The Need To Provide Quality Education African Children Education Essay

For bulk of African kids, instruction represents the lone solution of a life of frozen poorness. Across the continent, a big figure of kids presently survive on less than one dollar a twenty-four hours. Children who can read, compose and make some arithmetic can trust to acquire better paid occupation in future. But school is much more than merely occupation accomplishments. It plays an progressively of import function assisting kids protect themselves against the diseases which can destruct hapless communities. Simple information on daily hygiene and bar saves lives and keeps the households together. Finally, A school physiques coherence, community and assurance. Educated kids are less opportunity to go victims of force and maltreatment. They are more likely to put in bettering their community when they are grown. And the follow-on effects of even basic instruction rapidly multiply, as kids who have benefited from schooling themselves strive to procure even better chances for their ain households. In Africa, it ‘s common for schools be shut down because of wars and political convulsion. Genocide in Darfur, civil war in Liberia, war in Cote d'Ivoire and economic discord in Zimbabwe have all shut down schools and deprived pupils. Schools in many states in Africa are plagued with corruptness, cheating and force. Schools are besides short on instructors and supplies. Even though instruction is free, compulsory until age 15 and schools besides provide a nutrition and HIV/AIDS consciousness plan still instruction is interrupted by force in many African countries.A In order to better the instruction systems throughout Africa, attempts have to be made to halt the force and wars by implementing economic countenances and weaponries embargos. The fiscal crisis had halted betterments in instruction for kids in destitute states. If education budgets are non protected from the depredations of the fiscal crisis all the advancement could be jeopardized and coevalss will be condemned to poverty. A More than $ 4 billion yearly would be lost from instruction budgets in sub-Saharan Africa due to the impact of the planetary economic crisis which accounts to around 15 % bead in resources for each primary school pupil. Every 3.6 seconds one individual dies of famishment in Africa. Usually it is a kid under the age of 5. Poverty hits kids the hardest. While a terrible deficiency of goods and services hurts every homo, it is most baleful to kids ‘s rights: endurance, wellness and nutrition, instruction, engagement, and protection from injury and development. It creates an environment that is damaging to kids ‘s development in every manner – mental, physical, emotional and spiritual.A More than 1 billion kids are deprived of at least one of the indispensable goods and services they require to last, turn and develop. They have no entree to sanitation installations and non even safe H2O which causes about 4000 deceases per twenty-four hours. Attempts should be made to supply safe H2O and helps displaced communities replace or happen new H2O resources and construct latrines. There should be awareness and monitoring of the issues likeA hazard of abduction, sexual force and development o f kids, battle for shelter, instruction etc. and tougher Torahs for kid users. Population Explosion is another factor which compels to supply more emphasis on instruction in Africa. The implicit in cause for predominating jobs such as population addition, poorness and high mortality rates is low or no instruction for adult females in Africa. There would be no development promotion unless adult females received instruction. In destitute countries of Africa, it is still a pattern to put precedence on male child ‘s schooling, while misss are expected to assist with housekeeping or agriculture. Womans who have no or small opportunity of having an instruction are normally forced to get married at a immature age, which frequently leads to multiple childbearings in unsure conditions and frequently stop up with no cognition of how to salvage themselves from the hazard of infection or HIV. So finally it makes more hard for female parents to give due consideration to the nutrition, wellness and hygiene of their babes. Family be aftering to command the population de tonation and betterment in wellness systems installations are needed in those destitute countries. Educated Womans are likely to get married tardily and have healthy babes. They would be more fruitful to household in financially and wellness wise. All these challenges emphasize the demand to supply quality instruction which will be cost effectual and will embrace all multitudes. Use of latest technological inventions can do this possible. Use of engineerings like Distance instruction and linguistic communication interlingual rendition can supply pupils with instruction in their linguistic communication and at their ain gait. Making usage of Unified Software engine utilizing Software Stability Model will assist in planing and constructing systems that are stable, scalable and long lasting. Besides utilizing these engineerings the demand for big substructures is mostly reduced thereby cut downing their cost. As leaving instruction utilizing advanced engineerings does non necessitate the presence of teacher on the site, pupils can avail seamless instruction at their ain convenience. This will cut down their dependence on presence of a trained facilitator. Using graphical and ocular tools the quality of instruction received by the se deprived multitudes can be greatly enhanced. As rapid growing in technological development, more and more tools and inventions can be utilized to better quality of instruction distribution. To cover with the challenges faced by pupils in Africa we need to follow few steps to get the better of them which are as follows:1. Distance EducationDistance instruction is a engineering that aims to present instruction to pupils who are physically non present at the educational site. It helps pupils to derive entree to larning stuff even if the pedagogue or larning stuff and the scholar are separated by clip or distance or both. This engineering is being widely used across the universe by many universities and educational establishments. It provides pupils the freedom to analyze from place and survey at their ain convenient clip. Surveies prove that due to prevailing economic crisis in many states in the African continent there is a significant lessening in budget devoted to development of educational systems. These states have to pull off their scarce budgets to supply quality instruction to pupils. This emphasizes the demand to develop educational systems that require less cost to develop and keep but at the same clip make non compromise on the quality of instruction. Use of engineerings like Distance instruction which require less cost and still supply good quality of instruction are the key. Distance instruction engineering will assist in making the disadvantaged pupils in Africa who either can non go to schools due to poverty or they are populating really far off from school or educational centre. Schools that have significant financess can put in supplying installations required for distance acquisition like computing machines and internet connexion. Distance instruction makes usage of stuff reuse and the stuff can be stored for long continuance so distance instruction does non necessitate much substructure to keep and cut down the cost of the whole educational system. Different categories of adult females who are otherwise deprived of any signifier of formal instruction can profit mostly from distance instruction installations. Womans who are homemakers are required to be at place all the clip can sit at place and survey without doing any perturbation in their matrimony and maintain on taking attention of their kids while analyzing. Another group of adult females who are denied instruction because it requires face to confront interaction with facilitators will greatly profit from distance instruction as they can prosecute instruction by maintaining safe distance from the teachers and still entree quality instruction. Womans who are uneducated but working to supply for their household can profit from larning at their ain convenience and clip. It will increase their self- regard and besides assist them to heighten their calling through instruction. This undertaking will supply pupils with a web site accessing which pupils can register and make user histories.They can log in to these histories and registry for classs they are interested in. They can entree the stuff that they require online and besides log in to go to on-line categories provided on the site. The University Of South Africa ( UNISA ) is one such establishment that provides encouragement to higher instruction. It is one of the largest establishments in the universe that boasts over 120,000 registered pupils analyzing for makings, through the doctorial degree.2. Language TranslationLanguages play an of import function in larning procedure. Many of the African states that are multilingual are unable to entree engineering because of the linguistic communication barrier. The linguistic communication of extension of engineering is different from their native linguistic communication. Hence they can non utilize the services provided by these engineerings. Language interl ingual rendition tools are tools that can be used to change over learning stuffs, paperss and besides web pages from English linguistic communication into some other linguistic communication of involvement. If the educational and other of import content available on the cyberspace is non provided in local linguistic communication so it is of no usage of this information. Extensive usage of any peculiar linguistic communication in importance correspondences like authorities notices, stamps, and official invitations can do ignorance about their rights among people. Language here is non merely a agency of communicating but besides has societal impact. Use of linguistic communication interlingual rendition tools to change over larning stuff into native linguistic communications can take the demand for pupils to analyze a figure of foreign linguistic communications. Advancement of pupils will besides be faster as the stuff in their native linguistic communication will be easy to understand than any foreign linguistic communication. Therefore hapless people who have really less chances for deriving instruction can do most of it. This will rush up their acquisition procedure and increase their opportunities of availing higher instruction and accordingly earn better life. Uneducated population of adult females is one of the causes taking to population detonation in Africa. When a adult female is educated she can take attention of whole household and herself. Womans need to be educated about daily hygiene demands and wellness concerns. They should be able to understand the demand for proper attention of babes which will assist diminish infant mortality rate. Education installations are made available to adult females in their native linguistic communications through usage of Language Translation tools. Learning about of import issues through their ain female parent lingua can hold permanent consequence on these adult females even if they are non really educated. This undertaking will supply installation to interpret available stuff in selected linguistic communications. Registered users can subject the papers that they wish to acquire translated in any of the linguistic communication available. They can so entree the stuff in the linguistic communication they are comfy with. Among a figure of organisations that provide linguistic communication interlingual rendition, ‘web-lingo ‘ is one such organisation based in South Africa. This organisation offers both proficient every bit good as untechnical interlingual rendition solutions to net development and package companies to interpret their content into and from about 85 linguistic communications. One of their undertakings includes a plan that runs on top of standard Microsoft Office Software.3. Seamless Education:Seamless Education system as one that represents an incorporate construct of instruction that stretches from early childhood through a four-year college grade.It breaks do wn between high school and college, faculty members and career/technical instruction and public instruction and the workplace. The intent of seamless instruction is to fix â€Å" capable citizens, † whether or non they attend school or college. So instructors align classs and make interdisciplinary undertakings. It is an attempt to increase high school completion rates, trial tonss, school/college registration, occupation arrangements, economic conditions, household support. The key to economic development is an educated work force. If Africans have to take a better life they must fit their kids and grandchildren with the accomplishments needed to be educated and employed. A seamless system of instruction will guarantee that we have an educated and prepared work force to get the better of all the challenges impeding their growing and development. Education is cardinal to all issues. If our following coevals is educated they can be employed and will work at well-paid occupations. If finance is there economic conditions, wellness conditions, sanitation, poorness all will surely better. The major challenge is to do instruction easy accessible to everyone in the continent. This can be really good accomplished with seamless instruction system. Teachers from all over universe should be invited to map out which constructs should be taught and when will those be taught. The basic categories such as English linguistic communication humanistic disciplines, mathematics, scientific discipline and societal surveies should be must. To get down with kindergartners should be encouraged. Womans Education should be encouraged. Educational governments envision a seamless instruction system get downing with early childhood come oning through general instruction and preparation, higher and big instruction. Another issue is that a big figure of pupils enroll in Fieldss of commercialism and wellness scientific discipline. This creates a major instability between humanistic disciplines and humanistic disciplines on one manus and engineering and scientific discipline on the other manus. The end product of alumnuss in Fieldss of scientific discipline and engineering should increase to equilibrate the ratio between proficient and university pupils. It is believed that seamless instruction will assist in bettering the balance to a important extent. Health Conditions can besides better by supplying instruction in Fieldss of medical specialty. Access to quality medical specialties are needed to better wellness conditions. So entree to acquire choice intervention should be in scope of affordability, acceptableness and physical handiness. Proper preparation to workforce is needed to organize medical specialties direction from physician degree to patient degree. Unfortunately druggists and pharmaceutics support forces are really few in Africa. Trainings are besides provided but at deficient graduated table. So the cardinal solution to scale up wellness conditions is to increase figure of qualified druggists via higher instruction via seamless instruction system. Some of the major ends of a Seamless System can be as: Smoothing pupil passages from one degree of larning to the following. Closing the accomplishment spread between white and minority pupils. Balancing the ratio of proficient and human scientific discipline pupils. Strengthening relationships between households and schools. Making a wider scope of larning experiences and chances for pupils in the concluding two old ages of high school. Bettering institute ‘s preparedness and success.4. Animations and Visual images:The challenge to supply instruction to pupils is how to educate them to hold a solid impact in their acquisition. In layperson footings, Animations, a type of optical semblance, are graphical shows that evolve overtime. A It could be pulling, objects, or people in assorted places of linear motion. However, when played, it produces a watercourse of unbroken gesture of images. Dwelling of a series of drawings or exposure on paper, life can be viewed with a mechanical device or tossing through handheld sequence of images. Animations could be seen on movies, picture, or computing machines. Visual images on other manus include inactive show of graphical images. Visual images can absorb a batch of information and show in a mode so that it memorizes. A AnimationA has a topographic point in acquisition and instructional applications.Programs that usage lifes or visual images attract student involvement and offer feedback that can heighten different acquisition manners. Animation is a great schoolroom activity, leting instructors and pupils to research and develop a more originative clip tabular array in Math, Science, English and many subject countries. Bing merriment, originative and hands-on acquisition, life encourages both instructors and pupils as they use simple IT pattern, and is unambiguously suited to all schoolrooms. The online centres website will be been designed to portion illustrations, resources, thoughts and attacks to life in instruction. All the life movies featured will be available to pupils and instructors to heighten the acquisition procedure. Animation can used to supply excess aid where it is needed. Content – related artworks ( both inactive and life ) and picture can assist better pupil attitudes and motive in certain topics, chiefly mathematics and scientific discipline.Technical Feasibility of the undertaking:All the above engineerings proposed that will be used in the edifice of the undertaking are available in the market. Labor demands for the undertaking: The undertaking will necessitate Senior flat direction including Project director and Professional staff including Software developers and Analysts. Office staff is required to pull off the centres. Physical location of the undertaking: It will necessitate a centre where pupils can see. The centre must be located in Africa. Technology Requirements: Computer Hardware and Software: The undertaking will necessitate computing machine systems with latest constellations and package. A database waiter and networking engineering to link client and waiter machines is required. Besides some basic systems that can be used by pupils to entree the stuff and information is needed. Internet connexion: High velocity cyberspace connexion is required.Commercial feasibleness:Fundss will be acquired from Education commissions that work towards development of instruction in Africa every bit good as from other developed states that allot financess in their budgets to assist educational systems in Africa.Technical Challenges:Choosing location of the instruction centre in Africa. If no cyberspace installation is available in distant countries, so towers will be needed for supplying internet connexion.Commercial Potential:The investing done in the undertaking will assist to supply quality instruction to pupils in Africa. Although there will be no touchable net income the return on our investing will be obtained by accomplishing development of African states through spread of instruction

Intercultural Business – Drug Tests in India

Case Study Intercultural Business im Studiengang B. A. International Management Thema: Drug tests in India IContents IContentsII IIList of figuresIII IIIList of abbreviationsIV 1Essential moral standards and norms1 2The practical value of economic ethics concepts3 3The RADAR concept5 4Business activity in India8 5Comparison of the cultures9 6Preperation for the NGO meeting14 IV. BibliographyV Declaration IIList of figures Figure 1:Overview of the different business ethics concepts3 Figure 2:Points of the RADAR concept5 Figure 3:Comparison of the differen cultural dimensions9 ?IVList of abbreviations BVVB AGBacteria and Virus Vaccine Biotechnology CRE Ltd. Clinical Researche Enterprise Limited NGONon-Governmental Organisation WMAWorld Medical Association PDIPower Distance IDVIndividualism vs. Collectivism MASMasculinity vs. Femininity UAIUncertainty Avoidance LTOLong-Term Orientation CfConfer ? 1Essential moral standards and norms â€Å"Humans are more moral than they think and far m ore immoral than they can imag-ine. † Sigmund Freud In general moral standards and norms are always based on a culture. Every culture has got its own definition of morality and ethics.Morality can be defined as the standards that an individual or group has got about what is right and wrong, or good and evil. The pharma industry itself includes some essential moral standards and norms on na-tional and international base. First it is necessary to prove moral standards and norms on a global level. The â€Å"Declara-tion of Helsinki† developed by the World Medical Association (WMA) is: â€Å"a statement of ethical principles for medical research involving human subjects, including research on identifiable human material and data. Furthermore this declaration gives essential moral standards and norms according to the pharmaceutical branch, e. g. â€Å"In medical research involving human subjects, the well-being of the individual research subject must take precedence over a ll other interests. † The second part is the national moral standards. In Germany the ethical standards refer to the principle: â€Å"The health is the highest property of a human being. † These standards are set by statue from the â€Å"Zentrale Ethikkommission†. Furthermore German companies always have to obey the German law.The American ethical standards are saying the same in the â€Å"Declaration of Professional Responsibility: Medicine's Social Contract with Humanity. † from the American Medical Association, e. g. â€Å"Respect human life and the dignity of every individual† The focused standards above exist also in India. They are formed by the Indian Council of medical research. All standards point out what the ultimate principle of medical researches is. : All medical tests shall focus on health and care of every human being. â€Å"Act as if the maxim of your action were to become through your will a universal law of nature. Immanuel Kant by Serafini (1989) The definition of moral standards and norms above should be based on deontological ethics. It says that the background and the consequences or effects that an action takes is irrelevant – only the action itself matters. Roughly speaking, deontologists hold that some choices cannot be justified by their effects, no matter how morally good their con-sequences are. Therefore some choices are morally forbidden. But in reference to the drug tests the moral standards are based on the teleological theo-ry.The teleology is characterized primarily by a focus on the consequences which any action might have. That means if an action (drug tests) might be incorrect, but the con-sequence (effective medicine) is correct and helpful, then it is morally correct. Today we are encouraged to act on the base of different ethical frameworks before we are able to make a clear decision about the ethical correctness of our intended actions. The codes of conduct, which are the ethic al guidelines are based on those frameworks. 2The practical value of economic ethics conceptsThe following discussion deals with the four different economic ethics concepts and their practical values. They are defining how to combine ethics and profit in different ways and with their consequences. Figure 1 The different business ethics concepts Firstly there is the functional business ethics concept. If a company act in agreement with certain known rules and under specific ethical conditions it is allowed to gain the maximum profit. â€Å"Ethic† is a â€Å"factor or rentability† or a â€Å"critical factor of success†.That means: The â€Å"investment† in â€Å"ethics† in terms of acceptance of current opportunity costs has its foundation in the strategic aim to save long-term profit chances. This concept is not used by the BVVB AG, because they are not acting under specific ethical conditions. The second concept to focus is the corrective Business e thics concept which implements ethical standards into the daily business. That means companies are acting in their nor-mal economic way but ethics standards always have the priority over profit gaining ac-tions.It is a voluntarily self-limitation of profit maximisation. For the BVVB AG only the profit gaining process matters. The integrative Business ethic is the permanent process of critical reflexion of business activities. Every possible profit and business success should get the legitimisation of all stakeholders. The consequence is that the company might have to abdicate a profit chance. The action of the BVVB AG shows that they are not acting in reference to what the stakeholders defining as the best way. The last concept is the charitable Business ethic concept.The priority is to gain the maximum profit and afterwards the company starts to donate a part of the money for charitable aims. The morality of a business action does not matter anyway. Due to the descriptions of the d ifferent concepts it is clear that the BVVB AG should act based on the charitable business ethics concept. In the current situation it is the highest priority to gain profit and to be successful (=gain the maximum profit). But after having success the BVVB AG should use a part of the gained money to serve non-economical claims.The practical value of the concept is the possibility to define an eth-ical business aim and the commitment to act in a moral and ethical way. 3RADAR concept The RADAR concept serves to take a decision with the comprehension of ethics. In consideration of ethics in the factoring process it could be more difficult to find an easy solution but it might be more suitable for both parties. In the following paragraph the steps 1 to 10 of the RADAR concept, as seen in the fol-lowing image, will be analysed and discussed. Figure 2: Structure and Points of the RADAR conceptRecognize Step 1 Determine if there is an ethical component The component is the drug tests in In dia. The accomplishment of these tests is not un-morally – it is important – but the way the tests will be carried out is morally questiona-ble. The BVVB AG could hold the tests in Europe or the USA but due to finical prob-lems and the necessity of the reduction of costs the tests will be done in a financially weak area in an Indian hospital. Furthermore the BVVB AG does not know if the health of the patient will be always protected. Step 2Check the ethicalness of the ethical omponent against ethical standards For my own values the conditions under which the tests are carried out are not morally and direct against my ethical values. For the BVVB AG it depends on two points. On the one hand India is the cheapest choice for the realization of the test process and on the other hand the company is not acting illegal but the aim is to develop a new effective medicine against illnesses and to test the agent, subjects are needed. On the basis of the Global Business Standard C odex (GBSC) it is absolutely unmorally.The codex considers the point â€Å"Human Dignity†, which requires the protection of hu-man health and the respect of fundamental human rights. Step 3Conclusion In consideration of the mentioned aspects above the implementation of the tests in India is not illegal but they fulfil not the ethical and moral standards. Assess Step 4Who are the key stakeholders? The main stakeholders of the BVVB AG and the new vaccine are primary the internal stakeholders, especially the managers and employees. Because of the financial situation the members of the BVVB AG are reliant on the success of the tests.The external stakeholders are the subjects, without their help the tests cannot be carried out. Step5What ethical standards apply? The CRE Ltd. and the BVVB AG carry responsibility to inform the respondent about the possible side effects and the probability of their appearance. Furthermore the com-pany is responsible to take care about the state of th e subjects’ health. In turn of these duties the subjects have the right to be treated with fairness and dignity. Step 6 How is the proposed action likely to impact them from an e. g. economic and ethical view?The positive long- and short-term effects are that the habitants from India, especially the majority of people from slums, have never had contact to medical treatments or a simple medical examination. For the people who are part of the tests it could lead to the healing of diseases. Contrariwise there also exist some negative effects in a short-term period – the side ef-fects. The subjects could get negative side effects from the vaccine. But the laboratory has figured out medical therapies to heal the serious side effects either by a special treatment or through hospital stay.Step 7See if there is a specification and quantification of the positive and negative con-sequences which could result from the intended action. The performing of the tests in India could re sult in bad or negative reputation. Too much bad reputation could result in a damage of the company’s image and could end up in the loss of clients and creditors. This would indicate that the BVVB AG takes a financial risk. Step 8What could be done to reduce the likelihood of or at least reduce the negative impact? Due to the necessity of the tests the company has to ensure the reduction of negative reports.To avoid them the only way is to guarantee better circumstances of the tests and the security and wellbeing of the subjects. Furthermore the company could assure that India receives some medicine for free to help infected people after a successful conclu-sion of the test series. Decide Step 9 Take a decision The BVVB AG in connection to the CRE Ltd. has to carry out the tests in India, be-cause of the financial situation. To some people it may create the impression of being â€Å"bad† but the real aim something positive one. The vaccine could help millions of people and also Indians.To reduce the negative aspects the tests have to be carried out under better conditions, considering a higher care for the subjects’ health. Step 10 Correct for self-serving biases If I am asked if I want to read about that in the newspaper I would say â€Å"Yes† because reaching better conditions and to ensure the responsible manners with the tests and the well-being of the persons is positive and could have an effect on the image and make other companies to think about their actions. ? 4Business activity in India This paragraph defines some essential facts about cultural conventions in India.To have success on business in India, in my opinion, the first priority is to be familiar with the cultural conventions because the opinion about business differs a lot between Indians and Europeans. The distinctions may lead to misapprehensions. To be accepted and to show respect it is necessary to learn some basic modes of behaviour and funda-mental cultural d ifferences. It could be helpful to learn some basic phrases of the Indian language for having a small-talk but it is not that important to speak perfectly because the Indians speak over 500 dialects e. . people from the north often talks to someone from the south in English. Furthermore it is good to know that Indians never say â€Å"No† because it is impolite to negate something. It is common to say â€Å"I will try it†. Generally it is important to keep in mind that a personal and polite contact between people from every age is ensured. Indians set a high value on trustworthiness. The first contact could be a handshake but it is common to give a friendly nod. Shaking the head does not mean â€Å"No† it is a gesture of attentive listening.Also the way of dressing is important. Women may never show skin, like naked legs or shoulders. Men are allowed to wear shorter clothes if it is hot outside but it has to be suitable for business. Indians are very hospitable. It is common to get or to make an invitation for dinner. Due to the different persuasion there are some different rule for preparation and consump-tion. But it exists a general rule: â€Å"Peel it, boil it, or forget it. † ? 5Comparison of the cultures The following paragraph deals with the different cultures of Germany, India and USA.The distinctions between the different nations and cultures will be discussed and ex-plained with the help and use of the cultural dimensions of Geert Hofstede. Professor Geert Hofstede conducted one of the most comprehensive studies of how values in the workplace are influenced by culture. Figure 3: The different cultural dimensions in comparison of their characteristics source: geert-hofstede. com The 1st dimension – The Power Distance (PDI) Power distance is defined as: â€Å"The degree to which the less powerful members of a so-ciety accept and expect that power is distributed unequally. The undamental issue here is how a society han dles inequalities among people. People in societies exhibiting a large degree of power distance accept a hierarchical order in which everybody has a place and which needs no further justification. In societies with low power distance, people strive to equalize the distribution of power and demand justification for inequalities of power. † The comparison of the cultures in the diagram shows that there is a high difference be-tween the USA, Germany and India. The low score of Germany (35) and the USA (40) in this dimension shows clearly the general proposition of â€Å"liberty and justice for all†.It is common that both managers and employees expect to be engaged and information is shared frequently. Also both cul-tures have in common that the communication style is direct, informal and participative. Furthermore in both cultures there is no strict hierarchical order established. But in India on the contrary there is a relatively high power distance (77). The hierarchical structure is hard in organizations as well as in society. Also the real power of managers and control is high and accepted. The communication style differs totally from the western and European style.Someone would never be criticized if there is a 3rd person in the room and the communication is top – down. In contrast to Germany and the USA, where also an employee may criticize a manager, in India an employee would never give negative feedback to someone who is up the ladder 2nd dimension – Individualism versus Collectivism (IDV) Individualism, the high side of this dimension, can be defined as: â€Å"A preference for a loosely-knit social framework in which individuals are expected to take care of them-selves and their immediate families only. And collectivism, the low side of this dimension, can be defined as: â€Å"A representation of a preference for a tightly-knit framework in society in which individuals can expect their relatives or members of a particular in -group to look after them in exchange for unquestioning loyalty. † A society's position on this dimension is reflected in whether people’s self-image is de-fined in terms of â€Å"I† or â€Å"we. † As seen in the 5-D-Modell, all three countries and their cultures have different levels of this dimension. The USA, with a score of 91 is highly individualistic.That means it is common that people in general first look and take care for themselves and their families. The Ameri-cans are mostly doing business with strangers and employees are expected to be self-consistent. Germany scored 67 – truly individualistic. In comparison to the USA the bigger family means a lot to the Germans, especially the parent-children relationship. Loyalty, duty and responsibility are common. In business it is common to give someone an advice if there was a mistake to give him the chance to learn from it – â€Å"Be honest, even if it hurts†.In contrast to Germany and the USA India is clear collectivistic with a score of 48. To Indians it means a lot what the social framework is thinking about an action and they are asking for advice. Also in business everything starts with a personal relationship, especially hiring and promotion. 3rd dimension – Masculinity versus femininity (MAS) This dimension is defined as: â€Å"The masculinity side of this dimension represents a pref-erence in society for achievement, heroism, assertiveness and material reward for suc-cess. Society at large is more competitive.Its opposite, femininity, stands for a prefer-ence for cooperation, modesty, caring for the weak and quality of life. Society at large is more consensus-oriented. â€Å" The fundamental issue here is what motivates people, wanting to be the best (masculine) or liking what you do (feminine). All three cultures are considered a â€Å"masculine† society (scores 56 – 66). Children learn from the early times on that performance is highly valued and the people â€Å"live in order to work†. It is also relevant to be authorial, assertive and decisive. Their behavior stands under the conditions â€Å"strive to be the best they can be. and worldwide known sentence: â€Å"the winner takes it all! † All cultures love to show their success through material objects. For Indians â€Å"work is the center of life† and the workplace serves as symbol of success. 4th dimension – The Uncertainty avoidance (UAI) The uncertainty avoidance dimension expresses: â€Å"The degree to which the members of a society feel uncomfortable with uncertainty and ambiguity. The fundamental issue here is how a society deals with the fact that the future can never be known: should we try to control the future or just let it happen?Countries exhibiting strong UAI maintain rigid codes of belief and behavior and are intolerant of unorthodox behavior and ideas. Weak UAI societies maintain a more relaxed attitude in which practice counts more than prin-ciples. † Concerning the Uncertainty avoidance the cultures have differences. Americans accept new ideas and innovations. They are more tolerant of ideas or opinions from anyone and allow the freedom of expression. Indians also have a lower preference for avoiding un-certainty. They have a high acceptance of imperfection and do not follow strict rules.Indians say: â€Å"nothing is impossible†, as long as one knows how to â€Å"adjust†. In comparison Germany scored high (65) and they follow deductive methods. For Germans it is important to have a plan. Every action has to be systematically and de-tailed planned. Germans prefer to compensate for their higher uncertainty by strongly relying on expertise. 5th dimension – Long-term orientation (LTO) â€Å"The long-term orientation dimension can be interpreted as dealing with society’s search for virtue. Societies with a short-term orientation generally have a strong concern with establishing the absolute Truth.They are normative in their thinking. They exhibit great respect for traditions, a relatively small propensity to save for the future, and a focus on achieving quick results. In societies with a long-term orientation, people believe that truth depends very much on situation, context and time. They show an ability to adapt traditions to changed conditions, a strong propensity to save and invest thriftiness, and perseverance in achieving results. † America and Germany have a relatively low score in this dimension. That means they are more short-term oriented.In business people strive for quick results and a strong concern with establishing the truth. The Indians in contras have a long-term orientation, time and punctuality does not matter and they never follow the exact plan, if there is a plan existing. ? 6Preperation for the NGO meeting â€Å"Morality is temporary, wisdom is permanent. † Hunter S. Thompson For the meeting wi th the NGO? s in India it is necessary to know what they are criticiz-ing on the project. They are criticising that the BVVB AG is exploiting the Indian popu-lation due to the tests in India.The need of that meeting is to convince the members of the NGO about the necessity and benevolence of these tests. It is obvious that the BVVB AG in cooperation with the CRE Ltd. is doing the tests in India in order to eco-nomic and financial reasons. But due to the extensive economies it could also be beneficial for India, especially if the BVVB AG decides to act on the charitable business concept. The non-attendance of tick-bourne in India does not matter for testing the medicine. The danger to contract an infection is small and there is also existing medicine and plans how to heal the people in case of an infection.Furthermore it is of a high importance to know everything about the negative media reports. To convince the NGO about the tests it would be helpful to adjust with the BVVB AG manag ement if it could be possible to donate a certain contingent of the profit and also to donate a certain percentage of the vaccine to India to combat the leprosy virus. Furthermore it could be helpful to assure that the CRE Ltd. will care for good circum-stances. The subjects will get a good treatment and the welfare will be ensured.Due to the fact that Panjaa is a Non-Governmental-Organization it would be not effec-tive trying to bribe the organization with money. It would be more effectively to show them the good sides of the tests for the Indian nation. ? 1. Bibliography Literature FREUD, Sigmund (1930), â€Å"Civilisations and its Discontents† KANT, Immanuel, â€Å"Good Will, Duty, and the Categorical Imperative,† ed. Anthony Serafini, Ethics and Social Concern (1989) (New York: Paragon House Publishers) LIPPER RASMUSSEN, Kaspar (2005) „Deontology, Responsibility and Equalityâ€Å" SALZMANN, Todd A. 1995), „Deontology and Teleologyâ€Å" ULRICH, Peter (2008), „Integrative Business Ethics: Foundation of a Civilized Market Econo-my† ULRICH, Peter (1997), â€Å"Integrative Wirtschaftsethik – Grundlagen einer lebensdienlichen Okonomie† Web research Homepage from the World Medical Association: â€Å"The Declaration of Helsinki†. URL: www. wma. net/en/30publications/10policies/b3/ (last downloaded 09. 11. 12) Homepage from the Freiwillige Selbstkontrolle fur die Arzneimittelindustrie e. V. , „Verhal-tenskodexâ€Å", URL: http://www. fs-arzneimittelindustrie. e/verhaltenskodex/ivd/ (last downloaded 14/11/2012) Statement from the Arbeitskreis Medizinischer Ethik-Kommission, „Stellungnahme zum Vor-schlag fur eine Verordnung des Europaischen Parlaments und des Rates uber klinische Pru-fungen mit Humanarzneimitteln und zur Aufhebung der Richtlinie 2001/20/EGâ€Å" URL: http://www. ak-med-ethik-komm. de/documents/StellungnahmeEUVerordnungklinischePruefungen. pdf (last down-loaded14/11/2012) Homp age from the American Medical Association, „Declaration of Professional Responsibil-ity†, URL: http://www. ama-assn. rg/ama/pub/physician-resources/medical-ethics/declaration-professional-responsibility. page? (last downloaded 14/11/2012) Homepage from the Zentrale Ethikkommission bei der Bundesarztekammer, „Prioritaten in der medizinischen Versorgung im System der Gesetzlichen Krankenversicherung (GKV): Mussen und konnen wir uns entscheiden? â€Å" (2000), URL: http://www. zentrale-ethikkommission. de/page. asp? his=0. 1. 24 (last downloaded 14/11/2012) Published paper by the Indian Council of Medical Research, â€Å"Ethical Guidelines for biomedi-cal research on human participants†, (2006), URL: http://icmr. ic. in/ethical_guidelines. pdf (last downloaded 14/11/2012) Homepage from Handelsblatt, FRANK, Sergey „Die indische Kultur besser verstehenâ€Å", (2009) URL: www. handelsblatt. com/unternehmen/management/strategie/weltspitze-die-indische-kultu r-besser-verstehen/3304528. html (last downloaded 10. 11. 2012) Homepage from Geert Hofstede, URL: geert-hofstede. com (last downloaded 12/11/2012) http://www. goodreads. com/quotes/178430-morality-is-temporary-wisdom-is-permanent (last downloaded 12/11/2012)

Leadership Characteristics Essay

Abstract Today, in our society, especially in healthcare, the word leadership is on everyone’s mind. Finding good leaders has become one of the highest priorities in large and small organizations. But how we define leadership and what should we be looking for in a good leader will be the questions we explore in this paper. This paper is meant to be a summarized reflection of my thoughts and beliefs on leadership. It will evaluate where I stand at the beginning of this course with regard to the characteristics of leadership I possess. It will explore some of the realities that confront leaders within the healthcare industry. It will examine some of my past experiences, personal and professional, in order to learn who I am as a leader and where I need to go to be an effective leader. key word: self awareness, leadership, realities In the 21st century when globalization and open business opportunity among countries has created an atmosphere of either flourish or perish, the necessity of dynamic and effective leadership is gaining prime importance all over the world. Successful leaders are becoming the scarcest resource of any business enterprise. Over the past years the health care industry has evolved putting more pressure on the health care leaders of today. Success in the long run for these leaders can be insured only through effective leadership. William Shakespeare once said, â€Å"To be or not to be that is the question†. The question every inspiring leader in today’s society must ask of themselves. Leadership according to Northouse (2007, p. 3) â€Å"is a process whereby an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal†. As I continue to read and research this definition of leadership it has brought me to question how does a leader influence others to achieve that common goal? Where do I stand within this leadership definition and what do I need to accomplish as I pursue my leadership desire? In order to accomplish my desire to become a good leader I must understand the characteristics I possess and those I do not. Leaders, whether good or bad influence people, maybe not in the way that the organization benefits from but influence just the same. A good leader will have good work ethics, good communication skills, lead by example, have a desire to achieve the vision and goals of the organization, obtain trust from the organization and their team members, have a drive and desire to see a need for change and act on it when needed, and have a desire to learn from others within the team. Realities Some of the realities that face leaders today are the ever changing work environments. As technology evolves, as our workforce becomes more diverse in skills and culture we as leaders need to be adaptable and ready to make changes. Good leaders need to continue educating themselves through any means possible and be willing to educate those on their teams. As a leader in the health care industry I agree with some current trends confronting the health care system today as seen in Exhibit 1. 1 in our text Leadership in Healthcare (Dye, 2010. p. 5) Growing number of uninsured Increased emphasis on patient safety and equality Diminished revenue sources and decreased reimbursement Uncertain implications of healthcare reform Pressures to invest in electronic record systems and other clinical/information technologies Demands to hold down costs Closer scrutiny of pay-for-performance schemes Aging of the population and changes in worker and patient ethic/cultural demographics Higher expectations from consumers Professional shortages and decreasing recruitment pools Need for building renovation/construction and equipment purchase Rise of social media, Internet commerce, and wireless functionality Advances in Pharmaceuticals, genomics, and medical interventions Public calls for transparency and accountability, and growth of regulations Physician integration and alignment, including the employment of physicians These trends will continue to exist unless the leaders of today and tomorrow learn to be adaptable and progress through the changes or they will be left behind. And the more the complex system is the more demands are on the leaders to perform. History As I was growing up, I never thought of my parents as leaders. On a personal level, in reality they are leaders. Whether bad or good they influence us, as their children, to accomplish goals. Abraham Lincoln once said in his Temperance Address, February 22, 1942, â€Å"When the conduct of men is designed to be influenced, persuasion, kind, unassuming persuasion, should ever be adopted. It is an old and true maxim, that a â€Å"drop of honey catches more flies than a gallon of gall†. (leadershipnow. com) My father was (the boss) an Authoritarian leader. He had always told us what he wanted done and how he wanted it done. (Clark, 2004) I never knew this was a style of leadership as I was growing up but I did know this was not a good way to influence others. Although a leader possesses authority to accomplish goals the power does not make anyone a leader. A good leader will influence people to want to follow them â€Å"rather than simply boss them around†. (Clark, 2004). Reflection The question whether or not a leader is born or taught is yet to be questioned. To refer to a particular individual as a â€Å"natural born leader† I believe is somewhat deceptive, however, an individual can certainly possess a number of the characteristics that are consistent with desirable leadership. Today, as I reflect on my own evaluation of my Professional and Personal Values (Dye, 2010) I have realized I do possess some of the characteristics of a good leader. For instance, I always try to lead by example. I will never ask a subordinate to do something I am not willing to do myself. In my current position I am a Medical Office Coordinator at a physical therapy facility. I am the second in command under the director of the clinic. The previous coordinator would always have the technicians do all the cleaning and filing for her. I believe as an employee within this clinic, to achieve the goals of the clinic, I have an obligation to influence those who work within our team. Also, I have a good work ethic and always have a desire to achieve goals. According to others, that evaluated me, some common characteristics I possess are that I always have respect for my team and keep my word. That I have a desire to learn from others and have a respect for their opinions. For example, as our team was getting ready to purge patient files and making room for new patient files we discovered we needed more room. As a common goal for the clinic we as a team came together and put in place a procedure that accomplished this goal. As the teams leader I could have just demanded a way to make more room or could have just told them to do it any way but I thought since all of the team members were working on the same goal, patient care, we all needed to work on this task together. Room for Improvement Although I do possess characteristics of a good leader there is always room for improvement. I tend to avoid conflict. I avoid conflict in fear of disappointing someone on the team. This is also where I lack in communication skills and trust in myself to know whatever the conflict I should be able to listen and evaluate the conflict and try to solve the issue. Although, I do have good communication skills when it comes to relaying the message with regards to goals and what is expected of my team members I still feel I need to enhance my conflict resolution skills. When I became the Medical Office Coordinator for the physical therapy clinic I knew I needed to work closely with the director of the clinic. The director was new within our clinic and she was not flexible in her schedule to accommodate the patient’s needs. At first, it was hard to deal with this and I was not able to bring this conflict to her attention in a positive way to effectively resolve the problem. As weeks went on I saw that it was affecting my desire to be there. Ultimately, the director was fired due to her lack of commitment to the clinic. As I look back on it I realize now that maybe if I would have communicated to her the dilemma I was facing we could have come to a resolution and maybe she would still be there. There is so much more yet to learn. As I read through the Self-Reflection Questions (Dye, Garman, 2006) there is so much more to being a good leader than just leading by example and inspiring my team. I now realize I need to have a clear vision of my personal conviction, emotional intelligence, trust, a desire to achieve goals and inspiring others.

What are the strengths, limitations and challenges of ethical and Essay

What are the strengths, limitations and challenges of ethical and socially responsible business practice - Essay Example The smaller versions of such corporations are still present and not to mention relevant in the society but they have had the doors opened in terms of the possible heights that can be scaled (Habisch et. al 2005). It is with this in mind that there has arose a need to shed light on certain issues such as control and regulation of these business entities to ensure that there is no negative backlash from their activities. It is essential that a corporation not only remain profitable, but serve the society as well so as to live in harmony within its environment. Two subjects that can be said to have attempted to breach this matter is the emergence of business ethics as well as the social responsibility. These two topics have grown in intensity as they have served to provide a viable solution in which the business community can take part in their regulation working together with independent bodies. The issue of maintaining ethical business practices by corporations has become an interesti ng subject as though the concept is appealing, the practical implications in some cases may tend to cause profit hungry conglomerates to shy away from such measures. There are two good examples that can be taken as case studies in recent years and thus portray the value of business ethics and social responsibility. One such case is that Of the BP oil spill that caused a lot of damage to the environment when it happened. The clean up and rehabilitation of the animals there was part of the company showing the Social responsibility it had to the society. The organization was also fined heavily for the part they played in the accident. Another case is that of the horsemeat scandal that was uncovered in the UK involving Tesco industries. This situation is a portrayal of what could have been avoided should the organization have decided to implement strict business ethics in their practice and operations. Doing what is best for the company does not always mean doing what is best for the society and the Tesco horsemeat scandal proves that. Business Ethics Business ethics can be described as the practice of maintaining ethical principles in the decision-m aking and operations of a company with regard to the effect that their actions may have on the society (Greenfield, 2006). It can be seen as the process of ensuring that businesses stay in line during their quest for profitability and that this objective does not hinder the advancement or progress of the surrounding community. Business ethics can be said to have been set up to ensure that companies behave in their day to day activities be they long or short term (Murphey et. al 2007). The ethics were developed in a bid to provide guidelines to the businesses on proper forms of interactions and inconsiderate trajectories. A number of external independent bodies that with the corporation of the involved corporations have strived to encourage the practice of these ethics by every business have backed the development. Business ethics can be considered to take up a wide range of issues as it deals with all aspects of a company with regard to their conduct and operations. This means that the business’Â  activities as a whole are not the only sections that will be evaluated and individual’s activities for example will be taken into consideration should they be acting as a representative of the corporation. The code of business ethics hopes to cover all scenarios in a bid to improve the interaction between the businesses and the society. This ensures a harmonic existence as mentioned earlier that allows both sides to flourish. Social Responsibility Social Responsibility refers to the relationship that an organization has with the members of the society in which they operate. A company should

HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words - 1

HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT - Essay Example The recruitment process starts with the submission of resume regardless of the fact that the recruitment has started with walk in, employee referrals, advertising or others (Griffin & Moorhead, pp. 14-19, 2009). Shortlisted candidates get a chance to fill the application form, which then leads to a formal interview. Short listed applicants are called for a couple of more interviews (Fisher, Schoenfeldt & Shaw, pp. 301-305, 2005). The last interview, which is a group interview, then leads them to a management assessment centre. This is the point where the person has almost met all the requirements for passing the recruitment process. However, in order for finding out the right match in terms of job for the applicant, the individual has to go appear in several tests. They are Big Five personality tests, MBTI, IQ tests and others. Important here to note is that these are the requirements for new recruits, however, in case of recruitment for executive positions or rehiring, not all steps are followed (Mathis & Jackson, pp. 48-51, 2006). The legal requirements include the fact that the person should have a criminal history, must have the passport or identification of home country, work permit, proof of address, proof of date of birth, proof of educational achievement and certificates and others (Robbins & Judge, pp. 291-295, 2010). Programme for Training and Development Recruitment of the best available talent is never the guarantee of success. It was not only important to tell the employees what to do but at the same time, it is equally important to teach them how to do. Market leaders like Unilever spend more time in comparison to their competitors for training and developing their employees. Following is an example of professional training and development plan at Unilever (Fisher, Schoenfeldt & Shaw, pp. 301-305, 2005). Training and development at UniLever starts with needs assessment. Why training is important? What should be the contents of training? Who should be the target of training? What shall be the expectations in terms of benefits from the training? (Kleynhans, pp. 274-278, 2006) Questions similar to the above mentioned, remain the target of needs assessment. The second step is of instructional design where the focus remains on using the data gained in the first step and with the help of the same, complying, creating and deciding on the program content, exercises, activities, approaches and others (Cummings & Worley, pp. 68-69, 2008). Since this process requires a lot of investment in terms of time and energy, the third step is of validation where a small sample is tested. The fourth step is of the actual implementation of the program and at the fifth stage, the managers and heads of UniLever sit back to evaluate the success of the program (Bratton & Gold, pp. 510-512, 2001). Human Relations School and Motivation of Staff Experts such as ‘Hugo Munsterberg, Mary Parker Follet, Hawthorne Studies, Abraham Maslow, Douglas McGreg or’ (Hendry, pp. 84-86, 1995) and others remain as the founder of the human relations school of management. Most of these experts (Hendry, pp. 84-86, 1995) had disagreements with the ideas of Taylor and other advocates of

Outline the development of the Christian doctrine of the Trinity from Research Paper

Outline the development of the Christian doctrine of the Trinity from the New Testament Church to the Nicene Creed - Research Paper Example Theological opinions on the foundation of the doctrine of the Trinity vary amongst two extremes. Trinity has no basis in the Bible, in contrast, it states that Trinity is clear in the New Testament. A summary of the tertiary writings validates the latter position, and yet still represented by conventional theologians, is largely submitted from the central point that the doctrine of the Trinity was understood in the scriptures and was made clear by the advances of the church fathers (Humphreys, 20) The conclusion of the historians is that the doctrine was not original. The interconnections between history and theology are of specific importance in view of the doctrine development, but conventionally there has been comparatively little exchange of ideas between the two principles. The second fact considered by the education theologians is that no organized expositions of the doctrine might be observed in the New Testament, Roman Catholic shares this opinion, Protestant, eastern orthodox theologians, and by liberal, moderate and conservative theologians. By saying this, they imply that the new testament does not have formal and official statements of Trinity, does not have passages where the subject of debate is Trinity, does not have refutations of subordination, and tritheism and modalism as Trinitarian errors. Lastly, words such as one, the Trinity or God used as one-and-the-same being collectively did not exist in the New Testament. Christians do claim that it might be prese nted in the bible educates that the God is the father, the son, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, implying that God is one (PARSENIOS, 400) In explaining their claims, the opposers and proponents of the Trinity that is not present in the New Testament have formed two strategies to support their allegations. The first plan was to conduct an exegesis of particular passages in the New Testament. A good example was seen in the essay by Warfield, he validated

Renewable energy disadvantages Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Renewable energy disadvantages - Essay Example On the contrary, solar power produces little or no carbon emission. Its use will not affect the level of energy in the earth’s crust. Capentieri et al (1993, p.160) argues that it is very important to put into consideration technology used to convert renewable sources of energy to meaningful use. It is critical to carry a feasibility study then match with appropriate technology to covert the energy source. One other factor to consider before investing in renewable energy is the collection of data. Most data is available as a primary source of other activities like flood control and weather forecast. This data may be flawed and lack precision. Once data is, available next is to put the appropriate technology. For renewable energy to be a success story, policies and guidelines should be in place to facilitate the whole process. For instances, stopping the use of coal to produce electricity will promote renewable sources like wind power. In general renewable sources of are friend ly to environment. It makes it appropriate for use in industries and reduces the damage on the ozone layer. Despite renewable energy offering best alternatives for energy, it has disadvantages that affect its use. Disadvantages of Renewable Energy Solar energy- it is the energy derived from the rays of the sun using solar panels. Cost- the cost of installing solar panels is relatively high and few can afford to install large photovoltaic solar cells to produce electricity. So harnessing solar power still remain a challenge. Space-for solar energy to be effective, it requires large space for efficiency of the equipment used to tap its power. It is not appropriate in places where surface area is small. Photovoltaic cells cannot reach optimum level where pollution is high. It reduces effectiveness of solar panels. In winter and rainy weather the solar panels are less effective. Solar panels attract extra expenses in harnessing solar energy. They cannot perform at night, having the need to purchase accumulators to store energy. Wind Power- it is the energy derived from wind using wind turbines. Noise-despite wind being clean energy, turbines produces huge noises. Destruction to animals-birds is the major casualties of wind turbines. Turbines scare away birds in places they are constructed, hence interfering with their habitats. Strength of the wind- at times when large amount of wind power is required, wind may be low to turn the turbines and because of this wind energy is unreliable. Location- coastal receive strong wind completely year round. Areas away from the coastal line do not benefit much form wind energy. Space- wind turbines takes ocuupy much space that would otherwise be used for other economic purposes. Cost- construction of wind turbines is costly. Several turbines should be constructed to produce equal amount of energy produced by other sources of energy. Hydropower-this is the energy derived from moving water. Toxic gases- hydropower produces toxic gases, affecting plants surrounding the dam. This leads to emission of methane gas, which pollutes the environment. Destruction of habitat-animals and people around the dam has to move due to water making conditions near the dam unbearable. Costs-equipments for installation of hydropower are very expensive. Initial cost both capital and labour are relatively very

Factors in hiring educational leaders Assignment

Factors in hiring educational leaders - Assignment Example Rather than focusing on the composition of the school, those tasked with the duty of hiring of educational leaders ought to focus on data that revolve around student performance, such as the curriculum being offered, differences in instruction and the level of assessment (Reeves, 2007). The influence of the above data on student achievement by far outweighs the influence of school demographic, which will focus on issues of race, gender, ethnic minorities and the number of second language students (Reeves, 2007). An educational leader should not be picked as the better candidate for simply being white, black, Asian or for representing a large part of the student demographic. This will not only ensure that the interviewing panel does not get it wrong in the choice they make, but will also ensure that equality of all candidates is upheld, where no person gets an upper hand for belonging to this demographic or the other (Reeves, 2007). In my view, all students have the ability to learn, and educational achievement should not be pegged on one’s demographic. Educational institutions and those charged with picking their leaders should not create the wrong perception that the various student demographics have different levels of learning ability (Reeves, 2007). Instead, the education leader ought to be a person who is a uniting factor, with vast knowledge of the various cultures of the different members of their student body. This will enable them to tackle each student individually and not as a member of a certain demographic (Reeves, 2007). Educational leaders such as principals and college deans who will be more effective at their job are those who focus their attention on the current and previous actions of the institutions they hope to lead rather than the constitution of the student

Impact of capital structure on financial performance of real estate Essay

Impact of capital structure on financial performance of real estate firms listed in Chinese stock exchange - Essay Example ortant to obtain a brief understanding of the theoretical aspects related to the capital structure and its role in the performance of the company, which assisted significantly in the formation of specific research objectives. The next phase, of the research emphasized gathering of necessary data, wherein secondary sources that includes utilising the official website i.e. ‘Shanghai Stock Exchange’ have been utilised to extract data. Subsequently, the related data gathered using the secondary sources were analysed with the assistance of a quantitative approach using the statistical tools i.e. correlation and regression. Finally, an in-depth analysis was conducted based on the collected data to ensure valid and justifiable conclusions based on the obtained findings (Bergh & Ketchen, 2009). Correspondingly, this chapter of the dissertation intends to provide an in-depth and comprehensive understanding of how this research study was carried out through the collection of reliable data and information to derive the ultimate objective of research. The objective of the research study was to determine the impact of organisations’ capital structure over the financial performance of the business. In this regard, the financial performance of the 20 listed real estate companies, in the Chinese stock exchange, was taken into the consideration. In general context, based on the objective of the research, a study can be carried out using positivism, realism, interpretivism, or pragmatism philosophical approaches. However, particularly in order to achieve previously mentioned research aims and objectives, interpretivism philosophy was utilised in this research study. The reason behind using interpretivism philosophy in this particular research study is owing to its advantages in the collection of needful data and information, maintaining high level of reliability, validity, and generalisability of the facts representing the financial position of the companies. Furthermore,

A brief critical analysis of Asymmetric reactions to work group sex Article

A brief critical analysis of Asymmetric reactions to work group sex diversity among men and women, by Chatman & OReilly (2004), Academy of Management Journal, Vol.47, No.2, 193 208 - Article Example male dominated work environment, while women were more likely to be democratic toward men when the work group was female dominated (Konrad, Winter, and Gutek, 1992). The authors note that previous studies have relied on information that was gathered in environments where there were very few instances of female presence (p. 194). The issue of female underrepresentation in the work groups has also been a concern for feminists and researchers for a number of years (Syed and Murray, 2008) (Francoeur et al. 2008). The authors extend this hypothesis to include environments that are male dominated, female dominated, exclusively male or female, and a balanced number of men and women. By adding these other factors the study has not only separated itself from previous research, but enabled the examination of the issue of group sex diversity from various angles while avoiding a focus on similarity-attraction predictions. Chatman and O’Reilly put forth a study using deductive reasoning and a set of hypotheses that examine the relationship of men and women to the gender proportion of their work groups. The authors begin the study by examining general observations about gender in the work groups and go on to narrow their observations and previous research into a set of hypotheses. The first, hypothesis 1, is concerned with male and female preference for inclusion in higher status work groups and secondly, hypothesis 2a proposes that men and women in groups that are dominated by their own gender will be more committed to the organization. In addition those in groups that are dominated by their own gender will express a higher positive affect as proposed in hypothesis 2b. Lastly hypothesis 2c suggests that those in groups where their own gender is dominate will believe those groups are more cooperating than groups dominated by the opposite sex (p. 196). The authors conducted a quantitative study examining 189 professionals of both genders who were surveyed about their beliefs

Jeremy Bentham Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Jeremy Bentham - Essay Example The main basis behind this theory is that an act can be considered to be good or bad depending on the amount of people it is able to help against the number of people who may be inconvenienced so to speak by that same act. In short it can be said that the theory tends to focus on the greater good capacity of an act when determining whether the subject matter is to be considered good or detrimental towards the society (Bykvist, 2009). This is clearly seen in Jeremy Bentham’s claim that it is actually the largest happiness from the biggest number of people that can be considered to be the measure of right and wrong. To put it simply, whether an act is good or not is determined upon the maximization of that utility in question. Something can be considered to be good or bad based on whether it brings more good or bad as an end result. This theory can be said to be both supported and contradicted by a number of nursing and healthcare practices. This can be explained by the diversity of the healthcare sector which means that hardly any two cases are exactly the same thus there are times when the theory may apply to healthcare practices while at other times it does not (Bykvist, 2009). A good example of a healthcare practice that supports this theory is the action of quarantining an individual with a contagious disease. Though such a move may be considered reclusive and even impersonal as the person is kept away from family and friends or any other support system to help them get through such hard times, it is for the greater good that it is done as allowing them contact with others may prove deadly to those who remain uninfected. A practice that may not fit into the greater good system would be the elimination of a ground zero subject who is putting other people at risk as the code of ethics does not support murder under any circumstance. In this instance the greater good is not enough to justify such an act. Two sections of the ANA Code of Ethics

Through Another Pair of Eyes Essay Example for Free

Through Another Pair of Eyes Essay The perception of life through someone else’s eyes can alter one’s appreciation toward that particular lifestyle. Culture is perceived differently depending on the type of environment in which we grow accustomed to. It can also range from the type of location in which we live in. For instance, someone living in a different state would have a different perception of the way we do things compared to their ways. In the essay â€Å"Bumping into Mr. Ravioli,† by Adam Gopnik, the view on life is seen differently when viewed in Gopnik’s perception. However, this perception of life changes when viewed in a different point of view. Gopnik’s perception of life through the eyes of his daughter leads him to understanding and experience an unfamiliar type of lifestyle in which he is not accustomed to. As he begins to recognize and experience this new type of atmosphere, Gopnik starts to appreciate the New York experience and understands the type of lifestyle that he must adapt to in order to live in New York. Viewing life through someone else’s eyes can ultimately change the perception of someone to appreciate and accept the type of lifestyle that must be accustomed to living in that particular environment. To begin with, Gopnik’s perception of life through his daughter’s eyes leads him to acknowledge the lifestyle of a person living in New York and learn to appreciate it. Gopnik begins to realize how busy the city of New York really is and how no one ever has time to play or hangout. He notices this through his daughter’s perspective of her imaginary friend, Charlie Ravioli. Charlie Ravioli is always busy and never has time to play with Olivia. Gopnik soon realizes how vigorous the lifestyle of someone living in New York involves. In addition, Gopnik contacts his sister to resolve the issue of how Olivia’s imaginary friend never has time to play with her. She replies, â€Å"I’m sure that doesn’t occur anywhere in the research literature. That sounds completely New York.† (Gopnik 155). This quote implies that people in New York are usually busy and never has time to do anything. Gopnik learns about the busy lifestyle of Charlie Ravioli and begins to understand more of how a New Yorker lives. Gopnik also realizes that the environment contributes to the personality of Olivia’s imaginary friend. Gopnik states â€Å"Why is busyness the stuff our children make their invisible friends from, as country children make theirs from light and sand?† (Gopnik 156). According to Gopnik, children base their imaginary friends from the type of environment they live in. For example, since Olivia lives in New York, Her imaginary friend, Charlie Ravioli, has the personality of a busy person living in New York. However, a child living on the countryside would create an imaginary that has a personality based off that environment. These two quotes exhibit the idea of different lifestyles based off different environments. Gopnik beings to understand the busy lifestyle of people in New York and understands why Charlie Ravioli never has time to play with Olivia. He learns to appreciate this type of lifestyle and will eventually grow accustomed to it especially living in such a busy city. Gopnik also learns to understand more about his lifestyle and that in order to adjust to the busy lifestyle, he has to get involved with the routine. Furthermore, Gopnik perception of life allowed him to learn about the advances of technology and communications that has evolved overtime. Gopnik never experienced these types of technology when he was younger. Nevertheless, Looking at life in his own perspective, he distinguishes the different types of technological developments such as the train and communication devices. Gopnik asserts, â€Å"If the train crowded our streets, the telegram crowded our minds. It introduced something into the world, which remains with us today: a whole new class of communications that are defined as incomplete in advance of their delivery.† (Gopnik 157). This quote implies that the creation of trains and communication devices has lead to the foundation of the busy lives of many people. For instance, people crowded the streets in order to get from one place to another using the train. This made the streets of New York even more crowded. Likewise, the communication devices influenced people to c ontact by phone, which then frequently leads to requesting for email, and ultimately requesting for fax. Although the trains and communication devices created more hassle for many people, it also made it more convenient for some New York people, allowing them to conserve more time by contacting by phone and using the train to get from one destination to another much quicker. Gopnik’s perception of these technologies allows him to realize how busy some people are in New York and do not have time to consume these technologies. In addition, the busy streets of New York limits the amount of technology inhabited in New York. Gopnik claims, â€Å"New York, though, almost uniquely, got hit by a double dose of the first two technologies, and a very limited dose of the second two. Car life-car obsessions, car-defined habits-is more absent here than almost anywhere else in the country, while television, though obviously present, is less fatally prevalent here.† (Gopnik 158). Technology is widespread in many parts of New York, however, is very limited due to the busy lifestyles of many New York people. Cars, in particular, are rarely drove around in New York because of the busy streets and heavy traffic caused by many taxis and buses. Gopnik’s experience of New York allows him to witness the advances in technology and observe the busy streets of New York. This type of life requires more walking, which creates a populated street, in order to deal with the intense traffic.

Hybrid Vehicles and Alternative Fuels

Hybrid Vehicles and Alternative Fuels Hybrid vehicles alternative fuels are a key part in reducing pollution. Many people do not realize what might happen if alternative methods of transportation are not developed in the near future. Development of hybrid vehicles is growing more important with each passing day. With no end in sight for lower prices of gasoline much of society is beginning to feel the economic squeeze. Hybrid vehicles could help reduce emissions, and reduce dependence on foreign oil thus taking society out of crude oil chokehold. Hybrid vehicles, when one thinks of them many things may come to mind, things such as small, ugly, not â€Å"cool,† but one needs to look beyond the exterior and what the benefits are. Hybrid vehicles could possibly be one of the most important elements to the future habitation of this planet. Resources are being depleted and used up. Resources that are everyday occurrences for society such as oil, coal, and many other resources that are being depleted, and need to be replaced with other viable solutions for energy. Energy sources such as wind fields, solar panels, and many other new option are growing more and more important each day. However, nothing seems to be more daunting than the oil crisis that looms over most of the world. Oil prices continue to grow every day, causing an economic squeeze on many lower income families. â€Å"Over the next 30 years oil demand is expected to grow by 60%† (Dooly, Fitzpatrick, Lewis, 2007, p.657). Also, not to mention the pollution problem that continues to grow daily, with pollution rates rising steadily and no end in sight society is swiftly approaching crisis mode. â€Å"With the introduction of modern passenger cars and vastly increased demand for power, the twentieth century saw rapid increases in the use of fossil fuels† (Dooly, Fitzpatrick, Lewis, 2007, p.657). This may not surprise many people, as it is widely known that sport utility vehicles (SUV’s) have been the option to fulfill societies need for power. This increase in vehicles is promoting the growing pollution problem; the increased burning of fossil fuels has pollution rates growing high er with each passing day. Nevertheless, as it is thought that the increase of use of fossil fuels has only been a problem for the past twenty years, this problem was getting a head start over 150 years ago. According to Dooly, Fitzpatrick, and Lewis (2007, p.657) â€Å"since the industrial revolution in the mid 1800s worldwide energy consumption has been growing steadily.† This is shocking to think that that long ago pollution was already beginning to grow. With the growing talk of global warming and its effects on the earth, and its surroundings, the thought thereof is intimidating alone. Over the past several years scientists have done extensive research into global warming. Research has varied greatly from scientific group to group, one side saying that it is real and is happening, and the other saying that there is not enough supporting evidence to confirm the theory of global warming. Yet on the other hand, the majority of society does know one thing, that pollution, whether from factories, cars, or any other business establishment belching out smoke, cannot be a good thing. In contrast to the gloom and doom of pollution and how it can affect the earth, and several aspects of life, now begins the adventurous quest to make the world a better place. Not only for the present, but also for the future inhabitants of this earth. Reversing pollution problems cannot and will not be done overnight, and it will most certainly not be done by just one person. To reverse this deepening rut that has been dug, it will take a combined effort of nations to make a difference. One might ask why the word adventurous is used to describe reversing this cycle of pollution. As of now there really is no catalyst to begin ending the cycle and begin with the newer greener lifestyle. There are still, however, many things that can make a great impact. To give an example on how far things have gone in the wrong direction in the mode of travel and vehicle use is best summed up by Briggs, Hoogh, Morris, and Gulliver (2008, p.12) â€Å"nationally the trips made on foot has declined by more than 20% since the early 1990s† this is a good example how the vehicle use has grown by a great margin in the past ten years. When there is a decrease in trips made on foot, bicycle, or even subway or train, there has to be an increase somewhere in travel. This increase more often than not occurs in an increase made by a motor vehicle. The increase in travel has made a global impact on many things. The increase in demand of oil, and increased emissions affects many other elements of everyday life. Obviously asking to completely reduce trips made by vehicle is a lot to ask. It may be too much, especially with the fast paced lifestyle. It cannot go unnoticed by society; trips are being made more frequently, and for longer distances. It is expected that European transport is to grow greatly in transportation, in both road, and air transport (Van Mierlo, Maggetto, 2006). On the upside of all of this negative talk, rest assured that there is something being done. Over the past fifteen to twenty years many advances have been made to reduce emissions in vehicles. Many new fuels are being tried and developed in an effort to find viable solutions to gasoline (crude oil). This process is a slow moving operation amid much trial and error, and brick walls, nonetheless breakthroughs have been experienced. As of now there is not only one, but several fuels that have potential for being the next gasoline. Talk of methanol, ethanol, hydrogen, electric, and many other lower priority fuels that have essentially not been given the recognition that the others have. Not only would a new fuel such as ethanol. Help reduce dependence on foreign oil, but the other advantage would be lower emissions. Romm stated: Alternative fuel vehicles (AFV’s) face two central problems. First, they typically suffer from several marketplace disadvantages compared to conventional vehicles running on conventional fuels. Hence, they probably require government incentives or mandates to succeed. Second, they typically do not provide cost-effective solutions to major energy and environmental problems, which undermines the policy case for having the government intervene in the marketplace to support them (2006, p. 2610). These are important issues to the hybrid cause because it is an opposition, which will make it tougher to make hybrid vehicles and have them catch on. The road for hybrid vehicles and alternative fuels is not going to be an easy one. Ethanol is probably one of the alternative fuels that is at the forefront of the race, and making the strongest bid to become the next solution to gasoline. Ethanol has done several good things since it has started. Ethanol is taken from corn. This alone most likely is going make the market for corn better than it has been in the past couple of years. Corn is also expected to reach peak prices in the near future. However, there are two sides to the story of ethanol. While none of it has been confirmed as of yet, it is claimed that cost of production of ethanol and transporting it that it actually ends up being more expensive to use. Farrell et al., (2006, p. 506) also said â€Å"whether manufacturing ethanol takes more nonrenewable energy than the resulting fuel provides. It has long been that the calculations of net energy are highly sensitive to assumptions.† Could this be a futile enterprise to produce this fuel? While much of this has not been given proper analysis by prof essionals in the field, it is still something one would need to keep in mind, should a time of consideration of buying an ethanol burning vehicle arise. Another downside to ethanol is that when it comes to fueling arrangements, stations that carry it are mostly in the Midwest, after that, fill ups are few and far between. Biodiesel is an alternative fuel source that is being tested. Research continues to be conducted to improve it; it has already been tested and works. New ways to produce it are on the horizon. Producing it from soybeans is an option but not yet thoroughly researched and developed. â€Å"For the diesel engine seed-oil bio-fuels have been widely examined across the world, as a suitable alternative† (Crookes, 2006, p. 461). One of the neat things about biodiesel is that it can be made and refined at home. Used oil from deep fryers at restaurants can be used to make biodiesel. All of this sounds really great, but the bad thing with biodiesel is that it does not have the octane that comes with regular diesel. There are other disadvantages to biodiesel as well, For instance, in colder climates it does not function as well as regular diesel. The same can be said for towing with biodiesel it just does not have the power. While there are some cold hard facts about biodiesel, it is stil l a vital component to reducing dependence on foreign oil. â€Å"The hydrogen economy has received increasing attention recently† (Waegel, Byrne, Tobin, Haney, 2006, p. 288). This is for good reason too. Hydrogen is a fuel that if it is made to work will greatly reduce environmental impacts. Hydrogen has potential to be a great alternative fuel, if it pans out. â€Å"Whether the hydrogen is produced by steam reforming of natural gas, wind electrolysis, or coal gasification. Most benefits would result from eliminating current vehicle exhaust† (Jacobson, Colella, Golden, 2005, p.1901). Development however for hydrogen is not at its best. On a good note if hydrogen becomes a viable fuel, it would be a zero emissions fuel. If there is a significant number of people using hydrogen fuel vehicles in the future, a great decrease in emissions would inevitably follow. Although all of this sounds wonderful and dandy, there is a darker side to hydrogen. It is not fully developed, and this writer does not believe it will be in the near fu ture. Hydrogen is still extremely expensive. According to Waegel, Byrne, Tobin, and Haney, (2006, p. 289) â€Å"in terms of economics, hydrogen from natural gas is 50 % to 100% more than an equivalent amount of gasoline.† That is bad news for hydrogen, not to mention the price of transportation of hydrogen which also is expensive. Hydrogen most definitely has its work cut out for itself. Electric vehicles are next on the list of possible solutions as an alternative fuel. Even though it is not necessarily a fuel, it is still an alternate mode of transportation. Electric vehicles have many good qualities they do not put out emissions, and they are quiet. Both of those qualities are good for city living. Some experts believe that electric vehicles are going to be an integral part in reducing pollution. With proper engineering, this is quite possible. The most likely hybrid car in the foreseeable future is the electric vehicle with less fuel consumption, and reduced emissions. Minimal change in vehicle styles means that the safety would not be compromised, and nothing resulting in job loss (Romm, 2006). Electric most definitely has a strong place in this market. In fact electric cars may be starting to be seen more often. Especially in cities where transportation does not require going a great distance to do everyday tasks such as getting groceries, going to school, and things of that nature. With the new advantages in electric technology, businesses that need outdoor transportation are more likely to turn to electric vehicles rather than the traditional four-wheeler, or other all-terrain-vehicle. It is extremely plausible that electric vehicles will be popping up all over the world. Electric will be a contributor as an alternative fuel. Altogether there are various fuels that have a good chance of being the next gasoline. Ones such as electric do not have a chance to be a permanent option to gasoline. Electric will however be a large contributor. Keep in mind that these research efforts and new ideas for fuel are not intended to completely factor out gasoline. Gasoline will always be used for some application. What these new fuels are intended to do is reduce dependence on foreign oil, and help decrease gasoline prices while reducing pollution at the same time (Waegel, Byrne, Tobin, Haney). The next order of business is to get to the actual vehicles themselves. Contrary to what one might think, a hybrid car is not a new concept; in fact it is probably older than what most people think Many people think that hybrid vehicles are a very recent development, but many would be surprised at how old the concept really is. The history of hybrid vehicles goes back to 1665. Between that year and 1825, Flemish Jesuit priest and astronomer Ferdinand Verbiest created plans for a steam â€Å"car† for Chinese Emperor Khang Hsi, Frenchman Nicholas Cugnot built a steam-powered motor carriage capable of six miles per hour, and British inventor Goldsworthy Gurney built a steam car that successfully completed an 85-mile journey in ten hours. In 1839, Robert Anderson of Aberdeen, Scotland, built the first electric vehicle (Griffin, Shen, 2007, p.177). General Motors (GM) has made its mark on hybrid history. â€Å"Most of the early work by General Motors was due to the concern for increasing price of gasoline at the time of the oil embargo.† (Rajashekara, 1993, p.447) GM also had the first electric fuel cell vehicle in the Electro van, and also had an electric truck for military application. (Rajashekara, 1993) Contrary to what some people may think, research on hybrid vehicles started more than three-hundred years ago. Now evidently they began working with steam technology because they had no knowledge or the resources to create an internal combustion engine. When it is thought about for a short period of time, steam technology for the first steam boats had to have been tested on land before put to use on water. Therefore the first steam car advancements should not be thrown out as worthless for they did lay the groundwork for other future uses. Even when Rudolf Diesel invented the diesel engine, it was meant to run on peanut oil! This however did not turn out so that they ran peanut oil in it, because at the time diesel was cheaper to process. Now with the ever higher price of diesel, refining used restaurant oil to use in diesel engines is beginning to take on. Now that the history of hybrid vehicles is taken care of, it is time to get to the flesh of the issue, hybrid vehicles. Hybrid vehicles will be the most essential component to reducing pollution, and end the vicious cycle that has been started. Hybrid vehicles have grown by leaps and bounds over the past ten years. New prototypes are being worked on researched, and developed daily. However they do not always get a good review. Hybrid vehicles tend to be somewhat smaller than conventional vehicles. This condition tends to make people think somewhat differently about them. â€Å"Hybrids pose no more danger in a collision than do conventional vehicles.† (Griffin, Shen, 2007, p. 178) Also people who drive them are wrongfully stereotyped, stereotyped into being some sort of environmentalist democrat wanting to ban firearms, impose noise ordinances, and do anything they can to keep people from having any fun. Well this is just not true. It is negative images like this that can thro w an effort to promote hybrid vehicles askew. Hybrids are important in every aspect of a green future. Fewer emissions, cleaner air, reduced dependence on foreign oil and better gas mileage, are all benefits that are at stake if hybrid vehicles never catch on. Research was done to by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) by conducting a survey in the years 2003, and 2005, to find out influenced them to buy their hybrid vehicles, the survey results are illustrated below. Graph 1. Share of respondents The results appear to be not much different from year to year. These are however the most common reasons why hybrid vehicles are purchased, and with no surprises, saving money on gas at the head of the pack. The above results are promising ones. They show hope for the future of hybrid vehicles. Now what exactly makes a hybrid vehicle a hybrid vehicle? Hybrid vehicles are just that they are hybrids not only in a sense of how they are powered but also in other aspects in addition to having a power source other than that of gasoline or diesel. Many key elements and time consuming research go into developing a hybrid vehicle. For starters, weight reduction is a key component to making a hybrid vehicle. Even when using a conventional fuel, weight reduction should be given close attention. â€Å"The demand for weight reductions in automobiles has been increasing in recent years because of global environmental issues.† (Saito, Iwatsuki, Yasunaga, Ando, 2000, p. 516) Toyota has done something extremely great by making the Prius. The Prius is a type of hybrid car that runs on both electric and internal combustion engines. The Prius when starting from a complete stop runs solely on battery power, and at low speeds from 5 to 20 miles per hour, it also runs on battery. When it reaches higher speeds the gasoline engine kicks in to assist. The Prius is said to get 40 to 50 miles per gallon. The battery will not run dead because when the gasoline engine turns on it runs the alternator and charges the battery. While companies like Ford, Chevrolet, and others have made their mark on the hybrid economy, Ford with the Escape, and Chevrolet with the new hybrid Yukon, none of them have had quite the impact that Toyota has. When it comes down to it, it is hard to describe how very important hybrid vehicles will be to the future. Hybrid vehicles hold the key to a cleaner environment, and lessening dependence on foreign oil. As of now hybrids do not have the popularity in the world that is needed. If the world continues to pollute at the rate it is going at now, the implications will be serious. More effort is needed from everyone to make this world a better place, and while hybrid vehicles are going to be extremely important, that is not the only thing that can be done. If one is not in a position to be able to drive a hybrid vehicle, other opportunities are out there to help the environment. Recycling is something that always helps the environment, and doing things such as walking, riding a bike, or even taking the bus can have bigger impact than is thought. This writer concludes that hybrid vehicles are an integral part of making a greener environment. Without them, along with the increasing rate of po llution, many countries are headed on a crash course for disaster. References Briggs, B.J., Hoogh, K., Morris, C., Gulliver, J. (2008). Effects of travel mode on exposures to particulate air pollution. Environmental International, 34, 12-22. Retrieved February 30, 2008, from Science Direct. Crookes, R.J. (2006). Comparative bio-fuel performance in internal combustion engines. Biomass Bioenergy,30, 461-468. Retrieved February 17, 2008, from Science Direct. Dooly, G., Fitzpatrick, C., Lewis, E. (2008). Optical sensing of hazardous exhaust emissions using a UV based extrinsic sensor. Energy, 33, 657-666. Retrieved May 30, 2008, from Science Direct. Farrell, A.E., Plevin, R.J., Turner, B.T., Jones, A.D., O’Hare, M., Kammen, D.M. (2006). Ethanol can contribute to energy and environmental goals. Science, 311, 506-508. Retrieved February 8, 2008, from www.sciencemag.org. Griffin, M.D., Shen, Q. (2007). Hybrid vehicles- are university students in North Alabama ready to buy them? Journal of Alabama Academy of Science, 78,175-178. Retrieved February 20, 2008 from IEEE Jacobson, M.Z., Colella, W.G., Golden, D.M. (2005). Cleaning the air and improving health with hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles. Science, 308, 1901-1905. Retrieved March 5, 2008, from www.sciencemag.org. Rajashekara, K. (1993). History of electric vehicles in General Motors. 447-454. Retrieved February 15, 2008, from IEEE Romm, J. (2006). The car and fuel of the future. Energy policy, 34, 2609-2614. Retrieved February 27, 2008, from Science Direct. Saito, M., Iwatsuki, S., Yasunaga, K., Andoh, K. (2000). Development of aluminum body for the most fuel efficient vehicle. JSAE review, 21, 511-516. Retrieved March 1, 2008, from Science Direct. U.S. Department of Energy. (2006). Why purchase a hybrid vehicle? Retrieved April 15, 2008, from http://www1.eere.energy.gov/vehiclesandfuels/facts/2006_fact_fotw417.html Van Mierlo, J., Maggetto, G. (2007). Fuel cell or battery: Electric cars are the future. Fuel cells, 2, 165-173. Retrieved February 18, from Wiley interscience. Waegel, A., Byrne, J., Tobin, D., Haney, B. (2006). Hydrogen highways: Lessons on the energy technology-policy interface. Bulletin of science, technology society 26, 288-298, from Science Direct.