Alcan write up Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Alcan write up - Case Study Example The five decision areas from the Weill and Ross Model of IT governance are given below. Furthermore, they are being discussed in the light of Alcan and how different governance styles are used in these 5 decision areas. IT infra structure strategies are a decision area where it is decided how Alcan will build shared services. Ouellette is involved and active in forming strategies. Earlier there was no proper IT infrastructure or related strategies. IT architecture is a decision area in which it is decided what technical guidelines will be used. For IT architecture decisions, Federal style is used in Alcan. That is, one chief officer and at least one business unit leader are at work. Governance is structured in this at Alcan because there had been no supervisor/leader for IT for about a year at Alcan. Plus, there is decentralization to such an extent that one department does not know what the other department is doing and how. If I were the CIO of Alcan, I would involve the other heads of different departments and would have a meeting with them all regarding every IT project so that they can tell what they think about the project. Moreover, they might be able to help improve the project because of their insight regarding customers, market and Alcan’s products. I would have gone for IT monarchy instead of just Ouellette being the strategy maker. Much as Ouellette’s Strategies are good and worthwhile, the whole monarchy will be able to better help in formulating the strategies. Here other departments’ heads and IT heads should gather in order to design business application. This is because heads of departments will be better able to tell about customers’ demands and market trends etc. Thus they will be able to give all the relevant non-technical information that will be required at Alcan for the formulation of business applications. The style Alcan follows for IT investment and

Samsung Analysis Essay Example for Free

Samsung Analysis Essay 1/Identify the ressources and competencies of an organization with which you are familiar using Exhibits 1 and 2 (WA). I decided to undertake an analysis of the Samsung company because I spend a full year in South-Korea, from july 2011 until august 2012. Hence, Samsung is an extremely important conglomerate in this country, working there is for many considered as a  « dream-job  » and furthemore produce as much as 20% as the country total exports. Samsung is well known for their electronic product created by the electronic subsidiaries of the company, Sansung Electronics. Their flagship phone, currently being the Samsung Galaxy S3 sold over 40 millions units. They produce TV, Computer, Display, semiconductors, Cameras But if Samsung is mainly known in the western countries for the Samsung Electronics subsidiaries, it is possible in Korea to live your whole life with Samsung products. Indeed, among the subsidiaries, we can find Samsung Life Insurance, Samsung Heavy Industries (mainly a shipbuilder subsidiarie), Samsung CT There is even some  « Samsung Cities  », like the Suwon Samsung Digital City. It is areas where only the Samsung employees and their families are allowed to get in. Here, there is appartment, school, hospital, entertainment, and everything ones need to lead a life, except that everybody around you is working for samsung. Indeed, Samsung is producing itself almost all the component the company need. So there is enourmous production needs, that lead to enourmous production site. Many of the Samsung employee have so no other choice than living on site with their family. If I am introducing this company that way, it is in order to help us understanding some of the most valuable asset of the company. Samsung has won the trust and the loyalty over thousand of workers who are willing to go the extra mile for the company. Korea is famous to have one of the longest work time in the world. Indeed, in most of the companies workers must be willing to do many hours. Samsung has the intangible benefit of an extremely flexible workforce. But not only flexible, this workforce is also particularly well educated, thanks to the korean education system, one of the hardest in the world. As we said earlier, working for Samsung is considered for many as a dream job, and Samsung workers are more willing than any other worker to go to the extra mile, because they receive a better treatment than other workers in similar Korea company as LG, etc. (In term of salary, but also in term of insurance, and retirement plan : we should not forget that Samsung is not only Samsung Electronics, but also Samsung Life Insurance, and so this company can offer excellent deal to their workers). There is also a prestige for working at Samsung. Consequently, Samsung can easily recruit the elite of Korean student, of Korean researchers, and this indeed is an extremely important competitive advantage other the competition. No company in Korea has this attractiveness, and outside Korea only Apple and Google might be able to have similar advantages. But Apple and Google are western companies, and this mean that not all of their workers agree to give their life to the company. They are certainly not as much loyal as Samsung worker, because Samsung has become part of Korea itself, a national pride. This allow Samsung to have an outstanding capabilities for bearing mass production of any given product at any time. Without the willingness of Samsung employees, the company would certainly not be nowadays worldwide number one top selling smartphone company, neither be able to produce high quality product and being recognized worldwide for their quality. 2/Undertake an analysis of the strategic capability of an organization with which you are familiar in order to identify which capabilities, if any meet the criteria of (a) value, (b) rarity, (c) robustness and (inimitability).

Realist Theory of International Relations

Realist Theory of International Relations Introduction Sovereign States are the main actors in International system, and they are the most influential when it comes to the International stage. States are majorly concerned about their security, territory expansion, order, justice, welfare, freedom and power. States has a function under a political theory, an ideology that analyse how States should run its relations with other States and principles to handling political situations. Also a State must be aware of its States actions and when a problem rises, it must use the best approach to resolving it. Realist share a view on International relations such as the causes of war and stability of peace, the structure of International system is regarded as a necessary factor to explanation of questions in International affairs. This essay advocates for the realist theory, as its an International relations theory focused on anarchy, State actors, rational actors and States survival and its best described as personal perspective on International re lation. Realist are of the notion that theories ought to consist of facts and giving meaning and sense to situations. The character of foreign policy can be seen through the political acts and the consequences of the acts. From this we can see the actions and objectives of statesmen, and consequences of their actions. Realist assumes that Statesmen actions are driven by their self-interest (power) and history has proven this assumption. Besides the theoretical element, a normative element is also considered. It shares the need for a theoretical understanding, to make the rational element of political reality obvious. States are guided by national interest, although the interest might vary depending on the circumstances. The State can be seen as a unitary actor. Because States problems are majorly defined by the nature of the international system, their actions are basically a responds to external rather than domestic political forces.(Ole, 2006; P5). In response to the suggestions that scholars should devise and test theories of foreign policy, Waltz writes that there is a lot which is included in an analysis while very little is included in theories. He opined that due to foreign policy which is driven by internal and external factors, it does not amount to such an autonomous realm, a truly theoretical explanation of it should not be strived for, rather a mere analyses should be considered and it may include a relevant factor to a particular case(Walt, 1996. Pp54-55) In this light, an analysis of the strength and weakness of the realist theory using the case study approach. An analysis with the realist paradigm in the Middle East context which in my opinion is weaker than its counterparts. They control a good amount of the world energy both oil reserves and natural gas reserves according to a statistic review. Realists are of the view of coming up with direct answers to problems, they characterise the State as a government which defends its border, protects the citizens, enforce laws and make politics peaceful and totally different from the International politics(Mearsheimer, 1995 P5). The supreme model of international relations for almost six decades has been Realism, because it provides a well structured understanding of the collapse of post-World War I international order in Europe and far East and also in World War II and the Cold War. Classical realism on human nature has always had a pessimistic theory, self interest behavior are not limited to few leader and its very basic and also a core of a realist theory. Because human nature is constant and unavoidable in International relations and in order to avoid problems, modern realist have focused less on human nature instead on the structure of the system to understand the state behavior better. The lack of precision in which the classical realist use the concept of balance of power, power and national interest has been noted by critics. They noted a refutation between the perspective and central descriptive component of realism. Nations and nations leaders seem to act in the motion of interests in terms of power, while other Statesmen give recognition and consider the interests of other nations. Power in classical realism obviously plays a major role but the connection between political outcomes and relative power balances is less than fascinating, pointing out the need for enriched analyses with other variables . The difference between usable options and power as capabilities is very important in such a nuclear age, for example just like the Soviets learnt in Afghanistan and the United States discovery in Vietnam. September 11, 2001, terrorist attack on New York and Washington is much of an illustration of the lack of consistency between political impact and material capability. History and political science insight and evidence has critically being viewed by classical realist, the search for clarification has led modern realist to search for similarities and insights. The main focus is often economics, which modern realists have used different borrowed concept such as game theory, theories of firms and market, rational choice, bargaining theories and expected utility. The search for precision has brought up rich theories and models such as the game theory which Mortan Kaplan relates as types of international systems which includes- Unit-veto, tight bipolar, universal, balance of power, loose bipolar and hierarchical. Some other scholars have developed means of understanding international relations by good explanation of system level. Realism theory is not a clearly defined theory, scholars who have studied it differ in interpretation of the theory, some scholars have argues that it is formed within a general establishing state (Feruson and Mansbach, 1988; p79). While other would argue that it is a loose framework (Rosenthal,1991; p7), One standing view of realists by commentators of international relations theory is that the realists are believers of state as the actor in international politics and they are much concerned of the balance of power in a state. The state act a certain way due to the character of people and this is closely related to the theory of Thucydides on human nature that speaks of egoism, power drive and self-interest. They desperately desire protection for themselves only excluding every other, only in cases where they are to gain from an inclusion. This then creates a ground for the sate itself, making it a selfish state that seeks protection and assurance of survival for itself only at the cost of other state to fall, which is somehow also considered an achievement (Heywood, 2011; p67). According to Kenneth Waltz in his theory of international politics, the theory of war is also involved with the system level and not just the state attributes and theory of human nature. Waltz proceeded by agreeing that new beginnings brings in new concepts and he was of the motion that international system basic structure hasnt change one bit, things are still the same, states as the main actor in world politics, Waltz believed that changes in the system that has taken place in history was as a result of nuclear weapon discovery. Some States changed in the security provision for themselves and including other States due to Nuclear weapons, the nuclear weapon somehow defined how power in States in terms of security, but still the anarchic structure of international political system has not being changed by nuclear weapons and it is this anarchical structure that makes Realism to be the superior theory of international relations. Security competition between States has being mistaken to be an outdated notion, but this notion has been shattered by the Middle East interstate conflicts, terrorism, human right violation, religious fundamentalism and other enormity which has taken place. The anarchical situation happening in the Middle East is best described by Realism. Hence it has be proven by the conflict in Pakistan, Iran, Iraq and interstates conflicts in Africa that security competitions are not antiquated but alive. Waltz theory was used to conclude on the characteristics of international relations, which includes some unclear theory about the contemporary international system such as system stability on anarchical character maintenance and no change in the number of major actors. A theory of the foundation on the three main proposition to determine the structure of international relations was brought by Waltz due to the avoidance of reductionism. The first focus was to concentrate on how the system is ordered. The contemporary system is not hierarchical though it is different in many ways. The other main proposition is the behaviour of the state and the contemporary system and anarchic system are similar because the anarchical system is based on a sovereign state. Realism is recognized to have little historical concept of States, Neo-realism main problem is to rely on a preoccupation of Great Power relation. It favours the powerful minority over the weak. While for Realism, the state is the main actor in the aspect of international politics. This seems to be an issue because the realists sees the state to be having a massive unchanging structure. This was certainly a problem for the Middle East because they are the outcome of foreign domination. Conceptualization of states is limited, as it takes account for no agency according to neorealist theory. Negative Internal factors regarding state behaviour is not considered. For example the rejection of the impact to the pursuit towards Arabic Israeli peace by the Pan Arabism. Transnational Islamist politics was useful in helping to elaborate on the Iraq-Iran war adjustment of behaviour in religious aspects since the Iranian revolution(Gause 1999). Realist theory has also being unable to explain and analyse conflict issues, the examination of the conflict in the Middle East has being contrary to the neo-realist unwarranted claim on the predominance of factors in elaborating on the behaviour of states. It is believed by Fred Halliday that neo-realism possess not a reasonable predictive capacity and even explanation to the management and reduction of Middle East conflicts. The inability of these, results from the fact that conflicts are twisted complicated with state building and this forms a political communities that is not addressed by both theories(Halliday 2005.) There has being serious theoretical criticism and accusations on realism from both scholars and others on the unimportance of its marginalizing of the world which it tried to systematize(Burchill). The realities of present days has being brought to light the importance of realism. An analysis on International Relations theory has proven that realism for a fact has some weaknesses but still I root for the theory for bringing awareness and understanding of the time we live in and also the concept of realism has being relevance in the understanding of the society and the world at large, giving an idea of how to deal with situations at hand. Realism has being very useful in dealing with difficult issues affecting the International community today. The balance of power concept gotten from the philosophy of power as a main factor of realism. For example, After the Franco-Prussian War, the world order progressed, which lead to a stronger Germany, The milestones that made a logic in the historical process was the Versailles-Washington world order which was after World War I and Yalta-Potsdam world order which was after World War 11.(Carr, 1995). The world has always had a problem of power struggle, the balancing of power and war . Meanwhile war has being a means of changing and shaping modern states. Theorist and policy makers would prefer to believe that there is a way power can be balanced but the truth is power is far from being balanced. An evidence is the United States, as a super power, it has not being very productive in ensuring other nations have a genuine peaceful environment. It is best for a state to preserve its balance of power instead of shifting it as a way of raising conflicts and instability. To some, it is believed that balance of power means resorting of war. States are suppose to get along and sort out their problems with the world but that is where the issue of competition comes in, National interest takes a better part of the situation and state find themselves in a competitive environment.(Buzan,1996). It is certain that every state or nation leader would want to put the interest, independence and survival of its citizen first as a primary factor and also the condition of its existence. Realist theory has appeared to be a useful theory to states by fulfilling the interest of the nation, the theory has given an opportunity for a better understanding of the true human nature and shown things in their real nature. I would totally agree that realism to an extent isnt perfect and cannot have solutions to all problems but still it is able to make contribution and understanding to world issues and challenges. Realism is a vibrant theory, due to the use of it in present day IR and the role it plays in nation states, power, national interest, security, conflict and all. The weakness of the theory doesnt it make it irrelevant, but it can be combined with other theories to make a better outstanding outcome. It is clear that till present day, realism is still alive in so many aspects of international relations, such as in the political life of states, nations interest, sovereignty, war, conflict, security and power. Realism has served state as a point of understanding the world since it shows a good sign of useful thinking. It appears that realism has something valuable to offer to the world in describing it and it can either be accepted or disagreed with. For instance, most nation are going through some development changes, economic crisis which is affecting a lot of nations. State are by all means doing everything in their power to protect their interest and this may lead to some kind of consequences. There can be a rise of negative feelings between states due to national boundaries which could result to conflict. In cases like this, it might be useful to look at realism to get some answers or possible solutions to a situation like this. Waltz, Carr and Morgenthau have all done a good job for giving a clearer picture of what the world really is, rather than what is should be. The focus on the reality of the system has being a better move, rather than focusing on unrealistic political ideas. The theory provides a reasonable explanation to thing, thus it has being highly recognised and used in IR. Realist are of the notion that practice creates theory and not theory creating practice(Carr). They are of the believe that state have the privilege to use organizational forces such as military interventions, still there are still a level of terrorism in the world and state are the ones privilege to use organized forces then non-state actors. The fact that realism is only focused on its own core assumption and not studying other factors that affects international relations, this would lead it as the most used theory in IR that gives understanding to contemporary international affairs. Realism has served the political world v ery well , giving a foundation of how people conduct International Relations. It is clear that realism is more than a theory and cannot be understood by the scientific explanation of international relations, Realist theory is one that relies on the political and historical conditions, the ethical standards and the importance in making political decisions was definitely judged. It also has being very useful in cautioning against moralism, legalism and progressivism and other that fail to view reality of State interest and power. Therefore realism is an essential tool for states, in protecting the interest of citizens, securing their safety, preventing of conflicts and war or anything that threatens the global peace. References Ayoob, Mohammed (1998). Subaltern realism: international relations theory meets the third world. In Stephanie G. Neuman (ed.), International Relations Theory and the Third World. St. Martins Press. Pp 31-54. Artur Marsalis, 2012. The International Relations theories; its strengths weaknesses. British Middle Burchill, Scott, et al., Theories of International Relations, London, Palgrave, third edition, 2005. East Center for Studies Research Buzan, Barry, ‘The Timeless Wisdom of Realism?’ in Smith, Steve, Booth, Ken and Zalewski, Marysia, eds., International Theory: Positivism and Beyond, Cambridge University Press, 1996. Carr, E.H., The Twenty Years Crisis 1919-1939: An Introduction to the study of International Relations, (London: Papermac, 1995). Dougherty, James and Pfaltzgraff, Robert (eds), Contending Theories of International Relations, 1981.Elman, C., 1996. Horses for Courses: Why Not Neorealist Theories of Foreign Policy?. Security Studies, 6(1), pp. 7-53. Ferguson Yale H., R. W., 1988. The Elusive Quest: Theory and International Politics. 1st ed. Columbia: University of South Carolina Press. Heywood, A., 2011. Global Politics. 1st ed. Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan. Hinnebusch, R., 2003. The International Politics of the Middle East. UK: Manchester University Press. John J. Mearsheimer, 2001. â€Å"The Tragedy of Great Power Politics†. New York: Norton Kegley, Charles, ‘The Neoidealist Moment in International Studies? Realist Myths and New International Realities’, International Studies Quarterly, vol. 37, 1993. Morgenthau, Hans J., 1946. Scientific Man Versus Power Politics, Chicago: Chicago University Press Morton Kaplan, System and Process in International Politics (New York, 1957). Ole R. Holsti., 2006. Theories of International Relations , 1962. â€Å"The Intellectual and Political Functions of a Theory of International Relations,† in Politics in the 20th Century, Vol. I, â€Å"The Decline of Democratic Politics,† Chicago: The University of Chicago Press. Robert Jackson, G.S.,2013 , Introduction to International Relations Theories and Approaches. 5th ed. United Kingdom: Oxford University Press Rosenthal, J. H., 1991. righteous realists political realism, responsible power, and American culture in the nuclear age. 1st ed. louisiana: Louisiana State University Press. Waltz , Kenneth N. International Politics Is Not Foreign Policy, Security Studies 6 (Autumn 1996), 54-55 ,2000. Structural Realism after the Cold War. International Security 25, no. 1 (Summer 2000): 5-41. Williams, Michael C. (ed.), 2007. Realism Reconsidered: The Legacy of Hans Morgenthau in International Relations, Oxford: Oxford University Press. Hope, C. , 2012. The Telegraph. [Online] Available at: http://telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/defence/9655968/David-Cameron-Iran-could-trigger-nuclear-arms-race.html [Accessed 5 January 2015] United Nations, 2013. Press Release. [Online]Available at: http://un.org/press/en/2013/ga11451.doc.htm [Accessed 6 January 20

Journalism, Real Creativity and Reactionary Creativity :: English Literature Essays

Journalism, Real Creativity and Reactionary Creativity On January 1, 2002 I had finally finished authoring my latest fiction book, which is titled The Great Teen Fruit War, A 1960’ Novel. The work was quite a Promethean task to complete, having 162,000 words on 468 pages presented in 46 Chapters. When I read my final draft, I think I felt a little like Victor Frankenstein must have when he first fully viewed the monster that he had created. The Great Teen Fruit War is set in 1960’ Hammonton and involves conflict between the Blues, the sons of blueberry farmers and the Reds, the sons of peach farmers (please remember, a novel is fiction). The Blues are the antagonists and wear button-down blue denim jackets, and the Reds are the protagonists and wear zip-up red James Dean’ jackets like those worn by the famous actor in the 1955 classic film, Rebel without a Cause. The Great Teen Fruit War is the sequel to Black Leather and Blue Denim, A ‘50s Novel. In the Great Teen Fruit War, Bellevue Avenue is the dividing line between blueberry country to the east and peach territory to the west. To spice up the story, the Reds have one â€Å"antagonist† named Ronald â€Å"Goose† Restuccio, the son of a Mafia kingpin. Complicating matters even further is a third gang, The Ramrodders, a group of greasers that interact with the Reds and the Blues. Now here’s the essential difference between fiction and non-fiction. The Fruit War’s setting is real, but the story and the characters are not. Most of the â€Å"characters† are composite, a combination of two or more people I have known. I have taken elements from these past acquaintances and synthesized each of them into a new person just like Victor Frankenstein had done with his monster. In all due respect to Gabe Donio, Gina Rullo and to Ben Meritt, front-page journalism or news reporting is relatively easy. It is basically accurate descriptive narrative’ writing that involves the questions Who? What? When? Where? Why? How? and then providing a few direct quotes and a first paragraph hook that captures the reader’s attention. Now Gabe Donio and Gina Rullo take the Hammonton Gazette to a higher level of thinking when they write the Editorial Page, because now we have opinion based on fact, which involves interpretation, analysis, problem solving and controversy. These are â€Å"higher level’ thinking skills† where some local citizens might become inflamed because they didn’t savor the way certain facts have been interpreted, analyzed or problem solved.

A personal opinion

Conservation of energy, economy, and environment; this is what a good government looks forward to and see secured in its country. And who does not want to wake up one day and see the environment clean and green? Unfortunately, the prospect – if we will look at it realistically – is far from happening in our day and generation. What we have created out of this supposed to be perfect habitat for all species, including humankind, is a deteriorating planet in need of preservation. This is the price of what we call progress. In pursuit of advancement, we find ourselves in the midst of degeneration. Thus, the cry for the earth’s conservation.Although, more things can be said for why our government is pushing for an expansion of the Renewable Fuel Standard, some important things relevant to our existence need to be addressed and understood. Granted, that we need not be too dependent on the Middle East’s supply of oil; besides, it’s a given that we need a m ore hygienic atmosphere and cost-effective fuel. Nevertheless, vital questions have to be asked before plunging headlong to the alluring promise of biofuel use and its program. What are the unseen consequences of massive ethanol production? What are the effects so far in ecology and economy of this adaptation to biofuels?What roles have governments played in this campaign to shift to biofuels? Which biofuels, if these are indeed viable, are the right ones to develop? These questions, if addressed properly, are crucial and may contribute a lot to the government’s policy on biofuels (Renewable Fuel Standard). Discussion ~ A Case for Biofuel. The use of biofuels has quickly become popular because they are derived from plants. As such, while grown they (the plants source for biofuels) absorb carbon in the air and also release it when burned. The very nature and life cycle of producing biofuel seem to project an environmental-friendly outlook.President Bush was urged in 2004 by at least 30 state governors to expand his program and the support the government is giving for the production of ethanol (Avery, 2006). The proposal of these governors was optimistic. It forecasts reduction of fuel prices, enhancing security in national power/energy, and can generate multiple jobs and thus accelerate economy in rural areas (Avery, 2006). The scheme was indeed a roadmap to solving most of the nation’s crises. There are many proponents for renewable energy that exert much pressure on the government to shift from using the conventional petroleum gas to ethanol.Becky Stillman, an advocate of ethanol use was very optimistic and asserted that enough biofuel can be produced in Indiana alone. She projected â€Å"Hoosier farmers† capacity to yield â€Å"1 billion gallons† of biofuels. She further calculated a â€Å"doubling of Indiana’s pork production†. Sun Microsystems’ co-founder, Vinod Khosla expressed his confidence when he stated with absolute certainty his hopes for ethanol production. He believes that the government can make use of the already agricultural land and needs not convert nor change food production in order to produce enough ethanol.He claimed that the majority of petroleum use in cars and light trucks can be switched to ethanol. Because proponents of biofuels are absolutely convinced of its gains, Senator Hilary Clinton (one of its advocates) pushed for a speedier stride in terms of the government’s support. ~ A Case against Biofuel. The big promise that plant-produced oil holds probably is the main reason why President Bush, in his 2007 State of the Union Address, has called for a broader expansion of the government’s program on the use of biofuels.The program has been running for some time now and is gaining more momentum especially that the President has backed it up. If last year’s requirement of plant-produced oil for US fuel makers was four billion gallons, the new p lan as expressed in the President’s State of the Union Address will definitely increase the requirement and would mean huge increase in budget. Let’s consider the odds against the massive production of biofuels, which I firmly believe tips the scales and convincingly points to the need to seriously reconsider what this country is embarking into.As in the pro side of the issue, there are also advocates campaigning against biofuels, and they appear to have a stronger case. For example, Republican Senator John McCain is on the opposite side and has spoken intelligently on the issue. He pointed out clearly the negative repercussions of ethanol production. In the Decade of the 80s, he said, government subsidies for ethanol production were originally meant to help bolster the corn farmers’ struggling industry. But instead of contributing to the overall welfare of America’s agriculture, the large subsidies have incurred wide ranged harm on other agricultural bus inesses.In order for the beef and dairy farmers to raise a decent profit, they would have to jack up on the prices of meat and milk; this is to compensate for expenses sustained for the higher price of feed corn while raising beef and dairy products. In short, the whole process is at the expense of the rank and file consumers. Imagine those who will experience the bulk of the impact? Not the rich and powerful definitely, unless the subject is all about gains or profits; but the grassroots, those who, in the end will not be able to fend for themselves that much in terms of financial capability.The overall effect of these subsidies can be seen in the resulting high costs of agricultural products. Senator John McCain stated that â€Å"ethanol is an inefficient, expensive fuel. † On a larger scale, the unintended consequences of massive biofuel production can be seen in its effects on some of the countries in Southeast Asia, more particularly, Malaysia. Because of strong European demand, Malaysia’s export of palm oil has generated huge monetary income of 9 billion dollars last year (check Elizabeth Rosenthal’s article at www. nytimes. com/2007/01/31).Looking at the surface, the prospect of generating such enormous amount of profit is certainly appealing. This optimistic outlook when juxtaposed with results of scientific investigation regarding palm oil production is not really utopic or ideal. Because of the rising demand of palm oil in Europe, Malaysian government has allowed for the clearing of vast tracts of their rainforest to convert them into palm tree plantation. Along with this, is the excessive use of chemical fertilizer. The expanding need for palm plantation has caused for the burning of peatlands to accommodate more space needed.This practice is responsible for the huge amounts of carbon emissions in the skies. What’s the big deal about it? According to studies, Indonesia is now ranked the world’s third-leading source (3rd only to U. S. and China) of carbon emissions and is believed to be contributory to the feared global warming (check Elizabeth Rosenthal’s article at www. nytimes. com/2007/01/31). Considering these facts, the full-of-promise prospect of biofuel use has become a frightening idea. It’s not without bad repercussions. In the U. S.alone, enough has been observed to make us think more on the issue. The government has a big role in this shift to biofuels. For one thing, our government’s leadership is like a ship’s rudder that determines the course of our nation. What the government sanctions, the populace approve. If we will not stop at this point and heed those on the opposite end (those who are against the massive production of biofuels), we might wake up one day reaping the consequences of our bad choice. The campaign for the use of biofuels needs additional and patient study.Let’s allow our scientists to probe further on the issue and consider c arefully the benefits and losses. Conclusion It was quite coincidental that I came across the topic on this other side of the biofuel issue and although much research will have to be done as of yet in order to attain a more balanced and scientific information, certainly, what we have here is truly, amazingly, real conversational piece. Just bring this up especially when some of your â€Å"more intellectual† friends or relatives are around, and you’ll realize that you have just stumbled into what may be termed as a â€Å"pricey topic.† The full consequences of a massive shift to biofuels in the future may not yet be in our full view. The arguments for and against it are all available to us. I think, not just to play it safe, for the time being, it’s still safe to use conventional petroleum gas while further study on biofuels is still ongoing. Reference: 1. Avery, Dennis, Competitive Enterprise Institute, Sept. 21, 2006. 2. Rosenthal, Elizabeth. Accessed Au gust 31, 2007

How Personal Can Ethics Get Essay

Abstract This paper is about the case study, â€Å"How Personal Can ethics Get†. This paper discusses the dilemmas that Valerie Young has to face at her Chicago based fragrance employer named Wisson. Secondly, I will discuss what I would do if I were in the same dilemma as Valerie. Next, it discusses how personal differences and preference can impact organizations ethics. Lastly, this paper discusses how organizational policies and procedures can impact organizational ethics. How Personal Can Ethics Get? This case focuses on the ethical dilemmas that Valerie Young has to deal with her employer Wisson. Valerie is an immigrant worker that is currently working in the United States on a work visa. Valerie has uncovered unethical practices by her manager Lionel Waters. Valerie has discovered that Lionel Waters was violating Wissons company policy that no employee should take personal payments, bribes or kickbacks to customers or suppliers or the receipt of kickbacks, bribes and personal kickbacks are prohibited. Valerie has discovered documentation showing that Waters is receiving personal kickbacks from two fragrance companies through his personal company. This concerns Valerie since her division only receives projects from these two fragrance companies now instead of the other fragrance companies they have worked for in the past. She did not understand this why they did not work with the other companies anymore. She claimed that the other companies had some great project but these companies did not receive consideration from Wisson. Waters demonstrates the self-serving principle of might-equals right, which states you do whatever you are powerful enough to impose on others without respect to socially acceptable behaviors(). Waters demonstrates this ethical principle by willingly funneling kickback money into his personal business account, which is a violation of company policy. Waters is powerful enough to receive kickbacks from the fragrance companies and keep it hidden since he is an executive at Wisson. Ethical Dilemmas that Valerie Faces Valerie was making copies at work when she found some documents on the printer that belonged to Waters. The documents were on letterheads from Waters personal consultation company. On these documents, Valerie found out that Waters has been collect kickbacks from two fragrance companies. Valerie was very stunned about her findings and she was not sure what to do. Valerie was recently accepted to a Master of Science program and did not want to jeopardize her education nor her job. She decided to keep this quit for the reason that she did not know who she could trust. Valerie is currently in the United States on a work visa. Due to this fact she must have a job in order to remain in the United States. She discusses her findings with her boyfriend who she feels is the only person she can trust. He suggests that she keeps her findings quite until she has completed school and has secured a job since she is on a work visa. Valerie uses an ethical intensity in making her decision. The ethical intensity she displays is the magnitude of consequences, which is defined as the harm or benefit accruing to individuals affected by a decision or behavior(). She displays magnitude of consequences since her decision will affect if she will be able to stay in the United States on her work visa or if she will be forced to leave if she brings forward her findings and loses her job at Wission. Valerie also displays the self-serving principle of hedonist, which you do whatever is in your own self interest(). She displays this principle because she knows that it would be unethical to keep her findings quite but she puts what would benefit her the most first. She decided to keep her findings quite at this time so she could finish her studies and run the risk of losing her job. What Valerie should do? If I were in the same dilemma as Valerie I would handle the situation in a different way. If I had found the personal documents that were violating company policy I would bring that information to the attention of my superiors. I would send this information anonymously. I would do it anonymously due to the fact that I do not want my identity revealed at this time. This would be important for the reason that if my identity were revealed I would run the risk of losing my job due to retaliation from Waters and associates that were inside this situation. I would not want to run this risk given that I am on a work visa and would be forced to leave the United States and jeopardize my education if I lose my job due to retaliation from any insiders. How Personal Differences and Preference Can  Impact Organizational Ethics Ethics is defined as the study of moral values, principles and rules, including the determination of standards of conduct and obligations for individuals and organizations(). This definition implies that one individual may make see one thing ethical while another may see it unethical. Individuals develop their own code of personal ethics based upon a wide variety of sources and belief systems. Virtually everybody acquires and develops their sense of right and wrong via their parents and parental influences(origin). Since there are many views of what is ethical and unethical, Lawerence Kohlberg developed the stages of moral development. This model demonstrates how an individual will make decision on ethical dilemmas within an organization. Kohlberg suggest that an individual progresses through these stages during their lifetime. This model is made up of six stages of moral development, which are divided into three levels of development. The first level of development is referred to as the â€Å"pre-conventional† level. At this level, an individual evaluates ethical issues based on idea of avoiding punishment and seek personal reward. The second level is termed â€Å"conventional† level. At this stage an individual evaluates ethical issues on the basis of the fairness to others and a desire to conform to societal rules and expectations. The highest level is referred to as the â€Å"principled level. At this level an individual is likely to apply principles, such as utilitarian, deontological, or justice, to ethical issues in attempt to resolve them(referece). According to Kohlberg, a person in the principled level is likely to look into themselves rather than be influenced by organizational expectations(reference). Business ethics is defined as principles and standards that guide behavior in the world of business(reference). The stages of moral development can be used to show how individuals at different levels will handle ethical situations within in organization. We can also use the stakeholder and shareholder to express personal differences. Individuals who use the shareholder perspective focuses on decisions that are in the owners’ best interest. Individuals who use the shareholder perspective feels that ethical business practices are ones that make the most money. Individuals who back the stakeholder perspective believe that companies should consider  the needs and interests of multiple stakeholder groups, not just those with direct financial stake in the organization’s profits and losses(business). In other words, organizations that use this perspective consider how decisions will affect individuals on the inside and outside of the organization. How Organizational Policies and Procedures can Impact Organizational Ethics Since individuals have different views and perceptions on ethical issues many organizations have created policies and procedures. These policies are usually termed as the organizations code of conduct. Codes of conduct are formal policies, procedures and enforcement mechanism that outline moral and ethical expectations of an organization(reference). These policies are important to an organization since they lay out the norms and belief of the organization. Policies and procedures allow organizations to handle ethical issues effectively as the rise within in the organization. Policies allow an organization to deal with an ethical matter in a uniform manner since the organization has outlined the norms and beliefs of the organization. Individuals within an organization may have a different set of norms and beliefs resulting in ethical issues being resolved in ways that the organization may deem unethical. Policies and procedures are vital to an organization culture. Conclusion In Conclusion, this case study presents a dilemma that individuals experience on a day-to-day basis’s. It is important for a person to deal with ethical issues in an ethical way. This case also shows how personal differences affect how ethical issues are dealt with. If Valerie was not an immigrant worker on a visa she may have approached this ethical issue in a different manner. It is also important for an organization to have policies and procedures in place to deal with ethical issues as they arise within an organization. Policies are also insure ethical dilemmas are resolved in a manner that the society deems ethical. This will insure that the organizational will thrive in the future.