Policy brief Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Policy brief - Essay Example Notably, the affordable care act requires states to establish their independent insurance exchanges. In other words, they want states to default to the federal exchange. Nonetheless, it should be noted that the joint federal state programs were initiated to fund the medical services in the United States. This is a long term project that was initiated to provide care to the moderate income families. Moreover, it is worth noting that Medicaid is among the largest federal funded budgets and it has had a rapidly growing cost, but with unsustainable rates (Rosen, 1988). The huge cost of this program to the federal government’s budget calls substantial overhaul towards reducing the taxpayers from huge funding burden. Nearly all states including Vermont usually receive Medicaid with an open ended funding from the federal government (Kaiser Commission Medicaid, 2012). The expansion of the state budget along with their expanded benefits usually leaves the taxpayers with no option but to pay additional costs. It should be noted that the current funding structure provides a room for overexpansion that in turn provides the states with limited incentive t o control extensive waste and fraud programs. Moreover, program is designed in a top down regulatory structure thereby creating distortions within the health care markets. However, the Medicaid intra governmental grants have proven to be effective and efficient for the funding mechanisms within the United States funding systems. Notably, they have created conditions that match the states’ funding considerably. In essence, the program allows the federal government to share specific expenditures that are attached to the program. These programs attached to the Medicaid services are known as the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP). The FMAP was initiated for the government to have a larger percentage in the Medicaid costs in states. However, the highly targeted states are those with low

Investigating the Sources and Use of Financial Information in the Essay

Investigating the Sources and Use of Financial Information in the Management of Prison - Essay Example The research proposal is set to investigate the sources and use of financial information in the management of the prison service in England and Wales. Justification There are various sources and uses of financial information in the management of an organization. However, these sources and uses differ from one organization to the other. Financial information is significant to an organization because it assists in rating the performance of the organization. The information also assists in improving financial auditing and management of the organization. Proper management is the key element to the success of any organization. The research is of great importance because it will help the prisons and the government to conduct duties efficiently. Thus, knowing the sources and uses of the financial information will help the government and the prison department in better management of the prison services in England and Wales. Review of Literature The main purpose of the Prison Service in Engla nd and Wales is to offer services to the public by keeping in custody those who have committed crimes; looking after these individuals humanely; and assisting them to lead useful and law-abiding lives during custody and after release. In order to support this purpose, the Prison Service has four objectives: to securely hold the prisoners, to minimize the possibility of prisoner re-offending, to offer well-ordered and safe establishments in which to treat the prisoners decently, lawfully, and humanely, and to offer an effective escort and custody service to criminal courts (Cope 2010, pix). Her Majesty’s Prison Service (HMPS) runs 127 prisons and training centres throughout Wales and England. In a number of key areas, all the 127 prisons run independently with no centralized oversight and operations. The prison service lacks a shared system for the management of procurement, human resources, and finances (Hp 2009, p1). Each of the prison maintains its own exclusive financial s ystem. Data tracking, software, and the staff responsible for handling finances and inputting data vary at each location. Thus, HMPS does not have access to the organization wide view of the finances. Therefore, the prison service has found it difficult to measure its performance, enhance financial auditing, and target areas to minimize costs (Hp 2009, p2). In the past few years, HMPS installed an Oracle-based financial system to centralize its financial reporting and accounting, and also to offer a wide and encompassing image of the financial activities of the prison service. This ensures that the personnel from various facilities and departments are conscious of the financial impacts when making decisions. Higher quality data management and improved transparency and a devoted focus of the finance resources on exceptional financial issues have led to the realization of the mentioned benefits (Hp 2009, p7). Improved financial transparency and accessibility of timely and meaningful f inancial data or information across the organization has enhanced decision-making thus, has led to better operational performance (Oracle 2009, p2). The United Kingdom (UK) sector has undergone significant changes in risk management. The UK criminological research on the prisons has not explored the manner in which the general corporate governance and the financial management at various levels of the prison sector, have been

Theories Relating To Gender Inequality

Theories Relating To Gender Inequality There have been a number of theories put forward by various Institutions, Organizations, Authors, Scholars, Researchers, and Development practitioners, somehow to explain the problem why the issue of gender varies from region to region and why implementing gender equality, and female empowerment is lower than expected in SSA. Amongst these theories are the Inequality and the Modernization theory used in this project to explain the wide gender problems existing in SSA. Borrowing from the words of John Martenussen, most of these theories have been propounded by Western and North American authors and have been termed growth and development theories. (Martenussen, 1997; p.51) As far as this project is concern, I am going to use the parts of the theories that are relevant to the project. The Inequality Theory: The origin of gender inequality between men and women has been one of the most intellectual debates after the rise of modern feminism. Great thinkers in the history of ideas such as Aristotle and Thomas Quinas suggested speculative interpretation of gender differences. Continuously, nineteenth century evolutionary theorist such as Bachofen and Karl Marx consider various possible evolutionary sequences in organization kinship and gender relations. Some early efforts aimed at justifying existing institutions and others to question them sound like contemporary standard. The argument behind the origin of feminist analyses is the ideological implication of female subordination over the centuries. Also, there have been a high superior prevalence of male status across time, space and social circumstances that are beyond denial especially in SSA. Therefore the pervasiveness of male dominance is the absolute aim of analyzing gender differences. The question that arises is that how can the app arent universal subordination of female be reconciled with equality in SSA with it strong traditional background? (Robert Marx Johnson 2005 p; 30). Assumptions of the Inequality Theory: Firstly, Inequality theory explains the biological difference between men and women which is inescapable, amongst race, class, culture and tradition irrespective of being developed or underdeveloped. According to Linsey 2007, sex is the biological difference between men and women while gender is the social construction of sexes considering race, politics, social, economic, culture and traditional background. This cultures and traditions vary from place to place and from culture to culture. These cultures that are learned change with time within and between cultures. (Linsey 2007, P; 97) Following this sex distinction between male and female, some advanced societies (Western and North American societies) have tried to narrow down the gender gap by empowering females, by redefining laws and ignoring others to enhance development. That notwithstanding, the distinction still persists and would always be there because no matter all the feminist analyses on sex and gender, humans would never revert nature on this perspective. Research have proven that no amount of theorist thinking can subtle the simple fact of biological distinction, therefore inequality would persistently exist no matter what. The question that ponders my mind is, why Sub-Saharan Africa is still lacking behind to comprehend culture and tradition to reduce the wide gender gap, thereby empowering females to enhance development?. Secondly, content and expression of this biological difference is exaggerated in the situation in SSA. Tracing back from history until date, most of the hardest and most commanding jobs are carried out by men therefore inequality is bound to exist between sexes. The fact that men are a stronger sex to resist extreme hash conditions makes them dominant irrespective of sex division. Complex cultural societies are build up by institution that keeps men at a dominant position. This make the female sex constantly relegated at the background. The norms and values that govern these complex societies (SSA) procure men at the forefront. By respecting this norms and values women would be hardly seen in the public spheres. (Sushama Sahay, in king and Hill Anne. p; 89) Thirdly, Inequality theory try to make some kind of biological differences that are sufficient and necessary to persistently cause inequality between sexes and puts men at a commanding and dominant position. There are three imputed biological differences that have received much attention by the inequality view, such as reproduction by females, physical capacity and predisposition toward violence. Anthropologists largely agree that women have hardly occupied position of higher status or political power than men in any society anywhere, anytime (Buthler 2006) Some feminist theorist argue that, reproduction everywhere is done by females that subordinates their position to men, others say that men are physically dominant in their actions and activities and set rules that are of their own advantage. Some theorist argue that men are very aggressive than women, that put them at a dominant position thereby creating inequality between the both sexes. (Buthler 2006 P; 78) Lastly, apart from huge gender inequality and female empowerment sluggishness in SSA, inequality can also be traced amongst races and class. There have been and there are still traces of inequality amongst the white race and black race as well as amongst the upper and lower class group. There are two different kinds of historical inequality, example that can illustrate this point. First of all, I will want to look back at the history of colonialism and neocolonialism in SSA by the west that alone speak volumes of inequality and domination over a continent and makes a particular race dominant over the other. The history of racial inequality amongst the blacks and whites in the United States of America also illustrate an example of inequality amongst races. On the other hand, there have been inequalities within races and cultures. The upper and noble classes in SSA have been dominant over the lower and powerless group. This means that a superior culture is imposed and forced on to the weaker group that makes them not equal. Just like the history of European nobility over the commoners in Europe. Yet the nobility have remained a powerful and privileged class in most European nations. From biological and racial distinction on the inequality theory, inequality is a fact amongst genders, cultures, class and race, although times have changed and things must change, this pushes us to criticize the inequality theory with changing times. Critique of the Inequality Theory: There have been a lot of theorists to critique speculative accounts on gender differences and female empowerment in SSA which creates inequality, but very little progress have been made to prove one theory over the other in their speculative analyses on gender issues. To a large degree, inequality theories have not gained grounds because societies have distinctively evolved and disproved the speculative ideas of inequality theorist. In SSA today, traditional institutional arrangement have distinctively changed in respect of both genders not too much subordinating women like in the past. Looking at a typical traditional African society, where farming is the only source of income, the man do the clearing of the farm while the woman do the planting and if harvest is good the subsistent crops are sold to maintain the family and educate their kids, both live in complementary way without gender distinction. Although traditional institution still exist and persist today in SSA, but most if not all operate in the interest of both genders. Scholars argue that theories sometimes formulate persuasive speculative accounts which might fit what we already perceive or know. Therefore we must depend on the biological evidence provided by the inequality theory based on the reconstruction of inferences in well known societies to argue the inequality theory. Critics of Inequality theory also argue that, professional speculations of postmodern feminist by generalizing theories and with the political confusion by giving equal weight to every woman irrespective of race, class, sex orientation, culture and historical background makes origin of inequality theory to lost it attraction. The biological distinction of sex and gender roles as ascribed by the origin of the inequality theory is almost becoming baseless in SSA societies today. My argument is that inequality theory relies on female reproduction, the strength of men and the predisposition of men in violence situation as a prerequisite of being unequal. This was true to an extent tracing the origin of the theory, but today societies have evolved with changing times, no society in the history of mankind is static. Reproduction have just become a female experience and also a sex difference which has little impact on gender roles today. In the other hand, today in SSA men are only dominant in specific jobs as that they are specialized in, not that specific jobs are ascribed for men although the both sexes co-exist in a traditional way, but there is rational distribution of resources and labor so that girls and women can be empowered in this communities and families. The problems that arise sometimes are how to comprehend this inconsistent inequality that continues to persist with changing times. Theoretical efforts must be accepted to a certain degree and also the theory can only predict the future and to a larger extent crudely reconstruct the origin of inequality. There is evident that the system of inequality like any other social institution is becoming self sustainable today in most SSA societies. Individuals are born sexed but not gendered; they have to be taught to be masculine or feminine. One is not born; but rather becomes a womanà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦, it is civilization as a whole that produces this creatureà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦, which is described as feminine (Simone de Beauvoir 1952 p; 267) The idea of inequality between men and women is created in the gender process following the way cultural institutions are arranged. Therefore inequality in itself does not exist between sexes but created in the act or reaction in each society. Butler 1990, argues that gender as a process creates the social difference that defines man and woman in social interaction through their live, individuals learn what is expected, see what is expected, act and react in expected ways, thus simultaneously construct and maintain the gender order in each society (Butler 1990 p; 145) In a typical African society, though still primitive and traditional the inequality do not actually exist but it is the gender roles that differ from family to family and from community to community. Take for example within the Muslim religion or culture in SSA; women are actually distinctive in their socially constructed roles ascribed by the religious laws. This does not mean that they do not live in a complementally as opposed by the inequality differences basing on sex division. I therefore argue that the issue of gender is a matter of understanding within families and communities, who should do what at a given time irrespective of the sex backed by norms and laws of that community. West and Zimmermann, holds that in humans there is no essential femaleness or maleness, femininity or masculinity, womanhood or manhood, but once gender is ascribed, the social order constructs and holds individuals to strongly gender norms and expectations. (West and Zimmaman 1989, P; 146) The origin of the inequality theory have been attacked by it critics seriously in recent times. Recent studies also indicate that inequality would eventually lose it content as time evolves. The debate is centered on race and class subordination of inequality that existed in the past, but is currently loosing it value. It is clearly evident that racial inequality is gradually disappearing between and within races and class. I will like to illustrate this point on the colonial history of SSA. Africa have longed been colonized by Europeans to maintain a superior race and keep the African race subordinated under their control just like gender and sex. But because inequality is gradually loosing it originality in history, racial inequality have gradually faded away with changing times. Although some traces of racial inequality persistently exist between races. (Gramsci 1971, P; 165) Another example that has made inequality lose it originality have been between whites and black Americans as well as European nobility. Whites and blacks have faced a long history of racial segregation in the United States, but because of time factor and new institutional arrangement the racial differences have almost disappeared. In the other hand, European nobility class use to be a more armed, politically and economically powerful class to the commoners in Europe but with the coming of decentralization of leadership and democracy this superior class have gradually disappeared thereby melting away the idea of inequality and subordination of commoners since everybody have an equal opportunity. Well as much as SSA is concern there have been inequality in class division irrespective of the gender differences. Inequality have been gradually disapproved since the old traditional institutions are disappearing and new wants sees everybody the same. In SSA, apart from gender inequality, there have been upper and lower class inequality as well as people from the royal fondoms, are always seen differently with high esteem. The upper class have been people who generally enjoy high social amenities in the big cities of SSA, they have little or no gender differences between their families since almost everybody have a good education as compared to the rural poor who cannot even provide for a daily meal. They are not much educated so definitely they believe in traditional laws that puts the men at the forefront. But with changing times and the fight for global poverty reduction, development in these local areas in SSA is gradually improving making gender inequality to extensively disap pear. On the other hand, Fondomites in SSA have maintain an extensively unequal powers in every aspect in SSA, this is because most traditional laws do respect and give special consideration to everyone from the fondom. But with the coming of democracy and the respect for human right and dignity, this traditional superiority is extensively disappearing there by making the class values to loss it weight. Today whether from the fondom or not, everybody is the same because of democracy. Though there have been a mixture of traditional laws to democratic values to combat the aspect of inequality amongst fondomites and common citizen. (Foucault 1972, P; 223) Importance of the Inequality Theory to the project: To begin with, inequality theory is essential in this project because it explains the origin, history and persistent pre-domination and domination of males in almost all aspects of life in SSA. Through this theory, I understand that socialization, tradition and biology are interwoven to explain the persistent male domination in most SSA societies. To better understand the importance of the theory to this project, I will like to examine each role played by each of these concepts to understand the role of inequality theory to the project. Men and women yesterday and today think and act differently and achieve differently in the varying regions in SSA (Banque and Waren 1990, P; 90) Connecting inequality theory to socialization, it helps me to distinguish between the upper and lower class socialization in SSA. To understand the importance of socialization in this project, it has to be treated differently with divergent identities and expectations. Socialization has helped me to understand why there is little or no gender inequality and more female empowerment in the urban than rural families in SSA. I have used socialization to compare inequality in urban and rural areas, which further makes me to understand class division in the two areas. It is certain that gender equality and female empowerment is higher in urban than rural milieus, because in the urban areas, generally, individuals and families are exposed to high social amenities and high standard of living. Social interaction is generally more modern than in the local interior in SSA. The upper wealthy class is found in urban areas while the lower poor and primitive class is found in the local areas. There fore, as a result of this social division, inequality theory through socialization has helped me to distinguish and understand this phenomenon in details and further explains why there is persistent inequality in class and socialization in SSA. Connecting inequality theory through tradition, it has helped me to understand why there is still a wide gender gap and low female empowerment in typical traditional SSA societies today. People honor traditional established ideas and teach them to their children. But what is the source of the gender traditions by which women are made everywhere subordinate. (Drage 2003, P; 23) From the origin and history of inequality theory, men have established ideas and institutions that have always kept them dominant letting females at a subordinated position. The theory is therefore important in this project because it lets me understand why some primitive ideas are still led down from generation to generation in sub-Saharan Africa. Take for example, in most local communities in SSA, male inheritance have been a long established traditional belief and have been passed down to generations for centuries. These practices have become stronger so much so that even a male unborn child is celebrated be fore delivery. Women are regarded as properties and sold out for marriages, since bride price is been paid on them. Females have also been considered as products because they are forced into early marriages to reduce poverty since they are been bought by paying a bride price to their parents. Tradition is held at high esteem and has been a led down idea and still exists today in most of the local communities in SSA. By believing that only a male child can inherit property, has placed male sex dominant over females. This established idea have retarded development because resources are not rationally distributed by both sexes thereby making the female sex subordinated. As a result of this established believes, inequality persistently exists in this primitive areas that are reluctant to accept new changes because of illiteracy and poverty. Inequality theory is therefore important in this project because it has deepened my understanding of the continuous male domination because of these established ideas that have been passed down to generations. Inequality theory is also relevant because it explains these beliefs in such ideas and goes a long way to increase gender inequality and reduce female empowerment in SSA. Although there have been some changes in this traditional beliefs, but these changes mostly affects exposed families that is families that have acquired good education and have been exposed to more valuable cultures. Inheritance in these situations goes with responsibility and how you can manage the resources irrespective of being a male or female, though most often it ends up with problems from males since it has always been like that in most of the societies in SSA. Giving authority or property to a female is just like depriving a male from his traditional right. But with continuous realization on how these have been affecting the societal development, I personally think it is going to disappear with changing time. Thanks to the inequality theory that I am able to explain this primitive belief in most of SSA families and societies. Connecting inequality theory through biology, it is relevant in this project because it has made me understand male domination in biological distinction of both sexes. This is because women and men are physically different in ways that make men to feel dominant. Through biological distinction in inequality, I came to understand why there is inequality in labor division. This is so because the theory persistently insist on the physical strength of men to occupy certain jobs. That is why there has been persistent gender discrimination in organizations and job opportunities because men think that some jobs can be physically carried out by them. For instance in SSA, it is hard to hear that a woman is a military general, bus driver, engineer, carpenter, technicians and or family head. Biological explanation also emphasize on the predisposition of men in extreme dangerous situation so to speak. In SSA men have always been involved in warfare and critical traditional decisions that involves sacrifices are carried out by men. Therefore, as a result of this, inequality is bound to exist and that is why I have employed it in my project to understand this in greater details. However, with the advent of feminist theorist, and changing time, biological arguments for inequality in gender is gradually fading away. Technological improvement have made most jobs to be operated by machines and intellectual based not physical fitness. Therefore, both males and females can be trained to manipulate these machines to have a gender balance in job markets. However, since traditional African societies are still very backward and have not yet attained some level of technology, most jobs are still based on physical strength to acquire them. That is why biological explanation of the origin of inequality in gender is still very visible in SSA. Inequality theory is therefore useful to this project to understand the biological explanation of persistent inequality in physical strength, predisposition of men in dangerous situations and the reproduction of females that have made them subjugated and subordinated position since the beginning of time immemorial. The modernization Theory: According to (Deutsch 1961; Rostow 1960; Ruttan 1959), modernization theory evolved from two ideas about social change developed in the nineteenth century: the conception of traditional vs. modern societies, that viewed development as societal evolution in progressive stages of growth (Deutch 1961, Rostow 1960, Ruttan 1959) Following a modernization tradition, problems that have held back the development and empowerment of females in SSA have been irrational allocation of resources. Modernization theorist believe that for traditional African societies to become developed, there should be a rational distribution of resources for both sexes and the elimination of traditional, institutional and organizational roadblocks that have made Sub-Saharan African societies underdeveloped. Therefore, the society must pass through transformational stages to become modern. General Assumptions of the theory: Following Rostows modernization assumption, there have been five circular stages a society must pass through to become modern such as traditional society, precondition for take-off, take-off, the drive toward maturity and the age of high mass consumption (Rostow 1963, p; 127) The stage of traditional society is characterized by primitive technology, pre-Newtonian science and spiritual behaviors in the material world. There is traditional gender inequality and no idea of female empowerment since the society is too primitive and recognizes male superiority. The traditional economy depends soly on primitive methods of farming and limited productivity. There is limited mobility in the traditional society and most agricultural lands are owned by men limiting the female powerless and have absolutely no say in land ownership. That is why development is still imbalance today in SSA because resources are irrationally distributed and there is no female inheritance of property. Since it is a linear pattern, for a society to move to a pre-takeoff stage it has to do away with some ideas in the traditional stage so that there should be a regular growth. (Peet and Hartwick 1999, P; 81) The pre-take off society stage is characterized by development of modern technology and it application to agriculture and industry. Gender inequality is very high and there is little or no female empowerment because most machines were believed to be operated only by men. The idea of modernity was seen to develop sectors like educations, banking, commence, manufacturing and investment. This means that there was still very high gender discrimination in education and labor in SSA. Traditional African women could not own accounts according to traditional institutions and cannot be exposed to the public spheres. This was injected in a society that was still is primitive. (Ibid) The take-off stage as assumed by the modernization view as the stage for technological expansion, socio-political structures of society including gender rules in the distribution of labor in most urban areas in SSA. There is a little economic growth and a period to begin industrialization. In this stage, the discourse on gender and empowerment to modernize and enhance development increases in the urban and still very dormant in the rural sectors of SSA. (Ibid) The drive toward maturity stage is characterized by the spreading of technological expansion on economic activities and also there is sufficient entrepreneurship to practically fabricate heavy machines and equipment resulting from heavy industry. In this stage, the discourse on gender and participation have somehow gained grounds in most advanced societies and some prominent African cities. Women get more and more involved, the fight for economic growth and political dialogues and participation increases. (Ibid) The stage of mass consumption is characterized by the production of durable consumer goods and services. The rate of production of goods and services surpasses the need of consumption and employment is very high at the urban milieu in SSA. At this level there is little gender gap and female empowerment is high in most urban centers. This means that most families are exposed to western education and enjoy high standard of social amenities in the big cities. There is capability to invest in social welfare and social security on both genders, therefore cultural values comprehend modernity. (Ibid) Research have proven that most traditional African societies are at the take-off stage and at this level of development gender inequality is still very high at the rural sector and the society is very reluctant to any social and developmental changes. This means that the society is still very traditional, primitive and reluctant to social and development changes due to strong traditional and cultural beliefs. Also the theory explains why development has not made any significant progress in SSA especially in the rural communities where there is still a very wide gap between gender and female empowerment in SSA. Modernization theory can be seen as the legacy of the ideas of progress developed in Europe in the eighteen century. This means that progress and evolution was viewed as an irreversible, natural and systematic path toward modernity. The idea of traditional vs. modern society propped up in the different stages of growth and development in each society. This evolutionary progress of society was seen as a transformational stage from the simple to the complex. Therefore SSA being in the third stage according to the modernization vision, female empowerment and gender equality is very low, since the society is somehow very primitive and pre-occupied by male domination. Traditional beliefs which support female subordination is very high at this stage of development. (Latham 2000, p; 37) According to Nick Cullather, the idea of natural pattern of progress and development, as assumed by the modernization theory is a set of ideas and discourse used as a strategy by US to try to differentiate the US from former colonizers in their actions toward third world countries. (SSA). It was in the interest of the US as they also think that it was in the interest of the third world countries (SSA) to elevate third world countries to engage in the transformational steps toward modernity, this means that both sexes were to be involved in the stages of development thereby reducing the gender gap and empowering women in the process of development. The American idea could help assist third world countries avoid wasted steps in transition. This was seen as the Americanization and westernization of third world countries which was not more or less than the policy of assimilation by the French. (Black girls could eat and dress like French girls in French colonies to be assimilated and mod ern) (Nick Cullather, 1997; 94) The modernization theory advocates two fundamental concepts universalism and linear process. Both concept had and have huge impact on gender and female empowerment in SSA. This means that girls and women in Sub-Saharan Africa have the same cultural and identical background to move from a traditional stage to a modern stage in universal and linear order of development. (Redfield quoted in Cullarther) Supported by the same vision, all societies in SSA were seen as taking the same pattern toward modernity through recognizable stages, without considering other historical background, origin and geographical conditions. In the same light, following a modernization vision, all cultures were seen in a trajectory way. Therefore the theory never considered cultural institution, tradition, and customs and viewed as obstacles to female empowerment and gender equality. (Cullarther). By classifying the society in a one pattern way of development, the theory was therefore criticized by other promin ent development theories such as the dependency theory, power theory and the rise of feminist thinking in SSA. Critique of the theory: Modernization theory has received criticism in recent years from political scientists and political economists since it neglected cultural, historic, and socio-structural factors in it analysis (Chirot,1986; Black, 1991; Wallerstein, 1980) The modernization theory has witnessed a lot of critiques from varying development theories to scholars, researchers, institutions and other development practitioners. Most prominent development critique of the modernization theory hold that cultural values would still continue despite the shift from a traditional to a modern society. Therefore the argument is that despite the modern values of the modernization theory to transform traditional African societies to become modern by reducing the wide gender gap and encouraging female empowerment, African values still persist despite the values of modernity to enhance development in SSA. There is evidence that the broad cultural heritage of a society leaves imprints on values that endure despite the fo rces of modernization in other words cultural change depends on a society ´s cultural heritage. (Inglehart 2000c) Sub-Saharan Africa is made up of diverse cultural backgrounds, origin and history of migration. Though jointly colonized by the West, the fact that the society is culturally divided in origin and history, the values of modernization cannot hold at the same pace in the African societies respectively. This means that linear and universalism of the modernization theory could not work effectively in SSA and considering the fact that societies give different respects to their cultural heritage as considered by the modernization theory as an obstacle for development. Take for example the Islam religion, practices and beliefs is very strong in the Muslim society in SSA, therefore the issue of gender and empowerment of Muslim women can be a serious disorganization of religious rights since the later is very stiff in it traditional religious claims. The modernization theory had never taken traditional religious beliefs into consideration as ascertain by many of it critics.

Microsoft: Thank Goodness it is a Monopoly Essay -- essays papers

Microsoft: Thank Goodness it is a Monopoly Many people, with the government are trying to label Microsoft as a monopoly. Why is there any delay going around doing that? There is no reason to brand Microsoft as a monopoly. There is part of monopolistic competition and supply-demand acting on this case. The whole trial is about the free internet browser, Internet Explorer, that Microsoft gives out free and includes with its Operating system, Windows. Netscape does the same marketing of its product except that it does not have any operating system to sell with. Netscape is a relatively older browser and prior to Internet Explorer, there was only one browser, Netscape. There have been innumerous upgrades and newer versions of these browsers since Internet Explorer’s launch in the market. The computer industry is very volatile in itself. Any literate programmer could develop better operating system or browser in the near future. If his/her product is good and he/she have proper marketing available he/she could become the next monopolistic. The industry itself changes with its needs. Innumerous companies in the past have enjoyed monopolist markets like IBM, Intel, and AT&T. As of today, these past â€Å"monopolists† are a part of the industry and no longer are monopolists. No firm can restrict the entry of any other firm into this field (at least of free browsers) except by direct interference and/or by merging, to which there are anti trust laws restricting those ac...

Ship Maintenance

ship maintenance [pic] DECLARATION AND APPROVAL REPORT INDUSTRIAL TRAINING REPORT It is hereby declared and verified that this report entitled: INDUSTRIAL TRAINING REPORT AT KONSORTIUM PELABUHAN KEMAMAN SDN. BHD. by ABDUL AZIM BIN ALIAS, Matrix No. UK 17895 has been examined. This report is submitted to the Department of Maritime Technology as partial fulfillment the requirement of subject of MTM 4992. Approval by: †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. UMT Supervisor Name: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohammad Fadhli Bin Ahmad Official Stamp:Date: †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. Industrial Training Coordinator Name: En Che Wan Mohd Noor bin Othman Official Stamp:Date: †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. DECLARATION I hereby declare that this report entitled INDUSTRY TRAINING REPORT AT KONSORTIUM PELABUHAN KEMAMAN SDN BHD is the writing by my own self. Signature†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ NameABDUL AZIM BIN ALIAS Matrix No. UK 17895 Date30th October 2011 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Alhamdulillah,  thanks  to the Almighty  for  kindness  to  me  and Industrial Training program  successfully in  Kemaman  Port Consortium  Sdn. Bhd.. (KPK). First of all  I wish to  thank  the infinite to the  Dean of the Faculty  of Maritime Studies  and  Marine Science (FMSM)  Universiti Malaysia Terengganu  (UMT)  Prof. Madya  Dato' Dr  Saharuddin  Bin Dato'  Abdul  Hamid,  Deputy Dean (Academic  & HEP) Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wan  Nik   Wan   Mohd  Nik Sani,  Faculty of Industrial Training  Coordinator  Datin  Norhayati Bt. Hj  Shariff, and also  to the  Supervisor  UMT  Dr  Mohammad  Bin Ahmad  Fadhli  who have  provided assistance  and guidance  in the  training  industry and provide  industry  training  report. I wish  to thank  to the  KPK particularly  the Department  of Management (KPK)  and the Faculty of Maritime Studies  and Marine Science  (UMT)  on the cooperation and   opportunity. Industry  training program  for 12 weeks  is  required  I  do,  that  as one requirement for  my graduation  in  UMT. This program  has provided me  exposure to  the  real  working world  I might  face  later. God willing,  all the knowledge  and experience  gained  will be  my  full advantage. As a  company that  has taken the  responsibility to train,  it appears KPK  could  very well   play its part  in providing  training and exposure to me. In a  work  environment   that  was new to me,  a sense of responsibility  and dedication  has encouraged me  to complete   this training  successfully. Problem-solving skills  and communication skills  are two  very important  elements that  I can  learn  here,  and both  truly test  my skills  as a  new person  in the  KPK. Therefore,  I will  use  this experience  as  the most valuable  assets  to face  the working world  in the future. My thanks also  to Mr. Alias   Bin  Zainal  (General Manager  Traffic and Maintenance  Department)  and Captain  Abdul  Razak  Bin Embong  (Marine  Department Manager)  for giving  full cooperation throughout the  program is run. Not forgetting the KPK  staff  involved, especially  all the  staff of the Department  of Management,  Traffic, Finance,  and he  Marine  Department  which  is mostly  old guard does not  mean  that   information  and  give  knowledge  to me. Without their  contributions, this program  can not be  fully  accomplished. Finally,  thank you  once again   to everyone  and individuals  involved in the  success of the  Industrial Training  Program, especially  our friends  and Mr. Alias   Bin  Zainal   (Supervisor  Organization)  for having  to monitor  and provide  appropriate  guidance and advice throughout  I was in  this  KPK. May Allah  bestow  His mercy  and  give back to  them. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY All students  Bachelor  of Applied Science (Maritime Technology)Intake  July  09/08, Faculty  of Maritime Studies  and Marine Science(FMSM)  is  required to undergo industrial training  for three  months, beginning on  May 15  until  August 4, 2011. During the  Industrial Training  program  at  Kemaman  Port  Consortium  Sdn  Bhd  (KPK) in this period, I  was  placed in  several departments,  including  Traffic and Maintenance Department and  Marine  Department. Through participation  in  this program, I  was exposed to the  systems  of work adopted by  the  department  in  carrying out  this  task and  has certainly  a lot of experience  and workmanship  to me. Many  systems of work that  I learned  while staying  at the  KPK  it includes a  Working   System  Control  Ships for entry in  the Port  and Working System Control  Ships exit in  Port  (Department of  Traffic) and  Working  System of Pilot operation  in the Port   (Marine Department). Through  involvement in  the daily  work  that has  direct contact with  the  working system, I  not only  exposed to  office  work, but  I  was also  given   exposure  through the  implementation of  tasks outside the office. All  this  work  requires the cooperation of  the system  and demand  high commitment  from all parties  and  it  is essential  to enable the  KPK  to implement and  provide the best service  and effectively  to its customers. Thus, with  this  Training  Program, students  will get more  exposure on  the working world and  to understand  the challenges of  working through the program. In addition,  it  also helps  students learn  the systems  commonly  work  as well  to add value to  the learners themselves. TERM AND CONDITION KPK: Konsortium Pelabuhan Kemaman Sdn Bhd UMT: Universiti Malaysia Terengganu FMSM: Fakulti Pengajian Maritim Dan Sains Marin LCB: Liquid Chemical Berth EW: East Wharf GWP: Good Warehouse Practice ISO: International Standardized Organisation D. O: Delivery Order ETD: Estimated Time Departure ETA: Estimated Time Arrival CIC: Clerk in Charge WIC: Wharf in Charge GRT: Gross Registered Tonnage FRT: Freightweight Tonnes DT: Displacement Tonne DWT: Deadweight Tonne PAC: Pre-Arrival Clearance. RO: Radio Operator CONTENT TOPIC PAGES DECLARATION AND APPROVAL REPORT I ACKNOWLEDGEMENT III EXECUTIVE SUMMARYV TERM AND CONDITION VI CONTENT VII FIGURE LIST IX CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1. 1 Background of Organization1 1. 2 KPK Organization Chart3 1. 3 Services at Kemaman Port Consortium(Core Business)4 1. 3. 1 Facilities Provided by KPK 4 1. 3. 2 Services Provided by KPK 6 1. 4 Map and Description of Kemaman Port Consortium 8 CHAPTER 2 TRAINING DESCRIPTION 2. 1Training at Traffic & Maintenance Department10 2. 2Training at Marine Department14 CHAPTER 3 WORK SYSTEM THAT LEARNED 3. WORK FLOW CHART: Pre-Arrival Clearance Vessel Process17 3. 1. 1Problem in Working System21 3. 1. 2Problem Solving Suggestion21 3. 2 WORK FLOW CHART : Inward Vessel Process 22 3. 2. 1Problem in Working System26 3. 2. 2Problem Solving Suggestion26 3. 3 WORK FLOW CHART : Pilot Operation Working Process27 3. 3. 1Problem in Working System31 3. 3. 2Problem Solving Suggestion31 CHAPTER 4 : EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS 4. 1 Summary of Experience and Skills 32 4. 2 Relationship Between The Knowled ge and Theory in UMT33 4. Contribution by Student and Organization33 4. 4 The Network Relationship will be Provide34 CHAPTER 5 : PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS 35 CHAPTER 6 : DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION 37 CHAPTER 7 : OVERALL SUMMARY OF TRAINING INDUSTRIAL40 REFFERENCES 41 APPENDIX 40 1. Lampiran A: Second Schedule for Notice of Arrival 2. Lampiran B: Letter of Indemnity 3. Lampiran C: Cargoes Manifest by Custom 4. Lampiran D: International Ship & Port Safety (ISPS) form 5. Lampiran E: Crew List 6. Lampiran F: Stowage Plan 7. Lampiran G: Estimate Charge . Lampiran H: PAC certificate 9. Lampiran I: Pilot Note 10. Lampiran J: Ship Files FIGURE LIST LIST PAGES 1. Rajah 1. 1 : Organization Chart 3 2. Rajah 1. 2 : Machinery Equipment List 5 3. Rajah 1. 3 : KPK Description and Map 8 4. Rajah 2. 1 : Industrial Training Schedule9 5. Rajah 2. 2 : Trainees measure  freight  yard  tenants 12 6. Rajah 2. 3 : Trainees involved the loading cargo operation 13 7. Rajah 2. : The process of supplying a f resh water to ship 13 8. Rajah 2. 5 : Trainees follow the pilot to took the ship 15 9. Rajah 2. 6 : The services by tug boat 15 10. Rajah 6. 1 : KPK SWOT Analysis 38 11. Rajah 6. 3 : The target growth of Total Cargo (MT) 39 12. Rajah 6. 4 : The target total benefits (M) 39 ———————– DEPARTMENT OF MARITIME TECHNOLOGY FACULTY OF MARITIME STUDIES AND MARINE SCIENCE

Manage Personal Work Priorities and Professional Development

Student Name: Malik Daniyal Student id: STD02067 Project title: Manage personal work priorities and professional development Introduction:- In this project I m going to describe all about my future and recent planning and my goals and objectives. In which comes my dream , my futures goal , what I have to do for achieving my goal , how I can be successful and how I can fulfilled my and my family future dream. And what steps I have to take and which steps are not good for my future and how I should move step by step toward my destination.Where I am now and for achieving my goal what qualities I have and what I have to get and have to achieve. A Reflection Paper is a formal written presentation of a critical reflection about a specific issue. A reflection paper is truly a paper from the heart. To write one, I will be recounting, or reflecting upon, experiences I have had during a specific event. If I was an intern, it would be a paper about how I enjoyed it and what I learned.Explanatio n in Detail :- Q: what makes a good role model and how would I ensure that I acted as a role model for employees I supervise? A good role model is someone who can make positive choices on his or her own. They are a person that people especially young kids can look up to in hopes to follow in their footsteps. They do not have to be famous but as a whole, they need to live a life that allows people to want to achieve goals and try to do the right things.I think mentors should be role models, BUT a role model who hasn't forgotten where s/he came from, how s/he got to where s/he is now and always looking back to see if s/he can help those that came from the very same place and positive role model should be encouraging and must have ability to recognised the qualities of employees working under his/her and a positive role model should show his/her technical ability and time management skills as well. Q: what are the traits of an effective leader ? do I have these traits? How would I deve lop these traits? As a leader, I know how to identify each of my team member’s strongest skills and assets.Because you don’t expect each person on the team to excel in every area, you also know that it’s important to create a diverse group of people who balance and complement one another. Similarly, leaders have their own unique skills and specializations. Effective leaders often possess the following five traits :- 1. Focused:- To lead a team to success, leaders must possess an extraordinary amount of focus. It’s important to eliminate distractions from the work area. While leaders are often pulled in numerous directions simultaneously, they must be able to retain clear minds and focus on the things that matter. 2. Passionate:-It’s possible to teach someone to be a leader, but truly effective leaders are already passionate about what they do. Their enthusiasm and level of commitment can inspire our team members and motivate them to do better work. 3. Assertive:- As a leader, he have requirements for his team and goals that must be fulfilled. When team members aren’t meeting expectations, a leader must feel comfortable being assertive. Assertive leaders are firm and bold, unafraid to go after what they want. Such a level of certainty and confidence will serve both you and your team well as you tackle larger challenges and go after new goals. . Decisive:- Leaders are often called on to make big decisions, so it’s also important for us to be decisive. And Of course a decisive leader should never be confused with an impulsive one. A decisive leader carefully weighs the potential effects of each option and chooses the opportunity that works best for his or her team. To be decisive, you must also feel comfortable taking responsibility for the results of your choice. 5. Empowering:- Supporting my team is one of the best ways to encourage members to perform well. Empower each individual by making it clear that you trus t his or her judgment.Give people the authority they need to do their jobs well and show them an appropriate level of respect. Everyone have a good and effective role model and I have as well my teacher , he was a part time teacher now he is a professional IT manager , so I do learn most of the things from study and mostly from searching mostly from my teacher. Q: How would I ensure that my work goal and plan reflect the organisation’s goal and plans? The organization’s plans and goals are. Then I can assess whether your personal work plan is in line with the companies.I need to feel that yours and there’s harmonious and parallel and heading in the same direction for the successful at attaining the â€Å"big picture. My family is my role model as well, they have dream for me, which I have. They all want see me successful in the business and I m student in Australia and I am international student and my family send me here because Australia is the best country f or business study and for my aim study alot and have to give time every one and I have already planned everything for future till now to end and for achieving my goal have to go forward step by step.My family, my parents, sibling, friends all have same wish to see me to become businessman. They are important for me and my adjective, dream and wishes also so I give time every one, they all time stay in touch with me so they have much problem with to feel lonely for me. The things I have to do step by steps are given below:- I need some requirements to complete which are:- First in one year I will complete my * Diploma (1 year) * Bachelors (3 years) * Masters (1 year) * Internship (1 year) * Work in a company hen I will do bachelor in computer science, than I will do masters and then I will do internship and during internship will learn about my abilities, will learn about how to maintain work and life and will get experience and then I will work for some company and for that I will c omplete above mention things and then I will start work and work as a worker, or something after some time period will work as supervisor than as a manager and by working will get experience and will be able to do my own business. Q: How would I ensure that I meet my job responsibilities?While working I will get a lot of responsibilities and I will do my best and will do my work honestly and my main and common responsibility is to work hard and satisfy clients and customers and cooperative with all team members and others staff. Q: What is my personal learning style and how would I ensure that I took advantage of learning opportunities? Learning style is the way in which a person processes new information. Knowing my learning style can help me to make choices in the way you focus on and study new material. Below are fifteen statements that will help you assess your learning style.After reading each statement, rate you response to the statement using the scale below. Some types of le arning skill mostly every one fallow/use given below:- Types of Learning Styles Types of Learning Styles: The Three Main Types There are three main types of learning styles: auditory, visual, and kinaesthetic. Most people learn best through a combination of the three types of learning styles, but everybody is different. Auditory Learners: Hear Auditory learners would rather listen to things being explained than read about them.Reciting information out loud and having music in the background may be a common study method. Other noises may become a distraction resulting in a need for a relatively quiet place. Visual Learners: See Visual learners learn best by looking at graphics, watching a demonstration, or reading. For them, it’s easy to look at charts and graphs, but they may have difficulty focusing while listening to an explanation. Kinesthetic Learners: Touch Kinesthetic learners process information best through a â€Å"hands-on† experience. Actually doing an activi ty can be the easiest way for them to learn.Sitting still while studying may be difficult, but writing things down makes it easier to understand. By internship my knowledge will be increased and I will know to work and how to manage things and I will also learn new technologies such as all computer courses like coral draw, advertising , will learn new techniques new development and will learn all things bye peoples by visiting different companies by my teachers by roles models and this new things will help me in my work and I will gain a lot of work by this and my skill will be good and then while work my work progress ill be good and because of my performance I can get good pay , good job easy job, good feedback from company and customers , clients etc. and by doing practice will gain new skills , will make new things new software’s new ideas will generate and its will be good for my business. Mostly I use visual and auditory way to learn, I see and hear and learn by listeni ng and looking others. Q: How would I priorities work? I will give 45% time to work ad 30% to family and 15% to friends and 10% to myself.By dividing time and giving time to every one my life will not be disturb and nothing will go wrong, no one will have problem with me, and Managing work priorities and professional development requires me to be a positive role model; have good traits; ensure my work goals and plans reflect the organisation’s; meet my job responsibilities; maintain my personal performance; priorities my work; use technology to organize and manage my work; maintain a work-life balance; meet required competency standards; determine my developmental needs; take advantage of my learning opportunities; use feedback to improve my competence; use networks to increase my knowledge and develop relationships, and ensure that I acquire new skills to maintain my competitive edge. A good role model is someone who others can look up to and admire. They take leadership on the issues they believe in, influence the decisions of others and guide their actions.To ensure that I acted as a positive role model for my employees and everyone within the workplace, I will need to demonstrate the following steps: Firstly, I will have to set out a good example and present myself as to how I want others to present themselves. Everything I do from the way I dress to the way I speak will be imitated and emulated by others. If I am always late, then my staff will always be late. This is because I have already approved this behavior through my own actions. Thus, if I want my employees to be punctual then I need to go to work on time, if not earlier, so they can learn to do the same. The second step is to know the requirements of my staff as well as my own.As the supervisor, I am expected to know what I am doing. If I don’t know anything about the job then I am unable to teach my employees or guide them in the right direction. Thirdly, I will have to act consist ently with my work in order to avoid any confusion and frustration in the workplace. This means following the same standards I have set, not a different one each day. Q: How would I measure and maintain my personal performance? Besides an office at work, keep a personal office at home†¦ with privacy†¦ keep a work journal to reflect and observe problem areas, work toward being at the job you want to be at. , if that isn't possible, endure and do your part.Q: How would I use technology to organize and manage work? I use my cell phone to meet my priorities and commitments. I get all the information’s about meetings on my phone or in email or by txt or by call and it’s a quick and easy way and I also get my job alerts on my cell phone. Q: How would I ensure that I maintain a work / life balance? I use technology to manage my priorities and in commitments and I think the usage of the technology would be useful because this I use in my daily life and it’s ve ry helpful , and savage of time and also help in my college task and working task etc. Q: How would I determine my developmental needs? Development needs can be challenging.Often, I find myself looking at what training courses are available and deciding which of those would be most helpful. In fact, it is better to try and identify what the development need is and then to work out ways of meeting that need, which may or may not be a training course. Annual Review is a great opportunity to discuss your development needs with your line manager. I may be able to discuss the changing requirements of your role, as well as my personal development aspirations (for example, career development). It is important that I have considered my development needs before my Annual Review meeting as this will enable you to make the most of my discussion.Q: How would I gather feedback from other about my personal performance and how would I see this feedback to improve my competence? When I will work ve ry hard and by honestly so every onw will be happy with my work and they will give positive feedback and my all the workmates and my boss , all the staff and customers and clients etc they will give positive feedback for my work for managing time and work performance so I will be encourage and will do more hard work and feel good to do more hard work. Q: How would I use networks to increase my knowledge, gain new skills and develop relationship? Networking and informational interviewing are essential tools in the career exploration and job/internship search.Loosely defined, networking is a process of developing informal contacts and building relationships that provide you with knowledge, advice, information, and further contacts – all of which may allow me to tap into unadvertised opportunities. Informational interviewing is part of the networking process and is a way to strengthen my network. Both networking and informational interviewing include elements of the following: * Contacting people I know (and do not know) in order to find information about an industry, organization, or job/internship. * Asking individuals whom I contact for further relevant contacts in order to build your network. * Building relationships with people who can help the progress of your career exploration or internship/job search. Networking and informational interviewing work because they are proactive and driven by my initiative.Although there are many ways to find information about careers, jobs, and internships, speaking with people who are currently working in your field of interest provides you with the opportunity to engage in a substantive dialogue that other resources do not afford. Networking and informational interviewing allow me to get my questions answered and put you in touch with individuals who can give me ‘insider information’ on vacancies, industry or organizational culture, required skills, etc. All the people I know and the people they know as part of your existing network, which may include: * Relatives (and their friends) * Former employers * Friends (and their relatives) * Neighbours and community members * Alumni Professors and Advising Deans * Student organizations Q: How would I ensure that I acquired new skills to maintain my competitive edge? Today's work place is very competitive. I will need to have a variety of skills that will give me the competitive edge you need to succeed. To be competitive in today's work place you must be able to: * Listen Well:  Good  listening skills  make memore productive, help me to get along better with others, and allow me to work better in a team-based environment. * Know How to Use a Computer:  No matter what your job is, it's likely I will need to use a computer. It's important to make sure your  computer skills  are up-to-date. Write Effectively:  Whether your job requires to write short memos or lengthy reports, I must be able to communicate well in writing. * D eal With Crises at Work  Being able to  solve problems  quickly and seamlessly can set apart from others. * Manage Your Time:  Learning how to  manage your time effectively  will allow me to complete projects in a timely fashion. Conclusion :- From now it will take more than five years to achieve my goal. And my goal is to become a businessman in IT profession and for this I m going to follow three steps, completing my studies , gaining knowledge and experience and work in any company. References :- http://www. antiessays. com/free-essays/288895. html http://careerplanning. about. com/od/workplacesurvival/a/competitive. htm