The Department of Homeland Security: Technology

The Department of Homeland Security: Technology The statement: The Department of Homeland Security has complete responsibility for all U.S. homeland security related critical infrastructure (CI) matters is not entirely accurate; originally, matters of national security were the sole responsibility of the federal government (Homeland Security, 2003, p. 7). Today, national critical infrastructure protection is a joint effort among the federal government, public and private sectors. The Department of Homeland Security was established to protect and secure the homeland from both domestic and foreign threats. According to the Homeland Security Act of 2002, the development of a plan which will ensure the security of critical infrastructure is the responsibility of the DHS (Homeland Security, 2009). Likewise, the DHS is also responsible for recommending the measures necessary to protect the key resources and critical infrastructure of the United States (Homeland Security, 2009, p. 2). The mission of DHS is one that involves the protection of infrastructure and critical facilities and networks (Homeland Security, 2010, p. 33). The DHS is responsible for the identification and assessment of all components which make up critical infrastructure. In addition to mitigating potential vulnerabilities; improving the resilience of critical infrastructure, is also a top priority of the DHS. This includes but is not limited to: stand-alone facilities and interdependent systems and networks within and across critical infrastructure sectors (Homeland Security, 2010, p. 34). The DHS serves as the leader and facilitator for those agencies who share responsibility for protecting the nations critical infrastructures (Homeland Security, 2010, p. 31). Those agencies include territorial, tribal, local and state governments, as well as the private sector and other agencies not associated with the government (Homeland Security, 2003). Conversely, when a disaster occurs these agencies are the first line of defense for national critical infrastructures. Even though the DHS is responsible for leading critical infrastructure efforts, coordination of security measures within local and state governments and critical sector industry leaders are the responsibility of federal lead departments and agencies (Homeland Security, 2003). Similarly, it is the responsibility of state and local governments to provide protection to critical infrastructures that are located within their jurisdictions (Homeland Security, 2003, p. 10). If and when a catastrophic event should occur which exhaust the capabilities of local and state governments, it is up to the federal government to coordinate a response (Homeland Security, 2003). A majority of our nations critical infrastructures are privately owned or operated, which means that the private sector are initially responsible for providing protection against threats to their facilities (Homeland Security, 2003). When the threat becomes more than the private sector can handle then the government will step in to assist and ensure that our nations critical infrastructures and assets are protected (Homeland Security, 2003, p. 11). Likewise, the federal government will be there to provide support for an environment in which the private sector can better carry out its specific responsibilities (Homeland Security, 2003, p. 11). The chemical sector is one of the most vulnerable critical infrastructures to natural disaster and terrorist attacks, that being said the DHS is working with the EPA to enhance security at chemical facilities (Homeland Security, 2003). In addition, special attention is being paid to those facilities which house large quantities of hazardous chemicals (Homeland Security, 2003, p. 78). Studies conducted by the DHS and private sector are currently underway to identify and understand physical vulnerabilities within the telecommunications infrastructure and their associated risks (Homeland Security, 2003, p. 61). Even though the private sector must occasionally seek assistance from the DHS, there are times when the federal government must rely on the private sector to lend a hand in emergency response and recovery. An example of the federal government calling on the private sector for assistance was the anthrax scare of 2001. A large Washington D.C. construction corporation was contracted to oversee the abatement and restoration of the Brentwood Post office in Washington D.C. and the Trenton Post office facility in New Jersey. One must also understand that quite a few of our nations critical infrastructures cross international borders (Homeland Security, 2003, p. 35). Therefore the federal government has partnered with the neighboring countries to provide security for our interconnected infrastructures (Homeland Security, 2003, p. 35). The United States partnership with Canada is is a vital asset to national critical infrastructure, efforts are being made to provide protection for international interconnected infrastructures. An example of this partnership is the Alaskan Canadian hightway. In order to transport goods and supplies to Alaska we must travel cross Canadian territory. It is evident that matters of critical infrastrucutre involves not only the DHS but the public and private sectors as well. The DHS would not be able to carry out their responsibilites without the assistance of local and state agencies, the private sector and vice versa. The U.S. government has made great strides in developing techniques and strategies to harden U.S. critical infrastructures which will make them more resistant to terrorist attack and natural disasters. One of the U.S. governments goals is to establish a strong partnership that spans across all levels of government, in addition to the private sector and the American people (Homeland Security, 2009). The Protected Critical Infrastructure Information Program is just one of many steps taken by the U.S. government to harden critical infrastructure. This program provides protection to security-related critical infrastructure information (Homeland Security, 2009, p. 5). By breaking down each critical infrastructure sector it is easier to understand how the U.S. government has been successful in hardening each critical infrastructure. The agriculture and food sector is one of the most vulnerable critical infrastructures, that being said, efforts to harden this sector are an ongoing challenge (Mark Sauter James Carafano, 2005). The U.S. government has revised its measures by providing more protection through the hiring of more health inspectors, and adding more reporting requirements (Sauter Carafano, 2005, p. 291). Contamination of our nations water supply is often a topic of concern; efforts are being made by the Environmental Protection Agency as well as the Department of Homeland Security to conduct a vulnerability and threat assessment (Sauter Carafano, 2005). These assessments will improve not only site security at high threat locations it will also enhance monitoring and sharing of information (Sauter Carafano, 2005, p. 292). With regards to the critical infrastructure of public health the U.S. government has implemented measures to harden biomedical surveillance (Sauter Carafano, 2005). This is extremely important because of the risks of a biological attack. There have also been improvements in hardening security of emergency stockpiles of medical supplies (Sauter Carafano, 2005, p. 294). In order to improve the physical security of medical structures the U.S. government has provided incentives to the private sector (Sauter Carafano, 2005, p. 294). In response to hardening the critical infrastructure of emergency services the U.S. government has established measures to harden interoperable and redundant communication networks (Sauter Carafano, 2005, p. 295). The U.S. government has instituted a tougher national emergency preparedness exercise program which teaches better security and promotes consistent protection planning and response protocols (Sauter Carafano, 2005, p. 295). Since the defense industrial base critical infrastructure sector is owned by a majority of the private sector the U.S. government has implemented new measures to include critical infrastructure protection requirements in contract processes (Sauter Carafano, 2005, p. 296). Likewise, security is being strengthened in the defense related commercial production and distribution processes (Sauter Carafano, 2005, p. 296). The telecommunications critical infrastructure has been assessed by the U.S. government, and in return a program has been designed to identify where the most vulnerable areas are in the communication architecture and then address the security issue (Sauter Carafano, 2005). Conversely, there have also been efforts made in the energy critical infrastructure sector to enhance resilience of the energy facilities (Sauter Carafano, 2005, p. 298). Facility equipment is being repaired and replaced and there have also been improvements in restoration and recovery of services (Sauter Carafano, 2005, p. 298). Significant improvements have been made to harden the transportation critical infrastructure sector; for example, security initiatives have been established to provide commercial airliners with protection from shoulder fired missiles (Sauter Carafano, 2005, p. 299). There have also been new developments in screening technology which help identify potential threats to transportation as well as aiding the postal service sector in identifying suspicious mail (Sauter Carafano, 2005, pp. 301-302). Despite the many efforts being made to harden critical infrastructure, there are still several weaknesses in the U.S. governments strategy. Lets face it, the only other thing that is more costly than hardening critical infrastructure is the disruption or potential loss of operations in those critical infrastructures. It is clear that trying to harden all critical infrastructures is too daunting of a task and is not cost effective. The U.S. government needs to focus on those areas of the United States where our critical infrastructures are most vulnerable (e.g. New York City, Los Angeles, Washington D.C. etc.). The federal government also needs to look at the protection of our nations water ways. Information security systems need to be deployed to guard the locks on the Mississippi and St. Lawrence seaways (Bruce Don David Mussington). By employing an information security system it will enable the monitoring of vessels and ships while in locks or approaching locks (Don Mussington). To provide another level of security, river marshals could be deployed to accompany dangerous shipments through the locks (Don Mussington). Many people dont realize that a large majority of our nations goods are transported through inland waterways, which is why it is important that more attention be paid to the transportation sector.

What is Courage? Essay -- Definition Courage Corageous Essays

What is Courage? What is courage? Is it the ability to prove yourself in war? Or the strength it takes to decide you will not fight? Is courage being yourself when you’re different from everyone else? Is it doing something that even your own father thinks you can’t do? Is courage synonymous with honor? Is it speaking up, even if doing so puts you in danger? Risking death for the person most precious to you? Or risking death for strangers? Is courage facing your fears, no matter how big or small they might be? Is it forging forward into a new life when you still miss the old one? Is courage all of these things? None of them? The following text set is designed to help ninth grade students create and examine their own definitions of courage. In addition to asking, â€Å"What is courage?† it also lends itself to the question, â€Å"Where do our conceptions of courage come from?† Courage is the focus of this text set because it is a theme that is prevalent in American society. To be courageous is considered a positive quality, but the examples of courage most often seen in the news and in history books are often narrowly defined. Students need to think more deeply about what courage really is, and to get inside the minds of so-called â€Å"courageous† people and learn about their motivations and their fears. Students will be asked to consider a wide variety of characters and situations, all of them potentially courageous, but more in depth focus will be placed on three specific categories. The first is courage during war or revolution, beyond the stereotypical portrayal of th e one-dimensional â€Å"war hero.† The second is the courage to be different from your peers or to voice your opinion even if it’s not a popular one. T... ...are designed to help them with this difficult task. By reading and thinking about a variety of possibilities of what courage is, students can both expand and come to a better understanding of their own beliefs on the subject. Through class discussions and writing activities, they can also share these beliefs with others. Works Cited Brozo, William G. and Ronald V. Schmelzer. â€Å"Wildmen, warriors, and lovers: Reaching boys through archetypal literature.† Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literacy 41 (1997): 4-12). Feinberg, Barbara. â€Å"Reflections on the ‘Problem Novel.’† American Educator Winter 2004-2005. 13 Apr. 2005. . Wolf, Shelby A. Interpreting Literature with Children. Mahwah: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Publishers: 2004.

Work Related Learning By Blended Learning Education Essay

Today, it is widely accepted by universities and employers that those pupils who gain work experience and maximize their acquisition from it are lending strongly both to their surveies and to their employability. This faculty will supply you with the chance to critically measure your working patterns in footings of direction manner ; leading ; alteration ; and working relationships and associate these to your ain experiences with a position to informing your personal development and your future calling.1.1 Module purposesThe purposes of the faculty are to enable pupils to: – addition maximal personal development benefit from their work experience through a series of brooding and peer acquisition activities ; – measure their work experience in footings of their subject particular cognition to widen their apprehension of the concern universe application of their schoolroom surveies.2.0 Learning results of the faculty2.1 Knowledge and UnderstandingSuccessful pupils will typically: critically assess direction manners and leading and how this affects the person in the workplace ; analyse barriers to and effectual patterns in constructing working relationships ; apply theoretical accounts of brooding pattern for personal development ; appreciate alteration, its beginnings and impact.2.1 Skills and PropertiesSuccessful pupils will typically be able to: reflect critically on ain acquisition and accomplishments in relation to personal and calling development ; demonstrate good developed societal and movable interpersonal accomplishments. critically observe direction manners and leading with a position to informing ain hereafter pattern.3.0 What learning methods are used on this faculty?The faculty is delivered through seminars delivered locally and through a one-hour hebdomadal presentation supported by Powerpoint slides and explanatory notes, posted up on StudyNet. The talks introduce you to theoretical tools and constructs together with practical direction illustrations. You are expected to develop your apprehension of both theory and pattern by independent reading and self contemplation utilizing the broad scope of e-book and electronic diary resources referred to in the talk and seminar support notes. These resources can be accessed through your StudyNet portal. Seminars will take topographic point locally each hebdomad associating to a unit of acquisition. In progress of each seminar, pupils will utilize the information provided in this faculty usher and subsequent updates to place the relevant unit and seminar stuff and prepare replies in progress to the inquiries scheduled for treatment on the twenty-four hours. Students will work through the electronically available readings developing their ain responses to the seminar treatment inquiry by using the theoretical cognition and practical apprehension they have gained through survey of employment patterns, relevant talks and readings. When they arrive at the seminar, the local coach will ease their treatment of the seminar inquiry. It is expected that different ways of replying each inquiry will go apparent. Through this experience, pupils are expected to intensify their apprehension of the cardinal function played by arguments and dissensions in the procedure measuring issues. Students are active participants and subscribers to the faculty and its success. They are required to go familiar with the content of the chief texts and to research and read around the topic as the faculty progresses. Seminar readying is an indispensable portion of the acquisition procedure and pupils should anticipate to pass several hours in readying for each hebdomad. They are required to pull on cognition of their work experience and from other concern subjects whilst developing their apprehension through researching administrations, industries and instance surveies of emerging factors. As the faculty develops, through their active engagement, pupils should derive some consciousness of how the pupils and staff may be viewed as a acquisition system and develop self-reflective accomplishment set.Faculty agendaThe faculty is divided into 11 units of acquisition ( hebdomad 12 should be used for contemplation and alteration ) . For each unit of larning the followers will be supplied: Materials aˆÂ ¦aˆÂ ¦aˆÂ ¦these will be a series of electronically available readings with narrative adhering the readings together in chase of the acquisition results, selected chapters from e-books with associating narrative. Presentation aˆÂ ¦aˆÂ ¦..this will represent up to one hr of ‘lecture ‘ which will probably utilize PowerPoint slides with a voice over. These may be enhanced by the usage of picture cartridge holders, intelligence infusions and web based stuff Seminar aˆÂ ¦aˆÂ ¦aˆÂ ¦aˆÂ ¦.this will include a series of seminar subjects which you are required to fix to reply in the seminar. The local coach will move as a facilitator and advisor to the seminar. Activity aˆÂ ¦aˆÂ ¦aˆÂ ¦..this is extra to the seminar and will be used to look into for pupil cognition and apprehension. Detailss of these will be linked to each larning unit and will be released each hebdomad. It will be used to look into pupil cognition and apprehension.Module agenda – Unit of measurements of LearningPresentations in the signifier of talks will give an overview of a learning unit. Seminars will research subjects in greater deepness and concentrate on the subjects given below. This will include ; reenforcing cardinal constructs and theories ; comparing different positions and reexamining theoretical and empirical stuff that may be applied to your work topographic point experience. The accent in seminars is on pupil engagement and the treatment will be based on the readying and reading that has been undertaken by pupils. All talks and learning stuffs will be on StudyNet. Any notices, proclamations or alterations of agreements will be posted on StudyNet and hence the site must be checked on a regular footing.5.0 Weekly programmeThe faculty unit subjects are listed below. Module units: Introduction Contemplation Administrations – Structures, Forms and Processes Management and Leadership Teams Organizational Change Pull offing Change Pull offing Conflict Coaching Giving and Receiving Feedback Career Development The hebdomadal Learning Materials ; Presentations ; Seminars ; and Activities will be produced in due class.5.0 Assessment DetailssThe intent of the appraisal for this faculty is to prove whether, and to what extent, you have reached the acquisition results for the faculty. It is of import that you know early what the appraisal diet is and what is expected of you. Assessment standards stipulate what it is that you will be assessed against, and what, in general footings, you will necessitate to show in your assessed work in order to accomplish the specified classs. The appraisal for this faculty is 100 % coursework-based. It consists of two pieces of coursework ; an separately prepared study ( 70 % ) and an individually presentation ( 30 % ) .a ) Assignment 1 – Report ( 70 % )Individually, you are asked to fix a written study of 3,500 words showing an consciousness of the cognition, accomplishments and experience envisaged of a recent alumnus from this programme to come in an country of graduate employment. The research and self-reflection required to fix the study will back up you in your future calling planning and determinations and the passage to future chances after your undergraduate surveies. The overall purpose of the assignment is to supply you with the chance to: demonstrate consciousness of the different types of alumnus chances i.e. alumnus preparation strategies, professional callings, chances with Small and Medium size Enterprises ( SME ) etc ; provide grounds of how to research these chances i.e. resources available and contemplation on the usage of these ; develop an consciousness of the accomplishments, cognition and experiences Graduate Employers are looking for and how these are altering ; show the function of ego consciousness and contemplation in Career Development activities ; fix a CV /covering missive as a generic calling direction tool to take you frontward during your calling ; develop a clear Career Development Plan as a consequence of sing your current cognition, accomplishments and experiences against the demands you have researched. You will have farther information sketching the demands of the assignment along with back uping resources, one time the faculty starts. There will be hebdomadal online treatment on the appraisal as the subjects of the faculty are explored ( and linked to the appraisal ) . The study should include the undermentioned subdivisions: Section 1 – Occupational Research ( about 50- 60 % of word count ) . The first subdivision of the study should be as a factual contemplation of the findings from the business or country of graduate employment you have chosen to research. This should be written in the 3rd individual and include full â€Å" Harvard referencing † to all beginnings of information used ( inside informations of how to cite all types of resources is available on the Academic Skills Unit site in the ASU Guide to Harvard Referencing – see StudyNet ) . The undermentioned headers should be used this subdivision: Footings of mention – What are you puting out to research and study on i.e. Graduate chances in the Tourism sector Methodology – How did you near transporting out your research? What beginnings of information did you utilize? Include both secondary resources i.e. studies, web sites, employment statistics, company literature ; and primary research ; talking with current alumnuss, reaching employers. ( Note: You are required to finish and subject the Graduate Employment Resources checklist as an appendices to back up this subdivision ) Main Findings – this should include the cardinal information sing this business or country of employment in footings of: General Employment trends in this sector / business: the employment market by and large in this country, recent developments, predicted future tendencies. Opportunities for recent alumnuss – what administrations are enrolling alumnuss in this country of employment? What types of function would a recent alumnus be making? Where are they advertised? The accomplishments / cognition and experience required – a drumhead based on research of a lower limit of 6 different administrations of the cardinal accomplishments / cognition and experience expected from an applier at this phase in their calling How are graduates selected in the administrations you have researched? – what are the enlisting and choice methods being used? How are you expected to show your accomplishments / cognition / experience? Graduate Employment Resources checklist – you are asked to finish this papers ( available on faculty site ) , to show that you have reflected on the value of the different resources used during your research. This will be utile for you when you do farther research related to your calling planning in the hereafter. You should finish this at the terminal of your research and before get downing subdivision 2 Section 2 – Personal analysis, CV / Covering missive readying, â€Å" spread analysis † , and Career Action program – this subdivision is where you look at your current accomplishments, cognition and experience against those highlighted by your research in subdivision 1. This portion of the study should be written in the first individual as it is a personal contemplation. The suggested headers to be used in this subdivision are: Personal analysis – a general reappraisal of your current accomplishments, cognition and experience, foregrounding in peculiar those that came up in your research. CV & A ; Covering missive – Preparation of a CV and covering missive to use for a alumnus degree place in the country of your research, based on your current state of affairs. Gap Analysis – this subdivision is where you look at your ain personal analysis against the demands identified in your research. The purpose is to foreground countries to concentrate your personal development about. Reflect on the undermentioned countries: what countries do you miss grounds in? where do you necessitate farther illustrations / grounds in your applications? Where do you experience weak in your overall application? Career Action Plan – Once you have identified the countries you need to concentrate on, you are asked to fix a Career action program which addresses both the personal development and specific calling related activities you will set about to take you frontward. This should be written out in full i.e. a paragraph on each country in the first individual, and you should explicate the actions and what you hope to derive from them. This should include the cognition, accomplishments and experiences you need to foster develop i.e. commercial consciousness ; and specific activities to back up you through the choice procedure i.e. interview accomplishments, doing presentations etc. Both through your ain research, and utilizing the information heard during the talk Sessionss about resources and support available, you should come up with clear actions with timescales. You should demo the resources you will utilize to travel the country of development forward and the timescales you will fi nish these in. A drumhead papers should be attached as an appendix. Conclusion – written in the first individual, a brief contemplation on how you feel holding completed the overall exercising, and how you intend to utilize the Career Action Plan. Section 3 – Mentions and bibliography – see Academic Skills Unit Report Writing guide notes and Harvard citing papers for counsel. Both are available on StudyNet.

Apple, IT and. The Specter of Sweatshop Labor Essay

Apple INC               Apple Company has been in business for more than 40 years designing, manufacturing and market mobile communication and media devices and portable digital music players (Hitchcock, 2011). Apple markets a number of software and a number of networking solutions. Apple is the definition of new and advanced technology. They deal with a range products from music player; IPad, mobile devices; IPhone computers; Mac, television and business and personal software. Their products are distinctive and mostly preferred by an enormous number of customers. Their market base extends globally. Apple products are unique and are identified with their brand name and a picture of an apple fruit. Apple offers support for their products that operate on their internally designed software. Their products are well equipped with modern technology and designed to meet clients’ expectations and needs.               In the modern world, technology dictates our day to day lives. A few decades ago, mobile phones were owned by specific few and mostly used for business. Today mobile phones are used for both personal and business activities. Phones are a sense of direction, communication and a friend to humanity. Apple products have a distinctive nature and a stratified class not owned by many.               IPhone, a product of Apple, is a phone preferred by many abroad and locally. The nature of the phone is designed to operate and meets people daily needs. iPhone is beautifully made mobile device that combines a number of functions. iPhone functions as a communication platform, a digital music player and for internet communication. iPhone features range from communication platform, the internet net work platform, and entertainment. iPhone has a multi-touch user interface, web browsing, PC based email platform and is integrated with other window based computers. iPhone serves as an entertainment platform, integrated with iTunes libraries where one can download music, video clips, software and other application. The phone has different versions with various and advanced technology ranging from iPhone 1 to the recent Apple design iPhone 5 the latest version of iPhone. Apple offers support when it comes to iPhone with their online accessories compatible with thepho ne. The phone is a remarkable piece and appealing to the eye.               Another distinctive product of Apple is the iPad. IPad is a product characterized by entertainment and internet communication. Some of the features of iPad include; music player, a platform for downloading music, video clips and software, web browsing and an email platform. Just like iPhone, iPad is also compatible with window based computers and also Mac range of computers; products of Apple. Ipad has touch user interface and ability to download music, photos, and video clips. Ipad enables people to connect with their applications in more friendly way. The device is both used for running personal errands and business activities. The friendliness of the device enables people of all age ease in using the device. Children prefer ipad since its compatibility with different variety of games, online and offline. Ipad has different versions with their latest fourth-generation iPad mini.                Apple products have distinctive nature of the ‘I’ before their products is their original trademark and other features not found in many related technological devices, a beautiful structure friendly to humanity with their portability feature and remarkable service constituted with support system by the Company.                  The two key external factors affecting Apple Company are increasing completion from companies offering mobile, computer, tablets and television devices and international legal disputes. For many years, Apple has been the leading innovator when it comes to technological devices followed closely with their leading competitors. Microsoft has been the leading competitor of Apple for many years and set up their devices accordingly. Microsoft, the designers of widows based platforms, are the biggest rivals Apple when it comes to computers and tablets applications. Microsoft latest design of Windows 8 is increasingly threatening Apple domination of tablets application. Windows 8 comes with a designed app store a feature which was only evident in Apple line of tablets. This real completion for Apple and might turn out to be a catastrophe for Apple company. Widows’ app store offer varieties that are bad for business for Apple INC.                  Windows phones were also a big competition for Apple Company but recently Google has set up and surpassed widows. Google Android operating systems and Android line of phones are now the main competitors for Apple iPhone and operating systems. The market base for Android products is threatening Apple market base for iPhones and operating systems. Google recent development, of purchasing Motorola, is a big problem for Apple because of Google huge manufacturer of mobile devices. Another development of Google threatening Apple is their new design of home theater systems of Televisions partnering with Sony and Samsung Companies.               The second critical external factor affecting Apple Company is continued international legal disputes around the world. Apple being the leading innovators for their line of products makes them be the hunted and not the hunters. One of their going international legal disputes is the ongoing co-wireless licensing patent lawsuit. Co-wireless licensing patent an ally of Microsoft is suing Apple for wireless patents. If the lawsuit were to go through, this would be a huge blow for Apple since most of their products operate on a wireless network.                Apple is also facing another international legal dispute following claims that Apple purchased iPad trademark illegally. With their distinctive feature of their products starting with an ‘i’, this lawsuit could turn out to be a catastrophe for the company disrupting the flow of Apple tablet market share. These legal disputes are bad for business for the Apple Company and if they were to go through it could mark the end of the leading innovators Apple INC.                  Stakeholders in an organization include customers, employees, the entire community, suppliers and the business partners. Customers and the community are the key stakeholders in the success of an organization. Satisfied customers and the whole community lead to real business. Primary stakeholders affect an organization mostly financially. Primary stakeholders include shareholders, employees, and suppliers.                Primary stakeholders contribute to an organization’s environmental risks that impact negatively on financial performance of an organization. For example, the lawsuit affecting Apple INC, are environmental risks facing the company as a result of the Company’s management decisions and employees contributions.                Managing risks are also caused by executives of the company whole and poorly having in my mind that stakeholders are on their side contributing to financial problems. Management of an organization are the building blocks of a company and how they operate or run business affect the firm directly and reflect on the finances of the Company. Apple Company operates under a strict management and a no-nonsense leader.                  Inadequate participation of employees may contribute to poor financial performances. Pressure from the employees is evident on how a firm performs (Henriques and Sadorsky, 2007). Steve Jobs exact pressure on his employees and many consider him a tough leader; as Apple continues to record profits in their financial reports.                Another factor that affects financial performance of an organization is the structure and working of an organization. Apples leadership under Steve Jobs who was very strict when it comes to the Company’s performance and does not take any incompetence from the employees lightly. Apple Company has a well-structured supply chain management that coordinates its suppliers, the operations of the organization and the customers. This coordination by Apple and its business partners ensures smooth operations in the Company eliminating possibility of registering loses.                Labor practices are a controversial corporate social responsibility concern associated with Apple. Apple has been accused of overworking its’ employees following recent speculations from two supplier shops in China known as Foxconn and Inventec. Media recorded that; workers in these Companies are forced to work long hours and are underpaid. In addition, they are forced to live on the premises of these Companies where they have to pay rent and other expenses from the little they earn from the Company. This has raised debates over Chinese labor regulations and whether it is entirely Apple’s fault of Foxconn fault. Apple continues to defend their reputation by claims that they uphold acceptable working standards (Ericka, 2008). References Morphy, Ericka (January 31, 2008), â€Å"Apple, IT and. The Specter of Sweatshop Labor,† Mac New World Christina Hitchcock, (Oct,11,2011). â€Å"Apple, Inc. Mission Statement, Business Description, and (n.d.).† Retrieved from http://christinaahitchcock.com/?p=102Brayden King (Mar, 4, 2013).â€Å"Managing the Reputational and Market Risks of Social Activism† Retrieved from http://insight.kellogg.northwestern.edu/article/managing_the_reputational_and_market_risks_of_social_activism/Peter, muller. (Apr 8, 2012). â€Å"External Factors. affecting AppleInc† Retrieved fromwww.youtube.com/watch?v=2sOdHonN8jQ Source document

Ethics and Behaviour in War-related Activity Essay

The use of military force, whether within a country or against a foreign target, is guided by two prominent principles. Jus ad bellum (right toward war) helps in determining whether the situation justifies a military response or whether there exist non-violent alternatives. Jus in bello governs the execution of military operations at whose heart are discrimination and proportionality. Military attacks should be aimed at the right targets and civilian deaths should be avoided as much as possible. The weapons or force used in the attack should also be proportionate to the threat, so that it would be unethical to destroy a whole city if the aim was to eliminate a dozen terrorists hiding in one building (Cook, 2001). Many wars, and particularly the ongoing ‘War Against Terror’ have seriously challenged the principles of warfare, forcing the U. S. troops to use what has been described as excessive force against suspected enemy combatants and many civilians. This paper sheds light on conditions which justify such behaviour in war. Justification for aggressive behaviour in the War Against Terror Acts of terrorism are perpetrated by individuals or groups who hold hard-line ethnic, cultural, or religious positions, and who obey no national or international war agreements or principles. Terrorists largely target civilians and civilian structures with the aim of causing indiscriminate harm and violence. Combat troops participating in the war against anti-US hardliners in Iraq and Afghanistan have been accused of flouting ethics of war for engaging in activities which have been regarded as too aggressive and unethical. It is important to note that members of terrorist cells or groups are not state agents and are mostly non-uniformed, making it difficult to distinguish them from civilians. In order to enjoy the protection ideally accorded to civilians, the combatants hide among civilians. When U. S. troops capture a suspect, they are forced to use force to get information from the suspect as they have no other way of telling whether the suspect is actually a terrorist or not. In societies where combatants or terrorists hide among civilians and hurt the same civilians, and others elsewhere, use of force is justified â€Å"primarily to remove dangerous people from society (domestic or international)†¦and to send a message to other potential criminals that such behavior will not be tolerated† (Litchenberg, 2001). The aim of the war on terror is not much to apprehend and try perpetrators in law courts as to directly eliminate as many terrorists as possible (Cook, 2001). The fact that there have not been any other major terrorist attacks in the U. S. since 2001 suggests that the country has made some achievements in deterring such attacks, thereby justifying the means used. Terrorist operations are funded from many sources, among them legitimate governments. While many of the sponsoring organizations are known, there exists the serious difficulty of proving in a court of law that these individuals, groups and governments actually fund and harbour terrorists. When such suspects are captured, military topguns appreciate the difficulty of proving the association between such people and terrorists in a court of law yet know that releasing the suspects allows them to support more terrorist activities in future. Such situations necessitate the indefinite incarceration of suspects in such places as the Abu Ghraib and the Guantanamo Bay where the military, and not the US law reigns supreme. Although such confinement may be deemed unethical, it justifies the end of ensuring that the suspects are not released to sponsor more crimes against innocent civilians. Conclusion. The U. S. campaign against terrorists in Afghanistan and Iraq has been unlike many wars before. The U. S. and her allies are engaged, not in retaliatory military action but in pre-emptive military crusade. The circumstances surrounding the war have driven the combat troops to take actions which have been regarded as unethical. However, careful analysis of the situation in the two countries, and the behaviour and operations of the terrorists reveals that the troops have no option but to take the same actions if they hope to win the war against terrorists. That terrorists follow no ethical codes strengthens the argument for such behaviour among the anti-terrorist troops. References Cook, M. (2001). Ethical Issues in Counterterrorism Warfare. US Army War College. Retrieved March 26, 2010, from http://ethics. sandiego. edu/Resources/PhilForum/Terrorism/Cook. html Litchenberg, J. (2001). The Ethics of Retaliation. Philosophy & Public Policy Quarterly, Vol. 21, No. 4: pp 4-8.

A Critical Review of the Use of Dogs in the US Army During the WWII Essay

A Critical Review of the Use of Dogs in the US Army During the WWII - Essay Example In the past, the main of role of trained dogs was that that of sentries or patrols. But in modern warfare, dogs had been used the most tactfully. Though in post modern warfare, dogs’ role has mostly been replaced by modern technology, they played a crucial role in the US Army during the Second World War (Blumenstock pars. 2). After the attack on Pearl Harbor Navy Base in December 7, 1941, the US Army led a campaign to inspire the pet-owners to donate their dogs to the army-training camps. The US Army named this campaign as â€Å"Dogs for Defense†. In order to inspire the owner, they further claimed that the dogs would be trained to be accustomed into civil life after the war. Indeed, it was the beginning of the dog-squad in the US military. Subsequently, martial dog training programs were adopted and, in the meantime, a number of dog-training centers were established to facilitate the programs around the country (MWD History, pars. 2). Some of the dog-training centers w ere Gulfport, Fort Carson, Rimini, San Carlos, Fort Washington, Fort Riley, Fort Belvoir, Fort Robinson, Nebraska Camp, Beltsville, etc. During the Second World War, the US Army used dog to perform a number of risky as well as routine jobs. According to the types of breed and performance, the dogs were to be sled dogs, sentry, scouts, mine-detecting dogs, wire-layer, pack-pullers, and messenger dogs. The military training of a dog used to take 8-12 week to be fully trained. By late 1944, the Army selected about seven breeds of dogs to receive the highest performances in war-fields. Among these breeds were German Shepherd, Doberman Pinscher, Collie, Belgian Sheep dog, Eskimo, Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Husky, etc. During the Second World War, the German Shepherd was the most preferred choice in the army because of its courage, strong sense of responsibility, keen nose, strength, adaptability and trainability. Doberman Pinscher was second to German Shepherd in terms of strength, nervo us power, speed, sensing power, and tractability. Collie and Belgian Sheep dogs were mainly used as messengers for their loyalty, alertness, endurance and agility. Muscular and sturdy breeds were generally used for pack-pull and wire-laying jobs. Alaskan Malamute, Eskimo and Siberian Husky belonged to this group. Among these three breeds, Siberian Husky was the most desired type because of their speed and endurance. During the war, the US dog-squad’s performance was surprising (Blumenstock pars. 2-4). Due to their high sensibility, loyalty and alertness, the military dogs were the preferred options for the soldiers in many war fields. There were many fields where dogs were more skillful performers than the soldiers. During the WWII, the war-theater-wise performance of the US military dogs was great. The dogs showed great performances mainly in two theaters: the pacific theater and the European theater. In 1944, under the command of William W. Putney, the â€Å"3rd Marine War Dog Platoon† played a crucial role in the liberation of Guam from the Japanese occupation. According to the MWD, approved and led by the US Congress, â€Å"Twenty-five of Lieutenant Putney's war dogs gave their lives in the liberation of Guam and were buried there in a War Dog Cemetery with name markers† (MWD History, pars. 2). In the war-field of Guam, the Doberman Pincers breed showed a great performance in guarding and scouting along the frontline of the war. Evading the enemies’ eye, they successfully worked as messengers between the US camps. Several of the success stories are as following: In February 17, 1945, a war-dog called Bruce saved two wounded soldiers from the attack of three Japanese infantrymen. During the nocturnal

E-Business and Value Chains Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

E-Business and Value Chains - Essay Example Thus, according to Post & Anderson (2003), e-business is a general term that encompasses business that is done using electronic means and it is increasingly being regarded as a valuable tool for organisations in conducting their business during the contemporary period. As such, this report seeks to critically analyse the extent to which the internet has impacted on the operations of PC World Business through implementation of e-business strategy such as e-marketing. The report focuses on impacts of e-marketing on PC World Business and attempts to address the following issues: 1. How has the organisation’s business changed with the development of the internet? 2. What new opportunities have been there for the organisation to create additional customer value? 3. Assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the organisation’s current use of ICT tools to support the organisations overall business offering. 4. Suggestions about e-business strategy improvements and alternative ICT tools which could be used to create greater customer value or to help differentiate the organisation from competitors. 1.0 Changes made by the internet to PC World Business According to its official website, (http://www.pcwb.co.uk/, ND) PC World Business was founded in 1991 and it is a computer organisation which is based in the UK and it deals with selling different types of PCs including notebooks, laptops, printers and desktops. The organisation offers a lot of products that are related to information and communication and the use of the internet has significantly contributed to its performance as going to be discussed below. The internet has immensely contributed to the way PC World Business collects, stores and processes information which has significantly impacted on its e-commerce activities. The internet has greatly improved employee performance as well as the company’s marketing strategies used to reach the customers. Through the use of the internet, it can be noted that the customers now have the ability to evaluate products offered while marketers on the other hand are also aware of the impact of new information and communication technology on the way they carry out their business (Robinson, 1997). The internet therefore has a dual impact which is beneficial to both the customers and the organisation. The use of the internet at PC World Business has greatly improved the performance of the employees and the organisation as a whole. Research has shown that that the sales for PC World in 2004/5 were ?1,695 million but they have increased to more than ?2, 000 in 2008 owing to developments in their e-marketing strategies (http://www.pcworld.com/, N.D). Information gathering about the customers has been made relatively easy and it can be processed at a faster speed in order to meet their needs and this is regarded as a basic tenet of marketing. Traditionally, the organisation has been conducting its business using postal services to do all business but due to technological advancements especially as a result of the advent of the internet, it is now possible to conduct any business online where customers can place their orders online at any given time and it is possible to access feedback for 24 hours a day. The organisation now uses a specially designed website which enables the marketers to interact directly with the customers given that a two way communication channel is enhanced and it is also easy to get feedback from the customers. The internet has made it possible for the marketers to obtain first hand information from the customers about their needs hence it