The Critical Role of informati

The Critical Role of informati The Critical Role of Information Systems Today?s information systems are both technical and social in nature. Management must understand the importance of information within the organization. It is management?s job to understand how information is collected, processed, and distributed. We are all extremely affected by information systems and must be willing to understand and work with them. Our global economy does not allow us to depend on face to face transactions like in the 1980?s. Today, few managers can ignore the importance and impact of how information is handled by their organization. Information systems play a critical role in today?s business organization and society (Laudon 5).Since the emergence of the global economy, the success of firms today and in the future depends on their ability to operate globally. The American economy depends on imports and exports. Foreign trade, both imports and exports accounts for a little over 25 percent of goods and services produced in th e United States, and even more in countries like Japan and Germany.Financial Management SystemThis percentage is currently and will continue to grow in the future (5).Globalization of the world?s industrial economies greatly enhances the value of information to the firm and offers new opportunities to businesses. Today, information systems provide the communication and analytic power that firms need to conduct trades and manage businesses on a global scale. Globalization and information technology also brings new threats to domestic business firms. This is brought on by the customer?s ability to shop in a worldwide marketplace, obtaining the price and quality information reliably, 24 hours a day. The worldwide market place brings competition to a higher level than ever before, forcing all businesses to play a part in this global economy. In order to become a profitable player in a worldwide market firms, need powerful information...

How Mandatory Drug Sentencing Laws Came to Be

How Mandatory Drug Sentencing Laws Came to Be In reaction to an increase in the amount of cocaine being smuggled into the United States and cocaine addiction epidemic proportions in the 1980s, the U.S. Congress and many state legislatures adopted new laws that stiffened the penalties for anyone convicted of trafficking certain illegal drugs. These laws made jail terms mandatory for drug dealers and anyone in possession of certain amounts of illegal drugs. While many citizens support such laws many view them as inherently biased against African Americans. They see these laws as part of a system of systemic racism which oppresses people of color. One example of mandatory minimums being discriminatory was that possession  of powdered cocaine, a drug associated with white businessmen was sentenced  less harshly than crack cocaine which was more associated with African American men. History and the War on Drugs Mandatory drug sentencing laws came about in the 1980s in the height of the War on Drugs. The seizure of 3,906 pounds of cocaine, valued then at over $100 million wholesale, from a Miami International Airport hangar on March 9, 1982, brought about the publics awareness of the Medellin Cartel, Colombian drug traffickers working together,  and changed U.S. law enforcements approach towards the drug trade. The bust also sparked new life into the War on Drugs. Lawmakers began to vote more money for law enforcement and began to create stiffer penalties for not only drug dealers, but for drug users. Latest Developments In Mandatory Minimums More mandatory drug sentences are being proposed. Congressman James Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.), a proponent of mandatory sentencing, has introduced a bill to Congress called Defending Americas Most Vulnerable: Safe Access to Drug Treatment and Child Protection Act of 2004. The bill is designed to increase mandatory sentences for specific drug offenses. It includes mandatory sentencing of 10 years to life in prison for any person age 21 or over who attempts or conspires to offer drugs (including marijuana) to someone younger than 18 years old. Anyone who has offered, solicited, enticed, persuaded, encouraged, induced, or coerces or possess a controlled substance, will be sentenced to a term not less than five years. This bill was never enacted.   Pros of Mandatory Drug Sentencing Laws Supporters of mandatory minimums view it as a way to deter drug distribution and use by extending the time that a criminal is incarcerated therefore preventing them from committing more drug-related crimes. One reason mandatory sentencing guidelines are established is to increase sentencing uniformity- to guarantee that defendants, who commit similar crimes and have similar criminal backgrounds, receive similar sentences. Mandatory guidelines for sentencing greatly curtail judges sentencing discretion. Without such mandatory sentencing, defendants in the past, guilty of virtually the same offenses under the same circumstances, have received vastly different sentences in the same jurisdiction, and in some cases from the same judge. Proponents argue that a lack of sentencing guidelines opens up the system to corruption. Cons of Mandatory Drug Sentencing Laws Opponents to the mandatory sentencing feel that such punishment is unjust and does not allow for flexibility in the judicial process of prosecuting and sentencing individuals. Other critics of mandatory sentencing feel that the money spent in longer incarceration has not been beneficial in the war against drugs and could be better spent on other programs designed to fight drug abuse. A study performed by the  Rand Company  said such sentences have proven to be ineffective in curtailing drug use or drug related crime. The bottom line is that only decision makers who are very myopic would find long sentences to be appealing, said study leader Jonathan Caulkins of Rands Drug Policy Research Center. The high cost of incarceration and the small results that it has shown in fighting the war on drugs, show that such money would be better spent on shorter sentencing and drug rehabilitation programs. Other opponents to mandatory sentencing include Court Justice Anthony Kennedy, who in August 2003 in a speech to the American Bar Association, denounced minimum mandatory prison terms. In too many cases, mandatory minimum sentences are unwise and unjust, he said and encouraged the bar to be leaders in the search for justice in sentencing and in racial inequities. Dennis W. Archer, former Detroit mayor and Michigan Supreme Court Justice takes the position that it is time for America to stop getting tougher and start getting smarter against crime by reassessing mandatory sentencing and irrevocable prison terms. In an article posted on the ABA website, he states, The idea that Congress can dictate a one-size-fits-all sentencing scheme does not make sense. Judges need to have the discretion to weigh the specifics of the cases before them and determine an appropriate sentence. There is a reason we give judges a gavel, not a rubber stamp Where It Stands Because of cuts in many state budgets, and overcrowded prisons due to mandatory drug sentencing, lawmakers are facing a financial crisis. Many states have begun to use alternatives to imprisonment for drug offenders- usually called drug courts- in which defendants are sentenced into treatment programs, rather than jail. In states where these drug courts have been established, officials are finding this approach to be a more effective way of approaching the drug problem. Research shows that drug court alternatives are not only more cost-effective than prison sentences for defendants who commit non-violent crimes, they help reduce the rate of defendants who return to a life of crime after completing the program.

Dating paragraph Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Dating paragraph - Essay Example I currently work as support staff in the I.T department where most of my duties revolve around creating systems and getting applications and software that ensures operations efficiently. I work at a pharmaceutical company that brings in medicine and medical equipment from Europe and Asia mostly and sells to retailers within the country. My other hobbies include reading legal drama novels (in another life I would have probably pursued a career in law), dance/trance music and indie rock, and a good old-fashioned meal of fries and a cheeseburger. Things I am not too fond of include loud-mouthed and intolerant people, that is, people who cannot accommodate people that are different from them whether in physical appearance or social background, reggae music, celery (I don’t care how healthy it is, it tastes unpleasant!) and brown bread. That being said, I should point out that I do try to eat healthy and keep fit though I am not much of a runner. My choice of exercise is swimming thus warm weather places appeal to me, and cycling. My favorite alcoholic drink is vodka mixed with club soda and I indulge in this when I am out partying only, I generally do not enjoy drinking at home maybe an occasional glass of sweet red wine. This brings me to another revelation; I have a sweet tooth, which has cost me many visits to the dentist! I am looking for an outgoing girl to complement my laid-back nature who enjoys TV and movies as most of my free time is spent watching comedies and legal drama stuff. It would be a plus if she can bake, as I like to indulge my sweet tooth from time to time. Men should look for a girl that brings out their good parts and helps them become better. I am a good listener and I believe this is important in relationships as it makes communication easier. However, I hate confrontations, this makes me walk away from any potential arguments, and I will more likely than not let things slide when they should be aired out. I am working on this and at

To What Extent might Globalization be seen as Disadvantageous to Our Essay

To What Extent might Globalization be seen as Disadvantageous to Our Society - Essay Example Before moving on, there is a dire need to define what globalization, in essence, is - globalization is a term which encompasses a number of difficult series of economic, social, technological, cultural and political changes that have been happening from time to time on the global front. These changes have seen some serious strides that have been made with regards to increasing interdependence as well as mergers and interacting units between people from different locations and companies with diversified interests. The term started to take form in the year 1944 but it was not before the year 1981 that the economists actually started using it. The main person responsible for coining the term globalization is considered to be Theodore Levitt. Furthermore, in an economic zone, globalization plays a significant role in increasing trade on an international front which as compared to the global economy, is much faster and ahead of its time. In addition, one can predict an increase in the flow of capital that has been coming from the global regimes which might include the foreign direct investment as being one part of it. Moving on, there are the agreements which are signed on a global scale that eventually lead to world bodies like the World Trade Organization (WTO) and others. Global financial systems also come to light as their developmental work gets thumbs up. International transactions speed up as the world bodies like WTO, WIPO, IMF and the like play their role in a more coherent and active manner. Economic practices like global sourcing or outsourcing as we know of it, off-shoring and others increase courtesy the multinational concerns. Hence poverty-driven mechanisms are enacted but not followed to the extreme core, t hus resulting in the poor masses which are spread in every nook and corner of the world today. Â  

Future of Montserrat Essay Example for Free

Future of Montserrat Essay The island of Montserrat is situated upon an underwater volcano created by a destructive plate boundary, with the volcanos peak protruding from the south side of the island by the name of Chances Peak in an area entitled Soufriere Hills (in the Caribbean). For 350 years the volcano had remained dormant; however a few weeks ago, Chances Peak became active again and began to emit dust and ash – warning signs that an eruption was almost imminent. On July 20th 1995 (yesterday) the anticipated eruption occurred, producing numerous quandaries for the surviving residents of Montserrat. Montserratians will experience the social impacts of the eruption; these may be the most direct of all the predicaments they encounter and therefore the most challenging to face. Since the volcanos on the island are perceived as unpredictable, the inhabitants are fearful of another eruption. Though they are presently being transferred to a temporary safe region, it is unknown whether a subsequent eruption would be more severe than the first and raise the figures for the injured or killed (19) unnecessarily. Hence the many who have left the island to reside (maybe permanently) in neighbouring islands, the UK or the USA, however this only applies to the populace that possess sufficient funds to do so. The safe regions are reportedly extremely crowded; consequently, with the low sanitation levels, the spread of disease will accelerate. Also, farmers are unable to farm due to constricted land and the devastating environmental impacts of the volcano. If the more wealthy (we can assume the more educated) no longer choose to reside in the island, a ‘brain drain’ will transpire, leaving farmers and communities with small businesses that rely on tourism on Montserrat, though if eruptions cease and the volcano becomes dormant again, life for the farmers could improve as over time the soil of the area would be very fertile. As a result of the ‘brain drain’ there would be an absence of teachers; therefore the children on Montserrat would not be able to learn for a period of time. Moreover, a deficiency of doctors and hospital personnel would leave many people in need of medical help unattended to. Furthermore, persons already residing in the north of the island would have to compromise with the new displaced people; this may cause some feuds over pace etc†¦ The GDP and GNP of Montserrat are predicted to face dramatic cutbacks due simply to the loss of people on the island, and the lack of income from farmers who do not have access to land they can farm on, or businesses that have been destroyed – which is common as many companies were positioned in Plymouth – a city that was completely covered by ash and soon after finished off by deadly pyroclastic flows. If the GDP and GNP do fall, citizens who have decided to stay will be significantly poorer, and therefore may not be able to pay taxes. In addition, a vast sum would have to be paid in damages to property and the building of temporary displaced peoples camps. Due to ash clouds, airports would be closed down, and airlines would have to pay massive amounts in lost revenues. Conversely, industries for other forms of transport (such as shipping companies) would benefit, as passengers search for alternatives to flying. The frequency of imports and exports would not decrease massively as a mere 1% of trade in the UK occurs on flights. Also, (elaborating on the point of aid given by other countries above) since the Montserrat was included in the Federal Colony of British Leeward Islands, the UK may offer some financial support to help improve the islands economy if the damage to it is serious enough. Additionally, the volcano has had colossal impacts on the environment (both positive and negative). Firstly, the ash has suffocated many of the flora and fauna, furthermore, the pyroclastic flow and lahars have killed all life (excluding human) within a 2km radius. Carbon dioxide emitted from the volcano is predicted by scientists to contribute to the greenhouse effect, sulphur dioxide expected to cause environmental issues as sulphur in the stratosphere is the main cause of acid rain. Nonetheless, as a result of two thirds of the islands population predicted to leave the island) the flora and fauna may flourish as there will be less human activity and settlements, leaving nature to itself without interference from machines, factories, and other forms of pollution. The land and soil affected by the volcano will also become fertile, which will, in turn, enhance the growth of plants and trees after an amount of time, and allow them to regrow. The slopes of Chances peak after the eruption are reportedly steeper than before, which will promote growth of delicate, and rare plants can grow with the protection of the slope. The volcano is also expected to alter the weather around Montserrat, causing rain, thunder and lighting. Sea temperatures have reportedly risen, killing some species that rely on specific living conditions, also silting in rivers or lakes has forced boats to stop navigating them as the depth is insufficient. On political terms, and elaborating on the point made above concerning tax and its correspondence with the lack of people on the island, the amount of tax received by the government would decrease too, resulting in a government prone to corruption. Moreover, the government may not be considered fit to run the country by its people, and may be voted out. The government of Montserrat may be forced to relinquish their independency, and amalgamate with another country to become part of their nation (a plausible example would be Montserrat re-joining Britain). On the topic of short term needs, a few that exist are food and drink, and temporary residency areas. Since the eruption would have most likely demolished many of the populace’s properties, and belongings, they will need an alternative place to stay such as the safe zone which has been arranged in the north of the island and is one third of the islands size, compressing hundreds into a tiny space. The government would also be burdened with the task of providing sufficient food and drink for the residents as they would have no means of income, or a market area to buy their own. Medical aid has also become necessary, however not as much as expected as (thankfully) most who occupied the most affected areas had been evacuated before the eruption. Long term necessities will help sustain lives devoid of poverty and hunger for the people of Montserrat. An example of a need which will help the populace in the ‘long run’ is loans to restart businesses and companies citizens had lost in the pyroclastic flows or ash. Furthermore, the government or a country aiding Montserrat could assist by building an early detection system or research facility, to identify when future eruptions may occur, therefore allowing time to prepare. MEDC’s like the USA or the UK might be reviewing plans to assist through the means of creating rehabilitation programmes, or even allowing the people of Montserrat to apply for permanent residency; this would solve the problem or relocating people to live their lives in a safe location.

Virginia Woolfs Use of Moments of Being Essay -- Biography Biographie

Virginia Woolf's Use of Moments of Being      Ã‚   Virginia Woolf is recognized as one of the great innovators of modern fiction. Her experiments with point of view and her use of stream of consciousness have influenced many writers that followed her. But one particularly interesting technique that does not seem to receive much attention is her use of "moments of being."    She first mentions moments of being in her essay, "A Sketch of the Past," which was to be the beginning of her memoirs. She begins with one of her earliest memories: a night in the nursery at St. Ives. She vividly recalls the way the blinds fluttered in the wind, the light coming through the window and the sound of the sea. She had a feeling of "lying in a grape and seeing through a film of semi-transparent yellow" (65). This memory is so strong that when she recalls those sensations they become more real for her than the present moment. This observation leads her to wonder why some moments are so powerful and memorable--even if the events themselves are unimportant--that they can be vividly recalled while other events are easily forgotten. She concludes that there are two kinds of experiences: moments of being and non-being. Woolf never explicitly defines what she means by "moments of being." Instead she provides examples of these moments and contrasts them with moments of what she calls "non-being." She describes the previous day as:      Ã‚  Ã‚   Above the average in 'being.' It was fine; I enjoyed writing these first   Ã‚  Ã‚   pages . . . I walked over Mount Misery and along the river; and save that   Ã‚  Ã‚   the tide was out, the country, which I n... ...ople. When the cotton wool is rent, when one experiences a moment with full consciousness, one experiences the true intensity of life. These moments of being can be read as brief poems hidden among the trivial details of life that some characters--and readers with them--are fortunate enough to experience.    Works Cited    Winterson, Jeanette. "A Gift of Wings." In Art Objects: Essays on Ecstasy and Effrontery. New York: Vintage Books, 1995.    Woolf, Virginia. Between the Acts. New York: Harcourt Brace & Company, 1969.    -------. Mrs. Dalloway. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1981.    -------. To the Lighthouse. New York: Harcourt Brace & Company, 1981.    -------. "A Sketch of the Past."In Moments of Being.Ed. Jeanne Schulkind. 2nd ed. New York: Harcourt Brace & Company, 1985.

Elder Abuse Essay

Elder abuse is a horrible problem: during people’s sunset years, they should relax and be comfortable, not have to worry about abuse from family members and caregivers. However, the issue of people abusing the vulnerable elderly is a growing one in the United States. What causes it? This essay explains a growing theory that accounts for the causes of elder abuse. According to Quinn and Tomita (1997), there are five main hypotheses for elder abuse (Quinn & Tomita, 1997, pp. 86-87). The first is simple power: some people simply focus on dependency issues (Quinn & Tomita, 1997, pp. 86-87). Others are acting out due to the stress of acting as a caregiver; this is particularly common within family caregiving settings (Quinn & Tomita, 1997, pp. 86-87). Another hypothesis states that elder abuse is simply caused because some individuals have grown up in families that solve problems with violence (Quinn & Tomita, 1997, pp. 86-87). Another hypothesis claims that some are related to ind ividual abuser’s problems, such as substance abuse and depression (Quinn & Tomita, 1997, pp. 86-87). Finally, the last hypothesis states that in some societies, elders have lost their personhood due to greed, lookism, and hatred of the disabled. Most other studies support at least one of these hypotheses. For example, Brandl and Raymond found that the most common cause of elder abuse was caregiver stress, regardless of whether the caregiver was a family member or professional; they also emphasize the role of the elderly person: an abused child may abuse their parent once the parent is frail, for example; this connects to Quinn and Tomita’s hypotheses of violent families and individual abuser’s problems (Brandl & Raymond, 2012). Nerenberg, too, claims that caregiver stress is the main cause of elder abuse (Nerenberg, 2002). She emphasizes the perspective of the caregiver, particularly the first-time caregiver, as these individuals are more likely to engage in elder abuse (Nerenberg, 2002). Meanwhile, Hawes focuses on professional caregivers’ abuse of the elderly in long-term care facilities (Hawes, 2003). Hawes does not offer many causes, but hints at them by discussing the low pay and high-stress nature of caregiving jobs (Hawes, 2003). Thomason ascribes the causes of elder abuse to a changing society in which people live longer and are ill-prepared for caretaking (Thomason, 2011). He emphasizes the social  causes of elder abuse, focusing on the need to make everyone aware of the issues related to elder abuse and aging (Thomason, 2011). In contrast, and by focusing on the individual level, Vetere emphasizes caregiver burnout as a major cause of elder abuse (Vetere, 2011). Bronwell addresses the causes of elder abuse only implicitly, but presents data on the low pay and long hours in the caregi ving industry and also discusses the aspects of burnout and frustration that can cause family-based elder abuse to occur (Brownwell & Podnicks, 2005). In addition to discussing the elderly abusing themselves by failing to engage in self-care, they also offer data that some risk factors mean one is more likely to become an abuser: a low level of education, mental retardation (by the caregiver), substance abuse by either the elder or the caregiver, a prior history of violence or psychiatric issues, and stress (Gorbien & Eisenstein, 2005, p. 282). Gorbien and Eisenstein (2005) proposed five archetypes for abusers of the elderly, which are the overwhelmed, the impaired (e.g., mentally or physically), the narcissistic, the bullying, and the sadistic (Gorbien & Eisenstein, 2005, p. 284). In keeping with the overall causes mentioned by Quinn and Tomita, these archetypes offer reasons individuals may turn to abuse (Quinn & Tomita, 1997). Thus it can be said that a theory for the causation o f elder abuse is that within a context of a society that is poorly equipped to deal with the elderly, and within an individualist, looks-oriented society that discriminates against the disabled, many people are ashamed or frustrated by their relatives’ (or clients’, in the case of professional caregivers) decline. This feeling of helplessness and disgust, combined with stress and burnout – exacerbated due to the poor preparation most family caregivers have, and the long hours and poor pay offered to many professional caregivers – creates a context in which abuse is likely. Additional factors, like abuse from the elders themselves (e.g., bitter about losing capacity, holding long grudges against family members, aggression due to cognitive decline such as through Alzheimer’s) can spark an abusive incident. Moreover, if an individual has any of the characteristics noted by Gorbien and Eisenstein, they may be more likely to abuse. Working towards a theory of elder abuse, one can imagine a flow chart (provided on the next page). First, the background of this abuse occurs against a context of a society fiercely focused on beauty and ableism. Second, if an individual ends up  caring for an elder and they are poorly prepared or compensated, this context intensifies. Third, if an individual is impaired in some way, he or she will quickly become burned out and stressed. Fourth, pre-existing interpersonal factors like abuse are exemplified in elder caregiver situations. Fifth, some personality types (narcissists who want others to admire them for their s upposed selflessness; sociopaths) want to care for elders for their own sick needs. Sixth, if a caregiver has a risk factor such as low IQ, low education, substance abuse, or mental health issues, he or she is more likely to be an abuser. Finally, caregivers suffer burnout, and eventually, when caring for an elder individual, they may engage in a violent incident. This theory is outlined in the flowchart below, which moves from left to right. Major causes are represented by larger circles. Works Cited Brandl, B., & Raymond, J. A. (2012). Elder Abuse and the Elder Justice Movement in America. San Francisco, CA: American Society on Aging. Brownwell, P., & Podnicks, E. (2005). Long-Overdue for the Critical Issue of Elder Abuse and Neglect: A Global Policy and Practice Perspective. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Gorbien, M. J., & Eisenstein, A. R. (2005). Elder Abuse and Neglect: An Overview. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier. Hawes, C. (2003). Elder Abuse in Residential Long-Term Care Settings: What Is Known and What Information Is Needed? Washington, DC: National Academies Press,. Nerenberg, L. (2002). Preventing Elder Abuse by Family Caregivers. Washington, D.C.: National Council on Elder Abuse. Quinn, M. J., & Tomita, S. K. (1997). Elder Abuse and Neglect: Causes, Diagnosis, and Intervention Strategies. New York: Springer Publishing Company. Thomason, D. (2011). Addressing The Cause of Elder Abuse: A Critical Component to Aging Health Policy. Retrieved October 16, 2013, from Kaplan Unv iersity Online: http://www.kaplanuniversity.edu/public-service/articles/addressing-elder-abuse.aspx# Vetere, P. M. (2011). Elder Abuse: What Are We Missing? Ottawa: The College of Family Physicians of Canada. Woolf, L. M. (1998). Elder Abuse and Neglect. St. Louis, MO: Webster University.