Business Ethics - 1142 Words

Determine the impact of this event on ARC’s â€Å"benefits of business ethics† (employee commitment, investor loyalty, customer satisfaction, and bottom line). A survey conducted by NBES indicated that 79 percent of employees agree that ethics is important in continuing to work for their employer while approximately 20 percent of employees are not concerned about the ethical environment of the organization. According to Ferrell amp; Faedrich (2010), a commitment by the organization to goodwill and respect for its employees usually increases the employees’ loyalty to the organization. The misconduct by executives, slow responses to disasters, money mismanagement, and donation mismanagement issues caused a division between the organization†¦show more content†¦ARC was able to overcome a lawsuit that Johnson amp; Johnson filed which claimed that ARC was benefitting from confused consumers who thought the cross on the first aid kits, preparedness kits, and related products were actually being sold by Johnson amp; Johnson. Both parties dismissed their suits and countersuits and ARC’s reputation did not suffer any further damage as a result (Ferrell, Ferrell, amp; Fraedrich, 2010). ARC also implemented a Code of Ethics to give to all its employees, which cover conduct and business ethics. All employees are required to read all the material and give their signature as acknowledgement. There is still skepticism about the ethics and conduct at American Red Cross, however, they have taken steps in the right direction to improve their reputation and bottom line. Determine and discuss the ways in which ARC’s corporate governance failed to provide formalized responsibility to their stakeholders. Corporate governance involves formal systems of accountability, oversight, and control that remove the opportunities for employees to make unethical decisions. American Red Cross’ corporate governance failed to provide responsibility to its stakeholders because of organizational changes at the top. There was no consistency in management and therefore, no accountability. The lack of corporate governance was responsible for the organization’s slow response to September 11th alongShow MoreRelatedBusiness Ethics : Ethics And Business943 Words   |  4 Pagesdiscussions in Business is Ethics. Some people believe that the decisions businesses make in interest of the business has no place in ethics and that they are essentially amoral. These businesses believe that their main objective is to simply make a profit and that it does not a ffect the success of the business. Whereas some businesses believe that they have to take ethics into consideration, in order for their business to be a success. Richard T. De George (1999) states that ethics and business do notRead MoreThe Ethics Of Business Ethics1471 Words   |  6 PagesReview Nowadays, the concern for business ethics is growing rapidly in the business community around the world. Business ethics are focused on the judgment of decisions taken by managers and their behaviors. The issue regarding these judgments is the norms and cultures that shape these judgments. Business ethics are concerned about the issue, how will the issue be solved and how will it move ahead along the transition analysis as well (Carroll, 2014). Business ethics can be addressed at differentRead MoreEthics And Ethics Of Business Ethics1304 Words   |  6 PagesBusiness Ethics Varun Shah University of Texas at Dallas Business Ethics Morals are a crucial part of life. Without having principles one would never be able to distinguish the right from wrong and good from evil. Just as it applies to life in general, ethics is an integral part of doing business as well. When we here the term Business Ethics in our work place, we usually do not take it seriously and brush it off saying ‘it’s just a simple set of basic rules like not cheating and so on’. ThisRead MoreThe Ethics Of Business Ethics Essay1097 Words   |  5 PagesResource A discusses how ethics is crucial in business. There are three key ideas used to understand this. Firstly, making ethically wrong decisions tend to cause more upset than other general mistakes as purposeful unethical actions are not as easily forgiven or forgotten. Secondly, ethics provides businesses with a broader understanding of everything to do with their business. Business ethics is effectively just business it its larger human context. Thirdly, being unethical ca n tarnish the publicRead MoreThe Ethics Of Business Ethics1064 Words   |  5 Pages　　　　Business Ethics Ethics can be viewed as the rules and values that determine goals and actions people should follow when dealing with other human beings. However, business ethics can be defined as moral principles of a business. It examines moral or ethical problems that arise in a business environment. Generally, it has both normative and descriptive dimensions. Organization practice and career specialization are regarded as normative whereas academics attempting to understand business behaviourRead MoreThe Ethics Of Business Ethics757 Words   |  4 Pagesdeciding what to do in certain situations, ethics is what guides an individual to act in a way that is good, or right. Those involved in business settings apply ethics to business situations, known as business ethics. It is expected of businesses, small and large, to follow business ethics. There is a particular framework businesses are to follow. However, the reoccurring news headlines of poor business ethics prove differently. Poor busine ss ethics include bribery, corporate accounting scandalsRead MoreEthics And Ethics Of Business Ethics1200 Words   |  5 PagesEthics meaning in simple way for average person is what is right from wrong. According to Chris MacDonald (2010)† Ethics† can be defined as the critical, structured examinations of how we should behave - in particular, how we should constrain the pursuit of self-interest when our actions affect others. â€Å"Business ethics is the applied ethics discipline that address the moral features of commercial activity (Business ethics, 2008).Working in ethical way in business has a lot of benefits which can attractRead MoreBusiness Ethics Essay944 Words   |  4 PagesUnderstanding Business Ethics Unit 37: National Diploma Assignment brief TASK 1: Scenario: Business ethics - a study of a selected company With growing interest among consumers regarding the business ethics of the businesses brands that consumers buy, Westminster council wants to conduct an independent review of some of the organisations that sell their goods and services in the borough. You have been asked to select one of the following brands and conduct research into their business ethics. Read MoreThe Ethics Of The Business Ethics1431 Words   |  6 Pages BUSINESS ETHICS INTRODUCTION:- Presentation Ethics are exceptionally regular and essential good esteem that helps us to take the right choice where we think that it hard to pick between our own advantages and the correct thing to do. We are going to talk about three sections of morals Behavioral morals, Bounded ethicality and last one is irreconcilable situation. As from the names of these parts of morals, its verging on clarifying the significance of it. It clarifies why great individualsRead MoreThe Ethics Of Business Ethics Essay2711 Words   |  11 PagesBusiness Ethics Business ethics is a type of professional ethics or applied ethics which examines moral problems and ethical principles that come up in a corporate environment. It is applied to every aspect of conducting business. According to Milton Friedman, a company has the responsibility to generate as much revenue as it can while still conforming to the basic rules that society has set. These rules include the ones embodied in customs as well as in law. Similarly, Peter Drucker stated that

The United States Of The 21st Century - 1816 Words

These United States of America, strong-armed, affluent, influential, and comparatively young, dominator of global politics; arguably holding the rank of top world superpower, depending on how you count it, since September 2, 1945. This country whose trademark is freedom, the anthem of which exclaims Land of the free home of the brave. Do we as Americans know what freedom is? Can we define it with an elegant complete thought? The Americans of the 21st century are batting societal inequalities in the realms of matrimony, reproduction, and religion to name a few; with even bigger battles on the horizon such as genetic engineering, energy, and other resource depletions. All of these issues will be addressed most assuredly with an echo from our†¦show more content†¦The earliest state’s geographical and political boundaries formed via the various ethnicities with different (however slightly) religions arriving along the east coast of North America. Shortly it became apparen t to the colonists that religious independence did not make a person free enough; a new plight, casting freedom as monetary independence. Economic autonomy intrinsically linked to political sovereignty created a cause, thus; Council Chambers, public halls, pubs, and dining rooms resonated with conversations, seeking to frame freedom. Still in the middle of the 17th century, stormy clouds of discontent had formed, in the selectively idle atmosphere left by the scattered torrid winds of revolutionary change. Individuals once again stood and vehemently proclaimed ideals and principles, by which they felt with conviction, must come to pass in the name of freedom. Two selections from political persons of interest, Thomas Paine and William Stewart, will be the evidential focal points towards finding the idea of freedom in the early colonies. Colonial political activist Thomas Paine; titled â€Å"father of the revolution† by some, was one of many important figures whose rhetoric catalyzed revolutionary ideals. He wrote a pamphlet titled Common Sense. With his persuasive language, he laid out a very convincing

Linking Empowering Leadership and Employee Creativity

Question: Discuss about the Linking Empowering Leadership and Employee Creativity. Answer: Introduction: Effective leadership goes hand in hand with the proper management for effective achievement of organizational goals. For an enterprise to succeed, effective leadership and understanding of management skills by a practitioner are required. Leadership refers to the skills and ability of an individual to guide other people or organizations through social influence so as to achieve predetermined goals and develop a vision without the use of positional powers (Dalglish Miller, 2016, p. 12). Leadership uses motivation and inspiration to achieve set goals. On the other side, management refers to the administration of an entity by setting the strategies to be followed and coordinating efforts of different parties in the environment so as to accomplish its goals and objectives (Pluchnette, 2014, p. 15). The goals to get achieved are clearly defined and planned so as to avoid deviations. This essay discusses the similarities and differences between management and leadership. Even though they have different meanings, leadership and management have several similarities one of them is the aspect of controlling. They both enable organizations to have control of their activities so that they can operate in the right manner which will lead to the attainment of organization goals and objectives (Crevani, Lindgren, and Packendorff, 2010, p. 85). Both leadership and management show direction to be followed by the subordinates performing different tasks in the organization. This control helps a firm minimize conflicts in the business which may hinder attainment of core mission and vision. Another similarity is that both require some power. Leadership requires personal powers while management uses formal powers so as to lead effectively. Power is necessary for reinforcing the influence that both the managers and the leaders have in their organizations so that all functions may be executed according to the given instructions or set rules and regulation (Zhang and Bartol, 2010, 60). The power of leadership and management creates respect in the organization. Further, it brings unity of command and unity of direction in the running of organizational operations. Both leadership and management need to have goals and objectives. Although leaders formulate their goals and objectives in the process of leading, they must have a common goal they want to achieve before the journey of leading commences (Pluchnette, 2014, p. 15). On the other hand, managers try to achieve the set goals and objectives of the organization. The objectives prevent the team from pursuing other goals which may not be needed by the management or leadership of the organization. Leadership and management have many differences; while leadership uses informal influence to lead an organization, management uses formal authority to manage firms activities (Pluchnette, 2014, p. 14). Since some managers are not leaders by nature, they need formal authority so as to lead effectively and that is why they use a power associated with their position to lead the organization. Leaders use their personal powers to influence and control their subordinates effectively, and that is the reason leadership is more preferred than management. Leadership involves creativity and innovation while management is all about administering. Leaders come up with new ideas that can propel an organization to greater heights as they are not afraid of taking risks that are associated with trying out new challenges (Pluchnette, D.,2014, p. 14). On the other side managers prefer administering what is there rather than coming up with new ideas because they are afraid of failing to meet the set targets and by failing to do so they may be risking their jobs. Leadership focuses on people while management focuses on the system and structure. Leaders value human beings as the most important asset of the firm. This means that leaders do not aspire to attain the set goals and objectives by exploiting human resources, but they inspire the employee and make them see the big picture of the organization. The motivation of employees by leaders makes them feel and thus motivated to employ more efforts to improve the productivity of the firm (Tseng, 2015, p. 490). On the other hand, managers use all the means available to them to achieve the set goals. They respect the existing strategy of achieving goals even if they exploit people. They all follow the set structures of achieving their objectives to the latter, and they are afraid of changing them because of fear that the new structures and system may not help to achieve the goals like the other managers have done. Leadership relies on trust while management relies on control. Leaders inspire their people, and in the process, people have complete faith in them that they will deliver the expected output once they follow the instructions. Achievement of organizational goals set down by the leadership is to some extent based on the trust and respect shown by personnel to the leaders (Dussauge Laguna, 2013, p. 3). Managers rely on the control they have on their people, and if the given instructions are out their jurisdiction, the subordinates will not follow them, and the manager will not be able to enforce them as he has no powers to do so. The manager can only facilitate achievement of goals which he has skills to administer. Lack of control in the running of firms operations hinders a manager from achieving the goals set by the organization Leadership involves undertaking risks while management is all about avoiding risks. Leaders try different methods of making missions and visions so as to look for the most suitable method of doing a certain task and in the process, they may be able to discover better ways of accomplishing a certain task (Day et al., 2014, p. 77). They do so because they are not afraid of taking risks in the process of looking for better means of achieving set goals and also setting new objectives. Unlike leaders, managers avoid risks by always and that is why they follow the established standards, systems and structures of achieving goals. Managers do not deviate from the established policies and work procedures since they fear the deviation may cause the adverse financial effect to the value of the firm. In conclusion, leaders and managers are critical people when running organizations. They give firms the required control so that tasks can be performed well and this helps organizations achieve their set goals and objectives. The achievement of organizational goals is vital for enhancing market sustainability and competitiveness. Managers and leaders need to be skilled and knowledgeable about the current market environment when designing the strategic plans to get achieved in a given period. The importance of management and leadership cannot be ignored. Therefore, every business enterprise should recruit skilled leaders and managers to control and run the activities of the firm effectively and efficiently. References Crevani, L., Lindgren, M., and Packendorff, J., 2010. Leadership, not leaders: On the study of leadership as practices and interactions. Scandinavian Journal of Management, 26(1), pp.77-86. Dalglish, C. Miller, P.,2016. Leadership: Modernising our perspective, 2nd ed, Tilde Publishing, Graham, Vic.pp.11-13 Day, D.V., Fleenor, J.W., Atwater, L.E., Sturm, R.E. and McKee, R.A., 2014. Advances in leader and leadership development: A review of 25years of research and theory. The Leadership Quarterly, 25(1), pp.63-82. Dussauge Laguna, M.I., 2013. Cross-National Policy Learning and Management By Results: Chile and Mexico in Comparative Perspective, 1990s-2010s (Doctoral dissertation, Ph.D. Thesis, London School of Economics and Political Science). Planchette, D.,2014. Four differences between managers and leaders, Plant Engineering, December, pp. 14-15 Tseng, C.Y., 2015. Changing headship, changing schools: how management discourse gives rise to the performative professionalism in England (1980s2010s). Journal of Education Policy, 30(4), pp.483-499. Zhang, X. and Bartol, K.M., 2010. Linking empowering leadership and employee creativity: The influence of psychological empowerment, intrinsic motivation, and creative process engagement. Academy of management Journal, 53(1), pp.107-128.

Math and Music Essay Example For Students

Math and Music Essay Math can be used in music in many different ways. Music theorists often use mathematics to understand music, and although music is evidently abstract in modern mathematics, mathematics is the basis of sound and sound itself in its musical aspects exhibits a remarkable array of number properties. The average person lacking in great knowledge of math and musical theories would not categorize mathematics with music. In actuality, math and music are related, and we use this to describe and teach and learn music without even knowing it. This research paper will e proving the relationship between math and music, and how one is used to assist the other. Music is read in ways very similar to how math symbols are read. Music, wrote the great 17th-century German mathematician Gottfried Leibniz, is the sensation of counting without being aware you were counting. Musical pieces are divided into sections called measures, or bars. Each measure contains an equal amount of time. These measures are further divided into equal portions called beats. These are all mathematical divisions of time. Furthermore, fractions are used in music to indicate he lengths of notes. The time signature is usually written as two integers, one above the other. In other words, these are fractions. The time signature indicates the rhythm of the piece. The number on the bottom, or the (denominator), tells the musician of the note with a single beat count. The top number, or the (numerator), tells the musician of the number of notes in each measure. Numbers are vital in musical pieces. But there is more to the mathematical and musical relationship than counting, and beats, and time signatures. As the French baroque composer Rammer declared n 1722: l must confess that only with the aid of mathematics did my ideas become clear. When we realize and further discover the mathematical foundations in music, we are able to gain much more in-depth knowledge on the structures of music and sound. An important factor in sound is frequency. Frequency is the rate at which a vibration occurs that constitutes a wave, either in a material (as in sound waves), or in an electromagnetic field (as in radio waves and light), usually measured per second. The most common unit of frequency is the hertz (Hzs). When we hear two notes an octave apart, we feel like we are hearing the same note. We even give them the same name. This is because the frequencies of these two notes are in an exact 1:2 ratio. It vibrations and weights. He was then able to discover that the pitch of a vibrating string is and can be controlled by its length. Ultimately, the shorter the string, the higher the pitch. This is w hy stringed instruments, such as the guitar or cello, are tuned tighter on certain strings, to create a higher or lower pitches. Pythagoras also realized that the notes of some frequencies sound best when played together with overall other frequencies of the same note. For example, notes of GHz sound best with notes of GHz, and so on. From this, we can find harmony. Harmony occurs when two pitches/sounds vibrate at frequencies in small integer ratios. For example, the middle C and high C sound good together, because high C has twice the frequency of middle C. It is a 1:2 ratio, or the octave. Middle C and the G right above sound good together because the frequencies of G and C are in a 3:2 ratio. This is also called the Perfect Fifth. Another ratio is the 4:3; Perfect Fourth, and the Pythagorean whole tone; 9:8. These pure integer ratios help us see deeper into the realms of harmony, and why certain notes sound good with others when heard by ear. The OCTAVE; 1:2 RATIO is the most basic ratio in music. It is basically the relationship of one thing vibrating twice as much as the other (hence the 1:2). If you play a string, then stop the string at half its length, it will sound exactly an octave higher. If you play a string, then play another string that is exactly twice its length, it will sound an octave lower. .uf5630c4dfb95d14df4d777cc79e81b68 , .uf5630c4dfb95d14df4d777cc79e81b68 .postImageUrl , .uf5630c4dfb95d14df4d777cc79e81b68 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .uf5630c4dfb95d14df4d777cc79e81b68 , .uf5630c4dfb95d14df4d777cc79e81b68:hover , .uf5630c4dfb95d14df4d777cc79e81b68:visited , .uf5630c4dfb95d14df4d777cc79e81b68:active { border:0!important; } .uf5630c4dfb95d14df4d777cc79e81b68 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .uf5630c4dfb95d14df4d777cc79e81b68 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .uf5630c4dfb95d14df4d777cc79e81b68:active , .uf5630c4dfb95d14df4d777cc79e81b68:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .uf5630c4dfb95d14df4d777cc79e81b68 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .uf5630c4dfb95d14df4d777cc79e81b68 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .uf5630c4dfb95d14df4d777cc79e81b68 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .uf5630c4dfb95d14df4d777cc79e81b68 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .uf5630c4dfb95d14df4d777cc79e81b68:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .uf5630c4dfb95d14df4d777cc79e81b68 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .uf5630c4dfb95d14df4d777cc79e81b68 .uf5630c4dfb95d14df4d777cc79e81b68-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .uf5630c4dfb95d14df4d777cc79e81b68:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Music and second language acquisition EssayThe result is 2, and then the previous fixed number is added to the current sum. The sequence grows exponentially using the same pattern. Here is a formula that helps us easily put this sequence into practice. Using this formula, we can conclude that the first 6 numbers of the Sequence would So the question is, how is this sequence used MUSICALLY? The Fibonacci numbers and sequence are often found in the timing musical compositions. Music can be composed through three known methods using Fibonacci. There is the Binary Method, the Note to Number Method, and the Best Ratio Method. I will be expanding further on the Best Ratio Method . This method involves the use of beats thin a musical time frame in order to achieve a golden ratio hierarchy through the Fibonacci Sequence. For example, the composer might choose to use 4/4 time, meaning 4 beats per measure, to compose their piece. In relation to the length of a note orbeat, the composer may have: 1 whole note per measure 2 half notes per measure 4 quarter notes per measure 8 eighth notes per measure 16 sixteenth notes per measure 32 thirty-second notes per measure 64 sixty-fourth notes per measure In the first bar or measure, you would have a single whole note which would mark 4 beats. The next measure would incorporate two half notes marking the 4 beats. It is by the third measure that the golden ratio starts to form as a result of the sequence. In the third measure two quarter notes are used and one half note is used marking the 4 beats. The fourth measure will contain four eighth notes and one half note marking the 4 beats. The fifth will contain eight eighth notes marking the 4 beats. The next and final section will contain twelve sixteenth notes and one quarter note marking the 4 beats within a measure. It can be noted that the number of notes laced within each measure thus far has incorporated a number in the Fibonacci Sequence. Measure 1 = 1 note Measure 2 = 2 notes Measure 3 = 3 notes Measure 4 = 5 notes Measure 5 = 8 notes Measure 6 = 13 notes reached and Fibonacci music is successfully composed! Although at first glance, we would not put math and music together, after a deeper scope into the matter, we can conclude that mathematics play a huge role in music. Music is actually extremely mathematical; every aspect of it ruled by a principle based on mathematics. The discovery of frequency (by Pythagoras) gave us whole new outlook on sound and music. Beats being the mathematical divisions of time. Musical patterns based on mathematical sequences. These few factors prove to us that math is, in fact, needed to make music delightful. Math is needed in order to make a melody perfect to our ears. Essentially, math is needed in order for us to even listen to music. We use math to complete perfect harmonies, and to play beautiful music on our instruments. Math is all around us. Music is amazingly mathematical, and mathematics are amazingly musical.

Sensation and Perception free essay sample

As we began the experiment, there was a tranquil and quiet environment. But as time passed disturbances and laughs were affecting how well I was able to distinguish the food and even the smells. According to the signal detection theory, the environment, our moods and attitudes play a great role in determining what we can or cannot distinguish. Although I was not able to detect some of the food and smells, I was able to distinguish most of them. I believe that being able to identify something in detail by how they feel, smell, or taste is connected to the Absolute threshold theory. I experienced emotions of suspense, uncomfortableness, and fear. I have never been put in a situation where I had no control over what I ate, touch, or smell. When I first placed the bandana over my eyes, I felt uncomfortable and weird. As a child I never liked to have my eyes covered, consequently, I was a bit afraid doing it now as a young adult. We will write a custom essay sample on Sensation and Perception or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page When I was given a different food to eat or a different thing to smell I got goose bumps, perhaps of suspense. Usually, when I go to a restaurant I don’t like to try new or exotic foods, so when doing this experiment I was afraid of the things that I was going to be eating. If the bandana were to remain on me for longer, I would feel incapacitated. I do not think that I would cope without this particular sense. I love being independent and I would feel worthless if other people had to do things for me. Most of the time, I use my computer to do my work, without eyesight I would have to adapt to a new lifestyle. I truly admire those who are able to have a normal life without their eyesight. I have never met anyone without this particular sense, but I would love to. I bet their life is harder than mine. Learning about their experiences would help me and many others appreciate and value our lives the way they are.

Origin of the Chinese Zodiac Signs

Origin of the Chinese Zodiac Signs The well-trodden (no pun intended) story of the Chinese zodiac is cute, but a bit trite. The tale usually begins with the Jade Emperor, or Buddha, depending on the teller, who summoned all the animals of the universe for a race, or a banquet, depending on the teller. The 12 animals of the zodiac all headed to the palace. The order that they came in determined the order of the zodiac. The order is as follows: Rat: (1984, 1996, 2008, add 12 years for each subsequent year)Ox: (1985, 1997, 2009)Tiger: (1986, 1998, 2010)Rabbit: (1987, 1999, 2011)Dragon: (1976, 1988, 2000)Snake: (1977, 1989, 2001)Horse: (1978, 1990, 2002)Ram: (1979, 1991, 2003)Monkey: (1980, 1992, 2004)Chicken: (1981, 1993, 2005)Dog: (1982, 1994, 2006)Pig: (1983, 1995, 2007) During the journey, however, the animals got involved in everything from high jinx to heroism. For example the rat, who won the race, only did so through guile and trickery: it jumped onto the back of the ox and won by a nose. The snake, apparently also a little sneaky, hid on the hoof of a horse in order to cross a river. When they got to the other side, it scared the horse and beat it in the contest. The dragon, however, proved to be honorable and altruistic. By all accounts, the dragon would have won the race as it could fly, but it had stopped to help villagers caught in a flooding river cross safely, or it stopped to assist the rabbit in crossing the river, or it stopped to help create rain for a drought-ridden farmland, depending on the teller. Actual History of the Zodiac The actual history behind the Chinese zodiac is much less fantastical and much harder to find. It’s known from pottery artifacts that the animals of the zodiac were popular in the Tang Dynasty (618-907 A.D.), but they were also seen much earlier from artifacts from the Warring States Period (475-221 B.C.), a period of disunity in ancient Chinese history, as differing factions fought for control. It’s been written that the animals of the zodiac were brought to China via the Silk Road, the same central Asian trade route that brought the Buddhist belief from India to China. But some scholars argue that the belief predates Buddhism and has origins in early Chinese astronomy that used the planet Jupiter as a constant, as its orbit around the earth took place every 12 years. Still, others have argued that the use of animals in astrology began with nomadic tribes in ancient China who developed a calendar based on the animals they used to hunt and gather. The scholar Christopher Cullen as written that beyond satisfying the spiritual needs of an agrarian society, the use of astronomy and astrology was also an imperative of the emperor, who had the responsibility for ensuring harmony of everything under heaven. To rule well and with prestige, one needed to be accurate in astronomical matters, Cullen wrote. Perhaps that is why the Chinese calendar, including the zodiac, became so entrenched in Chinese culture. In fact, reforming the calendar system was viewed as appropriate if political change was eminent. Zodiac Fits With Confucianism The belief that everyone and every animal has a role to play in society translates well with Confucian beliefs in a hierarchical society. Just as Confucian beliefs persist in Asia today alongside more modern social views, so does the use of the zodiac. It’s been written by Paul Yip, Joseph Lee, and Y.B. Cheung that births in Hong Kong regularly increased, bucking declining trends, to coincide with the birth of a child in a dragon year. Temporary fertility rate increases were seen in the dragon years of 1988 and 2000, they wrote. This is a relatively modern phenomenon as the same increase wasn’t seen in 1976, another dragon year. The Chinese zodiac also serves the practical purpose of figuring out a person’s age without having to ask directly and risk offending someone.

Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) - Essay Example While Hughes (1998) is not entirely incorrect, he is not correct either. Certainly, as Maio (1991) argues, technology is a major determinant of a port's capacity to execute the functions and responsibilities associate with VTS and, technological limitations ultimately delimit the capacity to efficiently and effectively execute the stated responsibilities. Nevertheless, the human factor is integral as VTS is ultimately all about human-machine interaction. The qualifications of operators, thus, extends beyond the ability to work with the system and correctly interpret data output to include, more often than not, crisis management and critical decision-making under pressure. There is little room for human error (Maio, 1991). In consideration of the somewhat divergent points of view presented in the preceding paragraph, the primary aim of the present study is the analysis and articulation of VTS operator and personal qualifications, alongside a determination of the extent to which the failure to satisfy these qualifications adversely bears upon a port's capacity to execute its VTS responsibilities. Within the context of the functions of Vessel Traffic Service and the systems used for the monitoring of waterway traffic and the maintenance of safety, what characteristics and qualifications should VTS operators possess As a strategy for responding to the selected researched question and satisfying the research's articulated aim, an in-depth investigative exploration of radar technology, coastal radar systems, and the requirements of coastal radar surveillance shall be undertaken. The results of the investigation shall determine the optimal coastal radar surveillance system(s). Introduction Prior to presenting the data upon which the discussion pertaining to the research question shall be based, it is necessary to contextualize the report's focus. This shall be done through a review of the role which Vessel Traffic Service play in the promotion of waterway safety, the strategies by which vessel traffic is monitored and safety maintained, an historical analysis of its development and the articulation of its responsibilities and tasks of VTS operators. 2.1 Background The provision of traffic services is integral to the maintenance of minimum safety levels in all forms of transportation. This is especially true for vessel traffic and, more so in busy waterways. The reason as Nuutinen, Savioja and Sonninen (2005) contend lies in the fact that the mismanagement of vessel traffic in busy waterways results in both environmental and human catastrophe. Vessel traffic management, in other words, is of unique and critical importance. Further to that, it is also extremely complex and complicated, requiring a degree of data precision and