Water Is A Vital Resource For Human Development - 1019 Words

Water is a vital resource for human development; its natural mode of occurrence is governed by climatic, geomorphic and geologic characteristics of the land surface. Water resources is a major requirement and driver of socio-economic development. Economic sectors that water caters to include domestic, agriculture and fisheries, industry, recreation, municipality, including waste/effluent disposal, and water transportation. It also plays a prominent role in power and energy generation (Oyebande., 2004) . Urbanization, however, has increased the demand for alternative sources of potable water, which is utilized to supply society’s needs. Water is, in a sense, both artery and vein to the development of urban life (Spieker, 1973). The rate of urbanization in Africa has increased exponentially, at 3.9 percent per year, urban population growth rates in Africa have been and will continue to be the highest in the world (Vairavamoorthy, 2012). A projected increase in the size of the middle class, population and economy in towns and cities might lead to a demand for better governance and better services including more water services (World Bank, 2005). As water demand grows, urban towns are forced to rely on water sources that are farther from the city and more expensive to develop. The open surface water cannot be relied upon because of their high susceptibility to pollution and inadequate supply. In addition to being vulnerable to pollution, surface water sources are alsoShow More RelatedGlobal Climate Change On Natural Disasters And Agricultural Production1308 Words   |  6 PagesHuman well-being is fundamentally dependent on ecosystems for the provisioning, cultural and regulating services that they provide (World Bank, 2007). Clean water is one of the critical resources provided to man by ecosystems. As such, the ecosystem concept has been elevated as a fundamental attribute for human development. Maintenance and access to ecosystem services has consistently been associated with better health and economic outcomes. Human health risks originate from traditional forms ofRead MoreDescription Of Aquatic Ecosystems : The Aquatic Ecosystem1210 Words   |  5 PagesDescription of Aquatic Ecosystems The aquatic ecosystem is a vital part of the Earth’s vigorous process and is indispensable for a sustainable Earth and its inhabitants. There are different types of aquatic ecosystems 1) fresh water ecosystems, such as rivers, lakes and ponds 2) Saltwater ecosystems, such as oceans, inlets and bays, and 3) wetlands (both fresh and saltwater), which serve as a filtration systems between dry land and bodies of water. Because wetlands serve as filtration systems, they helpRead MoreA Brief Note On Water And Sanitation Sector1661 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction Water and sanitation sector refers to two closely related service delivery sectors to the public. The two sectors may differ technically and organisations wise, still they are interrelated in service delivery and in their focus on public health. According to the MDG (Millennium Development Goals – Target 7c) the proportion of People who does not have sustainable access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation should be halved by 2015 ().Debates related to water and sanitation in developingRead MoreWater As A Resource On The Earth Essay1430 Words   |  6 PagesWATER AS A RESOURCE While all varieties of natural resources have been used for the collective advancement of human civilization over the course of history, none plays such a vital and important role as water. Water has irrigated our fields, quenched our thirst, carried our products and people all over the world, and has supported life since the beginning of biological life. All things considered, water is the most precious resource on the planet with a grand host of applications instrumental toRead MoreCities And Cities Developing Countries Are Under Environmental Stress834 Words   |  4 Pagesamenities to the citizen such as adequate drinking water and sanitation facilities. The water supply and sanitation systems in these cities are typically characterized by following issues: †¢ Raw water is transported from distant source as existing sources are exhausted or polluted. Energy use in raw water transport is rising. †¢ More treatment steps are required and more chemicals are used to produce potable water from polluted sources. †¢ Surface water source such as a river is exploited to such anRead MoreDescription Of Aquatic Ecosystems : An Aquatic Ecosystem910 Words   |  4 PagesDescription of Aquatic Ecosystems An aquatic ecosystem is a vital part of the Earth’s vigorous process and is indispensable for a sustainable Earth and its inhabitants. With aquatic ecosystems we have three different types: 1) Lentic, which is a slow moving body of water such as a pond, lake or pool; 2) Lotic, which is a faster moving body of water such as rivers, streams and oceans; and 3) wetlands, which serve as a filtration system between land and water, cutting down on pollution and providing nutrientsRead MoreFossil Fuels And Its Impacts On Society1506 Words   |  7 PagesEarth has provided us with various fossil fuels and natural resources that we need to live an adequate life. However, as fossil fuels dwindle and the human population continues to grow, the livelihood of humanity is threatened. Furthermore, the use of fossil fuels has several negative impacts on society. For example, fossil fuels pose a serious danger to the environmental through climate changes and global warming. Additionally, as fo ssil fuels become more scarce the prices will significantly increaseRead MoreHuman Health And Sustainable Development1563 Words   |  7 PagesSustainable development can be described as a method that allows us to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the potentiality of the future generations to meet their own needs. It is about improving the quality of lifestyle for humans by preserving the environment, using resources efficiently, protecting human health, and maintaining the required balance that is necessary in life. Over time, humans have attempted to achieve a more sustainable environment on earth. HoweverRead MoreWater Resource Management ( Wrm )1604 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction: Water is extremely vital for all forms of life, from microorganisms to humans to ecosystems alike. Water is a key factor in driving economic and social development within countries, impacting agriculture, energy, sanitation and health, gender equality etc (World Bank, 2014). For these reasons humans have invested an abundant amount of time, labor, and money into perfecting water infrastructures in an effort to provide water services for populations worldwide. Water resource managementRead MoreEnvironmental Impacts on UNICEF1581 Words   |  6 PagesEnvironmental impacts on UNICEF UNICEF is considered as an organization associated with g children and works for the protection, children development and protection in the world. It works in more than 155 countries and to improve vital elements such as, emergency relief, education HIV treatment, nutrition, immunization, and clean water and health systems. The main objective of UNICEF is to work together with communities to enhance children well being. It is a voluntary agency, which depends on

Computer, Robotics, And Automation Are Driving More And...

Computers, robotics, and automation are driving more and more of production. In turn this is leading to an enormous impact on the number and type of jobs. An Australian report released in June 2015 found that 40 per cent of the Australian workforce – or around 5 million jobs – are at high risk of being replaced by computers in the next 10-15 years. This backs up the Oxford Martin School’s 2013 study finding 47 per cent of jobs in the United States are at risk of being automated using artificial intelligence. We need to move urgently from a discussion about protecting the jobs of today, to creating the jobs of the future.1 3.2 Commercialisation and innovation There are significant emerging opportunities and challenges for commercialisation and innovation resulting from technological changes to becoming a more sustainable, broad- based economy: Reducing the tyranny of distance, boosting trade and creating new business models but also promoting outsourcing of work overseas. Internationalising labour markets are expanding the skilled labour pool. Developing commercially functional goods and services from new technologies often takes a lot longer than expected. Leveraging clean technologies to improve sustainability. Fostering entrepreneurship and addressing constraints for Kiwi companies. Addressing slow uptake of new technology due to redundancy risks or ease of sticking with the status quo and supporting workforce mobility. Managing business change in a disruptive andShow MoreRelatedThe On Ai Should Not Make Things Worse Essay1697 Words   |  7 Pagesit’s exactly that, artificial.[2] Another example of â€Å"laws† that are relevant to AI are the Rules and Principles that were created by Microsoft’s Satya Nadella. His rules are specifically designed so that only AI should obey. However his rules apply more to the social impact that AI should have on the general populous. His six principles state: 1: â€Å"AI must be designed to help humanity.† - AI should do things that humans can’t while still respecting the autonomy that humansRead MoreAutomation As A Self Regulating Process2559 Words   |  11 Pages Automation By Juno V Doliscar English IV Ms. LaShondra Fields 4th period 04/30/15 Automation is defined as a self-regulating process performed by using programmable machines to carry out series of tasks. Automation goes more steps further and now the process is not only supported by machines but these machines can work in accordance with certain programs that regulates the behavior of the machines. As some people may defined, automation is the application of machines to tasks once performedRead MoreI Robot1671 Words   |  7 Pagesin the decades to come. The research in artificial intelligence is advancing rapidly at an unstoppable rate. So while many people feel threatened by the possibility of a robot taking over their job, computer scientists actually propose that robots would benefit a country’s efficiency of production, allowing individuals to reap the benefits of the robots. For the advantage of all, researchers and analysts have begun to mend the past ideas of human-robot interaction. They have pulled inspiration fromRead MoreThe Dodd-Frank Act Ana lysis1425 Words   |  6 Pagesbalance sheets and disclosed to the public which were sound in order to instill more confidence within investors. In January of 2009, Congress launched the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The act invested in programs such as Head Start, as well as many construction projects, in order to create more jobs and put more money in the pockets of Americans. The rationale was that by having a job, workers would be more likely to spend money, which would thus improve the circulation of money in theRead MoreAutomation And The Workforce : Automation2116 Words   |  9 Pages Automation and the Workforce For Professor Zimmermann Technical Composition Instructor Milwaukee School of Engineering Milwaukee, Wisconsin By Callaghan T. Harden EN-132 Student February 10, 2015 Table of Contents Table of Figures i Abstract ii Introduction 1 What is Automation? 1 Benefits of Automation 1 The Disadvantage of Automation 1 Blue Collar Jobs 2 Transportation 2 Retail 2 Manufacturing 2 White Collar Jobs 3 Finance 3 Law 4 Science 4 The Problem 5 Conclusion 5 ReferencesRead MoreIntroduction Of Artificial Intelligence : Self Driving Cars1547 Words   |  7 PagesIntelligence Self-Driving Cars Description A self-driving car is an autonomous vehicle capable of achieving the human transportation capabilities of a traditional car. The vehicle is capable of sensing its environment and navigating without human input. These robot cars mainly exist as prototypes and are only used for demonstrations. Although they are likely to become more widespread, in the future. Self-driving vehicles sense their surroundings using radar, GPS and computer vision. Advanced controlRead MoreTechnology And Globalization And International Trade2154 Words   |  9 Pagescompanies have expanded their markets by implementing tools and by the customer and government regulation. With the rise of globalization, warehouses have become a more promenade asset and act as holding facilities until the goods are ready for transit. With the emergence of new innovations, warehouses and now been centrally located to attract more transportation activity transforming way logistics companies operate (Williams, O’Neil 2016). Distribution centers are being centrally located close to highwaysRead MoreA Outlook Into The Future Of Autonomous Vehicles1415 Words   |  6 Pagesimprovements to vehicular traffic: an increase in both highway capacity and traffic flow because of faster response times, less fuel consumption hence less pollution thanks to more foresighted driving, a nd hopefully fewer accidents thanks to collision avoidance systems. In addition, drivers can save time or even use commute time for more useful activities. In order for these vehicles to safely operate in everyday urban traffic, a quantity of problems in perception, object recognition, location and navigationRead MoreAnalysis Of Automation And The Future Of The Auto Transportation Industry2059 Words   |  9 Pagesof Automation and the Future of the Auto Transportation Industry Time and time again advancements in technology have assisted the evolution of mankind. Since Neanderthals began using stone instead of wood, and once again when ancient civilization began to use forging techniques and experimenting with different metals. This advancement continued into the 19th century when Europe and the United States went through the industrial revolution. The last revolution we went through was the computer revolutionRead MoreThe Technological Revolution2180 Words   |  9 Pagesnot own a computer or have credit cards, there is information on a computer somewhere about everyone. The technology which is just now beginning to be manipulated and harnessed is affecting the minds of small children and adolescents in ways that could be harmful. It is affecting our immediate future. It also gives another form of communication and exchange of information which was not available before, information that is both good and bad. Technology is one of the principal driving forces of

Second Treatise of Civil Government Summary free essay sample

John Locke talks about the Political Society and Government. He discusses how men are entitled to their own property. Lock talks about justice and how there is punishment for people who harm other peoples’ property. Locke talks about the power â€Å"of doing whatsoever he thought fit for the preservation of himself and the rest of mankind,† and the â€Å"power of punishing the crimes committed against that law. † Locke states that legislative power is the law of the land, and it is the most â€Å"fundamental natural law. † He talks about how legislative power is the power of the commonwealth. He makes 4 points about the trust put in the hands of society on legislative power. First, â€Å"They are govern by promulgated established laws. † Second, that the laws are ultimately for the good of the people. Third, that taxes can’t be raised of the people’s property, and forth, that the power can’t â€Å"transfer the power of making laws to anyone else. We will write a custom essay sample on Second Treatise of Civil Government Summary or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page † The final topic discussed is the Dissolution of Government. This topic talks about how men can’t make laws that bind other people to it. It also says that men cannot use force without having a right to do so, and a good reason to do it.

The Social and Economic Effects of Volcanic Eruptions Research Paper Example

The Social and Economic Effects of Volcanic Eruptions Paper Although there are many hazards on a physical geographic scale associated with volcanic eruptions, it is important not to neglect the havoc which also engulfs the social and economic world. Both social and economic effects occur on a spatial and temporal scale causing significant repercussions in a regional, national and even a global context. It is not only the initial eruption but the continuous secondary hazards, such as, lahars, pyroclastic flows and tsunamis that have the major impact on economic and social structures. It is these factors that are responsible for the great social losses in the sense of belonging and society, the human loss of life and the huge economic losses incurred from damaged infrastructures, business interactions and the general cost of re-building. It is therefore ironic that these great economic and social impacts often affect the most vulnerable people in the world. Global Economic Pressures The pattern of financial interactions between the industrialised North and Third World has significantly changed in the light of decolonisation. Demand in both agricultural and mineral exports dependant to many Third World countries has steadily declined, whereas imports have maintained high price rates, often leading countries to incur significant foreign debts. For example, Africa debt servicing amounts to approximately 40-50% of export earnings (ROAPE, 1990). Outcomes to such economic crisis and pressures has resulted in, on one hand, the intensification of natural resource exportation leading to further forestry and soil degradation, thus increasing natural disaster vulnerability (Tierney, 1992). On the other hand, reduction in public spending results in inadequate facilities; education, hospital welfare and safe infrastructures which are able to cope with natural disasters. We will write a custom essay sample on The Social and Economic Effects of Volcanic Eruptions specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The Social and Economic Effects of Volcanic Eruptions specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The Social and Economic Effects of Volcanic Eruptions specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Increase in vulnerability of a significant proportion of the urban population to natural disasters. This results from the fact that property owners faced with such high mortgage interest rates simply ignore maintenance. (Ford, 1987) Social Aspects vulnerability to hazard warnings Although there have been several successful evacuations through effective warning schemes, e.g., Mt Pinatubo, Mt Etna, a number of serious social negative effects may also result. Within these areas many sick and elderly people died due to the communal camp living conditions present in the evacuation areas. Cyclonic rainfall compounded volcanic ash falls exacerbating the unhealthy living conditions. In other cases panic evacuation along with the threat of blighted property and falling price values also affect the social matrix of the target area. Consequently, the risk of legal action can even make prediction in such areas politically unacceptable. It has often been argued that mass and total evacuation could constitute a disaster with a greater impact than that of a natural phenomenon. It has been stated that traffic problems and accidents could occur on a Herculean scale, crime and looting, great economic loss and an acute difficulty in maintaining public services on a regional and national basis could occur in addition to the increased risk to public health. In particular risks to public health would typically affect the displaced population, often through inadequate sanitation, the psychiatric stress of uncertainty and anxiety. Consequently great social and economic problems are often incurred. This is often exacerbated in evacuation situations and when predictions are subsequently wrong. For example, in 1976 73000 people were evacuated from the Caribbean Island of Guadeloupe in the Lesser Antilles. They remained displaced for a three and a half month period resulting in huge economic losses and great social strain on both the population and government. The volcano never erupted with only minor activity observed (Blong, 1984). In contrast, the products from volcanic eruptions can be highly beneficial to society (fertile soils). In 1992, Cerro Negro erupted near Leon in Nicaragua. A thick layer of ash was subsequently deposited giving rise to economic concerns involving agricultural practices. However, within 10 months farmers were reaping the benefits of bumper harvests (Baxter, 1993). Such benefits consequently constitute an extremely powerful social and economic force. In fact it has been suggested that people inhabiting these high-risk zones for such natural benefits are gamblers by nature. Policy Response and Mitigation On a positive note volcanic disasters can be used to change unjust social and economic structures. Popular development organisations can capitalise on a disaster event to challenge and possibly change vulnerable, unjust political, social and economic structures; Disasters will often set up a dynamic in which social structures can be overturned, and relief and rehabilitation judiciously applied can help change the status quo; while projects will be the models will be the models in micro-cosm that can be used to demonstrate to government the possibilities of a variety of ways of working. (Holloway, 1989) Secondly, Andersons and Woodrows (1989) notion of rising from the ashes depicts the strengthening of local institutions and the increased capability of families to reduce their own vulnerability. Is just as much a product of socio-economic factors as technical ones. The best hope for a communities recovery in a disaster is to have a history of strong organisation; it is to this end that local institutions must direct their efforts. (Dudley, 1988) Thirdly, disasters provide an opportunity to develop effective risk assessment with good cost-benefit arguments for protective measures. For example, In La Paz, Bolivia the World Bank has been offering encouragement to the Local Authorities. They calculated that disaster prevention would cost approximately US$ 500 000 in 1987 and a total of US$2.5 million (US$2.50 per capita) was needed. This amount in cost alone is greatly exceeded by annual losses incurred through natural disasters (estimated as being US$8 per capita). Therefore with this minimal level of funding, disaster mitigation could be both affordable and cost-effective to La-Pazs needs (Plessis-Fraissard, 1989) In conclusion, the impact of volcanic eruptions will only be minimised when decision-makers become more educated and aware that there is no such thigh as a natural disaster; at most, there is a conjuncture of certain physical happenings and certain social happenings.

Corporate Social Responsibility Concept in Modern Economy

Corporate Social Responsibility Concept in Modern Economy Abstract The 21st century is being insulated by a concept that originated in the 20th century called corporate social responsibility. Today, due to globalization and internationalization of businesses, most MNCs are under great pressure to embrace socially responsible behavior in their global operation. As this need arises, one is left to ask how well are MNCs able to develop and implement CSR policies in cultures that are diverse and largely heterogeneous from theirs.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Corporate Social Responsibility Concept in Modern Economy specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Other questions may include: Why is there much greater emphasis for CSR policies than earlier and why are most businesses voluntarily embracing the concepts of CSR? With wide adoption of CSR and companies jostling to design them, what are the overall effects of the policies on the performance of the business? How well can the CSR policies get integrated into the company’s strategy? Which are some of the dominant themes that guide the CSR policies today? These questions may seem to be ordinary but their relevance and implication to the business world cannot be bypassed or assumed. Therefore, this paper tries to generate detailed information through investigation and analysis of these concepts and largely give precise insights into the concept of CSR specifically in modern economy. Use of scientific data and information is what guided the research since it is only from such data objective information can be generated. What became true after the research is the fact that CSR as field still need more research work especially due to dynamism being experienced in the business arena. On overall, it was evident that CSR has become an integral necessity in most business and that success and growth of a business today depends on implementing a workable and sustainable CSR. Corporate Social Responsibility Introd uction The history of corporate social responsibility (CSR) dates back to almost one and half centuries where organizations discovered that, their role was not only obliged to profit making but also to the development of the wider society. Generally, CSR can be classified into four eras that defined the breadth and growth of the field. Murphy establishes that the period preceding 1950 was largely characterized as, ‘philanthropic’ era whereby most companies got involved in donating to charities[1]. Prior to the period 1953-67 classified as ‘awareness’ era, there was greater recognition of the larger responsibility of the business and subsequent involvement in various community affairs. During the period 1968-73 termed as ‘issue’ era, most businesses started to pay a lot of attention to the specific issues such as urban decay, racial discrimination, and pollution problems. Lastly, there was ‘responsiveness’ era which took place betwe en 1974-78 and beyond, in which business entities began to view management and organizational actions more seriously with aim of addressing the issues to with CSR[2].Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In 1953, Bowen published his book, ‘Social Responsibilities of the Business’, setting ground for the beginning of modern literature on corporate social responsibility. At that time, the author observed that numerous, larger business entities acted, and operated as critical centers of power and decision making where at the same time, actions implemented by the businesses in many ways touched the lives of people involved. In the Book, Bowen raised many questions, for instance, he asked, â€Å"what responsibilities to society may businessmen reasonably be expected to assume?†[3] In exploring the concept of social responsibility (SR) what exactly did Bo wen mean? Defining the concept, the author noted that it refers to, â€Å"the obligations of businesspeople to pursue those policies, to make those decisions, or to follow those lines of action which are desirable in terms of the objectives and values of our society[4]. Therefore, the concept of corporate social responsibility can be seen to have a relatively long history prior to its current usage and understanding. As a result, the aim of this research will be to explore the concept of corporate social responsibility with much emphasis on topical issues. These include, why modern businesses are increasingly engaging in corporate social responsibility issues; what constitute socially responsible behavior for the business as opposed to the management of corporate image management; and what are the predominant themes arising from the definition of corporate social responsibility and their conceptual value added. Other issues include how viable can CSR framework be linked to the busi ness strategy and which approach highlights can be considered for CSR across the six dimensions of a firm strategy; how can a model that bridges the gap between CSR definitions and strategy be developed; and lastly what is the impact of CSR on profitability, the benefits and criticisms against CSR. Relevant data and information will be generated from relevant scientific literature. National culture and social corporate responsibility GeertHofstede asserted that, â€Å"culture is more often a source of conflict than of synergy; cultural differences are nuisance at best and often a disaster†[5]. The author of the famous five cultural dimensions notes that people working in the international business are confronted with dilemmas on how people in those specific countries behave. Although humans generally assume that almost all people are the same, it generally becomes disastrous when certain ideas and styles are implemented in a particular country, leading to clash of cultures.Ad vertising We will write a custom report sample on Corporate Social Responsibility Concept in Modern Economy specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In developing the five-cultural dimension model, Hofstede studied each country and produced a score for the country based on power distance index (PDI), individualism (IDV), masculinity (MAS), uncertainty (UAI) and lastly, long term orientation (LTO) where every country appeared to be culturally different from the others based on these factors[6]. According to Ibrahim Nabir and Parsa Faramarz, concentration on the aspect of social responsibility by organizations is an issue that continues to confront many businesses. For instance, they view social responsibility as, â€Å"a process in which managers take responsibility for identifying and accommodating the interests of those affected by the organization’s actions†[7]. The authors note that there have been many actions and debates a mong many researchers which in turn have spurred the need for more diverse literature in the field of corporate social responsibility. Unfortunately, the diverse literatures touch little on the concept of national culture and the way it affects or influences corporate social responsibility (CSR). The observation made by the authors is that numerous existing literature and field data indicate that there is a significant impact of national culture on, managerial values, attitudes, styles, and perceptions depending on the operational environment[8]. In a detailed study carried out on national cultures of USA and France, the two authors categorize the work done by Bedeian where it was found out that, â€Å"it is a well-established fact that different cultures possess different organizational norms and behavior standards and that they recognize these as legitimate forms of influence†[9]. In another study of American and Australian students undertaking business courses, Dowling and Nagel found out that there existed certain differences between these two groups specifically in their work-related attitudes, a situation that made them to conclude that,† national culture has an impact upon the ethical beliefs and conduct of managers†[10]. Why modern business are getting involved in corporate social responsibility Carly Fiorina in 2003 noted that,Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More † for many years community development goals were philanthropic activities that were seen as separate from business objectives, not fundamental to them; doing well and doing good were seen as separate pursuits; but I think that is changing†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..cutting-edge innovation and competitive advantage can result from weaving social and environmental considerations into business strategy from the beginning†[11]. The above observation just indicates how social cause has become an issue in almost all quarters of life. In addition, key actors in society are more aggressive in promoting sustainable social welfare[12]. The dynamics taking place in the business sphere where many business players are yearning and struggling to create a more competitive, productive and knowledge-based economy is in turn forcing business entities to realize that ethics and social responsibility are vital and therefore should be given the necessary attention by businesses. Th e same businesses are operating the conviction that success in the market place has shifted and in future, it is greatly going to depend on the confidence and respect the people have in the specific business. Presenting as evidence is the fact that many actors in the field of business are being held morally responsible for the actions and that on increase is the fact that more individuals, firms and companies are in continuous process to improve their business practices. In this case, they are putting more emphasis on both legal and ethical behavior while at the same time accountability increasing at a faster speed. Consumers are the key stakeholders for any business entity to survive or grow. Earlier, it was considered that only employees were the vital aspects to the company but as reality continued to dawn, many of these businesses realized that consumers could not be sidelined and therefore most businesses have made it a duty to fulfill and to be careful with their social respon sibility towards their customers[13]. With regard to environment, humans beings together with other organisms depend on the resources present in the environment for their survival and as such, humans have an almost natural moral duty to take care of the environment and have respect to the natural order of things. When compared to other organisms, humans appear to have the role or responsibility of taking care of everything in the universe on behalf of the others. As a result, from the period of creation, although human was given insurmountable authority, the same is expected from him to protect the environment and not at all to disrupt the forces of nature[14]. In modern world, businesses have appeared to be benefiting immensely by utilizing environment to produce goods and services to meet the needs of the business to prosper; and as a gesture to show appreciation to the environment, businesses are obliged to design and establish corporate social responsibility policies with aim to preserve and maintain the balance of nature[15]. Further, Roa observes that modern businesses need to establish and implement corporate social responsibility policies emanate from the fact that most of these businesses are discovering that they need to establish good conducts and form positive images among the various people of the community. Because of such established association, there is likelihood that competitive advantage will be accrued on the part of the business. From this recognition many businesses worldwide are being motivated to respond favorably since such responses of being responsible has resulted into business improving in terms of financial performance and profitability, improved accountability and assessments from the investment community, enhanced employee commitment, decreased vulnerability through stronger relationships with communities and improved reputation and corporate image building. What constitute socially responsible behavior for the business? Today, corporate social responsibility is being undertaken more on voluntary basis rather than as a legal obligation. Although some legality are intertwined in some CSR, the dynamism and increasing stakeholders demand for businesses to be more responsible is acting out to be the firm premise upon which most businesses are forced to incorporate and implement corporate social responsibility. Francoise Quairel-Lanoizeelee makes precise argument by saying that CSR is connected with sustainable development. His claim is grounded in United Nations assertion that many corporations and businesses have a role, which they need to play in sustainable development, and this can be achieved by managing their operations and stimulating economic growth while in the same measure designing and implementing protection mechanisms and promoting social responsibility[16]. A derived idea from this is that a business or firm should be seen to be part of the society where its concern for environmental and social issues needs to be reflected in their strategic management plans and policies. When it spreads its wings into the international environment, the business is required to contribute to the solution of all vital problems concerning world politics specifically with regard to the environment, the fight against poverty, prevention of war and conflict without forgetting the promotion of human rights, good working conditions, and social stability. Francoise Quairel-Lanoizeelee finally concludes that, â€Å"corporate social responsibility implies the conscious contribution of the firm to engage in the problems of the world community as revealed by the different declarations and statements of intent by international bodies of the United Nations†[17]. Taking the case and argument by the European Commission, it becomes evident that for business to be regarded as socially responsible, it needs to show concerted efforts in promoting and enhancing human rights, the environment or good relat ionships with others key stakeholders[18]. The modern world can be seen to be transforming the institutions of economy whereby, to be viewed as socially responsible, efforts by the business in areas such as human rights issues, environmental degradation concerns and also world conflicts have to be largely reflected in the operations of the business. On their part, Kumar and Sharma observe that a business can qualify as a socially responsive entity when such business participates in finding solutions to social problems in the community. When the management of such business device initiatives to address the social problems then they are likely to receive considerable public approval for their actions. Therefore, today business is supposed to facilitate or show social-responsiveness that in turn contribute to social responsibility hence an entity is largely viewed to promote two broad themes of social responsibility: involvement in activities that are geared to prevention as well as so lving social problems; and organizations are seen to be the most effective problem-solving organizations in capitalist society[19]. The two authors go ahead to construct a continuum of social responsibility in which they identify the three meanings of social responsibility. First, on one extreme of the continuum is social obligation-which constitutes business behaviors that shows and reflects a business’s responsibilities as outlined both legally and economically. Second, the middle part of the continuum largely constitutes social reaction-which includes the behavior type that re generally demanded by various groups that are concerned with the actions of the organization. Lastly, the far extreme is composed of social responsiveness-that is, behavior that is largely a reflection of anticipatory, proactive and preventive expectations[20]. Specifically, a business will be socially responsible when, within its limits, it is able to provide the following eight categories of social ly responsible actions. A business should manufacture and distribute products and services that are safe, reliable and of exemplary quality; Fostering marketing practices, A business needs to be truthful and complete especially in its product advertising; Business employees should be effectively prepared to perform duties well and also be subjected to continuous re-training rather than laying off the employees when a new technology is adopted; With regard to the environment, a business is regarded to be socially responsible when it is able to implement a production technology that is able to reduce the amount of pollutants produced by the manufacturing process; With regard to employee relations, a socially responsible business is one that is able to provide benefits to employees while providing a satisfying and enriching job environment; With regard to do with employed minorities of the society, a business is seen to be socially responsible when it is able to provide and promote em ployment opportunities to the minority groups; Be able to participate in providing a clean, safe and comfortable working environment that enhances the safety and health status of the employees[21]. Therefore, for a business to be considered as socially responsible in terms of behaviors then it has to be seen or it has to integrate the above outlined measures in its management strategies. Predominant themes arising from the definition of CSR and their conceptual value added The recent decades have witnesses much involvement in seeking to understand better the concept of corporate social responsibility. First, many debates continue to revolve around the role that corporate social responsibility plays in the society, and as a result, standards governing CSR have been defined differently by the ideological orientation of each society[22]. The authors further notes that, â€Å"high performance and high integrity are good for the bottom line and that citizen require a rigorous, unwaveri ng compliance with the law that strictly blends and adhere to capital performance with integrity to never allow that commitment to corrode those principles†[23]. Critics of CSR pursue their stand by claiming that CSR possess the potential to be â€Å"insulated, self-serving and self-affirming-often to the detriment of the society where it is supposed to be social, political, technical, and financial benefit†¦Ã¢â‚¬ [24]. No fierce debate has been witnessed in CSR like that initiated by Milton Friedman in 1970, who boldly asserted that CSR was an absurdity. The period that followed witnessed those who supported and defended Milton on one side and those who criticized him on the other side. Friedman argued that companies that were publicly managed had only one responsibility-to increase profit for the organization which it him was an efficiency paradigm of organizational starling performance[25]. He went further to claim that companies should only give wages and salaries t o employees to a level they are able to operate efficiently while at the same time they should not hurry to pay taxes. Those who champion and defend this position claim that, there exists no any viable and exhaustive data, which explains or shows that there exists a positive relationship between the numerous activities of CSR and the corporate financial performance in terms of profits[26]. The modern themes underlying the concept of corporate social responsibility can be traced to the origin of the concept itself. For instance, Arthur Page, a renowned historian and editor of the World’s Work did a detailed work of analyzing the origin and development of the CSR concept. Working on the same works by Page, Remund did a literature examination of 180 issues of the World’s Work and noted that CSR rested on five key themes: â€Å"environmental protection, labor rights, consumer protection and education, child welfare and corporate transparency†[27]. During this period , Page was more involved in Agitating for,† sustainability in logging practices, labor rights for African-American cotton workers, better safety measures for underground miners, greater consumer education about investment banking, an end to child labor, and more corporate transparency†[28]. Prior to the year 2000, Crane, McWilliams and Matten noted that CSR themes were shifting from over-concentration on the theoretical orientation to empirical research and new modern themes revolved around stakeholders theory, business ethics, sustainability and corporate citizenship[29]. Writing during the same period in the year 2000, Bryan Husted developed and outlined a contingency theory of corporate social performance (CSP) where he advanced the argument that the theory fitted well between the nature of the social and its subsequent strategies and structures. As such, modern themes of CSR revolve around corporate social responsiveness, issues management, and stakeholder management [30]. During the 2001-2, other numerous researches were conducted that revealed the broadening themes in CSR. For example in 2001, Smith et al., examined the extent to which characteristics of diversity and stakeholder role influence corporate social orientation, and Jones and Murrell in 2001, established how a business public recognition for excellent performance has the ability to serve as a positive signal of the business performance to the shareholders. In 2001, Zyglidopolous studied the impact of accidents on a business’s reputation for social performance, and Schwartz and Carroll in 2003 developed and presented a three-domain approach that constitute the main themes of modern CSR and in the model the authors postulated that modern CSR themes centers on economic, legal and ethical aspects[31]. How viable can CSR framework be linked to the business strategy? Bilson writes that,â€Å"an effective strategic social responsibility framework aligns community efforts with core business strategy, company expertise and market needs†[32]. When a business is able to develop a strategy incorporating the three main actors outlined above, then possibilities are that the business will manage to empower the society in addition to building its own reputation and income stream. In creating a framework that aligns the business strategic goals to the CSR, key steps have been outlined which when followed, there will be numerous success. First, the business should develop a value proposition, on which abilities and guideline to sell corporate social responsibility needs to originate from the board. At the same time, the business needs to indicate to the board how viable the business will be socially responsible while the financial prospects and fortune of the business remains healthy and sound. Why is the board important in all these? The board as the vital organ of the business plays and assumes a vital role that frequently has been seen to â€Å"shape and deve lop the value proposition, especially when performing business performance management†[33]. Second, the business needs to engage the larger community, which will in turn lead to sustainability. Building on this premise, businesses are advised to seek by identifying the various social opportunities in which the business can get involved in, while at the same time remaining and improving long-term competitiveness of its overall business fortunes in the environment. As such, the business needs to draw wider participation of the community it is responsible to without removing or divorcing the business’s expertise from the process[34]. Therefore, the premise of this strategy I that the business while reinforcing and pursuing its strategic goals needs to modify value chain activities so that the larger society can benefit. Third, business needs to participate in a continuous process of measuring and weighing corporate social responsibility efforts and results. First, it is a basic fact that anything that is measured is the one that will be accomplished or one that will draw sustainable efforts to accomplish it. This fact does not run away from businesses that are involved in corporate social responsibility activities whereby they are required to establish sustainable measurability tools, which have the ability to conduct analysis in the most cost-effective, and beneficial way as far as CSR expenditure is concerned[35]. On his part, Collings Rebecca observes that for an organization or business to be regarded as socially responsible, it has to engage in promoting and facilitating good things specifically in the eyes of its stakeholders[36]. The process of finding out what each of these stakeholders considers, as the right thing generally has to involve carrying out dialogue with the concerned stakeholders then afterwards make changes to the existing business behavior. Again, how is behavior changes monitored? The suggestion given is that business should create sector benchmarks and other necessary performance indicators and the commitment of the business to fulfilling them should be characterized by continuous measurements. The author note that, â€Å"it is a forensic process that involves year-on-year data collection and analysis process, that apart from addressing the weaknesses and threats in the environment it should at the same time investigate and identify strength and opportunities present†[37]. Summarizing research on CSR strategy, WAL-MART publication outlined the basic but fundamental steps to realization of a viable CSR strategy. The advice was directed to businesses that senior leadership and management of the business has to make an authentic, firm, and public commitment to CSR efforts and also engage with them; determine top three business objectives of the company and develop CSR goals that will contribute to the achievement of those business objectives. After the process of determining business objectives has been done, there is now need to align goals with the firm’s core competencies; integrate CSR efforts into the governance of the business and into existing management systems; and lastly, there should be establishment of clear performance metrics, or key performance indicators to measure the impact of the CSR effort[38]. Which approach can be considered for CSR across the six dimensions of a firm strategy? Strategy has been depicted to be concerned with understanding and addressing issues that have the ability to influence a business potential and capability to realize its mission and broader objectives. Hence, within these perspectives, a strategy is concerned with six issues. What is business participating in order to realize long-term goals; what are the current internal and external issues that are likely to affect the business ability of realizing the established strategic issues; which markets offers the business the greatest chances to compete; what specific products a nd services suites the customers in the identified markets; how well is the business internally structured in terms of key resources; and which strategies can be adopted for the business to excel in the identified markets[39]. Developing a model, Carroll in 1979 identified key responsibilities of the firm to involve: the economic responsibility to generate profits; legal responsibility to comply to various laws and treaties that the business operate within; ethical responsibility to meet social expectations by avoiding social injury, respecting moral rights of people and largely doing what is right; and lastly, to foster those behaviors and activities the society deem to be right for the business. Therefore, in building a CSR strategy that address the six dimensions, the strategy should be based on mission that integrate strategic issues, competitive advantage, business resources, customer needs, and the market forces. In essence, these aspects will interrelate and interact to produ ce a viable CSR model that covers the six dimensions of the business strategy. What is the impact of CSR on profitability, benefits, and criticisms against CSR? Studies done have indicated that there exists a positive relationship between CSR and business financial performance. Studies by Beliveau, Cottrill and O’Neil in 1994; Sen and Bhattachanya in 2001; Rochlin, Witter, Monagah and Murray in 2005 conclude that, â€Å"CSR performance can increase market clout if it relates to product quality and consumer personal preferences views on key social issues†[40]. Further, research by Gildea in 1994 established that, when a business formulates good CSR decisions, there is high potential that the business will realize increased sales and good reputation on its management. Their data analysis also revealed that, 34 per cent of consumers expressed their position not to make any purchases from a business that they thought was unethical, 16 per cent demonstrated that they always seek information concerning a company’s practices and ethics before making any purchase decision, and another 50per cent of consumers indicated that they were not ready at all to make purchases in any company they perceive not to be socially responsible[41]. Although many other researchers have criticized the role of CSR claiming that it only siphon financial and other key resources of a business, the wide evidence shows that, CSR is becoming one of the determinant for a business to succeed and when a business is seen or regarded to lack CSR then it is as well as dead. Conclusion Globalization and internalization of businesses is bringing new challenges to both the corporate and social world. As business strives to produce goods and services using the available resources, it is becoming clear that social and environmental responsibilities are intertwined in most strategies of the business. CSR policies are becoming the new faces of modern business and those that have effecti ve CSR gain both social and economic approval from the public. Essentially, sustainable development, a new and widespread anthem in 21st century, is rooted in CSR hence making it a key priority for business to adopt them for survival. The overall observation that can be made I that when properly and efficiently designed and formulated CSR have the capacity to impact positively on the business in terms of financial performance and social approval. Bibliography Anderson, JW, Corporate social responsibility: guidelines for top management, ABC-CLIO, NY, 1989. Crane, A, A, McWilliams and D Matten, The Oxford handbook of corporate social responsibility, Oxford University Press, London, 2008. Galbreath, J, Building Corporate Social Responsibility into strategy, Curtin University of Technology, Australia, 2008. Kotler, P and N Lee, Corporate social responsibility: doing the most good for your company and your cause, John Willey and Sons, MA, 2005, retrieved https://books.google.com/books?id =2ppzhuJyyPgCprintsec=frontcoverdq=International+business+AND+CORPORATE+SOCIALRESPONSIBILITYhl=enei=ylC1TOmtOMah4Qa14K2gDQsa=Xoi=book_resultct=resultresnum=5ved=0CEgQ6AEwBA#v=onepageqf=false. Kumar, A, and R Sharma, Principles of Business Management, Atlantic Publishers and Distributors, New Delhi, 2000, retrieved https://books.google.com/books?id=zllZQ153nWwCpg=PA573dq=HOW+BUSINESS+CAN+BE+SOCIALLY+RESPONSIBLEhl=enei=qZm1TNfyOIOQjAfz-qW2Awsa=Xoi=book_resultct=resultresnum=2ved=0CC4Q6AEwAQ#v=onepageq=HOW%20BUSINESS%20CAN%20BE%20SOCIALLY%20RESPONSIBLEf=true Roa, FC, Business Ethics and Social Responsibility, Rex Bookstore Inc. Manila, 2007, retrieved https://books.google.com/books?id=SeBIFRqxrDACpg=RA1-PT143dq=why+businesses+are+emphasizing+corporate+social+responsibilityhl=enei=_n-1TNT5M9OSjAfzi_W9Awsa=Xoi=book_resultct=resultresnum=1ved=0CCgQ6AEwAA#v=onepageq=why%20businesses%20are%20emphasizing%20corporate%20social%20responsibilityf=false. Rendtorff, JD, Ethics and Legitimacy of Co rporations, Copenhagen Business School Press, Copenhagen, 2009, retrieved https://books.google.com/books?id=r0OaXokpW8UCpg=PA153dq=what+constitute+socially+responsible+behavior+for+the+business+as+opposed+to+the+management+of+corporate+image+managementhl=enei=V4u1TPOuHJCTjAfejaW_Awsa=Xoi=book_resultct=resultresnum=5ved=0CDYQ6AEwBA#v=onepageqf=false WAL-MART, Building your CSR Business Strategy, N.d, retrieved https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=vq=cache:Ca4m9T_o9ggJ:admin.csrwire.com/system/book_excerpt_pdfs/311/original/book_info.pdf+how+viable+can+CSR+framework+be+linked+to+the+business+strategyhl=engl=kepid=blsrcid=ADGEESglqleWQN6wTDaEdoCuhjfH2Af2HIBIpqxRvg-T6nltxNvNIZgCKJQyc9PTtkrSMae5YkkVrk0CVdo75oBTB7wg1lwsRENBQmXehyg5JDhSy0njDvgRT8_DEdFyENtiunkNqxrYsig=AHIEtbT-mm7zydsaBR5mXOAV-yz5L6l9QA Werther, W, and D, Chandler, Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility: Stakeholders in a Global Environment, SAGE, CA, 2010. Footnotes A Crane, A McWilliams and D Matten, The Oxford handbook of corporate social responsibility, UK, Oxford University Press, 2008, p.25 A Crane, A McWilliams and D Matten, P.25 A Crane, A McWilliams and D Matten A Crane, A McWilliams and D Matten G Hofstede, Geert Hofstede Cultural Dimensions, Itim International, n.d, p.1 geert-hofstede.com/ G Hofstede IA Nabir and P Faramarz, Corporate social responsiveness orientation: are there differences between U.S and French managers? Review of Business, 1 January 2005,p.1 highbeam.com/doc/1G1-132561424.html IA Nabir and P Faramarz, ibid IA Nabir and P Faramarz, ibid IA Nabir and P Faramarz, ibid P Kotler and N Lee, Corporate social responsibility: doing the most good for your company and your cause, MA, John Willey and Sons, 2005, p.1 P Kotler and N Lee,p.2 William Werther and David Chandler, Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility: Stakeholders in a Global Environment, SAGE, CA, 2010. Jerry W Anderson, Corporate social responsibility: guidelines for top management, ABC-CLIO, 1989. FC Roa, Business E thics and Social Responsibility, Manila, Rex Bookstore Inc., 2007,p.201 JD Rendtorff, Ethics and Legitimacy of Corporations, Denmark, Copenhagen Business School Press, 2009,p.151 JD Rendtorff, p.152 JD Rendtorff A Kumar and R Sharma, Principles of Business Management, New Delhi, Atlantic Publishers and Distributors, 2000,p.572 A Kumar and R Sharma,p.573 A Kumar and R Sharma,p.576 RL Heath and L Ni, Corporate Social Responsibility, Essential Knowledge Project, Institute for Public Relations, 2008,p.1 instituteforpr.org/essential_knowledge/detail/corporate_social_responsibility/ RL Heath and L Ni RL Heath and L Ni RL Heath and L Ni RL Heath and L Ni Science Blog, CSR origins earlier than supposed, 23 August 2010, p.1 http://scienceblog.com/37736/csr-origins-earlier-than-supposed/ Science Blog,p.1 A Crane, A McWilliams and D Matten,p.39 A Crane, A McWilliams and D Matten,p.39 A Crane, A McWilliams and D Matten,p.40 J Bilson, Framework for Corporate Social Responsibility, Online Article , 10 March 2010,p.1 suite101.com/content/framework-for-corporate-social-responsibility-a211771 J Bilson, p.1 J Bilson J Bilson C Rebecca, behind the brand: Is business socially responsible? Consumer Policy Review, 1 September 2003,p.1allbusiness.com/marketing/branding-brand-identity/942403-1.html C Rebecca,p.1 WAL-MART, Building your CSR Business Strategy, n.d,pp.7-9 J Galbreath, Building Corporate Social Responsibility into strategy, Curtin University of Technology, Australia, 2008,p.2 RL Heath and L Ni,p.1 RL Heath and L Ni

The Victorian Era essays

The Victorian Era essays Characteristics During the Victorian Era When imagining the Victorian Age, royalty, fancy lifestyles, and elaborate living often come to mind. However, during this same era, other lifestyles and conditions of a completely different nature were occurring. Many of the English people lived in poverty. Charles Dickens, one of the great writers of this period, described how it was to live during the Victorian Era. Although England grew from an agricultural to an industrial society, not all citizens benefited from this change. In addition, the undesirable health and medical environment plagued both the wealthy and the poor. Charles Dickens was a profound British writer who composed novels, short stories, dramatic works, poetry, and essays (Charles Dickens 1). He was born on February 7, 1812 in Portsmouth England where he was the second of eight children (Perdue 1). His father John was a minor government official as a clerk in the Navy Pay Office: he was then transferred to Somerset House in London. The family moved to Chatham in the Medway Valley, where Charles experienced the most glorious part of his childhood (Perdue 1). After moving back to London, John Dickens had a tendency to live beyond his needs, spending all the money he earned, and was sent to Marshalsea debtors prison in 1824 (Charles (John Huffam) Dickens 2). Starting at an early age, Dickens was taught at home by his mother Elizabeth, and later attended a Dame school in Chatham. Even though he had received a decent education, he felt very unsuccessful since his sister Frances was winning awards studying at The Royal Academy of Musi c, while he was still a mere boy (Charles (John Huffam) Dickens 2). According to David Perdue, Charles was removed from school and sent to work at a boot-blacking factory earning six shillings a week to help support the family. Charles considered this the worst time in his life, which would...

Surfing Culture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Surfing Culture - Essay Example Educational systems have changed; students are given the chance to learn different communities and their cultures, inter-country school programs have changed the perception of culture exclusion. Many multinational industries help in exposing certain cultures and people to the world through their commercials enabling people learn and practice what they come across as a way of appreciating different cultures. Surf culture has been in existence since nineteenth century but became more popular in the twentieth century. Surf over several years ago was associated with the quasi religious practices which highlighted on the significance of valuing natural world and the spiritual way of being. It is said that surf culture originated from Hawaii (Taylor 925). This sport was dismissed by the missionaries as it was associated with laziness of the Hawaiians who could not do any other job but to practice their life style which led to a drop in the number of people surfing. Most of these individual s who value surfing are found living along the coast. It was until the late 20th century when female beings in the community fully ventured into the activity (McGloin 79). Surfing is a sporting activity which has influenced the lives of several people in the United States. Surfing in not only a culture exclusive to one community but is appreciated globally in running marketing promotions, sporting, tourism and for scenic and aesthetic attractions (Taylor 928). Outsider perspective Surfing has been associated with economic development in United States of America; its contribution to the economy through tourism, commercial industry and as a sporting activities. Surfing as a sporting activity in United States of America has been upheld and upgraded in that it is being held annually. People have a chance to expose their talent which they had not been able to through other activities. It is a very relaxing activity which any body can take part in as long as the individual has the passion and interest for it. It does not have to be the Hawaiians. In the process of organizing the sport, tickets are sold, many business individuals can sell more of their products to the participants and the spectators resulting into an improved business returns. McGloin states that the sport had not gained popularity among the female but the perception has changed over time where ladies have engaged themselves (68). The competition draws competitors from different parts of the country, people with different cultures and interests. Employment opportunities have been realized from surf in various parts of United States because clubs and associations were formed and managers were on demand. Local and international tourism has been promoted by surfing both as a culture and as a sport. Many people who live along the coastal areas especially the beaches spend most of their leisure time in the sport. It is a source of joy to most of them (Wagner, Nelsen & Walker 2). International tourisms mos tly visit California which was one of the towns where surfing was established in U.S. The amount of revenue tourists pay to the government of U.S is huge. Tourists enjoy watching the activity that pay a lot of money just to have more opportunity to observe the surfers. The beautiful scenery and the artistic features associated with surf are great. Visitors

Global Media Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Global Media Management - Essay Example However based on the target audience the product display and message varied for majority of the companies. There are some aspects of any website that determine its satisfaction such as navigability, playfulness, information quality, trust, personalization and responsiveness. According to Todaro (2007) the value prepositions offered by website is interactivity, integration of multimedia, real-time buying behavior of the consumers and consumer response, electronic commerce and return on investment. Internet marketing consists of search engine optimization, online advertisement, pay per click campaigns (PPC), e-commerce, online permission marketing and promotional e-mail (Todaro, 2007). However the website or virtual presence is usually practiced with the other strategies for by the marketers today. In the case of skin care products, the consumer involvement increases with increasing price of the product and brand name. Consumers may be involved in the point of purchase behavior where they buy product when it is physically displayed in a retail outlet. In the case of online purchasing, it can be more for the repeat purchase that a consumer can place an order. The websites ranking high in terms of traffic are effective in their product display, gaining viewers’ attention and retaining the attention by providing informative content to them. Most of the popular skincare companies provided details on the product effectiveness, how it works and what is special in it which makes it effective. On the other hand the websites with low traffic have dull presentations of products; information is very limited or presented in uninteresting manner and dull color scheme of the website. There were visible difference in the way products were displayed and web pages were navigated in the websites that were receiving heavy flow of traffic. There were some known brands which have market reputation and

Guarding Our Ecosystems - Marshlands and Wetlands Essay Example for Free

Guarding Our Ecosystems Marshlands and Wetlands Essay In the last decade, the conservation of our ecosystem has gained high importance. The last few years have seen a considerable jump on awareness of the conservation of marshlands. Marshlands or wetlands are areas which are transitional between terrestrial and aquatic systems. Here the water is usually at the surface. The land is covered by stagnant water that does not exceed 6 meters. They are considered important as they are home to various species of flora and fauna. Wetlands covers 6 %of the earth`s land surface. This includes marshes, mangroves fens, swamps, lagoons etc. They store water for a long period of time and help keep floods in check. They also prevent coastal erosion. Despite the fact that these marshlands are important the reduction in the levels of these areas are very apparent .The government, in a census, has identified 648,507 hectares of wetlands in India and it has estimated that freshwater wetlands constitute up to roughly 20% of the biodiversity in India. Studies have proved alarming levels of marshland destruction in India. This level has been estimated by experts at up to 2-3% reduction per year. Pallikaranai Marsh Pallikaranai is locally known as Kazhiveli (a generic Tamil name for marshes and swamps). It is situated in Chennai and is one such important marshland which has been in the preview of the government and NGOs alike. This marshland is a 50 km wetland located in the South of Chennai. Pallikaranai Marsh has the most diverse natural habitats of the country with over 330 species of plants and animals. According to a census taken by an NGO group Namma Pallikaranai, the heterogeneous ecosystem of the marshland supports about 337 species of flora and fauna. Of the faunal groups, birds, fishes and reptiles are the most prominent. Further it has been identified that Pallikaranai marsh is home to 115 species of birds, 10 species of mammals, 21 species of reptiles, 10 species of amphibians, 46 species of fishes, 9 species of molluscans, 5 species of crustaceans and 7 species of butterflies. About 114 species of plants are found in the wetland including 29 species of grass. The problem Pallikaranai is facing the problem of reduction of the marshland. The area of  the Pallikaranai marshland has been reduced to a mere 600 hectares from the original 6,000 hectares. The government, however, has protected only 317 hectares Construction of buildings in the surrounding areas of the marsh has been one of the factors to this reduction of the levels of the marshlands. The marsh is also contaminated with millions of liters of untreated sewage. The main problem, however, is the dumping and burning of garbage. Over 250 acres of the marsh is covered by the citys garbage as this is one of the major dumping grounds. The garbage is dumped in the marsh and later burned. According to a survey conducted by the pollution control board, the levels of respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPM) is double than the permissible level of 100 micrograms per cubic meter. This could cause harmful effects to the residents near the marsh area. Burning the garbage also kills the different plants and animals in the marsh. There have been a significant number of birds and animals which were found dead due to the spreading of fires. â€Å"We have complained several times. But garbage is still being burnt in the marshes. The pollution when the garbage is being burnt is affecting us a lot†, says Uma .P, a resident of the area. Government steps A project on ‘Inland Wetlands of India’ commissioned by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India had prioritized Pallikaranai Marsh as one of the most significant wetlands of the country. The government has taken various steps to preserve this marsh. The High Court of Madras has passed laws regarding the preservation of Pallikaranai marshland, which in its rulings have stated provisions to conserve the marsh The High Court has also stated that an alternative place must be decided by the corporation for a place to dump the corporation waste. Further, the High Court has prohibited burning of waste in the marshlands. The main proposal of the Tamil Nadu government notification, 320.17 hectares (790.82 acres) of Pallikaranai marshland as reserved forests and to evict occupants who are not authorized to be there from the reserved area has been implemented. Some parts of the marsh have come under the forest department and have been recognized as a reserve by the government. This has come after a delay in providing the land since 2011. They have provided the 170 hectors to complete the restoration of the marsh. Restoration of these marshes has  started. This move of the government has been welcomed by the residents of the area. â€Å"I hope no more garbage will be dumped and burned in the marsh as this has caused major pollution problems in this area. The government must ensure that such problems don’t occur in the future† Says Rashmi.G , a resident of Pallikarnai Experts have stated the need to establish a single coordination agency with all stakeholders like environmental activists, government officials and researchers to establish the restoration of this project. The government, with the agenda of conserving the marsh has sanctioned a programme to take up a restoration project which is estimated to cost Rs.15.75 crore along with this a boost of R.s 5 crore has been provided to increase and restore the Pallikarnai marsh. The conservation plan according to an official report by the environment ministry states that the restoration plan includes the removal of weeds, formation of bunds, dredging water courses and forming a nature trail alongside the boundary of the marshland. This will take around 5 years for the government to complete its restoration plans for the Pallikaranai marsh.

Patriot Act 2: The Domestic Security Enhancement Act :: essays research papers

Patriot Act 2: The Domestic Security Enhancement Act   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  After the horrendous terrorist attack on the New York Trade Center a new Bill was passed by congress shortly after September 11, 2004. This bill is known as The Domestic Security Enhancement Act also called Patriot Act 2. This bill was designed as a follow-up to the USA Patriot Act to work in increasing government surveillance, detention and other law enforcement powers while reducing basic checks and balances on such powers. By the beginning of the year 2003 a draft of the legislation was available.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Amongst the most severe problems the bill diminishes personal privacy by removing checks on government power, diminishes public accountability by increasing government secrecy, and diminishes corporate accountability under the pretext of fighting terrorism. Also the bill undermines fundamental constitutional rights of Americans under overboard definitions of â€Å"terrorism† and â€Å"terrorist organization† or under a terrorism prete xt. Furthermore, unfairly targets immigrants under the pretext of fighting terrorism. (http://www.aclu.org/Safeand Free/SafeandFree.cfm?ID=11835&c=206)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Patriot Act 2 would give more power to the government, eliminating and weakening many of the checks and balances that remained on government surveillance, wiretapping, detention and criminal prosecution even after passage of the USA Patriot Act. The Patriot Bill was drafted by the Bush Administration that would expand law enforcement and intelligence gathering authorities, reduce or eliminate judicial oversight over surveillance, authorities secret arrests, create DNA database based on unchecked executive â€Å"suspicion,† create new death penalties, and even seek to take American citizenship away from persons who belong to or support disfavored political groups. A few renditions and provisions of the bill is explained in the next few paragraphs. These are only a few of the examples of the powers the new bill will give the government. (http://www.cdt.org/security/usapatriot/030210cole.pdf)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In Section 201 authorizes secret arrests, overturning federal court decision requiring government disclose identity of persons it has detained during the 9/11 investigations. This part mandate that all arrests in connection to international terrorism investigations remain secret until indictment is filed. In our history we have never permitted secret arrests, it contradicts our rights and liberty.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In Section 312 end the consent Decrees Against Illegal Police Spying. Automatically eliminating any consent decree governing police spying abuse entered before 9/11 no matter the basis of the pronouncement. This section states that it would eliminate consent pronouncements for the future with respect to police spying, and place substantial restrictions on judicial injunctions   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In Section 503 provide the Attorney General unchecked power to deport foreign nationals, including lawful permanent resident aliens.

African American Cultural Assessment Essay

Abstract In order to provide culturally appropriate care, an examination of one’s personal views, beliefs, and prejudices must be examined. The first portion of this paper will examine my personal values, beliefs, biases, and prejudices. The remaining paper will analyze the African American culture relating to the Ginger and Davidhizar’s Transcultural Assessment Model cited in Hood (2010). This model uses six key cultural elements that include communication, space, social organization, time, environment, and biological variations. This model provides a systematic approach for assessing culturally diverse clients. I will also discuss an aspect of care that I would advocate a change in my clinical practice for the African American population. Cultural Self-Assessment Culture is one of the most basic elements that makes up the identity and personality of each individual. Every individual has their own culture rooted from the community they lived in and the family they grew up making up the personal identity people have in the general society Personal views, aspects of reasoning and judgment and the general logical thinking of an individual are affected significantly by the culture he or she has. In this aspect, the entire well-being of a person depends greatly on his or her culture. Becoming aware of how your actions and cultural beliefs affect the patients that you deal with is important. Thus, a person must regularly assess himself because an action or a mere word done or spoken by a nurse can be misunderstood by these patients coming from different cultures Being an American born and lived all my life in New Bedford, Massachusetts, culture has really affected me as a person. My mother and grandparents were born in Portugal and this gave me a variety of culture since we all know that New Bedford is a melting pot of cultures. Portugal possesses rich cultural inheritance from European, African, and North American cultures. Aside from that, mainly Portuguese and Hispanic people populate the community where I live in. These further made me grow as an individual that is rich in cultural inheritance. I am a person who has a Portuguese lineage, since my grandparents were natives of Portugal and a person who grew up in a community wherein Portuguese people mainly inhabits the land. Having an ethnic identity as a Portuguese American who acquiring the Portuguese cultures and practices surrounding me molded me as to who I am now. This ethnic affiliation will always be a part of me, my friends, and my family. Each cultural belief that I introjected within has already affected how my mentality works, and how my feelings reacts. Family and friends have always served as my fortress in time of trials and difficulty. They remain as my comfort zone whenever I feel so down. They are the main support people in my life from which I extract my energy from. Adopting this belief from my parents and from the community I live in is one of the proofs that the culture of the people around me had affected me well. Living with people who provide high regards to friends and families will make you have the similar perspective too. My culture does not affect much my preferences with medical treatments. In line with this, being an independent person, the decisions for my health mainly comes from me since I am the owner of this body. My family and friends will surely voice out their concerns, but it does not mean that I have to follow them, I might consider it but what would really matter will be my decision for my own health. As of what I have observed in my family, especially among my grandparents, the family is mainly a patriarch form of family. Decisions mainly depend on my grandfather since he is the father and the man in the family. Especially among Portuguese, it was noted that people in Portugal gives higher regards to male than to female. They still have this belief that a woman shall always be better than woman. However, in my case, growing as an American with a Portuguese lineage, things were far more different. I grew up having giving importance to democracy and equality. Voices of the female are now more heard, and I think male and female are both equal. This is because I think they have equal abilities, as well as, equal rights. Living in a community filled with Portuguese people made me learn English and Portuguese. Aside from that, my grandparents required me to learn those languages too, especially Portuguese which is their main language in their main land. However, the primary language that I utilize in everyday conversation is English and the secondary language that I know is Portuguese. However, most of the time, I am comfortable with non-verbal forms of communication, especially doing hand gestures. I am more expressive with this form of communication because I think it can bring many messages to the people that I interact with. With a mere wave of a hand, it can show joy, respect, accommodation, or even comfort to those people you interact with. Being a Roman Catholic is very importance to my daily life because this gives me support, comfort, and security whenever difficult situations occur. This belief helps me to cope with the trials I face by knowing that there is a supreme being up there that is in control of everything. That the God whom I know as my Father, my King, and my Savior loves me so much and will never forsake me whatever happens. Daily life gives us opportunities to grow with our spiritual relationship with God by walking each day with him, and applying his will and commandments in everything that we do. Foods are one of the things that I truly enjoy. I do not have any prohibitions whenever it comes to food. I know how to eat a variety of foods. I do not have any food allergies that might prohibit me from eating other foods. As long as it is clean and digestible, I can definitely give it a shot. Currently, I am in a relationship with my boyfriend of eight years who is interracial himself. My work provides me career growth and financial security that I definitely need to support myself. I have no issues with the job that I have right now, since it suffices the finances that I have. Nevertheless, of course, like anyone else, an opportunity for greener pastures will be much appreciated and entertained when it comes. Being a nurse, I am aware of all the possible medical treatments that can be done to each person experiencing illness. Even though I know how much these practices could help me survive various predicaments in health, I still prefer not to undergo through some of it in case I will encounter them in my life one day. I do not have problems taking medications and intravenous lines; however, I really do not want to be intubated at end of life decisions. I know how awful it seems, and how difficult is it having a tube being attached to me. I also do not want to live on life support because I think that such modalities only prolongs the agony that you feel. It has been my personal belief ever since that when the time comes that God wants to take the life He has given me, nothing can prevent that. As a Catholic, I believe that birth is a gift of life from God. Thus, I definitely go against with abortion, which kills an innocent child’s life. With regards to death, I believe that after death, the soul goes to purgatory, and God will judge you whether you will go to heaven or to hell. However, with regards to miracles and afterlife, I do not think that these are rational. As a person, I give high regard to a person’s hope. I believe that hope is essential for a person to live the life we have, and to fight the everyday battles that we face. Without hope in our lives, we lose the chance of living and enjoying the life we received from God. Instead, we become a living corpse, a person who is literally living physically yet the inside of the heart is as cold as a corpse, because he has no hope and no joy for anything. Cultural Assessment and Analysis Paper on African American Population The population that interested me to do additional research is African American population. The total population including all races and ethnicities in the United States is 308 million. After researching on the U. S. Census Bureau, I found 39 million African Americans live in the United States. One of the most glaring disparities is apparent in the African. American community, where 48% of adults suffer from a chronic disease compared to 39% of the general population (Health Reform, 2009). The CDC states that in 2004, African Americans had the highest age-adjusted all-causes death rate of all races/ethnicities (CDC, 2008). African Americans have become susceptible to many diseases and health problems throughout the last number of years. The male and female citizens of the African American population have been struggling with high rates of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, cancer rates, stroke, diabetes, asthma and HIV/AIDS just to name a few. African Americans have numerous health risks as well such as; higher incidence of homicide, lower physical activity levels, obesity, cigarette smoking, alcohol abuse, incarceration, unintended pregnancy, and untreated dental carries (Hood, 2010). Despite remarkable improvements in the overall health of our nation during the past couple of decades, compelling evidence suggests that our nation’s racial and ethical minority African Americans suffer increasing disparities in the incidence, prevalence, mortality, and burden of diseases and adverse health outcomes compared with white Americans (Copeland, 2005). The predominant barriers to accessible health care services for African Americans include inability to pay for services, lack of transportation and childcare, decrease understanding of treatment plans and inability to incorporate prescribed health plans into daily living patterns (Russell & Jewell, 1992). Furthermore, the African American population’s cultural beliefs and health practices have a significant impact upon their well-being regardless of their educational levels and income. Therefore, these health beliefs and practices affect utilization of contemporary health-care service delivery systems even when other barriers have been eliminated. Differences in health beliefs and practices can be observed among African Americans in varying age groups, socioeconomic levels, and geographic locales. The commonalities include religious orientation, social support networks, and inform health care systems (Russell & Jewell, 1992). Religion is a focal point within the lives of African Americans. Many African Americans characterize health as a continuum evolving around mind, body, and spirit. African Americans also have large support systems including nuclear and extended families. They would rather rely on someone who may not be related by blood or marriage than to receive help from community agencies. Informal health care systems within the African Americans community often are consulted. A study showed that African Americans used an informal social network rather than receiving professional health care. Instead of consulting appropriate personnel, they are consulting family members and friends in regards to their personal health problems. This could be a factor in why the health disparities in this particular population are greater than any other race or ethnicity. The Ginger and Davidhizar’s Transcultural Assessment Model focuses on cultural elements. The model includes six cultural phenomena: communication, time, space, social organization, environmental control, and biological variations. These provide a framework for patient assessment and from which culturally sensitive care can be designed. In the following paragraphs, I will begin to talk about each key element and how it corresponds to the African American population. Communication is meaningful because of the culture that frames it, and culture must be expressed to exist. Communication is seen as a problematic part of cultural affiliation and not as caused or predicted by affiliation. Miscommunication is a frequent problem in hospitals. The most obvious is when the patient and hospital staff does not speak the same language. Although the dominant language spoken among African Americans is English, there is a way of speaking among some African Americans that sociolinguists refer to as African American English (AAE) (Campinha-Bacote, 2009). These terms include Black English, Ebonics, Black Vernacular English (BEV), and African American Vernacular English (AAVE) (Campinha-Bacote, 2009). They also prefer the use of nonverbal communication. Therefore, as nurses we should be able to provide care to African Americans without there being a language barrier present. In addition, a head nod does not necessarily mean agreement and when asked personal questions on initial contact with a person it may be viewed in their eyes as intrusive. Space refers to the distance between individuals when they interact. All communication occurs in the context of space. There are four distinct zones of interpersonal space: intimate, personal, social and consultative, and public. Research on use of space among African Americans is mixed. Some studies indicate that, in race-matched pairs, black children will stand closer to each other during conversation than white children do. Other research has shown that African American adults employ a greater public distance from each other than compared when interacting with family and friends. They also prefer close personal space and touching another’s hair is considered improper. African Americans tend to be late for appointments because relationships and events may be deemed more important than being on time. Social organization refers to the manner in which a cultural group organizes itself around the family group. Family structure and organization, religious values and beliefs, and role assignments may all relate to ethnicity and culture. African American’s have many female single-parent families. They are also known for large extended families, in which elders are respected. There preferred religion is Protestant (Baptist), majority of African Americans have a strong church and social affiliations. In 2005, the National Institutes of Health urged African Americans to use family reunions as venues for discussions about diabetes and kidney disease—diseases that disproportionately affect this group (McCoy, 2011). Time is an important aspect of interpersonal communication. Time orientation varies according to age, socioeconomics, and subgroups and may include past, present, or future orientation. Preventive health care requires some future time orientation because preventive actions are motivated by a future reward. African Americans time orientation is present over future. Environmental control refers to the ability of the person to control nature and to plan and direct factors in the environment that affect them. African Americans have traditional health and illness beliefs. They also are known to use folk medicine; the folk healers are root workers. Some African Americans, particularly of Haitian background, may believe in sympathetic magic. Sympathetic magic assumes everything is interconnected and includes the practice of imitative and contagious magic. Contagious magic entails the belief that once an entity is physically connected to another, it can never be separated. This type of belief is seen in the practice of voodoo, when an individual will take a piece of the victim’s hair or fingernail and place a hex, which they believe will cause the person to become ill (Campinha-Bacote, 2009). To African Americans God is thought to be the spiritual healer. Biological differences, especially genetic variations, exist between individuals in different racial groups. Although there is as much diversity within cultural and racial groups as there is across and among cultural and racial groups, knowledge of general baseline data relative to the specific cultural group is an excellent starting point to provide culturally appropriate care. Nutritional preferences for African Americans include fried foods, and among pregnant women pica ingestion. African Americans are susceptible to many health conditions such as; keloid formation, lactose intolerance, sickle cell anemia, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, thalassemia, sarcoidosis, hypertension, coccidioidomycosis, esophagus and stomach cancers. African Americans are at greater risk for many diseases, especially those associated with low income, stressful life conditions, lack of access to primary health care, and negating health behaviors (Campinha-Bacote, 2009). The greatest risk factor for cardiovascular disease and heart attacks amongst African Americans is hypertension. Compared with hypertension in other ethnic groups, hypertension among African Americans is more severe, more resistant to treatment, and begins at a younger age, and the consequence is significantly worse, including organ damage (Brewster, Van Montfrans, & Kleijnen, 2004). African Americans also have an overall higher cancer incidence and mortality rate than any other race African Americans suffer from certain genetic conditions. Sickle cell disease is the most common genetic disorder among the African-American population, affecting one in every 500 African Americans. In addition to sickle cell disease, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, which interferes with glucose metabolism, is another genetic disease found among African Americans (Caminha-Bacote, 2009). African Americans also metabolized certain drugs differently such as immunosuppressants, antihypertensive, cardiovascular, antiretroviral, psychotropic drugs. After reading through several articles and journals regarding African Americans there are many areas that I would advocate for change but if I had to choose just one, I would pick HIV/AIDS. Many African-Americans are at high risk for HIV infection, not because of their race or ethnicity, but because of the behaviors, they may engage in. As with other ethnic/racial groups, HIV risk depends not on who you are, but on whether you engage in risk-taking behaviors with an HIV positive partner, and whether you have access to care, education and prevention services. The greater number of people living with HIV in African American communities and the fact that African Americans tend to have sex with partners of the same race/ethnicity means that they face greater risk of HIV infection with each new sexual encounter (CDC, 2011). Lack of awareness of HIV status can affect HIV rates in communities. Late diagnosis of HIV infection is common, which creates missed opportunities to obtain early medical care and prevention of transmission to others (CDC, 2011). This disease/illness can be prevented if maximizing the effectiveness of current HIV prevention methods. Implementing programs that teach individuals how to get tested for HIV and prevent the spread of the infection to others. The CDC has set up numerous activities within the communities to address prevention and spread of HIV. For example, The Act against AIDS campaign encourages African American women to get tested for HIV. In 2010, the CDC also began an Expanded Testing Initiative (ETI) for individuals to be tested for HIV. Even though there are multiple resources available to the African American population, I believe stigma, fear, and discrimination are a risk factor in which why they are afraid to be tested. Working in a hospital facility for almost over a year already, I have only been across two individuals who were tested for HIV/AIDS. After learning so much about African Americans and their numerous health disparities this particular infection, can be prevented. It amazes me that in 2009, black men accounted for 70% of the estimated new HIV infections among all blacks. By the end of 2008, an estimated 240,627 blacks with an AIDS diagnosis had died in the U. S. (CDC, 2011). After researching African Americans this particular race/ethnicity bares the most health disparities of all. A major aspect is the quality of the relationship with a health care provider, which is linked to patient satisfaction, adherence, and health outcomes. If African Americans feel that their provider has been, disrespectful they may not return for treatment, may try another provider, or may change their health care plans. This may be an enormous reason why the health disparities are the way they are in African Americans. Success in eliminating disparities in health care access and utilization requires all professionals to critically examine their own biases and to adopt the values and behaviors needed for social change. References Brewster, L. , Van Montfrans, G. , & Kleijnen, J. (2004). Systematic review: Antihypertensive drug therapy in Black patients. Annals of Internal Medicine, 14(18), 614-627. Campinha-Bacote, J. (2009). Culture and Diversity Issues: A Culturally Competent Model of Care for African Americans. Urologic Nursing, 29(1), 49-54. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2008). Highlights in Minority Health & Health Disparities. Retrieved from http://www. cdc. gov/omhd/Highlights/2008/HFeb08. htm Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2011). HIV among African Americans. Retrieved from http://www. cdc. gov/hiv/topics/aa/PDF/aa. pdf Copeland, V. C. (2005). African Americans: Disparities in Health Care Access and Utilization. National Association of Social Workers, 30(3), 265-270. Health Reform. (2009). Health Disparities: A Case for Closing the Gap. Retrieved from http://www. healthreform. gov/reports/healthdisparities/ Hood, L. , Leddy, S. (2010) Conceptual Bases of Professional Nursing (7ed. ) Philadelphia: Lippincott William & Wilkins. McCoy, R. (2011). African American Elders, Cultural Traditions, and the Family Reunion. Generations-Journal of the American Society on Aging, 35(3), 16-21. Russel, K. , Jewell, N. (1992). Cultural Impact of Health-Care Access: Challenges for Improving the Health of African Americans. Journal of Community Health Nursing, 9(3), 161-169. U. S. Census Bureau. (2010). County Business Patterns and Demographics. Retrieved from http://www. census. gov/cbdmap/.

Controversy Behind Qatar 2022 Bid

Qatar 2022 On 2 December 2010 it was announced that Qatar would host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, after the FIFA Executive Committee voted in a secret ballot in Zurich. The government of Qatar’s successful proposal bid defeated four other candidates to stage the 2022 edition of the world’s greatest sporting event: Australia, Korea Republic, Japan and the United States of America. Qatar, with a population of 1. 69 million people will be the first Arab state to host the World Cup. Consequently, Qatar is the smallest nation, both by relative population and by area, ever to have been awarded the tournament hosting privilege. The Qatar bid was emphasized as the only one representing the Arab World (which has never hosted a World Cup prior) and positioned their bid as an opportunity to bridge the gap between the Arab World and the West. Their hosting of the 2006 Asian Games as well as the 2011 Asian Cup proved to legitimize their capabilities of hosting the tournament. Further, its superior financial capabilities were evident in their proposals for new stadia and infrastructure. While the decision on 2 December 2010 brought delight to Qatar, it inversely brought concern and controversy in the West. A number of rival candidates, western groups and media outlets have expressed concern over the suitability of Qatar to host the event, with regard to climatic conditions, interpretations of human rights, press freedom and allegations of corruption. Climate: Winter World Cup? The World Cup is traditionally held in the northern hemisphere’s summer. During this season in Qatar, the temperature can get to 50  °C  (122  Ã‚ °F). The Qatar bid’s chief executive, Hassan al-Thawadi has attempted to quell fears of an unbearable environment by stating â€Å"heat is not and will not be an issue† and that the 2022 World Cup would benefit from â€Å"state-of-the-art air cooling technologies. † The Qatar 2022 Bid’s official site explains this: â€Å"Each of the five stadiums will harness the power of the sun’s rays to provide a cool environment for players and fans by converting solar energy into electricity that will then be used to cool both fans and players at the stadiums. When games are not taking place, the solar installations at the stadia will export energy onto the power grid. During matches, the stadia will draw energy from the grid. This is the basis for the stadiums’ carbon-neutrality. Along with the stadiums, we plan to make the cooling technologies we’ve developed available to other countries in hot climates, so that they too can host major sporting events. † This method of cooling techniques is theoretically able to reduce temperatures from 50 to 27 degrees Celsius. The bidding committee also proposes to use such cooling technologies in fan-zones, training pitches and walkways between metro stations and stadiums. However, the architect in charge of one of the venues has abandoned their project claiming that a more old-fashioned solution would be cheaper and better. Leading firm Populous, which is designing the Sports City stadium in Doha, is trying to persuade Qatari organizers to scrap plans to have air conditioning at the venue. Populous director John Barrow said the system is too expensive and â€Å"notoriously unsustainable† for the environment when used on a large scale. Given the debate on the subject, a proposal of hosting a â€Å"Winter World Cup† has arisen. Backed by the likes of Blatter and Platini, the proposal suggests for the tournament to be held in January of 2022, rather than the summer. Blatter has told reporters â€Å"Personally, now that the decision has been taken [to have the tournament in Qatar], we must play at the most adequate period to have a successful World Cup and to have a successful World Cup we have to do it when it is best for the actors which means winter. † However, Mr. Blatter has failed to provide a solution on the effect it would have on European domestic leagues which operate in this period. There is nothing in FIFA’s rules to prevent a host changing the time of year when a World Cup is played. It is only tradition that dictates this. And the FIFA executive committee has the authority to change any aspect of the World Cup after the decision is made. Worker’s Conditions Given its lack of sporting infrastructure, the Gulf state must build nine football stadiums in the next ten years- and they’ll be using primarily migrant labor (over 90% of Qatar’s workforce is made up of foreign migrant workers). Trade union activists are now lobbying FIFA to highlight what they say are poor working conditions in Qatar. International trade unionists say FIFA has the power to impose decent working standards on Qatar and will campaign for the tournament to be moved unless FIFA presses for better conditions. If Qatar is unable to support the tournament on its own, Secretary-General Jerome Valcke has suggested the tournament be shared with neighboring states, such as Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. Alcohol and Homosexuality Qatar is not a dry country. Alcohol can currently be consumed legally in a few clubs, bars, certain hotel restaurants, and the Pearl Island by showing your passport for reporting. Hassan Abdulla al Thawadi, chief executive of the Qatar 2022 World Cup bid, said the Muslim state would also permit alcohol consumption during the event. Specific fan-zones will be established where alcohol can be bought. Though legal with a permit, drinking in public is not permitted as Qatar's legal system is based on  Sharia  law. The selection of Qatar as hosts attracted controversy, as  homosexuality  is illegal in Qatar. FIFA President  Sepp Blatter  stated that â€Å"we (FIFA) don't want any discrimination. What we want to do is open this game to everybody, and to open it to all cultures, and this is what we are doing in 2022. Corruption: Bribery Scandal Six members of Fifa’s executive committee — a quarter of the membership – were accused by Lord Treisman (Chairman of England’s bid) of â€Å"improper and unethical behaviour† with two members, Issa Hayatou, of Cameroon, and Jacques Anouma, of Ivory Coast, alleged to received $1. 5 million each in bribes from the Qatar 2022 bid in exchange for their votes. The bribery allegations against Qatar were made in evidence from  The Sunday Times  and published by the committee. As a result, in November 2010, two ExCo members,  Reynald Temarii  and  Amos Adamu, were banned for one and three years respectively. Temarii was also fined 5,000 Swiss Francs, while Adamu was fined 10,000 Swiss Francs. More corruption allegations emerged in the summer of 2011. In May, ExCo member Chuck Blazer claimed fellow members Mohammed Bin Hammam and Jack Warner offered bribes for votes in the upcoming presidential election. As a result of this scandal, Bin Hammam stood down from the June 2011 presidential election and FIFA later suspended both he and Jack Warner. Sepp Blatter stood unopposed and won the election with 186 out of 203 votes. Bin Hammam’s suspension had been met with widespread anger in the Middle East- He was subsequently banned for life in July. Warner responded to his suspension by exposing an email by Valcke in which the Secretary-General suggested Qatar had â€Å"bought† the right to host 2022 tournament. Valcke defended his statement, insisting he was referring to Qatar using financial muscle to lobby legitimately for votes. â€Å"They were a candidate with a very important budget and used it to heavily promote their bid all around the world in a very efficient manner,† he said. â€Å"I have made no reference to any purchase of votes or similar unethical behaviour. Qatar 2022's bid team said they â€Å"categorically deny† any wrongdoing, and asked for clarification from FIFA on the meaning of the Valcke e-mail. Nevertheless, the scandal has raised concerns over $10 billion of investment and development contracts related to stadiums and hotels for the World Cup in Qatar. Possibility of a Re-Vote Given the developments in corruption and bribery scandals, as well as questions concerning the Qatar’s capabilities of hosting the tournament effectively, there is a ground swell of popular support to re-hold the 2022 vote won by Qatar. Blatter has said that a FIFA inquiry into persistent and increasingly detailed claims of corruption could lead to the Executive Committee (ExCo) making the unprecedented move of rerunning the vote. Blatter also conceded that support for re-running the vote was â€Å"circulating around the world†. Such a move would be a monumental embarrassment to FIFA but that has to now be balanced with the equivalent embarrassment of more allegations leaking out.