human-centric. In the yesteryear, the 4th system status for sustainability was worded: In a sustainable society, resources are used reasonably and expeditiously in order to run into basic human demands worldwide. Presently, it reads: In a sustainable society, people are non capable to conditions that consistently undermine their ability to run into their demands. What is the significance of the alteration in diction and what does this mean for be aftering? ( 2 points ) The 2nd diction is less equivocal and focuses more on the â€Å" human † versus â€Å" resource † constituent of the rule. As antecedently stated in the first diction, it is non clear how one quantifies what is a â€Å" just † and efficient † A useA of resources every bit good as what precisely are the basic demands worldwide. Who decides? How is this defined? Besides, the phrase is inactive, it is non clear – who meets the demands of worlds world-wide? In contrast, in the 2nd diction, people themselves decide what they need in order to run into their demands. In this 2nd diction, conditions are ensured so that each individual meets the demands that he/she defines. Another cardinal point is the inclusion of the word â€Å" consistently † which emphasizes the larger, holistic position – a systems believing theory of the status of sustainability, and how conditions are created or are undermined. Since the focal point is now on how worlds define and run into their ain demands, planning must concentrate on the users, non the resources, every bit good asA use a systems approachA to analysing, making and keeping sustainable conditions. See the following 2 sentences: Organization XYZ contributes to the misdemeanor of System Condition One byaˆÂ ¦ . Organization XYZ violates System Condition One byaˆÂ ¦ . Which give voicing would you utilize in a sustainability analysis of an organisation? Why? ( 2 points ) The diction of a ) is more appropriate to be used in an organisation ‘s sustainability analysis since it is understood that â€Å" lending † implies that other organisations are besides capable of â€Å" lending † , and that the behaviour of any one organisations is portion of a larger system of behaviour which can hold an impact on the 4SP. Give voicing a ) recognizes that Organization XYZ is non a exclusive histrion in go againsting the SP, there are others who besides â€Å" contribute † . Wording B ) is excessively across-the-board – no individual organisation can go against the 4SP by itself. The first measure an organisation must do in order to execute a sustainability analysis of itself is to interpret the sustainability principles into their ain organisational context. With an apprehension that the 4SP are minimum demands for sustainability, it is necessary to measure how it is already go againsting these 4SP and move first to be renewing, and so move to follow with the 4SP. If an organisation does non desire to do more jobs into the system, so a logical and ethically relevant recasting of the 4SP would be to add â€Å" non lend † in to the phrasing of the 4SP, which so gives counsel on how to continue towards accomplishing sustainability in conformity with the 4SP. Faculty 2: Applications of Strategic Sustainable Development 35 points Organizational Learning and Change a ) Please describe the construct of ‘Creative Tension ‘ and how it can be utile within Organizational Learning and Change towards sustainability. ( 2points ) Harmonizing to Peter Senge, originative tenseness is the cardinal rule of personal command and a cardinal constituent in personal every bit good as organisational acquisition and alteration. Creative tenseness comes from a â€Å" spread analysis † instead like the one in â€Å" backcasting from rules of success † , but on personal ( or can be, on an organisational ) graduated table. Creative tenseness comes from our clearly holding a vision of where we want to be in contrast to an accurate appraisal of our current world which does non make that vision. Awareness of that â€Å" spread † between the vision and the bing world causes that originative tenseness, which is the beginning of all originative energy. In a state of affairs of Organizational Learning and Change towards sustainability, leading to accomplish success in the system starts with a vision of ecological and societal sustainability in contrast to current unsustainable world ; this spread causes the originative tenseness, which can actuate personal and organisational alteration in order to change that unacceptable world. B ) Briefly describe the ‘personal-organizational moral force ‘ and give two grounds why it is of import to see when you are be aftering to travel strategically towards sustainability. ( 3 points ) There are two ways to decide originative tenseness, either by raising current world toward the vision, which requires alteration, or by take downing the vision toward current world. Persons, groups, and organisations that learn how to work with originative tenseness are better able to utilize this energy to travel world more faithfully toward their visions. Leading through originative tenseness is different than work outing jobs. In job resolution, the energy for alteration comes from trying to acquire away from an facet of current world that is unwanted ; the motive for alteration is extrinsic. With originative tenseness, the energy for alteration comes from the vision, from what we want to make, juxtaposed with current world. With originative tenseness, the motive is intrinsic and hence, more powerful and transformative. degree Celsius ) What are some of the organisational and perceptual challenges that organisations need to get the better of when transitioning towards sustainability? ( 4 points ) Some of the organisational and perceptual challenges that organisations would necessitate to get the better of when transitioning towards sustainability include: A failure to hold on the cardinal paradigm displacement that sustainable development requires. By keeping long-held mental theoretical accounts, organisations fail to basically change the ways in which they produce goods and services. Such organisations believe that sustainability merely involves better controls, fringy betterments, or other â€Å" efficiencies † within their existing, additive concern theoretical account, purely following authorities authorizations. Such patriarchal believing leads to a false sense of security and personal duty for sustainable behaviour is reduced. Many persons have the sense that the challenge of sustainability is non something that they can decide – that person else is taking attention of it ( or non ) . Unfortunately, it can be a belief that holding a particular Green commission or a peculiar individual who is indicated as being responsible for recycling, publicizing â€Å" Earth Day â€Å" events, etc. absolves each person from a ctively prosecuting in turn toing sustainability.A A Therefore there is missing both aA sense ofA personal concern and duty every bit good as a deficiency of comprehending that we each have the ability to do a difference, to convey about these necessary alterations Organizations do non integrate sustainability in their nucleus policies and processs. When an organisation maintains a â€Å" Silo † attack to turn toing issues related to environmental and societal concerns, sustainability is non integrated into all facets of the organisation ‘s activities. Lack of a clear vision about sustainability which is limited to merely following with required governmental authorizations, perpetuating the position quo, i.e. , â€Å" concern as usual † . Missing a systems theory apprehension of what causes unsustainability ; there is a focal point on symptoms and non the root causes of the jobs. Lack of sufficient information that is clear and can easy be understood which explains the negative facets of the current additive production paradigm and the neoclassical economic theoretical account which have brought us to the current unsustainable conditions. Lack of equal mechanisms for the personal/organizational acquisition and alteration which are necessary in order to change current held, engrained impressions. 13. Urban Planning and Land Use a ) Suppose you had the chance to speak to a member of the American Institution of Architects. She knows you are taking the SL1401 distance class and would wish to cognize your overarching sentiment on the 10 rules of Populating Communities that the Institution has developed. What would you state to her? ( 3 points ) Architecture, landscape architecture and urban design surely can act upon and better the quality of life in our state ‘s communities, and while the AIA ‘s 10 Principles of Populating Communities ( AIA 10 Pr. ) are applaudable, they are non every bit inclusive as the FSSD and the four Sustainability Principles. Although the AIA 10 Pr. can cut down a community ‘s part to the misdemeanor of the four SP to a certain grade, it does non supply a consistent, organized construction for the accomplishment of social and ecological sustainability, in contrast to the FSSD which does. As a tool, the AIA 10 Pr. chiefly focuses on cut downing parts to misdemeanors of the first three SP through the use of alternate energy, reuse and recycling of stuffs, execution of energy and H2O efficiency plans, etc. AIA 10 Pr. partly tackles the SP4, but it does non explicitly address economic or societal issues, nor does it turn to human cardinal demands ( such as protection, engagement, apprehension, etc. ) . In the FSSD, the AIA 10 Pr. can be used as one of several tools which can be used to complement each other. When such complementary tools are used together, they are more comprehensive and powerful, leting an organisation to continuously better towards accomplishing a principled definition of sustainability. B ) Explain how the facets of Urban Planning and Land Use covered in Module 2 can be used to assist society travel towards sustainability. ( 4 points ) Based on the analysis we derive from the FSSD, 4 SP and systems believing, supported by the work of ecological economic experts, we now understand that decision-making for Urban Planning and Land Use – how we plan our physical business of infinite by worlds – must concentrate on the integrating of worlds within the ecosphere, an incorporate urban planning scheme. As Bill Reed articulately describe in his theoretical account of the â€Å" Living Systems Approach to Design † , the design procedure must foremost get down by understanding the life processes in each alone topographic point in which we are constructing and so we must plan that battle in order to prolong and reconstruct the wellness and wealth of the topographic point. In this new manner of operating, the aim toward which the metropolis ‘s authorities and establishments work must be to better the life of citizens and renew the wellness of the natural infinite which is occupied. The metropolis program, developed within a procedure of duologue and with the full participation/representation of the stakeholders, must clearly joint these nucleus values. Integrated urban planning actions, based on valuing the single – seting people first – within the ecosphere, conserving and reconstructing natural resources, will ensue in an ecological, people-centered metropolis. Commitment to values such as handiness, transparence, societal justness and poorness decrease and efficient resource direction will ensue sustainable urban development. This overarching scheme would inform all facets of urban planning, including societal, economic and environmental plans. This ecological city-strategy, with strong, consistent governing/design values and a focal point on incorporate systems, combined with strong, informed leading, can be used successfully to aline the actions of be aftering sections to run into these strategic aims, ensuing in successful, long-run execution of scheme. Integrated transit and land-use should be a cardinal constituent in the metropolis ‘s development, commanding growing, cutting pollution and heightening the life of occupants. The environmental quality and economic efficiency of a metropolis are extremely dependent on transit systems ; it is of import that these are well-integrated with urban signifier in order to avoid weak transit systems and unsustainable dependences on private autos. A close relationship between public transit and land-use statute law can be established as a counsel and development tool. Integrated planning procedures structured to guarantee that contrivers in all countries know the scheme and are working with a shared vision and are developing their programs together, would avoid the many jobs of unlinked development ( e.g. , non adequate proviso for green infinite ) . The integrating of different elements of urban development would besides avoid jobs associated with piecemeal development such as pollution, traffic congestion and unsustainable fuel ingestion rates. The creative activity of an independent Institute of Planning can be an effectual mechanism for guaranting planning continuity and success regardless of political, economic and societal challenges ; this forum can function as a research lab for happening originative, incorporate solutions to urban planning jobs, a focal point for larning and ever-evolving organisational growing and alteration. Developing new theoretical accounts that provide cheap, originative urban solutions and reflect local values are an alternate to standard, often-higher-cost attacks. This Institute could besides be the channel through which contrivers and stakeholders could larn about best patterns in sustainable urban design which is being implemented successfully in other locations and states. 14. Economicss a ) Environmental economic experts and ecological economic experts have different worldviews explicating the relationship between the economic system and the ecosphere. Describe the environmental and ecological economic experts ‘ worldviews ( 4 points ) . In the twentieth century, environmental economic sciences was developed with the purpose of internalising the external effects of our current manner of economic production, such as pollution, societal jobs, loss of biodiversity, etc. , into the economic system. Environmental economic sciences modified the neoclassical economic system by utilizing revenue enhancements and subsidies to raise monetary values on scarce resources while advancing the usage of abundant 1s. In the theoretical account of environmental economic sciences, it is recognized that society and the economic system are dependent upon the ecosphere. Their purpose is to work out the job by seting a monetary value on natural resource supply, emanations and other outwardnesss and conveying them into the economic analyses, by pricing mechanism which include: 1.Willingness to pay, 2. Cost to reconstruct, and 3.New cosmopolitan currencies. Through revenue enhancements, resources become more expensive, reflecting the societal and environmental costs of utilizing them and thereby trying to indirectly cut down their usage to sustainable degrees. In their theoretical account, market participants will act in the conformity to the â€Å" enlightened unseeable manus † of the neo-classists, which will ensue in a society which meets human demands, with acceptable degrees of pollution and sustainable usage of resources. Ecological economic sciences is an interdisciplinary field of survey that addresses relationships between ecosystems and economic systems in order to develop a deep apprehension of society and nature as a footing for effectual policies schemes for sustainability. Ecological economic sciences utilizes a holistic, systems approach which views that socioeconomic systems are portion of the overall ecosphere ; it emphasizes the demand to esteem the transporting capacity of the natural ecosystems and the development of just systems of belongings rights and wealth distribution. Ecological economic experts seek to maintain economic sciences separate from societal and ecological systems, keeping that macroeconomics should be used a agency by which to accomplish sustainability and that the entire physical size of the material exchange between the economic system and the ecosphere should be maintained at sustainable degrees for the long term. They recommend the debut of complements to the curre nt economic model which include different methodological analysiss, economic inducements and deterrences, normative Torahs and ordinances every bit good as tools and constructs of economic monitoring. B ) What are some of the challenges that our society demand to get the better of sing the current worldview on economic sciences when transitioning towards sustainability? ( 4 points ) Our current economic system is basically additive in nature, and it measures success by utilizing GDP growing as an index. The focal point is on bring forthing merchandises and presenting them to the client in the fastest and cheapest manner possible, irrespective of the impacts this may do on natural systems. Presently, society infusions resources from the Earth ‘s surface, turns them into goods, and so the by-products of these procedures are discharged back into nature as monolithic sums of frequently extremely toxic waste ( which we call air, H2O, and dirt pollution ) or as solid, industrial, and risky waste. The underlying job with this theoretical account is that the Earth ‘s air, woods, oceans, dirts, workss, and animate beings do non hold the capacity to infinitely provide increasing sums of resources, nor can nature absorb all of society ‘s pollution and waste, particularly given unprecedented population rise and demand for resources. GDP growing is non a satisfactory index for mensurating success in footings of fulfilment of human cardinal demands and social well-being. Continuously increasing degrees of GDP growing is straight linked with the continued development of natural resources which are non renewable and are consuming. As GDP growing is increased, so is the ingestion of natural resources, which is tantamount to society acquiring deeper and deeper into the â€Å" funnel † of unsustainability. In order to travel towards sustainability, policy and determination shapers must understand the pressing demand to alter the current paradigm, create conditions of trust, efficaciously communicate the demand for sustainability and how to accomplish it within the context of planetary justness and an just distribution of wealth, instead than the current impression of increasing GDP growing by of all time increasing ingestion of natural resources and production of waste. 15. Public Policy a ) Please explicate the construct of the â€Å" calamity of the parks † and its relation to public policy and the administration of our parks. ( 3 points ) The â€Å" calamity of the parks † described by Garrett Hardin is a utile construct for understanding how society has brought approximately legion environmental calamities. The â€Å" calamity of the parks † describes a state of affairs in which multiple persons, moving independently, who are concerned merely with their ain opportunism, will finally consume a shared limited resource even when it is clear that it is non in anyone ‘s long-run involvement for this to go on. The metaphor illustrates the statement that when persons and groups – who are motivated to maximise their addition without consideration of the demands of others – have free and unrestricted entree to a limited resource, the shared resource is finally reduced through over-exploitation, either temporarily or for good. The cost of this development to the point of depletion is borne by all those to whom the resource is available, which may be an even wider group of persons than those who are working it. Everyone pays the monetary value. B ) Explain how the constructs discussed sing public policy and administration can be used to assist society travel towards sustainability. ( 4 points ) In the context of avoiding over-exploitation of common resources, the â€Å" calamity of the parks † can be applied to a great many modern environmental jobs ( e.g. , overgrazing on federal lands, acerb precipitation, ocean dumping, atmospheric C dioxide discharges, firewood crises in less developed states, overfishing ) . Simply stated, society faces a serious quandary – when an person ‘s rational behaviour ( i.e. , moving without restraint to maximise personal short-run addition ) can do irrational, long-run harm to the environment, others and finally oneself. This is the calamity – each person is caught in a system that compels him/her to increase his demand without limit – in a universe that is limited. To counter this, public policy and administration should move to clearly show the foolishness of irreversibly consuming shared resources, and develop a public policy substructure that respects the restraints of ecological and societal sustainability as defined by the FSSD and the 4SP. In this scenario, policy and determination shapers attempt to act upon human behaviour through sharing of cognition and information, puting up economic inducements and deterrences for those elements which are non addressed by information entirely and presenting normative Torahs and ordinances merely when necessary. 16. How could leading in sustainable development be applied in your field of survey? ( 4 points ) I am a LEED AP, landscape designer and international sustainability adviser. I am portion of a squad of seven designers and contrivers from the Architecture and Urbanism Committee of the Illinois-Sao Paulo Partners of the Americas, an international not-for-profit organisation, on whose Board of Directors I participate as an elective manager. We have been working for old ages on the development of a sustainable maestro program for the historic railway town of Paranapiacaba, in the province of Sao Paulo, Brazil, built in the 1860s by the British in virgin Atlantic rain forest. Paranapiacaba has been declared a registered historic territory by the authorities of Brazil and the World Monuments Fund has placed Paranapiacaba on the Watch list in 2000 and 2002 to raise consciousness of the authorities ‘s attempts and the demand for saving. Our squad convened a Paranapiacaba Technical Assistance Workshop on site in April 2010 in order to make a synergism of cognition and resources which could supply be aftering expertness and thoughtful recommendations on sustainability, land usage, reasonable growing and economic development. Our analysis took into history the legion challenges confronting the hereafter of Paranapiacaba and our recommendations high spot schemes for the sustainable development of the unique, historic Vila of Paranapiacaba and its encompassing part. As a squad of voluntary professionals, without a political docket and free of prepossessions, we work in partnership with local governmental representatives and community members to develop nonsubjective and impartial recommendations. Our construct proposal and vision for the hereafter of Paranapiacaba was developed independently, with the input of all stakeholders, concentrating on the sustainable historic Restoration, saving, societal and economic development of the Vila. In order to guarantee that the cardinal human demands of the community are besides addressed ( ( SP4 ) , we actively develop schemes for inclusive educational, occupation accomplishments developing, wellness and societal plans. When we presented our concluding study with recommendations at a public forum in the City Hall of Santo Andre ( which has legal power over the historic town ) , our program was strongly supported by the authorities and stakeholders. We are presently traveling to implement this sustainable m asterplan. With the cognition I have acquired from BTH ( which I am presently sharing with my teammates, promoting them to besides take the Strategic Sustainable development category at BTH ) , I understand how the FSSD can be adapted to the instance of sustainable planning for Paranapiacaba. Based on scientifically-based, first order rules and systems believing, the FSSD can foster back up our decision-making in these conditions of really high complexness, assisting us to acknowledge the mutuality of the natural universe and society. As a shared theoretical account for planning, to guarantee people understand each other and the ends of their coaction, the FSSD can function as a compass for us to steer Paranapiacaba towards a truly sustainable hereafter in conformity with the 4SP.

Georgiana Cavendish background

During the 18th century, gender roles in England were resonated against high levels of chastity, compliance, delicacy as well as modesty that defined a truly virtuous female. It was believed that the greatest female achievement lay in total obedience and not in intellectual pursuits. This was mostly contributed by the nature and delineation of power that was largely vested in men during this period and earlier on. However, this was very wrong as women could contribute positively to the societal development. It was also wrong as it disregarded their integrity and underestimated their capacity to effectively participate to important decisions.Besides, they formed a key pillar in the development and growth of the children in the society which demanded high level wisdom and clear wits. This book gives a clear outlay of the gender roles in England during the 18th century in the highly autocratic setting system. With reference to Georgiana Cavendish there is a clear outlook of how the soci ety started to defy the widely defined and accepted norms for the women in the society. This report gives the changing realities during this period and acted as a major pillar that would define later considerations of both genders in the society.A clear comparison of that moment and present day women's roles in the society is given with a view of outlining proper recommendations that should be used in determining the roles for both genders. Georgiana Cavendish background. Georgiana Cavendish was born of John Spencer in 1757 and married to the 5th Duke of Devonshire at the age of 17 years. However, lovers had started admiring her at an early age of 11 years but resisted from getting married by her parents. She was a celebrated beauty and an active political campaigner in the country (Brian, 11-17).To add to that, she liked gambling and was involved in sexual promiscuity later in her marital life. The author portrays her as a totally defiant icon that defied the odds of major societal expectations of the time. Societal expectations of Georgiana and other women in aristocratic England. Brian (12-16) indicates that women in England were less regarded and required to take a low profile on major issues like political and family matters. Georgiana was therefore expected to be obedient and submissive to her husband from the time of marriage throughout their lives.All the women in England were required to take care of their husbands and follow their demands in terms of their physical and sexual desires. Therefore, they were expected to remain in their homes to serve their husbands and children. Being the wife of a Duke, of great importance from her was to bear children for her husband and the monarch. The author insists that the wife specifically supposed to bear sons who would later be heirs of the monarch to continue the autocratic regime. With women's position and roles being at the home setting, they were not supposed to be involved in active politics of the countr y.During this period, women’s suffrage was unheard of and it was required that they remained silent with their main contribution being to give the Duke an heir of the system. To add to that, the society expected them to remain faithful to their husbands at all times. This was strongly emphasized for Georgiana as she was expected to set the pace for other women to emulate in their lives and depict the king’s pride. Challenges by Georgiana to these conventions. As the book continues to unfold, it is clear that Georgiana challenged majority of these society demands strongly and with great courage.Though success was not immediate, the challenges acted as main center points in liberation of women in the entire England and other regions during the subsequent years. To begin with, the author puts it very clear that Georgiana was a strong political campaigner and was always found in gatherings of political an literally figures. Prior to 1784 general elections she campaigned fo r the Whigs particularly Charles James Fox. Major icons emerged later in the country's leadership improving the involvement of women in core decision making processes (Brian, 51-56).Most remarkable was Britain first prime minister and the leader of conservative party Margaret Thatcher. Unlike the societal expectations, Georgiana never brought happiness to the Duke of Devonshire. The marriage was an unhappy one with high levels of temperaments. Making it even more sorrowful to the people in the society and the Duke himself, in their initial years she never bore any children as she was rocked by vast miscarriages. Later, when she managed to give birth, she bore girls until the much awaited third born son. Besides, she introduced her husband to a mistress who was her friend leading to later marriage to her as a second wife.This was a major challenge as women were expected to strongly insulate the monarch from external genes that would interfere with the overall ‘integrity' of the ruling family. Openly defying major demands in the monarch and the society, Georgiana was promiscuous and had an affair with Charles Grey with whom she had a daughter. She was also reported to have traded kisses for votes during the 1784 general elections. To add to that, Georgiana was never home tied like other women as she went out to meet with other people of different classes.She was always involved in major places that women were prohibited from getting to. Being addicted to gabling, the book indicates that she died with major debts despite being from a very rich background. Mistresses and involvement of women in major activities that brought them out to meet with others later increased drastically in the whole country with open and hidden affairs characterizing majority of the young people and married couples. Conclusion. Women roles in England during late 18th century were highly oppressive and segregative in the aristocratically defined England.As indicated by the book, bre aking these considerations was hard and required courage as well as major sacrifice. As depicted by Georgiana Duchess, women were strongly valued for their fertility that was largely used by their ruling husbands as a major source of pride due to guaranteed heredity and therefore increased ability to sustain the monarch in their lineages. Though her defiance was met with resistance, it formed a clear icon that marked later liberation for the women in their social-political and economic delineations in all dimensions.With the current women contribution in the society being of vital essence it is clear that this oppression was a deterrent to fast growth and development in the region during that period. Women roles should therefore be fully appreciated and their participation is equal to those of men as they are equally capable of initiating and contributing to societal growth. Reference list. Brian, M. (1981). Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire: Duchess of Devonshire. London: Routledge.

Importance of Theory Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Importance of Theory - Coursework Example This gives the nursing profession distinction from the rest of science and medical professions. In nursing, the association between nursing theory and practice is symbiotic. As Basavanthappa (2007) asserts, theory without practice is unimaginative, and practice devoid of theory is visionless. In essence, theory is paramount to effective nursing practice and research. This essay will discuss the significance of theory in nursing practice through the help of Roy’s adaptation theory. This paper will discuss in details the significance and application of the theory of adaptation to nursing by identifying its role in the evaluation of the power of mind and body fitness in aged patients. Nursing has made efforts to institute exceptional body of knowledge that has been used to define its boundaries. However, since these limits are continually changing, perhaps it is more significant for the nurses to define their stance and their role (Basavanthappa, 2007). By offering nurses a sense of identity, Roy’s adaptation nursing theory helps patients, managers and other health care practitioners to identify the exceptional contribution of nurses in health care. In reference to Kim and Kollak (2006), Roy’s adaptation theory allows a review of physical activity and the growth of a theory-based intervention from a holistic and integrated nursing viewpoint. A well-defined body of theory such as Roy’s adaptation theory offers guidance for nursing practice in physical therapy and enhanced professional status for nurses. This theory is employed in physical therapy to assist the older patients with low physical activity (Basavanthappa, 2007). This theory has also been applied in chronic-ill patients as a strategy to foster adaptation and the quality of life. This theory has been used in nursing to guide the development of models that focus on the physical

Organizational Behavior Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 5

Organizational Behavior - Essay Example The Department of Justice of the United States of America clearly stipulates its mission statement, to wit: â€Å"to enforce the law and defend the interests of the United States according to the law; to ensure public safety against threats foreign and domestic; to provide federal leadership in preventing and controlling crime; to seek just punishment for those guilty of unlawful behavior; and to ensure fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans† (USDOJ:About DOJ, 2010, par. 1). To enable a prestigious organization like this to achieve its mission and goals, a clear hierarchy of organizational structure was designed to ensure that each and every personnel has specific duties and responsibilities that contribute towards its achievement. Accordingly the field of organizational behavior assists criminal justice agencies in the implementation of strategies to facilitate the accomplishment of organizational objectives. In this regard, the objective of the essay is to proffer an understanding of organizational behavior in a criminal justice agency. The important elements of organizational behavior would be described including how these can challenge the effectiveness of an agency. Schermerhorn, Hunt, & Osborn (2008, 5) define organizational behavior (OB) as â€Å"the study of human behavior in organizations. It is an academic discipline devoted to understanding individual and group behavior, interpersonal processes, and organizational dynamics with the goal of improving the performance of organizations and the people in them†. Thereby, the important elements to be considered in an organization, including that of a criminal justice agency, are the organization’s purpose, mission, and strategy; organizational environment and stakeholders; organizational culture; workforce diversity; and leadership, among others. There were marked differences on the features and characteristics

Affliction in the Land East of the Atlantic Thesis Proposal

Affliction in the Land East of the Atlantic - Thesis Proposal Example This is supplemented by individuals such as the Tsamaev brothers who perpetrated the Boston Bombings in April 2013. The U.S Army, Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps have shown a tendency of paying more attention to the Asia Pacific and this increases security risks because of the decreased attention and resources from countering Al Qaida and other terrorist groups (Jones, 2014).   It has to be noted that terrorist groups are advancing in terms of developing very complex methods of smuggling explosives onto U.S-bound aircraft via advanced designs and concealment methods. Such innovations include attempts that various terrorist groups are making in terms of finding out ways in which they can conceal bombs inside electronic items such as cameras, laptop computers and tape recorders, as well as seeking to make explosives with components that may not be detected by airport screeners (Jones, 2014). Given that terrorist groups have become more decentralized, the United States’ securi ty groups are lagging behind in terms of understanding the threat that these heterogeneous and decentralized movements pose to the country’s security. In terms of resources, technology and manpower adaptation to curb the sprouting transportation security, homeland securities lack an authentic counterterrorism strategy (Jones, 2014). Most cargo that is transported on passenger flights is not scrutinized as adequately as the people and baggage that travel on the same airplane. It is imperative to note that as much as.

Discretion Granted to National Courts in Relation to the EU Legal Essay

Discretion Granted to National Courts in Relation to the EU Legal Order - Essay Example The body that was named as the European Court of Justice (ECJ) that enables the national courts to refer to it. The preliminary reference procedure has been essential in designing the fundamental principles of the national legal system, the unity of the member countries, and the development and maintenance of the national laws. In Article 234, the Court has the powers to give preliminary rulings in a request from the national courts. The preliminary rulings might be about the interpretation of the Treaty, the legality and the interpretation of the actions of the member countries and the European Central Bank. The national courts have therefore a vital role to play in the administration and how the community law is implemented. However, the European Union Treaty does not precisely define â€Å"the national court or tribunal†. Nevertheless, it is vital to know that the national laws of the member states do not depend upon the definition of the tribunal or national courts by the European Court of Justice. The Court has the role to define the national laws of a given community. ... Moreover, different cases shall be looked upon in the preliminary ruling procedure (Arnull, 1989). The Right and Obligation to Refer Cases The case of Vaasen- Gobbel came up with the decision to define the national court in order to find a way to refer to the ECJ. The case was held by stating that any body making a reference to the European Court of Justice must satisfy a number of criteria: It first need to be established by law, must have a permanent existence, it must be in a position to practice a lasting jurisdiction, must work under the rules of the Community law and its procedures and should apply the rule of law. The Court therefore had to extend the stated criteria to apply to the national courts so that they would be independent (Komarek, 2005). Several other cases including the De Coster Case, enabled the college which previously had the powers concerning the local tax proceedings and never operated on its own nor made its own decisions regarding the process later satisfie d the criteria to operate as an independent body. The De Coster and CLIFIT cases demonstrate the national courts that have the powers to give judgment in relation to article 234 of the European Court of Justice (Komarek, 2007). Even though the case regarding the definition of the court or tribunal that satisfies the previously defined criteria for an independent body is at times inconsistent and therefore provides a room for some critics to disagree on which bodies are to refer cases to the ECJ. However, in order to solve this problem of disagreements, the European Court is coming up with the preliminary reference procedure that would be used by all judicial bodies while they might be dealing with cases involving the Community law (Maher, 1994). On the facts of the case, the De Coster and

Gender and Politics in America Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Gender and Politics in America - Essay Example These reasoning’s parallel the social barriers women have endured throughout the ages. Those that rule whether they are the church, government or financial leaders, shape the laws and ideology of a society. Consequently, the rules of society favor those in power which has been predominantly male in composition. Until the printing press allowed for ideas to be widely and freely circulated, the patriarchal dominance was total. The language was the tool of oppression yet proved to instigate the beginnings of emancipation. The proliferation of knowledge permeated both genders thus aided in moving the balance of power slightly back toward the center. At about the time of the printing press’s invention, women in America generally did not attend school. Education led to the growth of economic independence for women which translated in the growth of political power. â€Å"Without economic power, women are denied honor and prestige. Economic power has important consequences for what women can, or cannot do in a society†. Throughout the history of much of the world including the regions where the English language originated and developed, society has been dominated and controlled by patriarchal rule. The resulting product of the language represents this dominance by means of categorizing the realities of society. Language establishes the boundaries of perception. Male references in everyday speech dominate language usage simply because males have historically dominated society and to a large extent still do.

Types of Contracts and Performance-Based Acquisition Research Paper

Types of Contracts and Performance-Based Acquisition - Research Paper Example They are the most common form of contract and are used in majority of the contractual agreements. They are used when uncertainties are involved in contracts and they do not allow costs to be submitted with accuracy to a fixed price contract. It is a favorable contract in conditions where the outcome of the contract or the project is uncertain. A contract which has a written preliminary contractual instrument and which is able to authorize a specified contractor and can begin manufacturing supplies and in performing some specific services is called a letter contract. It could be used in circumstances where the interests of government demand that the contractor is given a binding level of commitment and contractor is able to start working instantly and is able to negotiate a contract in the specified time. Performance based contracts are not literally contracts but a specific acquisition method where requirements can be described by a performance work statement or a certain statement of objectives. Performance based contracts are made to ensure that contractors are able to meet quality levels and payment is related to the specified contract standards. The choice of which contract is to be chosen for vehicle purchase is related to general contract law. Parties to a contract are allowed to select the contract in which they have certain rights and obligations towards each other (Koffman, 2007). It is the most pivotal concept of contract through which parties are obligated to make promises and they are bound to follow those promises made. The ideal contract, which could be chosen for vehicle purchase, is performance-based contract as it portrays a sense of mutual consideration among the parties that may not be any direct or formal prerequisite for selection of a contractual law unless the parties to a contract agree to it. As mentioned before, this contract will ensure that contractors are able to

COMBATING COMPASSION FATIGUE Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

COMBATING COMPASSION FATIGUE - Essay Example If the connection is prolonged, the practitioner develops compassion fatigue. Yoder (2010) describes compassion fatigue as a vice that minimizes the efficiency of the practitioner due to their increased connection with their duties. Moreover, compassion fatigue develops a nature in a practitioner that tends to ignore the requirements of the patient. The practitioner is overburdened with emotional and spiritual connections to a point that they do not feel the need to perform exemplarily in their position. 16% – 85% of health care workers in different fields suffer from compassion fatigue (Yoder, 2010). This describes the extent of the crisis in the industry. This paper will provide signs that depict signs of compassion fatigue. In addition, I will analyze the problems that may be caused and aid that may relieve caregivers. There are numerous signs that may depict compassion fatigue in a caregiver. Firstly, the performance of the practitioner deteriorates significantly. This is because the focus of the caregiver is shifted to address their emotional problems. Additionally, the caregiver does not concentrate on their work. This decreases their effectiveness to perform. Apart from physical signs, caregiver may suffer from psychological effects. For instance, they find it difficult to stop thinking about their patients and job. Walton & Alvarez (2010) is of the assumption that a caregiver should be able to have a life beyond their job description. A failure to achieve this depicts compassion fatigue. In other occasion, the caregiver becomes obsessed with their patients. In a worst case, of compassion fatigue, the caregiver has trouble sleeping. This is caused by memories and over thinking about their job and patients. Another sign is that the caregiver does not have the energy and will to work. In addition, they become less satisfied with their work. This

New Challenges for Africa and the Islamic World Essay Example for Free

New Challenges for Africa and the Islamic World Essay * Songhai flourished during the 1400s and 1500s, with an empire stretching 1500 miles east to west. (from Gao to the Niger River) a. Timbuktu * Timbuktu became a major center for trans-Saharan trade. Large supplies of gold, ivory, and slaves were sent abroad. * Timbuktu was a major center of Islamic scholarship, in particular because of the Islamic University of Sankore. * Civil war over succession weakened the empire which was then destroyed by Moroccan forces. B. Other West African States * The small Sudanic kingdoms that formed after the fall of Songhai were parts of a closely linked commercial network. * For example, the Dyula moved goods by donkey and canoe, dominating the regional trade. * A few non-Muslim states, including those of the Guinea Coast, had a matrilineal social structure. a. The Kanem-Bornu Kingdom * The Islamic kingdom of Kanem-Bornu prospered from trans-Saharan trade and reached its height under king Idrus Aloma. a. The Hausa and the Trans-Saharan Trade * The Hausa had trade-oriented states in modern-day Chad, eastern Niger, and Nigeria where cotton cloth and leatherwork were manufactured for export. * Islam became dominant, but women continued to play vital social and political roles. b. Trade on the Guinea Coast * A few non-Muslim states, including those of the Guinea Coast and Volta River basin, had a matrilineal social structure, and prospered from mining and trading in gold to the north. c. Europeans in West Africa * Portuguese encountered such large trading centers as the one at Guinala, (Guinea Bissau), where 12,000 men and women met weekly to trade. C. Bantu Trading Cities and Kingdoms (East) * Bantu settlers and Arab immigrants formed the Swahili culture. * The Swahili city-states grew wealthy by trading in African goods to peoples from around the Indian Ocean. a. Trade on the East African Coast * Swahili city-states were parts of the great trading network generally dominated by seafaring Arabs and Indian Muslims. d. The Shona and the Ganda * The Shona exported gold and ivory through the city of Sofala to the Middle East and India. * The Ganda people established the kingdom of Buganda west of Lake Victoria and Buganda dominated the region by the 1700s. e. The Kingdom of Kongo * In the Congo River basin, the Bantu kingdom of Kongo became one of the first great African states to be visited by European explorers. * The kingdoms of Luba and Lunda resisted European power into the nineteenth century. f. The Xhosa and the Zulu * The Xhosa and Zulu were the main Bantu-speaking groups to migrate into southern Africa. D. Africa in the Hemispheric System * Sub-Saharan Africans lacked interregional connections. * Sub-Saharan African was cut off from European and Asian trade. * Marginally fertile soils, scarce exploitable minerals, and few good harbors impeded development in Sub-Saharan Africa. a. Africa the Unknown * West and East Africa supplied gold, ivory, and other commodities to the Middle East and Europe for centuries. * The remaining Amharic Christians in modern-day Ethiopia were surrounded by Muslims and essentially cut off from contact with Europe. g. The Opening of Africa * Europeans set out to penetrate â€Å"Darkest Africa† with the â€Å"light† of the West, while also looking for direct routes to Asian spices and silk. * Africans were shocked and dismayed upon first sighting Europeans. h. The Beginning of the African Slave Trade * Europeans looked for slaves after setting up in the Americas. * Slavery had a long tradition in Africa, which involved Muslim traders. * Europeans already had enslaved their own peoples, though not with a racialized reason. II. EUROPEAN IMPERIALISM AND THE TRANS-ATLANTIC SLAVE TRADE * Racism developed from early exploitative relationships forged by Portuguese and Dutch adventurers along the two coasts of Africa and in its southern reaches. A. The Portuguese and African Encounters * By the late 1400s the Portuguese had colonized the Cape Verde Islands and the nearby coastal region of Guinea-Bissau. * They also established a long relationship of cooperation with the prosperous Kongo kingdom of south central Africa and sent Catholic missionaries. a. Bartolomeu Dias and Vasco de Gama * In 1487 Bartholomeu Dias rounded the Cape of Good Hope and the Indian Ocean. Vasco da Gama established relations with East African Swahili trading cities. * In India, European goods could not compete with more valuable and finer products from India, China, Indonesia, and Persia. Da Gama had finally located the sea route to the east. * The Portuguese set up a network of trading bases around the Indian Ocean, and tried to limit the activity of their Arab, Ottoman, Persian, and Indian rivals. i. The Portuguese and the Kongo * The Christian King Alfonso I, a Portuguese ally, controlled the Kongo and attempted to emulate Portugal by expansion and modernization. * Slavery soured Portuguese-Kongolese relations. j. Queen Nzinga and African Resistance * After Alfonso’s death, the Portuguese conquered Kongo and Ndongo. Kongolese and Ndongo warriors were no match for Portuguese armies. Queen Nzinga of Ndongo strongly resisted the Portuguese. * Kongolese Christian kings appealed to the Pope to halt the slave raids. The Kongolese kings allied with the Dutch to curb Portuguese influence. Kongo endured civil wars, which led to the capture of more slaves. * Portuguese forces occupied several major Swahili trading cities. They eventually controlled several trading ports from the Persian Gulf to China. They used brutal methods to achieve their ends. k. The Decline of Portuguese Influence * Portuguese influence waned on the East Coast of Africa by the 17th century after they destroyed much of the trade by dissuading merchants to venture to the cities they nominally controlled. * In the late 1600s, Arabs from Oman pushed the Portuguese out. E. New Challenges for the Shona States and Ethiopia (East) * The Portuguese controlled the lower Zambezi Valley in order to dominate the gold trade. * They also moved up the Zambezi River and ended up controlling the largest Shona state of Monomotopa. * They also settled coastal Mozambique and mixed culturally, often through intermarriage. a. Ethiopian Civil War * The Portuguese forces assisted Ethiopians against their Muslim neighbors. * Jesuit missionaries converted Ethiopian king to Catholicism. * Attempts to change the Ethiopian Church did not succeed, and the missionaries and other Portuguese were expelled. F. South Africa and Dutch Colonization * Dutch settlers in Cape Town traded with the Khoikhoi, but then seized their land. They enslaved or killed all the Khoikhoi living near the Cape, then imposed white rule over Africans. * Slaves were imported from Madagascar, Mozambique, and Indonesia. * As the economy developed, Africans and Asians outnumbered whites. a. The Boers and â€Å"trekking† * Some Dutch settlers, or Boers, moved eastward to escape governmental control and look for new land to settle. * The Boers tried to take over Xhosa and Zulu lands. G. The Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade * Europeans enslaved Africans to fulfill their labor needs in the Americas on plantations and in mines. * Physical differences established racial basis of trans-Atlantic slavery. a. The Slave Trade Expands * West Africa was fragmented, which made it vulnerable to slave trading. The Europeans established trading forts from Senegal to Angola. * The Europeans traded cotton goods, guns, iron, rum, and tobacco for slaves. The Europeans often cooperated with local African chiefs to obtain slaves. * The exact number of enslaved Africans is uncertain, but it probably totaled 25 to 30 million individuals. The trans-Atlantic slave trade reached its peak between 1700 and 1800. l. Horrors of the Middle Passage * Slaves were branded, chained together, and packed into overcrowded slave ships. * Many slaves committed suicide before reaching the Americas, so slavers installed nets along the sides of slave ships to catch jumpers. There were also many attempted mutinies en route. * The majority of slaves were sold to plantations without regard to personal ties. m. Rationalizing the Slave Trade * Europeans justified slavery by claiming that Africans were inherently inferior. * Some Westerners argued that slavery benefited Africans by exposing them to Western culture, values, and religion. H. The Slave Trade and African Societies * Some coastal regions of West and Central Africa succumbed to chronic raiding, kidnapping, and warfare. * Some societies were particularly destabilized when huge numbers were enslaved. * Out of these patterns of human enslavement emerged the Atlantic System. a. The Impact of the Slave Trade on Africa * Some African societies prospered by selling neighboring peoples into slavery. The kings of Benin obtained firearms by trading cotton textiles, pepper, ivory, and beads, and prohibited the sale of male slaves. * States such as Dahomey prospered by cooperating with the slave traders. Coastal regions from Senegambia down to Angola suffered the most (ex. family damage.) * The trans-Atlantic slave trade created economic imbalances that hindered the evolution of local industries, though African societies arguably benefited from the introduction of peanuts and corn. n. Early Imperialism and Colonialism in Africa * Europeans practiced imperialism and colonialism in Africa. * The scramble for Africa intensified with industrialization in Europe. Western industrialization helped end the slave trade, but accelerated the need for African natural resources.

Information system of Hanjin shipping

Information system of Hanjin shipping Introduction Shipping by its nature is a very competitive and a very complex industry. (Martin Stopford, 1997) Shipping companies have to operate on a global scale and manage offices all around the world and work with a diverse work force. Merchant shipping is one of the most highly regulated industries in the world. Hence information systems play a very important role in the management of the shipping company. In this essay we will analyse a case study of how Hanjin shipping used information systems grow as a leading shipping company. Hanjin is a global transportation and Logistics Company. (Hanjin shipping, 2010).The company operates around 200 ships, mainly container vessels, gas tankers and bulk carriers. Hanjin ships are trading worldwide. Hanjin transport cargo to more than 100million tons a year to 6000 destinations worldwide. (Hanjin shipping, 2010) Companys sales network includes 200 international branch offices and 30 corporations. Over all the company is expanding rapidly on a global s cale and is also venturing into new shipping related business. Business problems Hanjin was increasing its global operations by opening new container terminals, buying new large ships, going in alliance with container lines. Hanjin lacked the logistics required to be competent in the container industry. Its 10 year old ERP systems lacked functionality and flexibility required to operate such a complex and big organisation (Oracle 2008). Hanjin understood that without end to end logistics solutions they cannot compete in container business. Hanjin also faced problems controlling procurement costs and to meet the global regulatory requirements (Oracle 2008). The data collection system was done manually and hence it was time consuming and prone to errors. Hanjin have a work force of around 4000 which are employed all around the world. It was increasing difficult for Hanjin to manage such a large and diverse work force. Solution to Hanjin problems As a solution to the problems Hanjin was facing due to its global expansion it decided to launch Process innovation project. The process innovation purpose was to establish advanced management structure and strengthening its organisational capabilities. (Sustainability report, 2006). The project applied to business process and organization structure as well as the corporate cultures based on adopting the advanced IT infrastructure. (Sustainability report, 2006, p.27). Hanjin decided to re-engineer their business process using best practice models for their ERP systems so as to gain global competitiveness. This system was going to be a long term solution, it will not directly show on balance sheet but it will be platform for launching new business projects (Business report 2006). Hanjin also decided to shift to customer based business by ensuring good service and increased customer satisfaction. Process Innovation Project The process innovation project team was assembled in October 2004 and then they spent 5 months for mapping the new systems and the process. The project will be implemented gradually on a step by step basis. The process innovation project was to be implemented during a period of 3 years. The main aim of process innovation was to be customer centred and a profitability oriented management company. The information system used to re-in force the organisational capabilities and will prepare the management to be more customers focused. The information system development contracts were given to companies which were best in the business (Oracle, 2008). ERP was given to ORACLE while others were given to Siebel and Hyperion. During the process of project Oracle acquired Siebel and Hyperion which resulted in seamless integration and customer support. (Oracle, 2008). Information Systems (ERP) Enterprise Resource planning: Enterprise system integrates the key business processes into single system. In this system the flow of information is seamless throughout the organisation (Laudon laudon, 2007). Hanjins Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Hanjin integrated business process such as finance and accounting, capital asset planning, human resource, procurement process. They used these for smooth flow of information in their internal system. The companys senior management was involved in the projects implementation. The Managing director and CIO of Hanjin Shipping said that To improve our global competitiveness, we needed an IT solution that supported extensive process reengineering (Oracle, 2008, pg.1). Hanjin decided to invest about 57.7 million USD on this project. They standardised the management and data collections methods, restructured the flow of data between their business systems and prepared a dictionary so as to make it easier for the staff to follow new system. As the system was implemented on a step by step basis, gradually the staff could see the benefits of the system and they were not resilient to changes, but they were will to share information in between different divisions. Company also adopted other bes t practice guidelines such as training and educating the staff, use of software support and maintenance. Benefits of Information system The above diagram is explained using the generic model of 6Cs for explaining business benefits. Lower Cost: The e-sourcing system assisted them to procure products from a list of suppliers and they were benefited from competitive pricing which resulted in procurement costs. Cost saving per customer was increased due to increased efficiency (Oracle, 2008). Improved Communication: As the data was consolidated into a single system, hence staff gained an integrated view of operations (Oracle, 2008). Improved Management Control: New ERP systems and re-engineering process helped in improved business management. This gave the managers a complete view of the companys operations and also equipped the staff with detailed information they required to plan, execute and evaluate complex initiatives. The managers were also able to make decisions and ensure problems were addressed immediately. Performance evaluation was easier and could be easily done on a global basis and medium and long term strategy planning could be done due to data availability. (Oracle, 2008) New Capability: HR platform helped in improving the efficiency of the department. The new system helped the managers to view complete history of the staff and also discard applications. This resulted in increased efficiency of HR staff which could focus more on attracting and retaining skilled employees and also train them. (Oracle, 2008) Improved Customer Service: Due to its service network it could respond faster to customers demands. Detailed sales and marketing plans could be developed. (Oracle, 2008) Competitive Advantage: Hanjin got the recognition of a reliable logistics partner. (Sustainability report, 2008). In April 2008 Hanjin got the highest awards in logistics in Korea. (Sustainability report, 2008). Future business plans The project improved the overall performance of the company process. In future company aims to invest more in their IT systems which aims to complement their management systems as well as front office work. (Business report 2007). As the internal system implementation was completed the company now is ready to develop shipping/logistics related business which will become the companys next driving forces. Banking on their internal system they are stepping closer to become a Global logistics company. They are also planning to expand its 3PL (3rd party logistics) business by extending its global network (Hanjin Shipping, 2008). In line with their Process Innovation project they have also launched another project Knowledge management. (Sustainability report, 2008) Conclusion: The project taken by Hanjin to rebuild its business process by the use of information systems was strategically very important. Hanjin is a global organisation with different functions, organisational levels and many business processes; hence ERP system was the correct choice of information system. This project became the base to implement advance business process which complement their information systems and also increase the efficiency of the company. It helped the company to be more customers focused which is a key strategy in current times. They could venture into new aspects of business such as logistics. The selection of Oracle and Siebel was also correct because they were the best in the business. Hanjin made correct decision by integrating all systems together. The acquisition of Siebel and Hyperion by Oracle ensured that the systems have seamless integration and continuous support. The information systems which they used were in line with their business strategies which res ulted in success of the project. Reference List: Hanjin shipping, 2008. Hanjin Shipping Steps Closer to Becoming Global Total Logistics Company, [Online] Available at: http://www.hanjin.com/en/news/080513_02.jsp?srv_id=ENGid=080513_02.jspbackUrl=news.jspcurPage=5blockSize=10 [Accessed on 15th March 2010]. Hanjin shipping, 2008. 2008 Hanjin shipping business report, [Online] Available at: t http://www.hanjin.com/en/company/invest/attach/Business_report_2008.pdf [Accessed on 15th March 2010]. Hanjin shipping, 2008. Hanjin sustainability report 2008, [Online] Available at: http://www.hanjin.com/upload/2008_gri_en.pdf [Accessed on 15th March 2010]. Hanjin shipping, 2006. Hanjin sustainability report 2006, [Online] Available at: http://www.hanjin.com/upload/2006_gri_en.pdf [Accessed on 15th March 2010]. Laudon., J, Laudon., K, 2007. Management Information systems: Managing the digital firm. 10th ed. Pearson Education Inc. New Jersey. Stopford., M, 1997. Maritime Economics 2nd ed. Routledge: London Oracle, 2008. Hanjin Shipping Improves Business Intelligence, Competitiveness with Integrated Platform, [Online] Available at: http://www.oracle.com/customers/snapshots/hanjin-shipping-ebs-case-study.pdf [Accessed on 15th March 2010]. Oracle, 2008. Hanjin Shipping Gains Single View of Business with Master Data Management System, [Online] Available at: http://www.oracle.com/customers/snapshots/hanjin-shipping-datahub-case-study.pdf [Accessed on 15th March 2010].