Is the American presidency too powerful Why or why not Essay

Is the American presidency too powerful Why or why not - Essay Example A president has the constitutional power to either assent or dissent a bill that has been approved by the Congress. The president acts as the last ‘process’ through which a bill passes before being adopted as a law. All the citizens in America are governed by the same standard laws and, apparently, they are under the spell of the presidency. Despite the Congress having similar powers of revoking a presidency’s initiative, it is the Congress that is constitutionally required to make laws. Intrinsically, the presidency has trivial contravention in the making of laws (Lowi 2012, p.177). Moreover, the presidency is better positioned if its party dominates both houses. The presidency’s influence in the appointment of the bureaucratic positions is a vital element. In order to mitigate the conflicts of opinion in between the presidency and the Agencies, the presidency can appoint his top supporters into the bureaucratic appointments. In essence, the presidency will be commanding power through the automatic support that is anticipated from his supporters in the bureaucracy (Lowi 2012, p.195). The support grants his excessive powers. Even with least congressional and public support, the presidency’s powers are still a notch higher. The presidency has the option of expanding the roles of the direct presidential governance and executive orders. Similarly, the presidency has the capacity to increase the control of the White House over the federal the bureaucracy (Lowi 2012, p. 195). This tactic of power works in the presidency’s advantage by enabling it influence the decisions of the bureaucracy, indirectly Executive agreements are excessive powers granted to the presidency. In the normal diplomatic powers of the presidency, more than two-thirds of the senate is required to have vote for a treaty before it becomes legally practicable. However, in executive agreements, there is neither regulation nor restrictions encountered by the presidency

European imperialism Essay Example for Free

European imperialism Essay Mortimer Chambers et al define imperialism as a European states intervention in and continuing domination over a non-European territory. During the Scramble for Africa in the late nineteenth century, the most powerful European nations desired to conquer, dominate and exploit African colonies with the hope of building an empire. According to Derrick Murphy, in 1875 only ten percent of Africa was occupied by European states. Twenty years later only ten percent remained unoccupied. There were several factors which attracted European imperialists to Africa. There were opportunities for profitable investment and trade. Raw materials, which Africa possessed in abundance, were also desired. A cheap source of labour was required as it would result in higher profits. In addition, there was international rivalry among European nations. Domestic political interests and social Darwinism may also be blamed for attracting European imperialism to Africa. European imperialists were lured to Africa by the potential economic benefits she possessed. Industrialization caused a mass productivity and there became an artificial need for foreign markets to invest in. According to Brian Levack et al, with the onset of economic decline in 1873 industrialists were faced with a declining demand for their products in Europe. Imperial expansion, it was thought, would provide a solution with annexed territories seen as captive markets. It was believed that the unfavorable balance of trade that Britain and other industrial countries were experiencing could be counterbalanced by the income from overseas investments. Also, surplus capital could be profitably invested in Africa where cheap labour and limited competition would result in higher profits. Prominent European imperialists decided to use the public resources of their country to find lucrative means of using their capital. The English radical economist J.A. Hobson, argues that the intention was to level out inequalities of wealth to increase domestic consumption. Local merchants, traders and bankers were optimistic towards the idea of imperial expansion and capital investments outside of Europe became an increasingly vital sector of its economy. There was an increasing demand for raw materials in Europe in the late nineteenth century. According to Brian Levack, the new technologies characteristic of the industrial revolution meant that industrial Europe  became increasingly dependent on raw materials. European nations felt the urge to control lands that possessed great quantities of raw materials. Africa was rich with raw materials as well as many treasure reserves. As a result, many major industrial companies attempted to gain a monopoly of raw materials in Africa. Stuart Miller believes that specific trade links were important to particular industries. Some raw materials in Africa were of great importance; the vegetable oil of the Niger was vital for lubricating industrial machinery and the rubber of the Congo was not only essential for the tires on the new automobiles but also for insulating the electrical and telegraph wires now encircling the globe. The plentiful elephant herds could be slaughtered to provide the ivory for many of the new consumer goods such as piano keys, billiard balls and knife handles. In Togoland, Germans were able to cultivate plantations where they grew cocoa and rubber. Other raw materials included peanuts, cotton and tea. There were also many important minerals and South Africa possessed gold and diamonds. International rivalry among European nations contributed greatly to imperialist ventures in Africa. Britains rivalry with France and Germany accounted for a large part of the colonization. The British government wished to maintain its dominance in the colonial regions. Other European powers desired to expand their colonial spheres as well and Britain responded by seizing colonies. Certain territories were important for their location. The Suez Canal was key waterway between East and West Africa. The immense interior between the gold and diamond rich Southern Africa and Egypt had a strategic value as domination of this region was important to secure the flow of overseas trade. The British wanted to link their possessions in Southern Africa with their territories in East Africa, and these two areas with the Nile basin. Obtaining the Sudan was vital to the fulfillment of these ambitions especially since Egypt was already under British control. This red-line through Africa was made famous by Cecil Rhodes and Lord Milner who advocated for a Cape to Cairo empire linking by rail the Suez Canal to the Southern part which possessed many minerals. According to Brian Levack, there was also a certain level of nationalist competition. The unification of Germany upset the balance of power in Europe. In this climate of tension, governments looked towards enforcing national strength. The  newly formed nations of Italy and Germany now sought empires outside Europe as a means of gaining power and prestige within Europe. In the nineteenth century, a German historian Henrich con Treitschke stated All great nations in the fullness of their strength have desired to set their mark on barbarian lands and those who fail to participate in this great rivalry will pay a pitiable role in time to come. Under the leadership of Bismarck, Germany soon embarked on a quest of expansionism. Bismarcks distrust of England under Gladstone was one of the reasons he decided to do this. Germany became engaged in an arms race with Great Britain and it desired as many military and naval bases as it could obtain. France needed to restore its damaged national pride after its defeat by Germany in the Franco-Prussian war and therefore embarked upon expansionism. Their aim was to have an uninterrupted link between the Niger River and the Nile, thus controlling all trade to and from the Sahel region, by virtue of their existing control over the Caravan routes through the Sahara. Domestic political interests also contributed to European Imperialism in Africa. As stated by Brain Levack, in the age of mass politics, political leaders needed to find issues that would both appeal to new voters and strengthen the status quo. Imperialism led the ordinary European people to believe that they were part of a superior, conquering people. Bismarck used imperial issues to help him find political allies in Germany and once remarked all this colonial business is a sham but we need it for the elections. According to Lawrence James, in the 1890s witnessed a rapid expansion of newspaper readership with the appearance of a new type of daily designed to attract the working and lower middle class. Social Darwinism and missionary intentions are two excuses that are used to justify European imperialism in Africa. Rudyard Kipling characterized the Africans as sullen, new caught peoples, half devil and half child. The Europeans believed it to be their duty to civilize the wild savage Africans. Liberalism, which may be defined as a dedication to self-improvement and the belief that there were discoverable rules of general conduct that everyone could follow, contributed to the paternal manner in which Europe acted and arguments of racial and cultural superiority that pushed Europeans into  Africa to civilize the local populations. Lawrence James states that nations who had now reached the highest stage of civilization were taking control over those which had lagged behind, or races, like the Asante, who were not seen as fit to control their own affairs. In an issue of the Dublin Review in the late nineteenth century it was stated that The future of Africa under any form of Europea n tutelage must be better than the dark and evil nightmare of the past. These Social Darwinists were able to persuade the natives that what was being done was to their ultimate benefit. According to Derrick Murphy et al, there existed the idea that imperialism was a moral duty as a means of spreading Western civilization and Christian values. Many Europeans bought this excuse while others did not. Africans were forced to adopt the Christian religion. In some cases they were killed for continuing to practice their own faiths. Some historians believe that the whole motive for Christian evangelism in Africa was simply to disrupt and destroy and that it was always politically motivated. First, missionaries were brought to the continent. Secondly, after some natives were converted and there was a considerable amount of confusion among them, the troops were sent to exploit them. Their main intention was to divide to control. According to an African chieftain The white man is very clever. He came quietly and peaceably with his religion. We were amused at his foolishness and allowed him to stay. Now he has won our brothers and our clan can no longer act like one. He has put a knife on the things that held us together and we have fallen apart.Various factors attracted European imperialism to Africa in the later nineteenth century. Europe was changing and their colonial empires were associated with the ideas of national greatness and the survival of the fittest. This caused a massive drive for empires. There was a yearning for raw materials, national power and prestige. Each nation which possessed a colonial territory also possessed a sense of superiority. Bibliography 1.) Chambers Mortimer, Hanawalt Barbara, Rabb Theodore, Woloch Isser, Grew Raymond, The Western Experience, 1999, The McGraw-Hill Companies Inc., United States of America2.) James Lawrence, The White Mans Burden? Imperial Wars in the 1890s Spielvogel Jackson, Western Civilization, Mc Graw Hill, Connecticut, 1999(pgs 100-105)3.) Levack Brian, Muir Edward, Maas Michael, Veldman Meredith, The West, Encounters and Transformations, 2004, Pearson Education Inc., United States of America4.) Miller Stuart, Mastering Modern European History, 1997, Palgrave, United Kingdom, Hampshire5.) Murphy Derrick, Morris Terry, Europe 1870-1991, 2000, Harper Collins Publishers LTD, United Kingdom, England6.) The Church as a Tool of Imperialism

Examining the strategic location of South Face Mine

Examining the strategic location of South Face Mine The strategic location of the South Face Mine, owned by Mountain Mining Canada Ltd (MMCL), catches the attention of Can-Do to make an offer for purchasing the mine. If our company successfully acquires it, the combination of better surface logistics and optimal location of new drift mines could provide an annual cost saving of up to $1.5 million for 20 years. However, MMCL has closed the mine and currently been spending on closure and reclamation of it; undoubtedly MMCL would like to transfer those costs to us. The purpose of this memorandum is to determine the walk-away point, which is the highest amount Can-Do would agree to offer in the negotiation with MMCL, with the use of data from the management budget provided by MMCL, the discounted cash flow model and sensitivity tests on various assumptions. Given the data in the MMCL management budget with removal of costs which are not transferred to Can-Do or can be internalized  [1]  , and assuming a 6% interest rate for discounting, the 15% contingency allowance used in MMCL implies an inflation rate of 2.55%. Having studied various assumptions, the sensitivity tests indicate the variance of short-term duration is the most important risk underlying as a 1-year extension of short-term costs reduces the value of acquisition by $6.6 million from $15.5 million to $8.9 million (58% of original value). A 2-year extension further reduces the value by 6.4 million to $2.5 million (16% of original value).  [2]   The recommended walk-away point would be $14 million, a value lower than the net values of acquisition calculated in most sensitivity tests excluding those with respect to short-term duration and estimated cost saving. It also means that an efficient cost control should be performed to avoid an extension of short-term cost and a failure to realize the estimated cost saving. It is also worth noting that there are large discrepancies of cost items between the 2006 and 2005 budgets. A detailed review on financial data is suggested so as to find out any hidden problems or risks. Introduction The purchase of the South Face Mine, currently owned by Mountain Mining Canada Limited (MMCL), can provide Can-Do a very large reduction in operating cost of North Fork Mine, located adjacent to South Face Mine, by an estimated amount up to $1.5 million annually for the next 20 years, attributed to the optimal location of new drift mines and the improved logistics. However, it is expected that MMCL would require us to bear the closure and reclamation costs. Therefore, the net value of the acquisition is the value of cost saving net of the value of those additional costs. By considering the data provided and computing the net value of acquisition, it comes up with the walk-away point, which is critical and crucial to our negotiation with MMCL. The remaining parts of this memorandum explain the determination of the walk-away point. In particular, the purpose of this study is to: Review the financial data provided Do sensitivity tests for assumptions with respect to the closure and reclamation costs Set a reasonable walk-away point Identify other possible risks for the determination of the walk-away point There are different types of costs, including short-term costs which will be incurred within five years and long-term costs which will be incurred during the whole reclamation period. There are also salvage values of equipments remaining on site (i.e. Inventory Disposition), and they will accrue to Can-Do. Moreover, MMCL has included a 15% contingency allowance in its calculation. From the table above, it is clearly observed that large discrepancies exist for most cost items between 2006 and 2005 budget, and this indicates a deficiency of the contingency allowance in 2005 to cover the adverse development of costs estimated from 2005 to 2006. It concerns us about the accuracy and reliability of the predictions. It is suggested a detailed review of financial data as well as other information related to the situation of the mine be conducted in order to discover any potential problems which may put our company at risk. Data Adjustment The data provided is subject to adjustments so as to calculate a more reasonable walk-away point. They include: Removing costs not to be transferred from MMCL to Can-Do (e.g. severance costs) Removing costs which could be realized from internalizing them in Can-Do (e.g. inspection costs) Analysis: Methods Assumptions Contingency Allowance Inflation Rate MMCL has included a 15% contingency allowance in its budget while has not considered the time value of cost items. Assuming the allowance is totally for the inflation, the implied inflation rate that is equivalent to the 15% contingency allowance is found to be 2.55% (using the Excel function à ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒâ€¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"goal seekà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ ), after the data adjustment aforementioned. Sensitivity Tests, Risks Walk-away Point To investigate the risks underlying, sensitivity tests have been performed to examine the uncertainties associated with the assumptions of cash flow projections (all with 0% contingency allowance). Table 3: Sensitivity Tests The table consists of the net value of the acquisition under different combinations of short-term duration, long-term duration, inflation rate and discount rate (Scenario Base and #1-10). From the table, it shows that under most scenarios the value of acquisition is around $14-15 million. Therefore, it would be appropriate and conservative to set $14 million as the walk-away point. In addition, an extra sensitivity test on estimated cost saving are conducted (Scenario #11-12). When compared to Scenario #4, it demonstrates that a 10% decrease in cost saving causes the value of acquisition below $14 million. It implies a strong control is needed to monitor that the realized cost saving is close to the estimated one. As shown in the tables, the short-term duration should be the key risk factor as an increase in it leads to a tremendous decrease in value (by comparing Scenario Base to Scenario #1-2 or Scenario #4 to Scenario #5-6). Can-Do should therefore pay much attention to the extension of short-term cost projections. Conclusions and Recommendations Based upon the modified cost budget and assuming a 6% discount rate, a 15% contingency allowance implies an inflation rate of 2.55%. Also, after a study of various assumptions by sensitivity tests, a walk-away point of $14 million will be sufficient for the acquisition of South Face Mine. However, a few issues have to be highlighted: The large variances between the 2006 and 2005 budget raise concerns of the validity and reliability of the estimated values in the budget. The implied inflation rate of 2.55% is less than the lower bound of inflation rate projected by our economists. The net value of acquisition is very responsive to the duration of short-term costs according to the results of sensitivity tests. The determination of walk-away point is based on the assumption that $1.5 million can be saved annually over 20 years. A slight decrease in it can be enough to cause an overall loss for the acquisition provided that the final purchase price of South Face Mine is close to the walk-away point. For some costs including water treatment operation/maintenance costs and salaries of accountant/environmental person, they may be internalized to a certain extent; yet they are not removed for the determination of walk-away point due to their specialty. This also provides a relatively conservative walk-away point implicitly. It is recommended that a detailed investigation should be carried out to verify the estimated costs in the budget as well as to locate any other problems. It is also proposed that an efficient cost control should be established in order to keep the cost be aligned with the prediction if Can-Do successfully purchases the South Face Mine from MMCL

Management Control, Employment Equity and Skills Development

Management Control, Employment Equity and Skills Development Gabriella Greyling Management Control, Employment Equity, Skills Development Table of Contents (Jump to) Introduction Background Understanding the Scorecard Compliance of the Advertising Industry in Cape Town Conclusion Bibliography Introduction In the case study, Duffett, van der Heever Bell argue that transformation within the advertising industry is vital due to the influence this sector has over social norms and trends (Duffett, van der Heever Bell, 2009). They further argue that the advertising industry in Cape Town has implemented BEE and is making progress in complying with the targets set out in the Codes, although admit that there are some challenges that may impact on success of the Codes to achieve transformation goals. Compliance with three of the seven elements of the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Codes of Good Practice of 2007 (â€Å"Codes†) (namely Management Control, Employment Equity and Skills Development) of the advertising industry in Cape Town, has been critically analysed using the 2009 study by Duffet, van der Heever and Bell. The study looks at factors that hinder or promote transformation in this industry, in relation to the B-BBEE Codes and applicable transformation charters. The advertising industry falls within the scope of the Marketing, Advertising and Communication (â€Å"MAC†) Transformation Charter, gazetted in terms of Section 12 of the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (â€Å"B-BBEE†) Act (Act No. 53 of 2003). Under Section 12, a transformation charter is not binding on the industry, unlike the Codes, which were gazetted in terms of Section 9(1) of the B-BBEE Act (B-BBEE Codes, 2007, p15). This is mentioned as one of the factors impeding success of transformation in the advertising industry, as it has created some confusion for scorecard preparation. Furthermore, at the time of conducting the study, SANAS had delayed the process of accrediting Verification Agencies to July 2008. This meant that many companies were performing self-assessments to determine their compliance in terms of the B-BBEE Codes in order to save money on costly verifications. Consequently, the results from the study may not be entirely reliable, but they ne vertheless form a useful basis to understand B-BBEE compliance in the advertising industry in Cape Town. Background The B-BBEE Act of 2003 was introduced as a model for growth for the South African economy. Encapsulated in this model is the notion that â€Å"no economy can grow while the majority of its population are excluded†. (Okharedia, 2014) The Codes, which were subsequently gazetted in 2007, provided a tool for measuring empowerment (and by implication, transformation) within a company, known as the ‘Scorecard’. Seven elements to this scorecard cover various forms of empowerment, known as direct empowerment (Equity Ownership and Management Control), human resource development (Employment Equity and Skills Development) and indirect empowerment (Preferential Procurement, Enterprise Development and Socio-Economic Development). Specific targets are set for all entities, and these targets are weighted out of 100. Once the scores for each element are added up, they will result in a total number of points out of 100, which indicates the B-BBEE Status (Level 1 to 8) and Procurement Recognition Level (135% 0%). If a sector-specific code is issued in terms of Section 9(1) of the B-BBEE Act, it may have different targets and weightings to that of the Codes of Good Practice, which are applicable to that industry/sect or only). (B-BBEE Codes of Good Practice, 2007, p15). Due to the focus on the Management Control, Employment Equity and Skills Development elements, the table that follows presents only these three (3) elements, rather than all seven (7). Understanding the Scorecard Table 1: the Management Control, Employment Equity and Skills Development scorecards B-BBEE Element Total Weighting Measurement Criteria (Indicator) Indicator Weighting Target (0-5) Target (6-10) Management Control 10 Exercisable Voting Rights of black Board members using the Adjusted Recognition for Gender 3 50.0% 50.0% Black Executive Directors using the Adjusted Recognition for Gender 2 50.0% 50.0% Black Senior Top Management using the Adjusted Recognition for Gender 3 40.0% 40.0% Black Other Top Management using the Adjusted Recognition for Gender 2 40.0% 40.0% Bonus points: Black Independent Non-Executive Board Members 1 40.0% 40.0% Employment Equity 15 Black disabled employees as a percentage of all employees using the Adjusted Recognition for Gender 2 3.0% 3.0% Black employees in Senior Management as a percentage of all such employees using the Adjusted Recognition for Gender 5 43.0% 60.0% Black employees in Middle Management as a percentage of all such employees using the Adjusted Recognition for Gender 4 63.0% 75.0% Black employees in Junior Management as a percentage of all such employees using the Adjusted Recognition for Gender 4 68.0% 80.0% Bonus points for meeting or exceeding the EAP targets in each category. 3 Exceed EAP targets Exceed EAP targets Skills Development 15 Skills Development expenditure on black employees as a percentage of Leviable Amount using the Adjusted recognition for Gender. 6 3.0% 3.0% Skills Development expenditure on black employees with disabilities as a percentage of Leviable Amount using the Adjusted Recognition for Gender. 3 0.3% 0.3% Number of black employees participating in In-service Training Programs as a percentage of total employees using the Adjusted Recognition for Gender 6 5.0% 5.0% As one can see from Table 1, each element is further split into sub-elements or indicators. Each indicator has a point weighting, and a target. We will be focusing on the target for years 0 to 5 (since the Codes came into effect in 2007, and the applicable case study was published in 2009, which is within the first 5 years of the Codes). The Management Control score card measures board participation of black people in general, and black females specifically. Additionally, participation by black people at Senior Top Management level and â€Å"Other Top Management† level is encouraged in this element of the Codes. Emphasis is also placed on participation of black Executive Directors. Participation of black women at board and top management level is further encouraged through the Adjusted Recognition for Gender (â€Å"ARG†) provisions of the Codes. This provision places a greater weighting on black women, by dividing the percentage of black people by 2, and then adding the percentage of black females. The enhancement does have a limitation, in that when adding back the black female percentage, this figure cannot exceed 50% of the target for that indicator (in other words, if the target is 40%, then one can add back a maximum of 20% to the total black percentage representation which had been divided by 2. Similarly, the Employment Equity and Skills Development score cards also utilise the ARG in order to encourage equality between men and women (black females should make up half the target of black people, which is also statistically feasible, as females constitute half of the population in South Africa (Commission for Employment Equity, 2013). The Employment Equity scorecard measures four areas of employment; Senior Management, Middle Management and Junior Management, as well as disabled employees, while Skills Development measures expenditure on skills training for black employees in general and black employees with disabilities specifically. It also measures the number of employees engaged in Learnerships (or Category B, C or D Learning Programs, as per the Learning Program matrix contained in Annexe 400A of Code 400) as a percentage of the company’s total staff compliment. Comparison of the Codes and MAC Transformation Charter Upon closer inspection of the targets contained in the Management Control, Employment Equity and Skills Development Scorecards of the MAC Transformation Charter and the Codes of Good Practice, the weightings are different, and the targets are phased in from 2006 to 2014 such that the 2014 targets match that of the Codes (or are higher than targets contained in the Codes); Points available under Board participation for the MAC Charter are 5, and targets will be phased in from 25% in 2006, to 50% in 2014 (whereas the Codes offer 3 points for 50% black board participation) The same target applies to Executive directors, Senior Top Management and Other Top Management under the MAC Charter set the target to 25% at first, increasing to 30% in 2009 and finally 50% in 2014 (which is higher than the Codes for Senior Top and Other Top Management targets of 40%, un-staggered) while the available points under the MAC charter are higher in all three categories (4 and 3 points available, instead of 3 and 2 respectively). The target for Independent Non-executives is lower under MAC at 30% (and is phased in from 10% in 2006), as opposed to 40%. Under Employment Equity, the MAC Charter imposes one target for Senior, Middle and Junior Management of 25% in 2006 gradually increasing to 60% in 2014, unlike the Codes, which indicate 2 phases of targets, for each level of management separately. The Skills Development element is more similar between the Codes and the MAC Charter, unlike the previous 2 elements, however, the total skills expenditure on black employees as a percentage of the Leviable Amount target phased in from 1% in 2006 to the full 3% (as per the Codes) by 2014. These different targets make MAC Charter slightly easier to comply with, in terms of absolute targets. Compliance of the Advertising Industry in Cape Town According to Duffet, van der Heever and Bell, the advertising industry in Cape Town reported an increase in black employees from 35.2% in 2004 to 40.2% in 2006. They further reported that black female employees increased from 21% in 2004 to 23.9% in 2006. With regard to management positions, there was a reported increase in black female managers, from 13.8% in 2004 to 17.7% in 2006. One of the challenges noted from the study, was that there was a shortage of skilled black Previously Disadvantaged People (â€Å"PDI†) leading up to 2008, particularly in the advertising industry. Further, the 2007 B-BBEE baseline study referred to in the study also reported a high turnover of black staff, further confirming the desire for black employees in the advertising industry to â€Å"job-hop†. This becomes costly, as companies try to offer comparative salaries to retain talent, not only in their company, but in Cape Town, since salaries are known to be higher in Johannesburg than in the Cape. Training programmes would need to be used to improve job satisfaction with the view that they may result in improved staff retention rates. It was reported that the advertising industry has come up with some innovative training and mentorship programs in order to address both skills and staff (Employment Equity/Management Control) requirements. A further challenge in relation to B-BBEE spoke to attitudes that companies had toward compliance. In one instance, it was noted that some larger companies were more focused on compliance with BEE regulations, than acting in the true spirit of BEE, and that in some instances dishonesty and deceptive practices were used to achieve better scores, as this can result in increased business. Despite concerns by white males who took part in the study, that they were effectively working themselves out of jobs by embracing B-BBEE, many viewed B-BBEE as an opportunity to engage with their target market. Rather than stifling out diversity, encouraging it could create further business opportunities, especially in terms of growing the target market (through job creation, but also through understanding the new emerging target market of empowered black South Africans, and being able to create purchasing desires that would stimulate the economy during a difficult global financial period). The risk faced by the advertising industry was losing their white employees if these employees felt prejudiced by the opportunities being afforded to black South Africans only. The only possible way for this to succeed would be through growth of the industry, in order to generate more revenues to pay all employees equitable and comparable salaries, regardless of race. These challenges can heavily impact the compliance of companies for the Management Control, Employment Equity and Skills Development elements; when B-BBEE is seen as a cost, the true potential envisioned in the objectives of B-BBEE is easily lost. It was however reported that over 80% of advertising agencies had utilised the services of B-BBEE verification agencies, despite the industry being in its infancy, and that a majority of these agencies had positive attitudes towards B-BBEE. This resulted in the advertising industry being ahead of the national B-BBEE status, in terms of their level of compliance achieved. However, compliance within the MAC Charter targets, which as previously discussed is not binding, and has lower, phased-in targets than the Codes, may have led to these higher status levels. Conclusion Due to the uncertainties existing in the B-BBEE verification and compliance sphere at the time of the study, it is difficult to assess whether or not meaningful transformation had taken place. Despite this, there are indications of compliance by the advertising industry in Cape Town. While the industry was mostly self-regulated, around 80% of agencies confirmed they had engaged with Verification Agencies to confirm their B-BBEE credentials. Standardising and formalising the verification process may result in greater compliance, along with the imposition of penalties for misrepresenting information in order to achieve a favourable score. As stated by the authors of the study, â€Å"The ratio of success to failure in BEE is determined on a daily basis† (Duffett, van der Heever Bell, 2009; 109). Regular monitoring is required to continuously assess compliance with the Codes, and to evaluate transformation achievements as a result of B-BBEE. Even with the wrong intentions, B-BBEE can promote changes and improvements in the lives of previously disadvantaged individuals. However, true success for B-BBEE would be to bring about meaningful improvements in the lives of all South Africans, rather than a select few. Bibliography R.G. Duffett, I.C. Van der Heever D. Bell. 2009. ‘Black economic empowerment progress in the advertising industry in Cape Town: Challenges and benefits’, Southern African Business Review, 13(3): 86-118. South Africa, Department of Trade and Industry. 2003. Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act, No. 53 of 2003, No. 25899, Government Gazette Volume 463. Pretoria: Government Printers. South Africa, Department of Trade and Industry. 2007.Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Codes of Good Practice,No.29617, Government Gazette Volume500,Section 9(1) of the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Codes of Good Practice Act 53 of 2003.Pretoria: Government Printers. South Africa, Department of Trade and Industry. 2008. Marketing, Advertising and Communication Sector Transformation Charter, No. 31371, Government Gazette Volume 518, Section 12 of the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act, No. 53 of 2003. Pretoria: Government Printers. Okharedia, A.A.. 2014. ‘B-BBEE Legislative and Strategic Framework’ [PowerPoint Presentation] 10 March. UNISA Graduate School of Business Leadership. Midrand, Gauteng. South Africa, Department of Labour. 2013. Commission for Employment Equity; Annual Report 2012-2013, Pretoria: Government Printers. Available at http://www.labour.gov.za/DOL/documents/annual-reports/Commission%20for%20Employment%20Equity%20Report/2012-2013/annual-report-comission-for-employment-equity-report-2012-2013> [Accessed 25 March 2014]

Woman and Abortion :: essays research papers

Woman and abortion has always been an issue concerning everyone else except the female who is having the child. Most US citizens today believe that abortion is the wrong way to go, the unborn fetus has no chance at life. It is against the Catholic religion to do this but many people have to do this. Abortions are usually wanted by the teenagers in our society, whether they had made a mistaken and forgot to wear a condom or just chose not to wear one. This article is stating that our government is going to start testing the mothers who are caring a child. They want to ensure that the rights of the unborn fetuses are upheld. The rights of the baby should be upheld, and I believe that it will be but I also believe that there are groups that will not agree with this. These groups will protest at this trial to ensure what they wish to happen occurs.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Supreme will decide whether pregnant women can be tested for drugs. If being tested for drugs just means taking blood then it would not be harmful towards the unborn fetus. In this case the Supreme Court is deciding whether or not a woman can be given an injection to be tested for a drug. But will this injection hurt the baby, or is it for the good of the baby so that the mother may be given help if she is in fact a drug addict. It was recorded in 1985, in South Carolina, that a hospital in the south would take any measure necessary to make it possible for the unborn fetus has a healthy birth.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The unborn fetus should have rights, but how do we know when the unborn child is in danger. We need to use and make laws to ensure that pregnant women in no way possible can harm their babies. Unfortunately this is nearly impossible to accomplish, for it can only be accomplished when the pregnant woman comes into her doctors office for a check up. When she does come in for a check up, as of now, the doctor can only advise you on what to do. Unless you are tripping over your own feet, or there is something visibly wrong with the way you look the doctor can not do anything with out your consent.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The hospitals, doctors, and whom ever else there is out there in the world who is out to help you should have more rights than they have now.

Free Essay on Nathaniel Hawthornes Scarlet Letter - Three Scaffold Scenes :: Scarlet Letter essays

Three Scaffold scenes - Progression of Dimmesdale In The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne portrays Arthur Dimmesdale as a troubled individual. In him lies the central conflict of the book. Dimmesdale's soul is torn between two opposing forces: his heart, his love for freedom and his passion for Hester Prynne, and his head, his knowledge of Puritanism and its denial of fleshly love. He has committed the sin of adultery but cannot seek divine forgiveness, believing as the Puritans did that sinners received no grace. His dilemma, his struggle to cope with sin, manifests itself in the three scaffold scenes depicted in The Scarlet Letter. These scenes form a progression through which Dimmesdale at first denies, then accepts reluctantly, and finally conquers his sin. During Hester Prynne's three-hour ignominy, Dimmesdale openly denies his sin. Hawthorne introduces Dimmesdale as "a being who felt himself quite astray and at a loss in the pathway of human existence" (64). The author made it obvious that a grim secret lies hidden in the depths of Dimmesdale's soul. This secret, however, does not reveal itself immediately, since Dimmesdale hides it from the closely watching town. In addition, he magnifies his own denial of his sin when he charges Hester to "speak out the name of thy fellow-sinner and fellow-sufferer"(65). By deliberately speaking to Hester as if the sinner were not himself, the pastor makes sure that nobody suspects him. One may also interpret Dimmesdale's speech as a hint to Hester not to name him. He feels he must "add hypocrisy to sin" in order to keep his standing in the town. He thinks that if the town finds out about his sin, they will never forgive him, much like his belief system tells him that God will never forgive him. So great is his relief when he finds that "she will not speak" that he stands in awe of the "wondrous strength and generosity of a woman's heart"(66). Despite an inward wish for his sin to be discovered, Dimmesdale feels better knowing that Hester will not willingly expose him. In this scene in front of the town, Dimmesdale shows his original strength of character, which will diminish along the course of the book. In the middle of the night, seven years after Hester's punishment, Dimmesdale holds a vigil on the scaffold where he finally accepts his sin. The battle within Dimmesdale between "Remorse, which dogged him everywhere" and "Cowardice, which invariably drew him back"(144) leads to a temporary compromise in his midnight vigil.

The Chronic Lyme Disease Health And Social Care Essay

Lyme disease is a terrible public wellness issue. It is the most common tick-borne infection in the northern hemisphere of the universe ( Feder et al 2007 ) . In North America it is caused entirely by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu strict ( henceforth referred to as B. burgdorferi ) , while in Europe it is caused by B. afzelii, B. garinii, B. burgdorferi, and infrequently by other sorts of borrelia ( Feder et al 2007 ) . Lyme disease can be reasonably easy to handle in some patients. However, for some patients, it can go like an eternal conflict. Chronic Lyme disease ( CLD ) , which has been making much contention, is a systemic, disabling status which persists in malice of the therapy. There is an on-going argument if there is such a disease that can be classified as a CLD among scientists. Because of the fact that there is no defined trial for the presence of CLD, health care suppliers have to trust to a great extent on patients symptoms in most of the instances of reoccurrence. Furthe rmore, as CLD patients represent a instance of Heterogeneity of Treatment Effect ( HTE ) which indicates patient ‘s response to the same intervention varies in different patients, it makes it harder to generalise the definition of CLD. Different Lyme patients have different responses to a standardised intervention. ( Green 2009 ) Furthermore, the intervention of the CLD is ill-defined at this minute ( Marques 2008 ) ; hence making the uncertainty if there is of all time a disease to be cured. Some scientists suggest utilizing antibiotics as a intervention for CLD ( Stricker 2007 ) while others consider it as a mistreatment ( Hodzic et al 2008 ) . In this paper, I will get down with the general information of Lyme disease and analyze the groundss of the being of CLD. Furthermore, I will discourse the way of the farther surveies for the intervention of the disease based on the surveies that were conducted throughout the clip. Besides, I will take a expression at the opposing side of the statement claiming nonentity of CLD and discourse the exposure that their claim possesses.Why does the being of CLD affair?Lyme disease in the United States of America is bit by bit increasing over old ages, and the coverage instances of Lyme disease in 2009 is making 38,000 instances which is twice every bit much compared to the instances in 2006 which was 20,000. ( Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2009 ) ( Figure 1 ) The country of infection has broadened, and health care suppliers have seen Lyme disease instances in about all provinces in the United States. However, it is still true that most reported instances are significantly con centrated in the Middle atlantic States, Minnesota, coastal Northeast, and northern California. Lyme disease can be found in the other continent including Asia and Europe. ( NIH 2008 ) Therefore, a batch of patients are enduring from Lyme disease and it is estimated that more than 30 % of Lyme disease patients reach the phase where the symptoms are relentless more than few hebdomads despite the intervention. ( NIH 2008 ) However, irrespective the figure of patients who are enduring from these conditions referred as CLD, there is still an on-going argument sing being and intervention of this disease. Approximately 11,400 people were enduring from CLD in 2009 harmonizing to the coverage instances of 38,000 and 30 % rate of going CLD. In a terrible instance ( Cameron 2006 ) , about 66 % of 215 Lyme disease patients diagnosed in Westchester County, New York, USA remained sick after intervention for an norm of 3.2 old ages. If this affair remains unsolved, it will ensue a effect where pa tients can non acquire a proper intervention for CLD. It is an pressing affair for scientists to happen out a solid intervention to profit those patients.So, does CLD be?Lyme disease, a many-sided infection, has a legion aim symptoms including febrility, concern, stiff cervix, and fatigue. The most typical and common symptom of Lyme disease is a characteristic tegument lesion called erythema migrans ( EM ) roseola which appears in the early phase of Lyme disease. On the other manus, the most common symptom that can be seen in CLD is pauciarticular arthritis, and certain neurologic and cardiac manifestations, all of which normally respond good to conventional antibiotic therapy. ( NIH 2008 ) Other than symptoms, there are several groundss to turn out the being of CLD. As mentioned in the beginning, it is estimated that 30 % of Lyme disease patients develop farther status called CLD. Although after the antibiotic intervention take attention of the infection in most instances ( Klempner et al. 2001 ) , a minority of patients have musculoskeletal hurting, concentration trouble, short-run memory trouble, weariness, or all of these symptoms with or without clinical or serologic grounds of old early or late Lyme disease. ( Feder et al. 2007 ) It is thought to be a CLD when a patient exhibits these self-limiting and normally mild conditions longer than about 6 months. ( Nau et al. 2009 ) Thirty-four per centum of a population-based, retrospective cohort survey in Massachusetts was discovered to hold neurocognitive damage, arthritis or recurrent arthralgias, and neuropathy or myelopathy, a mean of 6 old ages after intervention for Lyme disease. ( Cameron 2010 ) In a cohort survey of 215 in turn treated Lyme disease patients in Westchester County ( Asch et al. 1994 ) , 62 per centum of patients had symptoms such as arthralgias, arthritis, and cardiac or neurologic engagement with or without weariness a mean of 3.2 old ages after intervention. ( Cameron 2010 ) In the tests of Klempner et Al. ( 2001 ) , there were studies that 41 % of topics exhibiting with well-documented, antecedently treated Lyme disease had relentless musculoskeletal hurting, neurocognitive symptoms, or dysesthesia, frequently associated with weariness and were ill during a mean of 4.7 old ages after oncoming. In a survey utilizing mice ( Hodzic et al. 2008 ) , relentless infection was documented by feeding ticks upon the mice and so proving the ticks for spirochaetes ( xenodiagnosis ) after 30 yearss of antibiotic ( Rocephin or Vibramycin ) intervention. This infection could be detected by xenodiagnosis for about 3 months after antibiotic intervention. Besides, relentless infection was confirmed by sensing of low degrees of spirochetal DNA in tissues for up to 9 months. Furthermore, Four National Institutes of Health ( NIH ) sponsored tests were conducted as double-blind randomised placebo- controlled tests ( RCTs ) corroborating the being and badness of CLD ( Cameron 2010 )There are still uncertaintiesThe 2006 Infectious Diseases Society of America ( IDSA ) Lyme disease intervention guideline panel inquired the being of CLD despite the documented grounds that were presented including the 1s provinces above. The IDSA panel questioned the being of CLD and concluded by stating that there is considerable contention and confusion exist over the cause and frequence of this procedure and even over its being. ( Cameron 2010 ) Besides, some of CLD patients have negative consequence with the trials provided to find Lyme disease thereby does non measure up for the intervention. ( Green 2009 ) CDC ( 2010 ) proposes a two-step process when proving blood to find manifestation of Lyme disease. The first measure uses an ELISA or IFA trial. If ELISA or IFA is negative, it is considered that patient most likely does non hold Lyme disease, and no farther testing is recommended. If they are positive or ambiguous, a 2nd measure should be carried out to verify the consequences. These trials can give a falsified consequence due to its sensitiveness of the trials are comparatively high. Therefore, about everyone with Lyme disease, and some people who do non hold Lyme disease, will prove positive. The 2nd measure employs an immunoblot such as a Western smudge or striped smudge trial. When used suitably, this trial is designed to be specific, significance that it will typically be positive merely with an septic individual. It suggests that the first trial was a false positive if the Western smudge is negative. Furthermore, the fact there is no definite trials to name or intervention to bring around CLD causes a uncertainty whether there is an existent disease to be treated. ( Green 2009 )Further groundss of CLDLyme disease is diagnosed based on physical findings, symptoms, and a history of possible debut to infected ticks.A ( Klempner et al. 2001 ) Validated laboratory trials such as ELISA, IFA, and immunoblot could be really utile but are non recommended in general when a patient has erythema migrans.A Several signifiers of research lab proving for Lyme disease are offered ( Table 1 ; Feder et Al. 2007 ) , some of which have non been sufficiently validated such as urine antigen trials, immunofluorescent staining for cell wall-deficient signifiers of B. burgdorferi, and lymphocyte transmutation trials ( CDC ) Most normally used and recommended trials are blood trials that step antibodies made in response to the infection. These trials are rather reliable for naming ulterior phases of disea se, but it can be falsely negative in patients with early disease. Some patients with early Lyme disease who are treated with antibiotics will non bring forth antibody response to infection, which will ensue in continuously negative serologic trial consequences. ( Ogden et al. 2008 ) Even with those methods of diagnosing, it is really difficult to stipulate CLD from the early phases of Lyme disease. In some patients, symptoms reoccur after the intervention or symptoms ne'er go off in other instances. ( Klempner et al. 2001 ) The word â€Å" chronic † has been used to Lyme disease widely. There are some illustrations where other diseases use the term â€Å" chronic. † For case, there is a â€Å" chronic neuroborreliosis † in Europe, and it is referred as when patients show late neurologic manifestations of untreated or inadequately treated infection. Besides, United States has studies patients with recurrent or relentless arthritis that lasts for up to several old ages, most likely because of active infection. ( Feder et al. 2007 ) However, although there are no definite trials to name CLD yet, there are four classs that can be used as a diagnosing of CLD depending on patient ‘s status. ( Feder et al. 2007 ) ( Figure 2 ) Class 1 patients do non hold laboratory grounds or nonsubjective clinical manifestations of B. burgdorferi, and they receive a diagnosing based on the presence of non-specific symptoms such as dark perspiration, weariness, depression, and concern. Category 2 patients have identifiable unwellnesss or syndromes other than Lyme disease, and patients may or may non hold a history of Lyme disease. Category 3 patients have symptoms of unknown cause, with antibodies against B. burgdorferi but no history of nonsubjective clinical findings that are consistent with Lyme disease. Last, category 4 patients have symptoms associated with post-Lyme disease syndrome. Sing the tests and the experiments presented, it is non difficult to state that the decision should be tilting towards to the being of CLD. Although symptoms vary among patients showing HTE ( Marques 2008 ) , these classs can be a good index to place a patient in CLD patient pool. Furthermore, although there is no trial to corroborate presence of CLD, there is besides no clinically available proving up to day of the month to turn out that B. burgdorferi infection has been eradicated. However, there has been some proving demonstrated, that B. burgdorferi can stay in animate beings and worlds in an infective province, even after with recommended antibiotic intervention. ( Hodzic et al. 2008 )TreatmentThe following inquiry that arises sing CLD is its intervention. Since authorities ( CDC ) clarified their place with the being of CLD and confirmed it as a legitimate diagnosing, except some of those scientists who strongly deny the diagnosing, the contention about CLD moved onto the intervention of CLD. Some scientists claim that antibiotics should be used as a intervention ( Green 2009, Klempner 2007, and Fallon et Al. 2007, ) while other scientists say antibiotics should non be recommended as a intervention. ( Hodzic et al. 2008 ) Generally, for early Lyme diseas e, a short class of unwritten antibiotics such as Vibramycin or Amoxil is curative in the greater portion of the instances. In more complex instances, Lyme disease can normally be successfully treated with 3 toA 4 hebdomads of antibiotic therapy, and so far, it is the lone intervention for Lyme disease. ( Fallon et al. 2007 ) However, there is no solid remedy for CLD and it is a really sensitive issue whether antibiotics should be used or non for this diagnosing. There are several surveies conducted demoing reoccurrence of Lyme disease symptoms and betterment of symptoms with drawn-out antibiotic intervention. ( Green 2009, Klempner et Al. 2001, Fallon et Al. 2007, and Oksi 2007 ) Some patients treated with antibiotics for CLD in a dual blind, placebo-controlled re-treatment surveies ( Fallon et al. 2007 ) , which have neurocognitive via media and weariness, acquire better upon re-treatment with 3-10 hebdomads of Ceftriaxone. ( Fallon et al. 2007 ) discovered that patients re-treated for partial response/failure improved in parametric quantities of weariness, hurting and functionality. They besides found that neurocognitive via media did non heighten, even though Fallon found that patients improved at the three-month measuring, but did non keep betterment at the six-month measuring. Oksi ( 2007 ) conducted a partial re-treatment test and partial new patients. All patients were treated with Ceftriaxone for 3 hebdomads and improved 79 % for both new oncoming borreliosis and return or continuity. This survey was intended to prove if longer interventions after 3 hebdomads of IV Ceftriaxone had an improved result. In this survey, 10 hebdomads of farther intervention with unwritten Amoxicillin ( 1500mg a twenty-four hours ) did non advance better result. This test has statistical restrictions due to HTE which makes it complicated to generalise the result to all station intervention Lyme patients. Although non all parametric quantities in survey of Fallon et Al. ( 2007 ) continued betterment, betterment in weariness is an highly of import result, frequently allowing handicapped patients to return to household life and work. Because of the power of these three surveies, length of the surveies, dependable methods they used, and big figure of topics, these surveies should be considered pilot surveies. As indicated earlier, there are several classs among CLD patients. Although antibiotics intervention was effectual in some patients, it is non clear whether it should be introduced to all patients who suffer from CLD, since the maltreatment of antibiotics could ensue in have considerable damage in their health-related quality of life. A survey was conducted by Mark Klempner in 2001 ( Klempner 2001 ) demoing the serious damage of health-related life quality after the long period debut to the antibiotics.DecisionAs demonstrated, response of Lyme patients to the same therapy is different from patient to patient, clear uping that Chronic Lyme patient exhibit Heterogeneity of Treatment Effects ( HTE ) . This besides makes it difficult to name the presence of CLD in persons. However, clinical groundss indicate that there is a disease that can be classified as CLD. CLD can go terrible. The restrictions in physical operation can be harming quality of life in a serious manner. One survey ( Klempner 2001 ) described the quality of life for patients who suffer from CLD as the same to that of patients with degenerative arthritis or congestive bosom failure, and patients physical damage was greater than damage of patients with type 2 diabetes or a recent myocardial infarction. Fallon et Al. ( 2007 ) described the weariness reported by patients with CLD was likewise to that of patients with multiple induration ( MS ) and their hurting was similar to those of postsurgery patients. Cautiously designed, placebo-controlled surveies have been successful to demo that drawn-out antibiotic therapy is good in certain instances. Even though stray success instances are ever good to hear, such studies entirely are non plenty evidences to prolong a curative attack. Therefore, it is of import for clinicians to recognize the significance of intervention in single patients who is enduring from CLD and the effort to happen a clear declaration should be pursued in farther tests and experiments.