Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Improwing Service Delivery in University of Derby Research Proposal

Improwing Service Delivery in University of Derby - Research Proposal Example University collaborations at all levels are important to delivering world-class research and strengthening the overall contribution of the laboratories to the nation's research enterprise. In addition, the interaction with university researchers increases the quality and impact of the user facilities and helps to improve them. b.) Project the necessary security facilities and assistance that the university can provide to foreign and local students. Other helpful facilities can include a university cafeteria, cultural book shop, mini grocery, wi-fi zones, sport facilities, and parking spaces. Since the investment is financially feasible, the dormitory could be built in the future. (i)To evaluate the benefits or otherwise of these facilities provisions to both the university and students' communities. (ii)To critically analyse the effectiveness of these facilities in the university communities. (iii)To suggest guidelines for improving and enhancing these services. Forte (2003) stated that some US colleges have adopted SEVIS in order to monitor and access current information on nonimmigrant students which is a way of protecting the safety of the student body. Charles Fletcher Jr (2005) stated that the University of Delaware has built a comprehensive identity management infrastructure using Siemens' HiPath Security solutions. The users adopt a credit card-sized SIcurity smartcards which manages the students' access to both physical facilities and information systems. Another system, the MetaDirectory coordinates with on-campus database applications to ensure that identity information such as electronic access credentials, is always current. The system provides a single point of access that processes requests when enabling and revoking users' security privileges. The smartcards provide tamper-proof storage for passwords and account numbers. With a single sign-on process, any student with an authorized ID and password can use the card to access t he internet and applications on school computers.Coppola et.al., (2001) discussed the establishment of the department of corporate security services for John Hopkins Medical Center in 1994. This in-house security team did a thorough

Monday, October 28, 2019

Different types of news reporting on Steven Regrave Essay Example for Free

Different types of news reporting on Steven Regrave Essay For my media coursework I will be looking at different types of news reporting on Steven Regrave and his fifth Gold medal win. The papers I will be looking are the observers and The Daily Mirror. I will follow the coverage of the British coxless fours triumph in the rowing event final in Sydney 2000. Also I will be looking at the ways Television and Internet are you used for a good reason at showing the news. I will compare each and find out which is the best resource for the news. Newspapers Tabloid The tabloid newspaper I shall be covering is the Daily Mirror. The Daily mirror is a very simple newspaper to pick up and read. If you walk into a Newsagents today and look around you will recognise this Tabloid newspaper, as it has a big picture covering most of the front page, bright colours and large words. Also normaly the main news story will have a clever pun in the title: Oarsome Foursome which is the same pun I used for the title for my essay. All these pictures, bright colours and large font all catch the eye, which will possibly make you pick up the newspaper. The Daily Mirror always uses catchy clever witty puns, which often make people laugh and grin. These puns attract people to reads the paper as it gives a sort of comic relief from possible grim news. The Daily Mirror uses a lot of subtitles and quotes between large pieces of text, which breaks up large reading which makes the tabloid so easy for quick and simple reading for lets say the average man. What possibly makes the papers easy to read its basic Layout, which contains many pictures of the days news. Sydney 2000 was no different. Many different pictures showed all events particuly English athletes competing especially Steven Redgrave going for his fifth gold medal. Lots of pictures make it easy for the eye. In this tabloid newspaper you can look at the newspaper and you will get the story without having to read. The paper consists of many little sentences which give you a sense of what is happening but makes it a lot easier and quicker to read. The mirror article provided very basic information with short interviews and direct speech, to make up for lack of solid facts. Possibly what makes the daily mirror or any other tabloid newspaper so quick to read is the language used. Language is simple quick and short to read Broadsheet Broadsheet newspapers such as the Observer are, almost the complete opposite of Tabloid newspapers such as the daily mirror. For a start the front main page does not consist of bright colours or large coloured words across the whole page. The first thing noticeable about a front page of a broadsheet is the title every single time is normaly very serious which gives an impression that the story being covered will have immense detail, which makes people who are interested in the story a good idea what to expect. Also there are very few subtitles within the text of the story. This makes the contents flow quickly.

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Grapes of Wrath :: essays papers

Grapes of Wrath The Grapes of Wrath: The Purpose of the Interchapters Initially, I found the interchapters to be annoying, interruptions to the story. It was only when I realized the point in having the interchapters that I understood that not only did they not interrupt the story, but they added to it tremendously. The interchapters provide indirect comments or general situations which suggest something about the personal tragedies of the main characters. These comments and situations help give the reader an understanding of what the characters are going through by either showing metaphorically their present or future triumphs and struggles or explaining the history of the period that they lived in. Chapter three is an interchapter. It describes a concrete highway that a land turtle struggled to cross. The turtle was finally almost there when it was hit by a truck and its shell was chipped and it was thrown on its back. The turtle had to struggle even hard but it did get going again. This chapter represented the continual struggle of that the Joads would have to face throughout the entire story. Throughout the novel the Joads meet many hardships. They are forced to leave their home, lose family members such as the grandparents and Noah, work for low wages, and suffer from hunger floods and cruel prejudices in California. But, just as the turtle refused to be swayed from his purpose so will the Joads. Chapter five is an interchapter that discusses a tractors hired by banks or a corporations that would come to the land and plow through it, destroying everything in its path. The chapter is an abstract conflict between the tenant farmer and the banks and shows the pain of a tenant farmer upon leaving the land that was settled by their grandfather. The tenant farmer was so upset that he threatened to shoot the driver . Another chapter describes a tenant farmer who has to leave and is cheated into paying to much for a car. Chapter nine describes the generalized families who must sell their sentimental goods at absurdly low prices. These chapters present the situations which the Joads come across very soon. The Joads have to leave their land and sell all their things.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Youths Are Overly Dependent on the Internet’

In today’s world, it is not surprising to find teenagers, even young children, using the latest gadgets on buses, trains or even in restaurants. If you ever try to think about the last day you went without the Internet or cell phone, chances are you would have a hard time coming up with the answer. Youths, also, eventually have developed a dependency on the Internet to socialize with their friends or search for information to an extent that they lack interaction skills.Actually, the Internet’s not too bad. It’s usually the number one thing youths use because of all its possibilities – to download homework, research, chat with friends and make plans. The Internet has also made it much easier to stay in touch and make new friends. Furthermore, teachers have also taken advantage of the advancements to develop some sense of responsibility in the students by moving away from some pen-and-paper to more interactive online assignments.However, with the fact that t he web is accessible almost everywhere, through data roaming on smartphones or connecting the laptop to free Wi-Fi at shopping malls, a research showed that teens spend an average of 20 hours a week in front of a computer or television. With so many distractions around us, when are teens supposed to make time to hang out with friends or relax with their families? Many youths are also unaware of the kind of personal information they put online for the world to see.For instance, some youths will post about when they are leaving for their vacation for a period of time on social network sites Facebook and Twitter, without thinking of the consequences such as strangers emptying their house when they are away. One of the biggest problems for children is not that they are vulnerable but that their parents don’t know what they’re doing. Furthermore, a recent survey concluded that 75% of those aged between 16 to 24 years old couldn’t live without the Internet. It is unde niable that the chance for danger exists when using the Internet, specially for youths. There is definitely a high chance that future generations of young people will only increase their dependence on computers and as long as the Internet exits, there will be risks. The best thing for youths to do is educate themselves regarding the Internet, to know what not to do and understand how to protect themselves. In a world where technology is becoming more and more prevalent, everyone must learn to cope with the risks if they are to continue enjoying the benefits. Youths Are Overly Dependent on the Internet’ In today’s world, it is not surprising to find teenagers, even young children, using the latest gadgets on buses, trains or even in restaurants. If you ever try to think about the last day you went without the Internet or cell phone, chances are you would have a hard time coming up with the answer. Youths, also, eventually have developed a dependency on the Internet to socialize with their friends or search for information to an extent that they lack interaction skills.Actually, the Internet’s not too bad. It’s usually the number one thing youths use because of all its possibilities – to download homework, research, chat with friends and make plans. The Internet has also made it much easier to stay in touch and make new friends. Furthermore, teachers have also taken advantage of the advancements to develop some sense of responsibility in the students by moving away from some pen-and-paper to more interactive online assignments.However, with the fact that t he web is accessible almost everywhere, through data roaming on smartphones or connecting the laptop to free Wi-Fi at shopping malls, a research showed that teens spend an average of 20 hours a week in front of a computer or television. With so many distractions around us, when are teens supposed to make time to hang out with friends or relax with their families? Many youths are also unaware of the kind of personal information they put online for the world to see.For instance, some youths will post about when they are leaving for their vacation for a period of time on social network sites Facebook and Twitter, without thinking of the consequences such as strangers emptying their house when they are away. One of the biggest problems for children is not that they are vulnerable but that their parents don’t know what they’re doing. Furthermore, a recent survey concluded that 75% of those aged between 16 to 24 years old couldn’t live without the Internet. It is unde niable that the chance for danger exists when using the Internet, specially for youths. There is definitely a high chance that future generations of young people will only increase their dependence on computers and as long as the Internet exits, there will be risks. The best thing for youths to do is educate themselves regarding the Internet, to know what not to do and understand how to protect themselves. In a world where technology is becoming more and more prevalent, everyone must learn to cope with the risks if they are to continue enjoying the benefits.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Compare the presentation of love within the three sonnets studied Essay

The three sonnets that I studied were, â€Å"How do I love thee? † by Elizabeth Barret-Browning, â€Å"Let me not to the marriage of true minds† by William Shakespeare and â€Å"Since there’s no help let us kiss and part† by Michael Drayton. Of these three there are numerous differences and similarities. It is known that at the time of writing her sonnet, Elizabeth Barret-Browning was happily married to Robert Browning, but without the consent of her father. They moved to Italy where she began to use the Petrachan form of sonnet. At the time when William Shakespeare wrote he was known to have already established himself as an actor and playwright and was working for the leading company, the Lord’s Chamberlain’s Men. In Drayton’s sonnet we see that he was a contemporary of Shakespeare, this poem comes from a long sequence of sonnets called ‘Idea’s Mirror’. These sonnets were all inspired by his unrequited love for Anne Goodere, although he himself never married. As with Shakespeare his use of personification is extremely effective. Although their styles differ all three poets are speaking of their love for another person. Elizabeth Barret-Browning writes to her husband and as a women writing, it is written in a tender and soft tone. Her language and style used is incredibly dramatic. To begin with Browning presents her love to her husband in a very private and loving way. She uses language and expressions like; â€Å"I love thee to the depth and breadth and height My soul can reach,† Browning writes from a female point of view and wants to make a commitment to her husband. The ideas of love in the three sonnets differ, as Drayton’s love is unrequited and he is not writing in a reality, he has no one to write to. With Browning we know that she is writing to her husband and making a dedication to him. She writes in a serious yet, immensely loving form, we can tell from reading her sonnet that her husband is her life and the love she feels for him is described as endless. We see that Shakespeare writes in an incredibly confident manner, he is not writing to a person, as such, so his style differs from that of Browning or Drayton. Shakespeare’s sonnet is an explanation of love, he writes in his opinion and of how love can conquer all. As we know that Browning is a woman, her style and tenderness differs terribly from that of Drayton and Shakespeare. Drayton’s intention in his sonnet is to try and win over his idol of love, Anne Goodere. His efforts are useless and in his sonnet he says he wished to make himself free, so we can see that he does not enjoy the love he feels for Anne and wishes to be free of it. The name of his sonnet being, â€Å"Since there’s no help, come let us kiss and part. † Meaning since they can no longer resist each other, let us have one kiss and part each other’s company. He does achieve what he’s trying to do, as when reading this I truly understood how he felt, he was trying to depart from this love. Drayton goes onto say: â€Å"And I am glad, yea, glad with all my heart, That thus so cleanly I myself can free. † He means that now, after this kiss, he is glad, extremely glad that he can get over the possessive love he once felt for her. We can clearly see that Browning’s intentions are to make it perfectly clear to her husband and tell him exactly how she feels about him. She achieves this brilliantly and by her use of such outrageous, yet hooking lines, detailed with words and phrases such as, death, she produces her amazing sonnet: † -and, if God choose, I shall but love thee better after death. † She talks of her after life and hopes that she will be allowed to spend it with him. Shakespeare intends to convince and tell every one of his thoughts on love, he is so confident that he is correct and that everyone will agree with him that he ends his sonnet with the rhyming couplet; â€Å"If this be error and upon me prov’d, I never writ, nor no man ever lov’d. † Thus showing that if this sonnet is wrong and proved to be then he never writ it and noone ever loved. This can also be interpreted as Shakespeare being cocky, he is quite sure of himself and the accuracy of his sonnet that he is willing to make an extreme statement. The general tone of Browning’s sonnet is a heart felt, true expression of her love for her husband, she counts the numerous ways of how she feels and lines such as; â€Å"With my lost saints, – I love thee with the breath, Smiles, tears, of all my life! † Showing that she loves him with the most powerful feelings of all she has experienced in her life, her tears and smiles and the breaths she take each day. This differs from Shakespeare as he has a general confident manner and is stating the feelings and meanings of love. He uses personification in the lines; â€Å"Love’s not Time’s fool, though rosy lips and cheeks Within his bending sickle’s compass come; Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks, But bears it out even to the edge of doom. † Meaning that love is not timed, it has no schedule of when to begin and cease, but reaches until the end, when death occurs. Love does not change over hours and weeks it stays constant until the brink of Judgement Day, death is it only let out. He shows how love, if true, will stay with the lovers until death. Compared to Browning’s and Shakespeare’s general tone, Drayton does not use the powerful and heart felt tone that Browning does, neither does he state a general meaning for love, as with Shakespeare. He seems to tell a story, or rather a tale, which he longs to happen between him and the one he loves, his love is not returned. He knows this and so at the end of his sonnet he uses the rhyming couplet; â€Å"Now if thou wouldst, when all have given him over. From death to life thou mightst him yet recover. † This tells us that Drayton is willing to wait for his love, saying that if they ever change their mind, eh will be there waiting for them. He uses the form of a dramatic monologue and therefore does achieve a passionate sonnet. Shakespeare uses the rhyming form of abab cdcd efef gg. This enhances his poem and the rhyming couplet at the end of the sonnet changes the tone right at the end. This is effective and can give a totally different meaning. This structure gives his sonnet a flow and the language used works perfectly. We can see that his presentation of love and the way it is structured means that Shakespeare is an extremely experienced poet and writer. Browning uses Petrachan form in her sonnet and gives it the rhyming form of abbaabba cdcdcd, this is also known as an eight line section, known as the octave, followed by a six line section, known as the sestet. There is also a break in the thought and tone of the sonnet between these two parts. With Drayton his structure shows us that he was around at the same time as Shakespeare and uses the same rhyming scheme and couplet to finish. This again proves to be very effective and leaves the extra statement of the end to seal the sonnet to his love. All three of the sonnets are extremely original and all excellent. However, Browning seems to use the most powerful structure, source and form as it is written purely from her heart. All three sonnets flow very exceedingly well and have a good structure behind them. In comparison to Shakespeare, Browning’s use of structure is the most varied. It lends itself well to her meaning and rhyming such lines as; â€Å"I love thee to the depth and bredth and height My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight† Just increases the exaggeration of the rhyme, the meaning is therefore exerted and we find ourselves wanting to reach on. Shakespeare use of rhyme in alternate lines is also effective and lends itself well to his language and style used. The words â€Å"fixed† and â€Å"wand’ring† are designed specially for this sonnet, as there must be ten syllables and 5 stresses in a Shakespearian sonnet. Shakespeare’s use of language does not differ very much from Drayton as they were written around a particular period. Although in Drayton’s sonnet he is infact talking of getting rid of love and how he will feel after it has gone, he seems to want to be relieved of the feelin, Shakespeare however is talking of how great love is and how it does not alter. In comparison Browning’s sonnet is the most different out of all three in her presentation of love. Her compassionate tone and kindhearted comments rule over he sonnet and seem to guide her to all correct places of describing. The effectiveness that Shakespeare, Browning and Drayton all have is one to make us all want to experience love. The three very different sonnets are similar in their presentation of love, as they all enjoy it, apart from Drayton who now wants to be free of the hold it has on him. But as we can learn from Shakespeare, Drayton may find it hard to do so.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

fast fish loose fish essays

fast fish loose fish essays In chapter 89, Melville continues to provide more knowledge of the whaling industry, furthermore comparing it to certain things in life. The chapter deals with the definitions of a fast fish and a loose fish. These definitions have a double meaning because they are not only referred to in terms of whaling but also on a complex level with life. In the previous chapter, Schools and Schoolmasters, two types of schools are discussed, one, which is composed entirely of female whales and the other of young bull whales. Following Fast Fish Loose Fish is a chapter called Heads or Tails. This chapter is also another informative chapter in which Ishmael relates another law about the possession of whaling. The chapter suggests the impossibility of knowing the future like the heads and tails. In chapter 89, Melville for the very first time allows the reader to feel a part of the book. Melville asks continual questions about the readers life as a fast fish or a loose fish or even both, yet at th e same time, providing information related to the political laws of whaling of the world. Melville explains that the laws of whaling derived not from a formal code but from the customs, practices, and understandings of the whalers themselves. The only formal whaling code authorized was that of Holland. The laws were so tersely comprehensive that Melville states, they might be engraven on a Queen Annes farthing, or the barb of a harpoon, and worn round the neck, so small are they.(393) He then continues on discussing the peculiar cases about the possession of whales previously chased or killed by another party. Melville claims it is despicable and outrageous moral injustice in doing such acts. An England case is mentioned in which the possession of a whale is argued over, and is compared to a case about a lady being harpooned and abandoned becoming a loose fish. Melville is strongly against the laws of po...

Monday, October 21, 2019

Free Essays on Causes Of Teen Alcoholism

Speech: Causes of alcoholism among teenagers Today I am going to be talking about the causes of alcoholism among teenagers. Why do teenagers drink alcohol? Why do they get drunk when they go to pubs? All of us have been very well informed about the adverse psychological and physical effects alcoholism may have on ourselves and to our peers. I am not here to discuss about these effects, but instead to point out the underlying causes of alcoholism among teenagers. What makes teenagers dependent on drink or in some cases addicted to drink? Researches have categorized these causes into three main categories: social, psychological and biological. Out of which I’ll point out the social and psychological factors of alcoholism. Everyone wants to be popular and â€Å"cool† and be accepted by people, it is a basic human need. Nobody wants to be left alone or isolated, or be called as a â€Å"loser†. Among teenage circles, alcoholism symbolizes unity, friendship and sociability. And it is a mean by which teenagers can quench their thirst for acceptance by a group. Teenagers go through a difficult time of rebellion, one of the characteristics of adolescence. We all have frequent arguments and little petty fights with our parents. This truly expresses our general rejection of conventional adult standards. This is another cause of alcohol use and possible abuse youths. The third cause is a symbol of aggressive and masculine behaviour. As we all know, it is more commonly found in boys. Teenagers like to create their sense of power and authority for themselves, by being able to outdo the next person in drinking competitions. Such competitiveness is conducive to an abusive drinking style. Teenagers find themselves in a stage between childhood and adulthood. Teenagers try to imitate others and want others to recognize them as adults. There is a belief among teenagers that drinking symbolizes adult status, and therefore b... Free Essays on Causes Of Teen Alcoholism Free Essays on Causes Of Teen Alcoholism Speech: Causes of alcoholism among teenagers Today I am going to be talking about the causes of alcoholism among teenagers. Why do teenagers drink alcohol? Why do they get drunk when they go to pubs? All of us have been very well informed about the adverse psychological and physical effects alcoholism may have on ourselves and to our peers. I am not here to discuss about these effects, but instead to point out the underlying causes of alcoholism among teenagers. What makes teenagers dependent on drink or in some cases addicted to drink? Researches have categorized these causes into three main categories: social, psychological and biological. Out of which I’ll point out the social and psychological factors of alcoholism. Everyone wants to be popular and â€Å"cool† and be accepted by people, it is a basic human need. Nobody wants to be left alone or isolated, or be called as a â€Å"loser†. Among teenage circles, alcoholism symbolizes unity, friendship and sociability. And it is a mean by which teenagers can quench their thirst for acceptance by a group. Teenagers go through a difficult time of rebellion, one of the characteristics of adolescence. We all have frequent arguments and little petty fights with our parents. This truly expresses our general rejection of conventional adult standards. This is another cause of alcohol use and possible abuse youths. The third cause is a symbol of aggressive and masculine behaviour. As we all know, it is more commonly found in boys. Teenagers like to create their sense of power and authority for themselves, by being able to outdo the next person in drinking competitions. Such competitiveness is conducive to an abusive drinking style. Teenagers find themselves in a stage between childhood and adulthood. Teenagers try to imitate others and want others to recognize them as adults. There is a belief among teenagers that drinking symbolizes adult status, and therefore b...

Sunday, October 20, 2019

Book Summary for Siddhartha

Book Summary for Siddhartha Siddhartha is a novel by German author Hermann Hesse. It was first published in 1921. Publication in the United States occurred in 1951 by New Directions Publishing of New York. Setting The novel Siddhartha is set in the Indian Subcontinent (Islands off the southeastern tip of the  Indian  peninsula), is often considered a part of the  subcontinent. during the time of the Buddhas enlightenment and teaching. The period about which Hesse writes is between the fourth and fifth century BCE. Characters Siddhartha - the protagonist of the novel, Siddhartha is the son of a Brahmin (religious leader). During the course of the story, Siddhartha journeys far from home in search of spiritual enlightenment. Govinda - Siddharthas best friend, Govinda is also searching for spiritual enlightenment. Govinda is a foil to Siddhartha as he is, unlike his friend, willing to accept spiritual teachings without question. Kamala - a courtesan, Kamala acts as the ambassador to the material world, introducing Siddhartha to the ways of the flesh. Vasudeva - the ferryman who sets Siddhartha on the true path to enlightenment. Plot for Siddhartha Siddhartha centers on the spiritual quest of its title character. Dissatisfied with the ritualistic religious upbringing of his youth, Siddhartha leaves his home with his companion Govinda to join a group of ascetics who have renounced the pleasures of the world in favor of religious meditation. Siddhartha remains unsatisfied and turns to a life opposite to that of the Samanas. He embraces the pleasures of the material world and abandons himself to these experiences. Eventually, he becomes disillusioned with the decadence of this life and again wanders in search of spiritual wholeness. His quest for enlightenment is finally achieved when he meets a simple ferryman and comes to understand the true nature of the world and himself. Questions Consider the following while reading the novel. 1. Questions about the character: What significant differences are there between Siddhartha and Govinda?Why does Siddhartha continue to question and explore different philosophies and ideas about religion?Why does Siddhartha reject the teachings of the Buddha?In what way is Siddharthas son like his father?Explain the dual role of the ferryman. 2. Questions about the theme: What role does the natural world play in the thematic development of the novel?What is Hesse saying about the quest for enlightenment?How does the internal conflict of Siddhartha add to the archetypal theme of Man vs. Himself?In what way does love confound Siddhartha? Possible First Sentences Like many great novels, Siddhartha is the story of an individual in search of answers about himself and his world.The idea of spiritual enlightenment is very complex.Siddhartha is a revelation of Eastern religion and philosophy.

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Accounting is not a root cause of the financial crisis, but it has an Essay

Accounting is not a root cause of the financial crisis, but it has an important role to play in its resolution - Essay Example The United States of America was the epicenter of this crisis. The sub-prime crisis caused many key businesses to close down and equity markets all around the world recorded tremendous decrease of their respective indices. This financial crisis almost created mass scale unemployment around the world. It is very interesting to study the role of financial accounting in this crisis. Many experts have expressed the view that the method of fair value accounting have exacerbated this crisis but did not initiate it. The first part of this essay will aim to analyze the role that fair value accounting played during this crisis and whether it has enhanced the crisis or not. Second part of this essay tries to find out whether accounting can provide remedial solutions to this crisis. Role of accounting in the financial crisis According to Financial Accounting Standards, even in the absence of active market or during unfavorable market conditions the banks are required to calculate the values of its assets which will be different and lower than the true value. The final figures of various financial instruments like the Credit Default Swap are calculated at fair value and as a result create misleading impressions. Due to the fair value accounting the banks will sell the various securities at a relatively cheaper price. This would trigger the panic button in the markets and as a result there would be a global meltdown. Through the fair value method of accounting it is not possible for the banks to measure the financial instruments accurately. As a result the banks are forced to incur losses because it sells its assets at lower prices. These losses affect the entire financial markets. There is also a possibility that the banks spent large amount of money to acquire assets at market value calculated according to the fair value accounting method but these investments eventually becomes a burden and cause huge losses. But a closer examination of the situation will bring out the f act that the role of fair value accounting in this financial crisis is very minimal. The US banks lost most of their fortune on loans that they made to non credible borrowers. Losses due to mark to market were far lower than the losses the bank made from bad loans to non credible borrowers. The banks recorded high losses even when they have not valued the price of their various financial instruments under the method of fair value accounting. The major portion of the losses constitute of defaulting loans that their debtors failed to pay off in time. Economists like Easton, Burks and Badertscher have tried to find whether due to the fair value accounting the banks during the sub-prime crisis had sold their securities at lower prices than the actual but they have not found any evidences which would support this idea. According to another expert Shaffer the impact of loan losses was much greater than the losses suffered by the bank due to fair value accounting. So it is quite clear that fair value accounting method did not play any significant role to create the financial crisis but it only helped to worsen the crisis further1. Role of accounting in the recovery from the crisis Generally, most of the organizations use a method of accounting that combines the methods of historical cost accounting and fair value accounting. This creates confusion in the minds of the investors. Panic among the investors accelerated the crisis as the companies failed to give their investors a clear picture of the net asset values and the total values of its assets. The common investors lost all

Friday, October 18, 2019

Contemporary Developments Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Contemporary Developments - Essay Example Some of the competitors of Cafà © Coffee day are Barista, Cafà © Mocha and Costa Coffee. India is a growing economy and has shown stability over the past decades in terms of economic growth. The GDP (gross domestic product) of 6% has been maintained in the past ten years and India has become the fourth largest economy in the world (Government of India, 2005). Along with having increased the per capita income of a large number of its people, especially the middle classes, India now has a vast middle class with large amount of disposable income (Aguilar, 2006). This makes the country a choice for consumer product producers and retailers. AT Kearneys annual Global Retail Development Index (A.T. Kearney, 2008) lists India at the top and the country is hailed as the 5th largest retail investment destination (with expected growth of investments to US$ 427 billion by 2010 and US$ 637 billion by 2015) (A.T. Kearney, 2008). It also has the largest number of retail outlets at 12 million, out of which 5 million retailers cater for the food and beverage requirements (India Brand Equity Foundation, 2008). In addition to the proliferation of the retail business in urban India, there is tremendous potential provided by the smaller towns and cities. A very large section of the Indian masses reside in the semi-urban regions that border the metros as well as in the villages. These people are as yet not introduced to the retail boom that urban India is experiencing, and offer a large market that can be tapped. According to Brand Equity Survey, the there investment through franchising in rural India is expected to double by 2010 (India Brand Equity Foundation, 2008). The indigenous coffee organizations however face increased competition from foreign brands and retailers who are getting a stronghold in India. India started its economic reforms in 1991 and deregulated economy that led to an influx of foreign

The Effects of Global Warming and Climate Change on Greenland and Ice Research Paper

The Effects of Global Warming and Climate Change on Greenland and Ice Melting - Research Paper Example Climate change in Greenland and the surrounding areas can be measured as per the remaining ice cap and the sea level. There are three key effects of climate change in Greenland consist of melting of the ice cap, thinner ice in the sea and permafrost. There are fears that if the ice cap continues melting at the same rate at some point there will be no more ice in green land (Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, 1). The effects so due to the ice cap meting far include glaciers spitting large amount of icebergs into the ocean. Moreover, there are lakes that have recently been forming on the ice leading to water plunging in the ice sheet leading to sliding of water to the seaside. The rate at which ice is melting at the green land cannot be compared with the ice gained or formed during winter (Church et al 136). This means that a lot of water remains in the sea even after solidification during winter. The question many people ask is whether human beings are purely to blame for the occurrence of global warming and its effects (Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research 1). However, since many countries today have signed Kyoto protocol it is clear that they have accepted that human activities have many negative effects to the environment (University of Alaska Fairbanks, 1). This is mainly because emissions of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere have led to temperature rise, which has led to melting of the ice. The ice cap at Greenland is essential to humanity existence in various ways one major role that it plays is regulating temperature, as almost ninety percent of the sunrays that hit the ice cap are reflected back. This ensures that the temperature in the atmosphere as well as in the ocean is regulated. Thus, if the ice cap melts then this regulation will no longer be available making the ocean and atmosphere be warmer (Witze, 799). Although, it may take many generations for all the ice to melt down, this is not a consolation since there would be many n egative effects caused by the excess fresh water in the ocean resulting from the melted ice. Studies have proven that it is possible for all the ice to melt, hence if the current global warming rate continues. This is because it is the significant rise of temperature, which has caused the increased melting of the ice. Greenhouse effect causes most of the damage relating to global warming, as carbon dioxide absorbs heat from the sun making it impossible to be reflected back to the sun. This leads to the atmosphere becoming hot and given that the warmth is trapped in the atmosphere, the rise of temperature occurs. There are many effects of melting of Greenland ice; one is that it leads to loss of water bodies this is because the enclosed lakes in the ice are freed when ice melts. The other effect is to the animals that live in the ice caps this is because, over the years, they have adapted to the climate of Greenland and have created their eating habits and migration patterns. However , hunting for food becomes hard without the ice and high sea level. Global warming may cause melting of ice in Greenland, but it also causes global warming (Witze, 800). This is because loss of ice leads to sun rays being absorbed by the ocean increasing ocean temperature, which leads to increase of temperature in the atmosphere, which leads to increase of warmth leading to more ice melting. Rising of the sea level is one of the aftermaths of climate change in the Greenland since when the ice melts the fresh water ends up in

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Consider the Plan of Ayala in light of the Declaration of the Rights Essay

Consider the Plan of Ayala in light of the Declaration of the Rights of Man - Essay Example This is because â€Å"one’s right ends when another’s right begins†. Aside from that, the Declaration of the Rights of Man was perpetrated to curb the abuse of power of the legislative and executive powers of those that are in position which was one of the strongest causes of chaos and disillusionment among societies. The declaration is supposed to provide utmost transparency of the government’s responsibility to its people which indeed gave way to the close scrutiny of those in power’s action at any moment by all political institutions, thus, preventing contestations of principles and exercising power that only appeals to a chosen few. Some of the provisions of the Declaration of the Rights of Man would be gender equality, liberty without encroaching on the rights of others, right to property, security, resistance to oppression, sovereignty of the nation, laws based on the general will and etc. (Declaration of the Rights of Man, 1789). There are a lot of considerations of the Plan de Ayala in the light of the Declaration of the Rights of Man. First of all, Plan de Ayala was a movement that was surged because of the desire and need to end the tyranny and be able to redeem Mexico and its people from dictatorships. What was happening at this time was that the Mexican people who were led by Don Francisco I. Madero are now taking the law in their hands as the government or any political institution which is supposed to make sure the rights of man is served is already controlled by a single party which is headed by Madero. Aside from that, what rightly belongs to the people are not being served and moral laws are being crossed. To provide concise examples of Madero’s abuse, he clearly went against his commitment to push for revolution which he gloriously initiated to prosper the land. This is because of the fact that he gave in to corruption that defeats the purpose of the National Sovereignty and keeps it out of the equatio n; the numerous jailing and killings of revolutionary elements who helped him bag his presidency so all the power would be centered to him alone; the brute force done towards people who question or demand from him the fulfillment of the promises of the revolution, these people whom he called rebels to cover up to his brutality; and forcing more people into an alliance with him to form a new dictatorship where only their specific interests and rights are served (Womack, J., 1969). Thus, because of all the corruption of not only the people but also of the government and the other political institutions, the people of Mexico took initiative to solve anarchy and tyranny by seeking help from the remaining pro-Revolution chief justices to lead the movement. Aside from overthrowing Madero and Porfiro Diaz, an ally, they seek to regain what is rightful to each Mexican such as giving back the fields, timber, and water usurped by the landlords from citizens who actually have the titles to the se corresponding properties. However for the landlords who do not have documents to support their claim of property, the goods will still be confiscated from the corrupt leaders and will be nationalized - to be given to the victims of war, pensions for widows and orphans etc. (Womack, J., 1969). This course of act, overthrowing their leader is a right they can demand for as it is

Financial Analysis of Granite Construction Industry Plc Essay

Financial Analysis of Granite Construction Industry Plc - Essay Example (Penman, 2003). In addition, investors consult investment analysts who provide an almost endless stream of information and recommendations to sort out. There are often claims that some shares are undervalued and vice versa. (Penman, 2003). This information at times becomes confusing leaving the investor with no clear indication of what the true prices of stocks should be. (Penman, 2003). Under such circumstances, the investor is forced to make the investment decision following his/her instinct or based on the information provided by the market. (Penman, 2003, Kaplan & Norton 1992, 1993). Investors who make the decision based on instinct are referred to as intuitive investors while those who make investment decisions based on capital market efficiency are referred to as passive investors. (Penman, 2003). Passive investors carry out their investment decisions based on the assumption that the market price is a fair price for the risk taken, that is, that market forces have driven the price to the appropriate point. (Penman, 2003). These investment mechanisms appear to be very simple, as they do not require much effort. (Penman, 2003: pp 3). However, both investors run risks that are even more than the risks of the firms they are investing in since they can either pay too much or sell for less and as a result suffer a decrease in returns on their investments. (Penman, 2003). According to Penman (2003), the intuitive investor has the problem of the intuitive bridge builder: "one may be pleased with one's intuition but, before building gets underway, it might pay to check that intuition against the calculations prescribed by modern engineering as not doing so, may lead to disaster". (Penman, 2003: pp 3). The passive investor runs the risks of either paying too much or selling for less should stocks be mispriced. (Penman, 2003). Although economic and modern finance theory (Bodie et al, 2002; Penman, 2003) predict that capital markets are perfect it is good practice to check before taking action. (Penman, 2003). Therefore, both the passive and intuitive investor run the risk of trading with someone who has done his homework well, that is, someone who has analysed the information thoroughly. (Penman, 2003). This study is aimed at carrying out financial analyses of Granite Construction Plc with particular focus on the liquidity, profitability and solvency ratio so as to gain a reasonable basis for providing recommendations to investors and suppliers on whether to invest or continue business for the company, and finally see the various methods through which the company access the capital market. Having said this,

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Consider the Plan of Ayala in light of the Declaration of the Rights Essay

Consider the Plan of Ayala in light of the Declaration of the Rights of Man - Essay Example This is because â€Å"one’s right ends when another’s right begins†. Aside from that, the Declaration of the Rights of Man was perpetrated to curb the abuse of power of the legislative and executive powers of those that are in position which was one of the strongest causes of chaos and disillusionment among societies. The declaration is supposed to provide utmost transparency of the government’s responsibility to its people which indeed gave way to the close scrutiny of those in power’s action at any moment by all political institutions, thus, preventing contestations of principles and exercising power that only appeals to a chosen few. Some of the provisions of the Declaration of the Rights of Man would be gender equality, liberty without encroaching on the rights of others, right to property, security, resistance to oppression, sovereignty of the nation, laws based on the general will and etc. (Declaration of the Rights of Man, 1789). There are a lot of considerations of the Plan de Ayala in the light of the Declaration of the Rights of Man. First of all, Plan de Ayala was a movement that was surged because of the desire and need to end the tyranny and be able to redeem Mexico and its people from dictatorships. What was happening at this time was that the Mexican people who were led by Don Francisco I. Madero are now taking the law in their hands as the government or any political institution which is supposed to make sure the rights of man is served is already controlled by a single party which is headed by Madero. Aside from that, what rightly belongs to the people are not being served and moral laws are being crossed. To provide concise examples of Madero’s abuse, he clearly went against his commitment to push for revolution which he gloriously initiated to prosper the land. This is because of the fact that he gave in to corruption that defeats the purpose of the National Sovereignty and keeps it out of the equatio n; the numerous jailing and killings of revolutionary elements who helped him bag his presidency so all the power would be centered to him alone; the brute force done towards people who question or demand from him the fulfillment of the promises of the revolution, these people whom he called rebels to cover up to his brutality; and forcing more people into an alliance with him to form a new dictatorship where only their specific interests and rights are served (Womack, J., 1969). Thus, because of all the corruption of not only the people but also of the government and the other political institutions, the people of Mexico took initiative to solve anarchy and tyranny by seeking help from the remaining pro-Revolution chief justices to lead the movement. Aside from overthrowing Madero and Porfiro Diaz, an ally, they seek to regain what is rightful to each Mexican such as giving back the fields, timber, and water usurped by the landlords from citizens who actually have the titles to the se corresponding properties. However for the landlords who do not have documents to support their claim of property, the goods will still be confiscated from the corrupt leaders and will be nationalized - to be given to the victims of war, pensions for widows and orphans etc. (Womack, J., 1969). This course of act, overthrowing their leader is a right they can demand for as it is

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Ronald Reagans Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Ronald Reagans - Essay Example Islamists groups were becoming stronger an aspect that increased the Americans concern due to their ailing economy (Historical times, 2011). In 1980, the country was in need of a leader who was to reform the economy. Peace through strength slogan by the conservative popularized the party and as a result Ronald Reagan was elected. The slogan supported military strength which was aimed at creating peaceful international relations in the world (Snyder & Brown, 1997, p. 45). After he took power he invested heavily on military buildup in order to wear down the soviet that had attained much power. By the time he stepped down, the military budget has been expanded to 44% increase. This increased thousands of troops, more advanced war equipments and even an advanced intelligence program. The program was of great importance as it returned America back to its military position. There is no country that can develop its economy when it is not guaranteed that the state of security is high. This is because investors fear to invest in a country where their capital is not secure (Hodge & Nolan, 2007, p.343). As a result, America recorded tremendous growth as investors were ready to invest in the country as security of their investment was guaranteed. The benefits of this economic growth and military superiority are being experienced even in current decade (Hodge & Nolan, 2007). Reagan two terms marked a new and dramatic era of innovation. Due to the funds that the government set aside for innovation, many innovators were encouraged to come up with new innovative ideas that were aimed at improving country’s security and economic growth. The innovation era was not just in America but even in other countries especially in the soviet as they tried to keep with Americans. This saw them falling into a budget deficit (Hodge & Nolan, 2007). Massive military expenditure enabled the government to avoid war. This was through scaring off their enemies due

Monday, October 14, 2019

Letter from Birmingham City Jail Essay Example for Free

Letter from Birmingham City Jail Essay Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King wrote the Letter from Birmingham Jail in an exceedingly effective way. King used his intelligence, virtue, and honesty to write an appropriate reply to the criticism he received. He also used logic and emotional appeal. In the first paragraph King says, Since I feel that you are men of genuine good will and your criticisms are sincerely set forth He gives the ministers importance. He recognizes that these men are of genuine food and accepts their sincere criticism with humbleness. Dr. Martin Luther King says, I am sure that each of you would want to go beyond the superficial social analyst who looks merely at effects and does not grapple with underlying causes. He demonstrated that he knows and respects that the ministers are intelligent and that they are in agreeance in some aspects. He later says, But I have tried to say that this is normal and healthy discontent can be channelized through the creative outlet of nonviolent direct action. Now this approach is being dismissed as extremist. I must admit that I was initially disappointed in being categorized. King expresses his beliefs as to be called an extremist. He does not believe his nonviolent actions should be labeled extremist. Dr. King says, If I have said anything in this letter that is an overstatement of the truth and is indictive of an unreasonable impatience, I beg you to forgive me. In this statement, he not only apologizes for any exaggerations, he also shows a great deal of respect to them. King says, Anyone who lives in the United States can never be considered an outsider anywhere in this country. King gives the ministers a feel of belonging. As long as they live in the Unites States they will be accepted. King later says, Like so many experiences of the past, we were confronted with blasted hopes and the dark shadow of a deep disappointment settled upon us. King describes his disappointments as dark shadows creating an image for his audience to relate to. He says, For years now, I have heard the word Wait! It rings in the ear of every Negro with a piercing familiarity. This wait has almost always meant never even though this may have been written in a placid manner, the ministers can feel that his actual emotions behind this sentence was anger. Further on in the letter he says,when  you suddenly find your tongue twisted and your speech stammering as seek to explain to your six-year old daughter why she cant go to the public amusement park that had just been advertised on television, and see tears welling up in her little eyes when she is told Funtown is closed to colored children, and see her begin to distort her little personality by unconsciously developing a bitterness towards white people once again his audience can feel his anger. He creates images of this innocent little girl crying of disappointment slowly changing into someone resentful of White people. A great deal of this letter was logical. In paragraph 6 King says, In any nonviolent campaign there are four basic steps (1) collection of facts to determine whether injustices are alive, (2) negotiation, (3) self-purification, (4) direct action. We have gone through all these steps in Birmingham. There can be no gainsaying of the fact that racial injustice engulfs this community. King states the four basic steps and recognized that there is a certain way to behave. Later King also says, I submit that an individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, and willingly accepts, the penalty by staying in jail to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the very highest respect for law. Martin Luther King used a very logical appeal by saying; when a crime is committed consequences are inevitable. Anyone who commits a crime is punished. King later says, One day the South will know that when these disinherited children of God sat down at lunch counters they were in reality standing up for the best in the American dream and the most sacred values in our Judeo-Christian heritage, and thusly, carrying our whole nation back to those great wells of democracy which were dug deep by the founding fathers in the formulation of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. He used God and religion as a logical appeal and to his audience, as ministers, God and religion are indeed especially logical. Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King used his knowledge, values, and integrity to generate a suitable reply to the ministers. He replied in an effective manner with elegance and tranquility. He used reason and emotion to make his  response further successful.

Sunday, October 13, 2019

Limitations of change management models

Limitations of change management models Using the case as a basis for analysis, discuss the potential limitations of current change management models and processes in organisations with which you are. This assignment is based on the case study organisations change. Change is an organizational reality. External forces for change include the marketplace, government laws and regulations, technology, labour markets, and economic changes. Internal forces of change include organizational strategy, equipment, the workforce, and employee attitudes. Change is generally a response to some significant threat or opportunity arising outside of the organisation. According to Pettigrew (1999) Changes within an organisation take place both in response to business and economic events and to processes of managerial perception, choice and actions. Managers in this sense see events taking place that, to them, signal the need for change. The change faced by Power Co at the start of the project was because of the fact that it did not had any related experience in the design and implementation of similar projects (which involves a processing technology). This state could have cause difficulties of changing from the status quo as transformational and disorientation etc. This change was caused by the unfamiliarity and alienation of the new technology to the investment delivery team and operations. As the case studies civil engineers; electrical engineers appear not to have enjoyed quite the same status had to have substantial amount of information to take the investment decision which was of strategic importance. Power Co tackled the above problem by recognizing the fact that the disorientation from the current technology can be eliminated by exploiting the knowledge base residing in the supply base Power Co developed a number of characteristics which eventually become its weakness. This was to have two tiers affect; firstly, it finds the solution of lack of prior knowledge of the change, secondly, it helps in making technologies were increasingly cost-competitive. According to Kellow (1996) described as a dam building organisation guilty of reverse adaptation, Power Co in a precarious in some work areas through loss of expertise and corporate knowledge the identification and the administration of knowledge within the Power Co business environment can be appropriately planned only if the characteristics and the needs of each particular firm are taken into consideration. In this context, the prior exploration of the business and the market environment is necessary in order to develop appropr iate plans of action regarding the retrieval, the process and the distribution of knowledge within any modern organization. At a first level, it is necessary to identify the type of knowledge required for a specific firm. Towards this direction, it was noticed by Anand (2003, p15) that the knowledge possessed by an organization and its members can be classified as explicit or tacit; explicit knowledge can be codified and communicated without much difficulty while tacit knowledge such as the manner of operating sensitive equipment or interpersonal skills-is not so easily articulated, as the case study power Co among the managerial class many were told that there was no position for them and they therefore elected to take a voluntary redundancy. Bunker (2005, p12) the reasons for the development of the above phenomenon have not been identified yet. It seems that firms managers do not have the necessary learning in order to. Moreover, the study of Bunker (2005, p12) showed that much of that failure stems from not understanding how to manage the structural side of change and the human dynamic of transition. On the other hand, Katzenbach (1996, p149) noticed that change efforts are often conceived as waves of initiatives that sweep through an organization from the top down, or the bottom up, or both, and flow across functions. In other words, change initiatives as most of the organizational plans are not accepted by employees at least for a specific period. The specific issue was also highlighted by Huy (2002, p31) who supported that fundamental change in personnel, strategy, organizational identity, or established work roles and interests often triggers intense emotions. For this reason, it is necessary that firms managers m ake the necessary preparations before attempt any change within the organizational environment (preparation in this case could include the organizational audit, the identification of the position and the advantages of the competitors and the choice of the most cost-effective plans identification of plans that are appropriate for the achievement of the various organizational targets but within a budget that will be set in advance by the firms managers. These problems stem from employee perceptions about how they are treated at work and the match between individual and organization needs and desires. Dissatisfaction is a symptom of an underlying employee problem that should be addressed. Unusual or high levels of absenteeism and turnover also represent forces for change. Power Co Management problem for those who genuinely embraced change and those who merely sought promotion and also there was a strategy of consultation and participation, individual examples emerged of staff feeling that, due to the end of building dams, a reduction in the workforce. Organizations might respond to these problems by using the various approaches to job design, by implementing realistic job previews, by reducing employees role conflict, overload, and ambiguity, and by removing the different stressors. Prospects for positive change stem from employee participation and suggestions. The results revealed through most of the relevant studies reveal that change is not welcomed by employees in most organizations internationally as the case study there is strong feeling by Power Co that the changes of commercialisation were forced on the organisation and that staff had few alternatives other than to accept their fate, whenever the attempted changes have the consent of the employees i.e. when they progress through the employees active participation, then their implementation is very likely to be successful. The specific issue was examined by Eoyang (2001,p5) who supported that many organization change initiatives start at the top and deal strongly with any resistance from system agents that blocks progress; common ways of responding to resistance include downsizing, restructuring, and re-engineering. Other methods for dealing with resistance developed within modern organizations regarding specific plans of change are also available to modern organizations. The choice of the method employed at each particular case belongs to the firms managers who will also identify the risks and the advantages related with the implementation of each relevant change. At was on the change to come, which omitted the historical context. The program was sophisticated, involving as it did newsletters, visits by the CEO, briefings for subordinate leaders and even a telephone hotline. Moreover, The change faced by Power Co at the start of the shifted from civil engineering projects of building dams and power stations, to that of a business entity charged with the responsibility of providing to the government, as nominal owner, a return on investment was because of the fact that it did not had any related experience in the design and in the implementation of similar projects (which involves a competition from other electricity suppliers). This state could have cause difficulties of changing from the status quo as barrier and disorientation etc. This change was caused by the unfamiliarity and alienation of the new technology to the investment delivery team and the operations. Power Co had to have substantial amount of the information to take the investment decision which was of strategic importance in terms of its volume. Even if the policies applied on various organizational activities are appropriate regarding the targets set by the firms managers, in practice man y of these policies have to be rejected as inappropriate if being evaluated regarding the resources required for their realization. It is for this reason that Greve (1998, p59) noticed that change initiatives could be characterized as an outcome jointly determined by motivation to change, opportunity to change, and capability to change. For this reason, before the implementation of any plan of change within a particular organization it is necessary that the entire organizational context is carefully reviewed taking into account the fact that the conditions in the market (as well as within the organization) can change at any time creating new terms regarding the success of any attempted change. The sector of organizational activities influenced by the specific plans cannot be precisely identified; it is very likely that different organizational sectors are targeted by each specific plan of change; the needs of the organization and the trends of the market are the main criteria for th e relevant choice (plan of change applied on a specific organization). Towards this direction, it is noticed by Poole (1998, p45) that when change is needed in an organization it is likely the learning or identity of the organization will be targeted for change; the transformed organization, whether it be minor (first-order change) or major (second-order change), will not be the same as its predecessor. In other words, one of the most important consequences of plans of organizational change is that their effects on the various aspects of the organizational activities are likely to be permanent and extensive. By the attempted change, a new organizational environment is created; new organizational plans are then very likely to be implemented in accordance with the firms culture and characteristics and the market trends. It should be noticed that the implementation of plans of change within modern organizations is a challenging task usually requiring an extensive net of reforms within the organizational body. Modern literature on organizational learning and change offers to the firms managers a series of theoretical models that can effectively support the relevant organizational initiatives. We could refer primarily to the models suggested by Fennell (1993, p90): a) The strategic choice model (which is the one based in the changes happened to particular variables like the board composition and structure), b) The population dynamics (which is influenced by the population level changes) and c) The change in technical and institutional environments (which are mainly refer to the regulatory change related with the operation of modern organizations). Another model is the Collison and Parcell have developed their own model of organizational learning through which the knowledge management method that can be used for change, Capturing, sharing and exploiting knowledge, experience and good practices. Also Lewins (1958) change model, a systems model of change, and organization development. Exhibited, positive reinforcement is used to reinforce the desired. Additional coaching and modelling also are used at this point to reinforce the stability of the change. Lewin`s model will be used in this paper in order to examine the organizational change. The identification of the potential weaknesses of the firms organizational change- using this model will help towards the development of an appropriate plan of change if considered as necessary regarding the various activities of the specific firm The change at this level could have been a lack of flow of information to the organizational high level officials. Another issue was the absence of other electricity suppliers. The absence of competition produced a surreal climate of merely preparing for a possibility rather than a reality in the organization. Still another was the identification of the integration issues between the other parts of the organization and the management e.g. changes in the company wide operating procedures, as the case study that restructuring was seen as necessary by both senior management various consultants the pre-existing structure were never Cleary identified or ar ticulated. The higher level management did not considered the project to be of strategic importance in the sense that it does not intend to operate similar projects in the future. So they decided only to be concerned with business level issues and operational problems were left to the ad-hoc local solution (e.g. the external environment dos not remain stationary during the period of implementing change and the internal re-configuration may impact upon the style and context of change being pursued by the organization itself ). Unfreezing The focus of this stage is to create the motivation to change. In so doing, individuals are encouraged to replace old behaviours and attitudes with those desired by management. Managers can begin the unfreezing process by disconfirming the usefulness or appropriateness of employees present behaviours or attitudes. Due to the nature of industry, in which Power Co is operating, the initial teething problems are very significant and change tends to have substantial inefficiencies in the start. The reason being obviously the complexity of the system this change can cause project failure economically if not managed properly and change is not improved as early as possible. Power Co made a less than successful attempt at this when senior management realised that there were some dysfunctional consequences of the commercialisation structure of 1992. The Solution adopted solution to this problem was the establishment of change teams were the focal point of commercialisation but enthusiasm faded as their work fell into disarray in some areas which was to facilitate a joint effort at change through identification of operational problems and developing solutions to them. Changing Because change involves learning, this stage entails providing employees with new information, new behavioural models, or new ways of looking at things. The purpose is to help employees learn new concepts or points of view. Role models, mentors, experts, benchmarking the company against worldà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Ëœclass organizations, and training are useful mechanisms to facilitate change. Appointing a person called Project sponsor having knowledge about the operations to oversee the project from the feasibility to the implementation. They were treated operationally as separate mutterers. After dam construction ceased, the workfares was decimated, many were forced redundancies due to the winding-down of dam construction, but others left as a matter of choice. This makes the project more stable operationally in the long run as the operational aspects of the system are conveyed to the delivery team during change stage. Failure to perform organizational impact analysis the organizational impact analysis studies the way a proposed transformational change the organization will be dominated by its civil engineering and the electrical engineers appear not to have enjoyed quite the same statues. This was due to the fact that the engineering problems were civil rather than electrical would affect organization structure, attitudes, decision making and operations. The analysis ai ms to ensure the change best to ensure integration with the organization. Refreezing Change is stabilized during refreezing by helping employees integrate the changed behaviour or attitude into their normal way of doing things. This is accomplished by first giving employees the chance to exhibit the new behaviours or attitudes. This would have triggered the collaboration process. A flexible management approach was adopted to improve collaboration by giving the staff shifts, autonomy in their work practices. Afterwards staff rotation was made which motivated the employees to share their experiences. The resultant best practices were accumulated and formally documented after reasonable time by the operations managers Power Co moved through a damaging period of controversy over the natural environment and excessive reiteration of past problems could have had a negative impact on moral. Issues to relate to refreezing failed to arise because of the continuing state of flux after commercialisation and the rapid replacement of staff who left. The above directly fulfilled project objectives of being manageable in the long run (as issues being managed efficiently) and flexibility by providing the different views through joint learning. It also indirectly helped in achieving the project objective of being economic by reducing project risk. The above directly could have fulfilled project objectives of being safe and secure (by providing the staff the required help needed for the operations). It also indirectly helped in achieving the project objective of being economic (by increasing the staff efficiency). Conclusions The presentation of all the above issues proves that the knowledge management systems implemented by the particular organization have been carefully chosen in order to ensure the achievement of the organizational aims. The divorce of the business commitment to embracing the all issues of the project acted as a change for complete integration of technology into the organization. Commitment to the change must be universal including all involved. Senior management must demonstrate commitment in the allocation of resources required (people, money, time etc) to achieve change. The argument given was that the management did not intend to operate similar projects organizational impact analysis studies the way a proposed transformational change the organization will be dominated by its civil engineering and the electrical engineers appear not to have enjoyed quite the same statues other than this one in the future might not have sufficed as it could have render the change ineffective in term s of achieving its objectives of being economic and manageable over the planning. By doing so some issues might have come to the management attention so late that the project failure could have occurred This lack of commitment might have been caused by the inherent characteristics of the capital goods industry which view the knowledge management as hamstrung due to structural fragmentation inherent in the organization, the one-off nature of the projects, the presences of the culturally disparate professions and the low level of trust.

Saturday, October 12, 2019

mauryan empire :: essays research papers fc

The Mauryan Emperor, Ashoka, is famous for his Rock and Pillar edicts. But how much can we really know about Ashoka and his empire from these edicts, particularly as almost no other evidence exists for Ashoka’s reign? It is a fair assessment that up until the early part of the twentieth century, when the definitive link between Ashoka and that of the â€Å"Devanampiya Piyadassi (Beloved of the Gods Piyadassi)† character inscribed on the edicts was established, very little was either known about Ashoka or cared for by historians. However, it must be said that the Mauryan Empire itself was an era of significant historical value not without a good deal of historical and archaeological evidence to substantiate its importance. In addressing the issue of what the edicts in particular reveal to us about Ashoka and the period of his reign one needs to acknowledge undoubtedly what is being stated, but perhaps moreover one needs to pay attention to the inherent meanings, the intended meanings and the contextual meanings of the inscriptions themselves. The ultimate thematic concern of the edicts in general is that of the principle of Dhamma. A definition of Dhamma itself is given in the 2nd Pillar Edict as: â€Å"having few faults and many good deeds, mercy, charity, truthfulness and purity†. In this context one may deduce that the notion of Dhamma is a type of ethos for social morality or ethical behaviour. Furthermore, the term is said to be a fundamental philosophy of Buddhist doctrine, the practice of which leads to one’s advancement in both a spiritual and material sense. That Ashoka was a proclaimed Buddhist is evident from the edicts, â€Å"I have been a Buddhist layman for more than two and a half years, but for a year I did not make much progress. Now for more than a year I have drawn closer to the Order and become more ardent.† There are fewer examples of a more personal self-proclamation to be found and yet one cannot help but consider the motive behind it. Surely Ashoka, had taken seriously to Buddhism, he at least says so. However, he says so, publicly. This implies that he either was a firm believer who had a need to use his position as a platform to preach a doctrine which he had come to accept as the ultimate truth and as such, to share with and enlighten his people or he was a very sensible and intuitive leader who had a tremendous amount of foresight in adopting the principles of a profound philosophy that he saw could be used to strategically unify and mould his empire both socially and politically.

Friday, October 11, 2019

Los Zetas

RUNNING HEAD: Los Zetas Nolita Oliveira Wayland Baptist University Dr. Paul Lankford Borderland Beat Reporter Overmex (2010, August 26), reported 72 illegal immigrants from El Salvador, Honduras, Ecuador and Brazil, were found dead on a ranch in San Fernando, Tamaulipas, which is 150 km from the U. S. border city of Brownsville. This discovery came from one survivor who found his way to the Navy troops and reported members of the Los Zeta cartel at the nearby ranch. According to the Borderland Beat; 21 rifles, six 5. mm M4 carbines, three 7. 60 mm AK-47, seven 12 gauge shotguns, five . 22 caliber rifles, 101 magazines, two ammunition belts, six thousand 649 cartridges of various calibers, four bullet proof vests, one helmet, four trucks, one with the Ministry of National Defense (SEDENA), were also found at the ranch. With such a rich supply of ammunition and a massacre of men and women with their hands and feet tied, the question remains, how have the Los Zetas become so powerful? Los Zeta’s was originally founded by a group of highly trained Mexican Army Special Forces deserters and has expanded to include corrupted former federal, state, and local police officers hired by Mexico’s Gulf Cartel (Los Zetas, 2010, November 22). The group originally consisted of 31 members with the first leader, Lieutenant Arturo Guzman Decena using his Federal Judicial Police radio code to become identified as Z1. This code was given to high-ranking officers for the Commanding Federal Judicial Police Officers in Mexico. Zeta is also named for the letter in Spanish. Decena was born in 1976 and trained with an elite Mexican military group called Grupo Aeromovil de Fuerzas Especiales (GAFE) which were trained in counter- insurgency and locating and apprehending drug cartel members, with Decena came 30 other GAFE deserters. Decena was killed in 2002 and his second-in-command Z2 was captured in 2004 (Decena, 2010, November 27). The current leader is Z3 Heriberto Lazcano. Los Zeta’s was originally hired to track down and kill rival cartel members and provide protection for the Gulf Cartel. Their power has grown and their savagery has had no boundaries. In 2003 Los Zetas negotiated a pact with the Gulf Cartel and the Beltran –Leyva Cartel to engage their own drug shipments (Los Zetas, 2010, November 22). Seven years later after the pact, Los Zetas have violently turned against their former partner, the Gulf Cartel, and have formed alliances with the Juarez Cartel, Tijuana Cartel and the Beltran- Leyva Cartel. The other major faction alignment includes the Gulf Cartel, Sinaloa Cartel, and La Familia Cartel. In response to the Los Zeta’s savagery the Sinaloa Cartel hired another armed enforcer gang, Los Negros, to fight back. Los Negros have also turned their back and become independent are gaining more control of regions. As with other terrorist organizations, such as al Qaeda, there are roots to the source of the evil. According to Brookes (2005), it is important to understand the many reasons for the terrorist phenomenon includes radical religious ideology, poor governance, a lack of economic opportunity, social alienation, demographic pressure, and political isolation (page 11). Although Los Zeta’s. Los Negros, or other Mexican Cartels have not been listed as terrorist organizations by the U. S. Department of State their actions are in compliance with the different definitions of terrorism. Narcoterrorist would describe what these Mexican Cartels are. The statutory definition used by National Counterterrorism Center NCTC states that terrorism is premeditated, politically motivated violence directed against non-combatants (Benjamin, D. 2010,August 5). According to Narcoterrorism (2010, December 6), former Peru President coined the term narcoterrorism when describing terrorist-type attacks against nation’s anti-narcotics policy. The term was originally understood to mean â€Å"the attempts of narcotics traffickers to influence the policies of a government or a society through violence and intimidation and to hinder the enforcement of the law and the administration of justice by the systematic threat or use of such violence (Narcoterrorism). FARC, ELN, Hamas, Taliban, and AUC in Colombia, and PCP- SL in Peru are all known terrorist organizations that engage in drug trafficking activity to fund their operations and gain recruits and expertise. Describing the horrific killing and torturing tactics Los Zetas use against their countrymen, government, innocent men, women, and children could be best described as simply terrorist, the best term when describing them would be narcoterrorist. Their battle against their own and the United States is not deeply rooted to a religion or some other similar ideology known terrorist organization’s base their practice on. These cartels are simply money hungry, power tripping, double crossing, unfaithful to any cause, and will burn their own to reach their desired level. The War on Drugs is not a new concept simply invented overnight by someone to calm people down or put the fear into those pushing and selling. According to Head (2011), there is a history dating back to the early 1900’s when the Harrison Tax Act of 1914 was enforced to restrict the sale of heroin and cocaine. The Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 attempted to tax marijuana because it was an alleged â€Å"getaway drug† for heroin uses and was popular among Mexican- American immigrants. President Eisenhower was considered the first president to literally call for a war on drugs and he stressed his determination by establishing mandatory minimum federal sentences for possession of marijuana, cocaine, and opiates. The increase in federal penalties was under the Narcotic Control Act of 1956. Today the war on drugs has made it difficult to determine what is legal and illegal. Depending on the drug and the wording of drug policy legislation, narcotics are illegal except when prescribed to a certain individual. In 1996 California legalized marijuana for medical use and both the Bush and Obama administration have arrested California medical marijuana distributors (Head). The current strategy for the War on Drugs as determined by President Obama’s drug policy coordinator, which is end War on Drugs terminology and attempt to rebrand federal antidrug efforts as simple harm- reduction strategies (Head). Head also quoted â€Å"you can’t declare war on inanimate objects, social phenomena, moods, or abstractions— and it’s a rhetorical convention that has determined the way our country views drug policy enforcement (Head). If you can’t declare war on these inanimate objects, social phenomena, moods or abstractions, and you can’t declare war on a country without resources to fight a war, than how do you rid the world of narcoterrorist? It’s simply not possible. Mexico has been the main foreign supplier of marijuana and methamphetamines to the U. S. Dr ug cartels have been illegally transporting an estimated 70 % of foreign narcotics such as cocaine, heroin, and other drugs into the United States and other countries but were not transporting in such violent methods as used today (Mexico Drug War, 2011, January 3). Mexican Drug War also states that Mexico only accounts for a small share of worldwide heroin production but is the major distributor of heroin introduced into the United States. The U. S. Department estimates 90% of the cocaine is mainly produced by Colombia but entered into the U. S. through Mexico. Mexico and the U. S. borders have been used since the mid- 1980’s when Mexico had established organizations competent and reliable to transport Colombian cocaine. Mexican cartels were given 30 % to 50 % of the cocaine shipment which led the cartels to become traffickers and distributors. Although the first few decades after the development of the cartels was passive, since 2006 the Mexican Cartels have turned deadly battling for territory rights and turning on each other. According to Timeline of the Mexican Drug War (2010, December 18), the deployment of Mexican Army soldiers into Michoacan to end drug violence was regarded as the first major retaliation made against cartel violence in Mexico and was regarded as the starting point of the Mexican Drug War between the government and drug cartels. The war escalated with each increase in military troops making Los Zeta’s violence against Mexicans harsher and frequent. It was reported 150 Mexican soldiers and police officers were killed as opposed to the 500 cartel gunmen killed in 2006. Violence surged and by 2008 there was a record of 5, 630 death. The kidnapping, torture, and decapitation of seven off duty soldiers and one police commander were included in this death toll. In 2008 high ranking police officials and government officials were gunned down or executed. The decapitated heads of the off duty police officials were left in a shopping center to be found with a threatening note to the military. Their terrorism tactics have since left their marks to be remembered. With Los Zetas becoming more violent and demanding more plaza’s the need for outside and local forces free from corruption is highly in demand. Regardless of the attempts to weed out those with possible links to Los Zetas or any cartel will remain impossible to prevent the introduction of new and easily corrupted officials. This can be said for their recruitment of poor, military, law enforcement and government officials. According to Los Zetas, their main recruits are all corrupted ex- federal, state, and local police officers as well as the poor men and women and former Kaibiles from Guatemala. This group does recruit women to help run the organization. The Kaibilies are special operations force of the Guatemala military and specialize in jungle warfare tactics and counter- insurgency operations (Kaibilies, 2010 November 2). There is also hierarchy within the group, just like other organized crime organizations. According to Los Zetas there are five groups. The first group consisted of the Los Halcones (The Hawks) and they were responsible for monitoring the distribution zones. The second group is the Las Ventanas (The Windows) who are bike-riding mid- teens responsible for warning the presence of police and other suspicious individuals near small stores that sell drugs. The Los Manosos (The Tricky Ones) gathered the arms. Los Zetas employ prostitute women who are called Los Leopardos (Leapards). The Los Zetas also have the Direccion (Command) which consists of 20 communications experts who intercept phone calls, follow and identify suspicious automobiles and are also known to accomplish kidnappings and executions. All of these groups form the composition of Los Zetas (Los Zetas). Los Zetas can also be compared to al- Qaida, in that their myriads of extensive criminal activities. They kidnap, murder- for- hire, use extortion, money- launder, smuggle humans and are involved with oil siphoning. Like al Qaeda, they have adopted a cell- like structure to limit the information known about members within the organization. Los Zeta’s boldness and cells are spread globally and it has been reported that the FBI were warned that a Los Zetas cell in Texas would use full tactical response if they intervened on their operations. Los Zetas have been able to take over and lord over a great deal of territories by battling it out with their enemies. Los Zetas is mainly based in the border region of Nuevo Laredo and have established lookouts in airports, bus stations, and main roads. They are also along the Gulf Coast region, Tabasco, Yucatan, Quintana Roo, Chiaps, Pacific Coast states, including Guerror, Oaxaca, Michocan, and in Mexico City. Los Zetas hires Mexican gangs such as the Texas Syndicate and MS-13 to carry out their contract killings (Los Zetas). According to the NarcoGuerra Times the DEA officials in Canada, Italy, and Mexico had arrested 175 members of the Zetas who were connected with the Ndrangheta. Los Zeta’s has been operating in approximately 47 countries and have been said to have established connections with the Italian Calabrian mafia known as Ndrangheta (NarchGuerra Times, 2009, September 19). There is research showing the Zetas and Ndrangheta had been working together for more than two years, since Europe needed the cocaine. The main reason their connection is important is because Ndrangheta is considered a major transnational criminal organization dealing in nuclear waste. Their partnership has also allowed the Zetas to advance their money laundering, real estate and human trafficking into Europe (Narco Guerra Times). Forming alliances with foreign countries organized criminal divisions will only make it harder for the Mexican government fight their war against the cartels and for these countries to fight their wars on drugs. America has been battling with the war on drugs and so have other countries’ making it harder to clean up the streets is becoming more impossible with each cell developed in other locations. Mexico’s battle with corruption within all the levels of police departments and constant recruitments with gangs across the border and international waters has made it harder for Homeland Security to fight the battle. Mexico’s war against the cartels seem to only be escalating the issue and although many of the main cartel members throughout the different territories have been brought to justice, it seems their war on that side of the border is not accomplishing much but more bled shed on both sides of the border. As one of the strongest and dominant countries, America could provide the assistance needed. Many may debate this or feel America has their hand in too many countries affairs but the fact remains the brutality and narcoterrorist tactics used by Los Zetas and other cartels will continue to increase. This is not saying President Calderon has rejected American help or has been using other security tactics to help prosecute criminals associated with known narcoterrorist organizations. According to Hansen (2008, November 20), Mexico has pursued different methods for security tactics including extraditing alleged criminals to the United States, including the head of the Gulf Cartel. They have also been actively attempting to dismantle illegal methamphetamine labs, cocaine shipments, and eradicate marijuana. This shows promise but only twenty six meth labs were dismantled between 2002 and 2007. President Calderon developed a 2008 constitutional reform that merged their Federal Preventive Police (PFP) and the Federal Agency of Investigation (AFI). The AFI is similar to the FBI and gathers intelligence and the PFP is responsible for maintaining public order but does not have investigative abilities. President Calderon constitutional reforms of 2008 also called for reforms on criminal procedures. The reforms include oral trials with public proceedings, sentencing based on the evidence presented during trial, judges who are allowed to quickly rule on search warrant requests (Hansen). Their old ways used written trial procedures that could last for years. These efforts show some willingness to adopt new and effective methods using foreign help and using modern legal methods but it is still not enough. According to Hernandez (2010, February 25), the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) based out of Vienna stated that Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina were sending out the wrong messages in their legislative and judicial developments that were aimed to decriminalize the possession of some drugs. With their declaration Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina rebutted and claimed that the INCB was overstepping their organizations mandated and were unwarranted intrusions in their countries sovereign decision-making and that the INCB has no jurisdiction over police changes made within sovereign nations. In 2009 Mexico decriminalized the possession of small amounts of marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine (Hernandez). Brazil replaced prison sentences with education and treatment for small-time drug offenders in 2006. In 2009 Argentina’s Supreme Court declared punishment for possession of marijuana for personal use as unconstitutional. Argentina also called INCB’s arrogant for questioning the highest judicial authority of a sovereign state. Hernandez also stated that the INCB was deeply concerned with the United States moving towards legalizing or regularizing the use of marijuana for medical purposes may send the wrong message to other countries. The INCB had a legitimate concern for these countries actions of making it easier for criminals to pursue selling and people using marijuana and other drugs. In the United States inmates are allowed to pursue an education or gain their GED to help them gain employment when released but this does not prevent repeated offenders. Taking tough actions and measures is the only way to decrease crime and drug usage. Mexico’s President taking two steps forward and then two steps back is only causing confusion for others to know what actions they need to take. The hard core facts that these Mexican narcoterrorist organizations were developed by corrupted ex military or law enforcement officials make it hard for the rest of the world to believe Mexico is competent to battle against the cartels or protect heir citizens from the unthinkable. With Mexico’s incompetence comes inpatient Americans’ willing and ready to battle for their land. When the Arizona rancher was found dead on his land it was automatically assumed illegal immigrants had killed him. Arizona government officials quickly used his death as an example to push forwa rd their Senate Bill 1070. Now other states have developed similar versions for their own state immigration laws. The growing concern has somewhat shifted from illegal immigration, to how to battle Los Zetas and other cartels. Arizona’s Bill may have opened people’s eyes to the growing problem of illegal immigrants advancing in the United States, but no one in their right mind could have ever imagined seeing those poor immigrants hog tied, gagged, and executed by Los Zetas; for trying to make it across the border. The American people don’t want the Mexican’s killed, simply accounted for. When talking about Los Zeta’s and their narcoterrorist ways, it seems impossible not to think of them as terrorist in the same class as al Qaeda. They may not share the same fanatical ideology as al Qaeda but their terrorist tactics used against the Mexican and American people is on the same level. With the vast growth of their cells spreading globally and forming alliances with known organizations handling nuclear waste, the threat they pose to all those against them is even scarier than those threats by al Qaeda supporters living in the United States. Mexico has been using underground tunnels and smuggling drugs, humans, and weapons across both sides of the borders for decades. There have been reports that al Qaeda has helped train Los Zetas recruits with similar tactics. These Mexican military deserters have trained in the same American military installation, Fort Bragg, as known al Qaedan terrorist members have. The connection is too great and should not be ignored. Los Zeta’s is in a country that has a poor economy but extremely rich in the illegal drug trade. The promise of pay, respect, and fear is what appeals to those who join their ranks. This can be said for any organization. The Mexican government will not be able to use only their military forces to combat against these cartels. Los Zetas has proven they have no loyalty to any one organization but to themselves and their greed for territory and wealth has been fueling their fire. President Calderon should not wait for a full out battle to develop between the cartels and the cartels against the Mexican military. Zetas is growing rapidly and stronger with support and alliances from other countries. Instead President Calderon should call upon Mexico’s allies for help battling them and cleaning up their streets. These cartels have gained their intelligence from working on the inside and gaining as much intelligence, expertise, and experience as possible. Their knowledge, tactics, and alliances will keep them thriving and defining who they are. It is up to the Mexican government to develop solutions to their economic crisis, drug laws, and protection of the people. Their military can only combat so long for so little pay and then they will turn to the darker side. If they paid their people enough salary there would be fewer traitors. It’s like a mother developing rules for her children and expecting them to follow without having to actually enforce them. Countries have been known to break down barriers such as Germany. Countries have also sat by and watched a power hungry Jew hating man murder thousands of innocent people before calling in the big guns. Countries should not sit idly by and watch thousands of people get slaughtered because some men in uniform are greedy for territorial rights and making money by distributing, marketing, laundering drugs, humans, and weapons. There are American military installations located across Border States and if that is what it takes, so be it. References Arturo Guzman Decena. (2010, November 27). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 20:30, January 2, 2010. From http://en. wikipedia. org/w/index. php? title=Arturo_Guzm%C3%A1n_Decena&oldid=399212394 Benjamin, D. (2010, August 5). Briefing on the release of country reports on terrorism for 2009. U. S. Department of State: Diplomacy in action Retrieved January 2, 2010 from http://www. state. gov/s/ct/rls/rm/2010/145734. htm Borderland Beat Reporter Overmex (2010, August 26). Zetas Massacre 72 Illegal Immigrants in San Fernando, Tamaulipas. Borderland Beat: reporting on the Mexican Cartel drug war. Retrieved December 2, 2010 from http://www. orderlandbeat. com/2010/08/zetas-massacre-72-illegal-immigrants-in .html Hansen, S. (2008, November 20). Mexico’s Drug War. Council on Foreign Relations. Retrieved 2010, December 30 2010 from http://www. cfr. org/publications/13689/mexicos_drug_war. htm Head, T. (2011). History of the War on Drugs. About. com Civil Liberties. Retrieved 2011, December 2, 2010 from http://civilliberty. about. com/od/drugpolicy/tp/W ar-on-Drugs-History. Hernandez, D. (2010, February 25). The International Narcotics Control Board criticizes several Latin American countries. La Plaza: News from Latin American and the Caribbean. Retrieved December 22, 2010 from http://latimesblogs. latimes. com/laplaza/2010/02/united-nations-latin-america-international-narcotics-control-board-incb-mexico-brazil-argentina. html Kaibilies. (2010, November 10). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved January 2, 2010 from http://en. wikipedia. org/w/index. php? title=Kaibiles&oldid=395893797 Los Zetas. (2010, November 22). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved November 27, 2010 from http://en. wikipedia. rg/wiki/Los_Zetas NarcoGuerra Times (2009, September 19). Zetas/La Compania, Ndrangheta and the Nuclear Options. NarcoGuerra Times. Retrieved from http://narcoguerratimes. wordpress. com/2009/09/19/zetasla-compania-ndhrangeta-and-the-nuclear-options/ Narcoterrorism. (2010, December 6). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved January 2, 2010 from http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Narcoterrorism Timeline of the Mexican Drug War. (2010, December 18). In Wikip edia, The Free Encyclopedia Retrieved January 2, 2010 from http://en. wikipedia. org/w/index. php? ttle=Timeline_of_the_Mexican_.