Globalisation Book Review Essay Example for Free

Globalisation Book Review Essay The world economy is becoming more global in its format. People may not be able to realize the correct depth of this globalization trend and the complexities it creates for the state. International businesses have a huge impact on our daily lives. Right from morning till night we are in the habit of using variety of goods and services made by different countries of the world. The globalization trend started after World War II. U. S. economy became the strongest economy at that time and U. S made their dominance worldwide in almost all major industries. Businesses were forced to build new plants and other facilities, and citizens turned to their work as a source of economic security. Gradually the economy developed and each country developed a competitive advantage in those circumstances. With the passing of time those advantages are being exploited to their maximum. ENVIRONMENT OF GLOBALISATION Environment refers to the totality of all the factors which are external to and beyond the control of individual global business enterprises. Environment furnishes the macro-context, the business firm is the micro-unit. The environmental factors are essentially the givens within which firms and their managements must operate. The value system of society, the rules and regulations laid down by the Government, the monetary policies of the central bank, the institutional set-up of the country, the ideological beliefs of the leaders, the attitude towards foreign capital and enterprise, etc. , all constitute the environment system within which a global firms operate. These environmental factors are many in numbers and various in form. Some of these factors are totally static, some are relatively static and some are very dynamic — they are changing every now and then. Some of these factors can be conceptualized and quantified, while others can be only referred to in qualitative terms. The environmental factors generally vary from country to country. The environment that is typical of Germany may not be found in other countries like the USA, the UK, and Japan. There may be some factors in common, but the order and intensity of the environmental factors do differ between nations. The magnitude and direction of environmental factors differ over regions within a country, and over localities within a region. The environment differs not only over space but also over time from country to country. We can talk of temporal patterns of environment, i. e. , past, present and future environment. Sometimes the environment may be classified into market environment and non-market environment depending upon whether a global firm’s environment is influenced by market forces like demand, supply, number of other firms and the resulting price competition, or non-price competition, etc. , or by non-market forces like Government laws, social traditions, etc. Further, we may classify the environment into economic and non-economic. Non-economic environment refers to social, political, legal, educational and cultural factors that affect state functioning. Economic environment, on the other hand, is given shape and form by factors like the fiscal policy, the monetary policy, the industrial policy resolutions, physical limits on output, the price and income trends, the nature of the economic system at work, the tempo of economic development, the national economic plan, etc. The non-economic environment has economic implications just as the economic environment may have non-economic implications. Since the environment is the sum total of the history, geography, culture, sociology, politics and economics of a nation, the interaction between economic and non-economic forces is bound to take place affecting the society functioning. ECONOMIC FINANCIAL FACTORS Analysis of the business environment in any economy, we may examine the basic propositions as: 1. Business is an economic activity. 2. A business firm is an economic unit. 3. Business decision-making is an economic process. These propositions may be examined separately or jointly to justify the study of the economic environment of global business. Business is an economic activity An economic activity involves the task of adjusting the resources to the targets, or the targets to the resources. An economic activity may assume different forms such as consumption, production, distribution, and exchange. The nature of business differs, depending upon the form of economic activity being undertaken and organized. The manufacturer is primarily concerned with production; the stock exchange business is mainly concerned with the buying and selling of shares and debentures; the business of Government is to run the administration. The Government may also own, control and manage enterprises. These examples can be easily multiplied. The point is that each business has a target to achieve, and for this purpose each business has some resources at its disposal. Sometimes the target has to be matched with the given resources, and sometimes the resources have to be matched with the given target. Either way, the task of business is to optimize the outcome of economic activities. A business enterprise is an economic unit A business firm is essentially a transformation unit. It transforms inputs into outputs of goods or services, or a combination of both. The nature of input requirements and the type of output flows are determined by the size, structure, location and efficiency of the business firm under consideration. Business firms may be of different sizes and forms. They may undertake different types of activities such as mining, manufacture, farming, trading, transport, banking, etc. The motivational objective underlying all these activities is the same viz. , profit maximization in the long run. Profit is essentially a surplus value — the value of outputs in excess of the values of inputs or the surplus of revenue over the cost. A business firm undertakes the transformational process to generate this surplus value. The firm can grow further if the surplus value is productively invested. The firm, therefore, carefully plans the optimum allocation of resources (i. e. , men, money, materials, machines, time, energy, etc. ) to get optimum production. The entire process of creating, mobilization and utilization of the surplus constitutes the economic activity of the business firm, Business decision-making is an economic process Decision-making involves making a choice from a set of alternative courses of action. Choice is at the root of all economic activity. The question of choice and evaluation arises because of the relative scarcity of resources. If the resources had not been scarce, an unlimited amount of ends could have been met. But the situation of resource constraint is very real. A business firm thinks seriously about the optimum allocation of resources because resources are limited in supply and most resources have alternative uses. The firm, therefore, intends to get the best out of given resources or to minimize the use of resources for achieving a specific target. In other words, when input is the constraining factor, the firm’s decision variable is the output. And when output is the constraining factor, the firm’s decision variable is the input. Whatever may be the decision variable, procurement or production, distribution or sale, input or output, decision-making is invariably the process of selecting the best available alternative. That is what makes it an economic pursuit. Since business is an economic activity, a business firm an economic unit, and business decision-making an economic process, it is the economics environment of business which is the primary consideration in evaluating the business policies, business strategies and business tactics of a corporate entity in any global economy.

A Critical Evaluation Of Total Quality Management Management Essay

A Critical Evaluation Of Total Quality Management Management Essay Quality has become the focus for many healthcare organisations in the world. The economic and organisational benefits such as increased customer satisfaction, improved processes and efficiency can be derived from quality management. The implementation of Quality Management strategies provides the framework for the establishment of systems; procedures and activities needed to achieve quality. The implementation of quality management in health care organisation provides an opportunity to deliver consistent, high quality and cost effective health care to customers. In its Health Sector Reform programme for Trinidad and Tobago, the Ministry of Health (MoH) identified Quality of health care services as a key issue to be addressed .The MoH strategic direction for quality was presented in their guiding document Quality 2001 A Reality which was geared in the direction of making quality a priority. The strategy was broad and aimed towards improving quality of health care services, creating a quality culture and emphasising value for money as goals for improving health care services. One of their specific key objectives was the introducing of framework for developing a Total Quality Management system at the public healthcare institutions. The decentralisation of health services and the enactment of the Regional Health Authorities (RHAs) Act No.5, 1994 represented the Governments intention to institute efficient health care systems for Trinidad and Tobago. The MoH would retain responsibility for policy, planning and regulation of health care. The formation of five (5) Regional Health Authorities (RHAs) would have responsibility for the provision of health care services and implementation of management strategies to achieve improved performance. The North Central Regional Authority (NCRHA) is one of the largest statutory bodies providing healthcare services in the country. Its remit includes three (3) major hospitals, two (2) district health facilities and fourteen (14) health centres. 1.3 Problem Definition: The public confidence in the quality of health care services delivered by the public health sector is very low. The NCRHA in recent years has been the centre of media attention due to matters allegedly related to medical negligence. The increase in adverse events and medical care complaints at its hospitals has been disturbing. According to MoH data there were at least seventeen (17) reported Adverse Events occurring at our nations hospital for the period 2004 to 2011 which resulted in patient injury, disability or death. Health care trends such as rapid advancements in public health management, shifts in customer demand for health service delivery and population health concerns have changed the national social landscape.These trends have resulted in a more informed customer accessing services therefore demanding reduced waiting time for services, improved medical care, enhanced facilities and overall quality health care from their service providers. The recent change in government in May 2010 has also brought about strategic transformation. The Governments Seven Development Pillars (Pillars 1, 6) emphasizes the bringing together of all stakeholders to ensure that public services, especially essential services like health care, are affordable, accessible and of the highest quality. These current issues have strategic implications for public health sector organisations such as the RHAs. Therefore current TQM strategies should be critically assessed and a new structured approach to the implementation of Quality Management must be proposed. Medical Care related complaints data received at the health care facilities NCRHA for the period 2008-2010: Institution 2008/09 2009/10 2010/2011 Total Arima Health Facility 53 181 148 382 Caura Hospital 142 165 124 431 Chaguanas Health Facility 74 114 181 369 Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex 711 925 1305 2941 Mt Hope Womens Hospital 148 128 106 382 Primary Care Health Center 50 30 35 115 Total 1178 1543 1899 4620 Figure 1 NCRHA Complaints Data Source: NCRHA Quality Department 1.4 Rationale: The strengthening of public confidence in the quality of health care services at NCRHA is critical to the organisations future survival. The MoH is currently in its final drafting of legislation for the Establishment of a Health Service Accreditation Bill (2009), that would provide the framework for health care quality and accountability. The Act would facilitate the institution of the Health Services Accreditation Council Trinidad and Tobago (HSACTT) which is a pre-requisite to the introduction of National Health Insurance. The MoH in its policy statements to inform legislation for the HSACTT identified that both RHAs and private hospitals must be complaint with this Act. The MoH made further recommendations in its document, that the state would not provide funding or enter into any arrangements for procurement with un-accredited health facilities. The financing of public health sector organisation is highly dependent on government funding therefore RHAs must deliver quality healthc are to access public funding and gain a competitive advantage. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has also set targets and key indicators to monitor quality of care in developing countries as part of their Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) 2015, examples such as the MDG (4) improved maternal healthcare and MDG (5) reduced infant mortality rates. The NCRHA has recently received negative publicity from alleged medical care negligence complaints regarding quality of maternal and infant care at their medical facilities. The MoH has mandated that a critical strategic issue for all RHAs is the improvement of maternal and infant health care; this is part of their efforts towards achieving MDGs target for Trinidad and Tobago. 1.5 Research Question: How can NCRHA use their Quality Management Strategy to deliver quality health care and gain competitive advantage? 1.6 Objectives: 1. To critically evaluate current Quality Management strategies used at the NCRHA to deliver quality health care to their customers 2. To ascertain any gaps by benchmarking current strategies against theoretical framework for TQM implementation 3. To design a framework for the implementation of a total quality management strategy for NCRHA 1.7 Aim: To synthesize a comprehensive Quality Management Strategy to enable the NCRHA to progress from a state of quality awareness to quality readiness, thus enabling NCRHA to improve quality health care and gain competitive advantage in the Public Health Sector. 2.0 Literature Review 2.1 Quality Management Defined: The concept of quality revolves around meeting and exceeding the customer expectation. The customers needs are ever changing and the demand for high quality requires a systems approach towards improved quality. The idea of quality management is not derived from one single source but is a collection of ideas that has been called by various names. According to lynch (2003) Total Quality Management (TQM) can be define as the modern strategic approach to quality management. ASQ (2006) has indicated that the term TQM has lost its flavor and in recent years has been subsumed under the term Quality Management. This can be further argued by Hannagan (2002) who suggest that the approach can be recognized by either title of TQM or strategic quality management. However it can be agreed that TQM is a strategic approach to achieving quality and a sustainable competitive advantage for an organization. There have been many theorists who have contributed to the quality movement and has also has infl uenced the TQM philosophy. 2.2 TQM Theories: TQM can be described as a management philosophy, characterized by a common set of principles, practices and techniques Dean Bowen (1994) however it tends to be examined by numerous authors from different perspectives. The perspectives of three main founding TQM philosophers or Quality gurus would be discussed and their supporting TQM methods. It is theorised by Crosby (1979) that quality is conformance to requirements therefore one arrives at the concept of zero defects. He also focuses on organisational factors such as leadership, culture and training. Deming (1986) was considered one of the founders of TQM his philosophy can be summarised in his fourteen management principles. These would include management commitment to quality; raise quality awareness, employee empowerment and training. The underpinning theory being that quality is a process and not a program therefore it should be ongoing in the organisation. Juran (1989) focuses on quality planning, quality control and quality improvement. There can be three levels of quality management defined which are strategic quality management, operational quality and workforce that concerns its self with work process (Juran 1989). The philosophies of these quality gurus can be summarised as a management system that involves management commitment for a customer focused organisation in which all employees participates in continual improvement. The system integrates the use of strategy, culture, training and effective communication to achieve TQM. 2.3 TQM Elements: ASQ(2006) identified essential elements to TQM that organisations must define either in their core values or principles on which the organisation operates. These elements would be discussed with the purpose of understanding the key concepts that must be considered in quality management implementation. An analysis of literature provides an exhaustive list of key elements however critical components would be discussed. While TQM is viewed through different perspectives what is written about TQM is based on a common set or sub-set of key components (Harris, 1995). The fundamental assumption of TQM is planning for the design and delivery of products and services that fulfil the needs of the customers (Dean and Bowen 1994). The customer ultimately decides whether the efforts are worthwhile. According to Waldman (1995) in order to create a quality culture all members of the organisation must be involved in the quality process. The involvement of employees in the quality process is critical to its success in the organisation. The formulation of a strategic plan which encompasses the systems approach to quality management is a core component. The TQM process is supported by continual process improvement in the organisation. All key activities in the organisation should be measured so that their improvement can be demonstrated and the benefits achieved. According to ASQ(2006) in times of organisational change, effective communication plays an important role in maintaining employee morale and motivation Training and education play a critical role in the TQM organisation, Juran (1986) postulates that training is required when undertaking a quality effort in an organisation in order to teach employees how to think about quality Figure 2 Elements of TQM in the organisation 2.4 TQM Implementation Approaches: The ASQ(2006) states that there is no one solution for implementing TQM for all situations therefore organisations TQM strategies would vary since culture, management practices are unique however the key elements discussed must be present in some format also there is a suggested generic model for implementation. Generic model for implementing TQM 1 Top management learns about and decides to commit to TQM. TQM is identified as one of the organisations strategies 2 The organisation assess current culture, customer satisfaction and quality management system 3 Top management identifies core values and principles to be used and communicates them 4 A TQM master plan is developed on basis of steps 1, 2 and 3 5 The organisation identifies and prioritizes customer demands and aligns products and services to meet those demands 6 Management maps the critical processes through which the organisation meets its customers needs. 7 Management oversees the formation of teams for process improvement efforts 8 The momentum of the TQM effort is managed by the steering committee 9 Managers contribute individually to effort through hoshin planning, training, coaching, or other methods. 10 Daily process management and standardisation take place 11 Progress is evaluated and the plan revisited as needed 12 Constant employee awareness and feedback on status are provided and a reward/recognition process is established Figure 3 Model for implementing TQM The review of literature on TQM revealed that an attempt towards TQM will not succeed unless the discussed elements are applied and maintained in the TQM strategy. There is extensive literature that provides an understanding of the ideal TQM program however more research is needed to determine how all its factors fit together to form a theory that provides a maximum understanding of what TQM really is (Waldrnan 1993). This is further supported by Powell (1995) that although TQM became part of business theory, its role as a strategic resource seems to have remained virtually unexamined in strategic management. 2.5 TQM in Healthcare: The issue of quality has become even more pressing for healthcare organisations. In a time of economic slowdown and financial constraints by government, the NCRHA is now faced with budget cuts and increased workload for human resources. There is a growing demand for quality in health care and for mechanisms such as quality management strategies and accreditation programs to maintain quality health services. The direct implications of poor quality in healthcare such as medication errors, increased infection rates and deaths are severe. According to Segonin (2005) developing countries are adapting quality management and accreditation standards in healthcare in order to work towards standardising healthcare services and to ensure high quality of healthcare for citizens. Vretveit (2001) suggest that some countries are conducting programs that consist of quality strategies and accreditation however little research is available to show evidence of efficacy. The available research on TQM im plementation in public healthcare systems in developing countries is sparse and provides anecdotal information. 2.7 TQM Healthcare Best Practices: The implementation of TQM in healthcare organisations is important for improving quality of clinical care to patients but also to satisfy accreditation requirements. Mayer et.al (1994) suggests benchmarking is the practice of regularly comparing oneself to other performing similar activities for continuously quality improvement (CQI). It is postulated by Campbell (1994) that until recently benchmarking has scarcely been used in the clinical setting primarily because of a limited knowledge of TQM methods and lack of support for initiatives. Underwood (1994) refers to a case study of Lloyd Noland Hospital continuous quality improvement initiatives in clinical management of pneumonia patients using benchmarking process with a TQM approach in an effort to achieve improved outcomes for pneumonia patients. The hospital formulated a cross functional team in order to successfully benchmark and develop a total patient care process. The team utilised quality tools such as brain storming, flowcharting clinical pathways, monitoring and documentation. The teams findings on the quality improvement process were clinical benchmarking is a TQM tool that attempts to improve patient outcomes which is a data driven TQM/CQI practice in healthcare that is current and a future reality. 2.8 Summary Based on the literature reviewed conducted thus far the researcher would attempt to critically assess the TQM practices at the NCRHA using the above theoretically implementation framework. The findings of this analysis would be synthesised and gaps would be identified. This data would assist in a design of a strategy for TQM implementation at the NCRHA. This study would provide fresh insights in the areas of total quality management in public health sector organisations in developing countries. 3.0 Research Design 3.1 Research Paradigm: Epistemology is concerned with what constitutes acceptable knowledge and the nature of knowledge itself (Saunders, 2009). In contrast ontology can be define as being concerned with the nature of reality and the assumptions the researcher have about the way the world operates and a commitment to a particular view (Saunder,2009). This study would be based on subjectivism epistemological or interpretative stance in that the researcher would be eliciting the views and opinions of senior management, operational managers, medical staff and support staff in the organisation. The researcher would adopt a phenomenological paradigm since it would require understanding the point of view of the research subjects.Considering the relatively new development of TQM research, in Trinidad and Tobago public health care as well as the applicability of private sector research, an inductive approach was chosen. According to Saunders (2009) inductive approach is particularly concerned with the context in w hich the event takes place. A qualitative approach would be followed since a case study research design would be adopted this is supported by Yin (1989) who advocates that variables under study cannot be manipulated but somewhat observed and data extrapolated from them. 3.2 Research Methodology: The exploratory approach was found to be most suitable for this study given the lack of research regarding TQM implementation in the public health care sector (Eisenhardt, 1989b). The utilization of a case study strategy is proposed to evaluate the TQM practices of NCRHA. The NCRHA constitutes three (3) tertiary hospitals, two district health facilities and fourteen (14) health centres, this research would be examining the sub-units within the organisation and an embedded case study would be constructed. This approach would give the researcher an opportunity to study and evaluate a phenomenon that few have considered. The design described would provide the advantage for real life issues to be brought to the forefront. The NCRHA was chosen for the case study since there are current TQM strategies implemented in the organisation. Once the organisations ethic committee gives approval for the research and the Quality Department Manager is informed a letter of request would be forwarded r equesting facilitation by the various health facilities Quality Coordinators (QC). The researcher would use a triangulation method since different data collection techniques would be used in this study to ensure the data telling what is being said. The combination of interviews, focus groups, archival documentation and observations techniques would be utilised by the researcher. There would be interviews conducted with senior managers and hospital administrator focused on TQM leadership and current status of initiatives. Documentation would be reviewed such as accreditation plans, quality plans and vision, mission of the company. Since TQM must have employee involvement a focus group would be administered to gauge employees awareness and observation would be conducted outside of these activities. Due to time constraints for this study a cross sectional studies would be conducted over a stipulated period time. Saunders (2009) postulates that cross sectional studies may be used in qua litative methods since many case studies data techniques such as interviews are conducted over a short period of time. 3.3 Research Technique/Method: 3.3.1 Data Collection: 3.3.2 Primary Data Sources: Interviews: The data source of this research would include semi-structured interviews with hospitals administrators and senior executive team. This approach was taken to allow the researcher an opportunity to explore necessary issues without inhibiting the interviewee to volunteer important information. Data would be collected on areas such as organisation leadership, culture and quality management systems for qualitative analysis. Documentation: Documentation would be reviewed from to verify involvement in TQM process. This would include accreditation plan, quality plans, vision and mission. Finally material substantiating a TQM initiative would be reviewed. These documentations would be sourced from quality department and CEOs office. Observations: There would be researcher observations conducted to find evidence of TQM such as posters, banners and customer service interactions. This would serve to corroborate the interview and documentation findings. Focus Groups: The researcher would conduct employee focus groups to obtain views on TQM implementation activities in the organisation since employee involvement and awareness is critical to its success. These groups would be interviewer-led structure and kept to 6-8 persons to allow for moderator /researcher control to maintain focus. This technique would be conducted several times with similar participants to establish trend and patterns for data collection and analysis. 3.3.3 Secondary Data Sources: The literature review for this research proposal thus far used several secondary data sources. This data was assessed for authority and reputation of the source. The review of written materials from industry experts or gurus, journals, organisations records and government publications would be accessed and referenced as part of this study. This approach would allow for more time for analysis and interpretation of data. 3.3.4 Sample size and sampling method: Since a case study approach was taken the use of non-probability sampling would be applied by the researcher so that sample selection can be made based on subjective judgement. This view is supported by Saunders(2009) that within business research such as case study this may either be not possible or appropriate for answering the research question. The use of purposive sampling technique would enable the researcher to use judgement in selecting cases that would enable the research question and objectives to be answered. According to Saunders (2009) is form of sample is often used in case study research and when a selection of cases would particularly informative. It is also further suggested for a general study a suitable sample size of between 25 to interviews are undertaken (Creswell 2007). 3.3.5 Data Analysis: A qualitative analysis on this data would be conducted, this would require the condensing, categorising and also restructuring as narrative to support for significant analysis to be derived. The interviews with respondents would be audio recorded and reproduced via word processing. It would also be noted during transcribing the tone and non-verbal communication of the participants. A process of data sampling would be used to reduce time for audio transcribing since this would allow for the researcher to list sections pertinent to the study. The interviews conducted would be saved in separate word documents and filename maintained for confidentiality. The recommendation by Silverman (2007) on list of useful transcription symbols would be used for this study. The precise work format for NVivo software would be utilised to ensure accurate analysis can be conducted. 3.3.6 Qualitative Analysis: Analytical induction approach was adopted since it would allow for an intensive explanation of the case study so as to empirically establish the causes of a specific phenomenon (Saunders2009). This would be most appropriate since the researcher case study sampling took a purposive approach which would allow for the phenomena to be explored. The use of thematic analysis would be utilised to identify data that relate to classified patterns these would be catalogued into sub-themes for emerging patterns. This would lead to building a compelling argument derived from the literature reviewed. 3.3.7 Ethics: Research ethics is the defined as a question of how we formulate and clarify our research area, design, gain access to data and write up our research findings in a moral and responsible way (Saunder2009). The researcher proposes the following ethical issues during this study. The researcher would have to submit a research proposal for approval from the NCRHA ethics committee before this study can be conducted. Informed consent would be solicited from participant for possible privacy and confidentiality issues Participants would be informed of its voluntary nature and the right to withdraw from the process. The data generated during this study would have transcript symbols to maintain confidentiality The researcher would be cognisant of the ethical concerns with regards to qualitative research since objectivity must be observed during analysis so the data is not misrepresented. 3.3.8 Reliability and Validation: Validity in research must be considered when conducting a case study research since it is concerned with whether findings are really what they appear. The researcher must be careful of generalisabilty particular when the case study is conducted in one organisation (Saunders2009). The research design for this study incorporated triangulation so that different data techniques can be used within one study which allows for cross verification. The researcher would also consult peer consultation prior to final draft of the report. According to Yin(2003) construct validity is especially problematic in case study research and it can be a source of criticism due to its subjectivity it is further recommended the use of case study protocol to achieve reliability. The researcher prior to data collection would develop a case study protocol that includes more than one survey instrument and procedure to be followed in using the instrument. 3.3.9 Limitations to Methodology: The researcher may not provide a representative population for the case study. This research methodology can be time consuming and costly There is a potential for researcher bias during the study The study in also reliant on subject participation in the research data collection 3.3.10 Resources Required: This study would require a number of resources such an audio recording device for interviews, purchase if NVivo software, internet and computer capabilities to complete this report. There would be a need to access secondary data such as journals, written text and peer view materials for further literature review. 4.0 Plan The research study would require an ongoing literature review and write-up as the study progress. The research proposal would require ethics approval from the organisation and university ethics committee this would be key milestone in this project. The appointment of dissertation supervisor and the gathering of resources for this research should be completed. The planning of interviews, focus groups, documentation reviews have some schedule over lap since meeting with senior managers would require some coordination. Due to the time consuming process involved in qualitative analysis the researcher would plan to conduct most interviews with-in a 4 weeks time frame The collation of data would be concurrent since interviews would be transcribed after being conducted. The data analysis would be key milestone in the project since critical analysis would be required for this study. The researcher would aim for a completed draft six weeks before submission to allow for editing and additional research work. This would allow supervisor review and approval prior to submission. Please attached Gnatt chart of activities and timescales. 5.0 References American Society for Quality, 2006 the Certified Manager of Quality /Organizational Excellence Hand Book. 3rd Ed. Russell T. Westcott Crobsy, P.B. (1979). Quality is free. New York: Mc Graw Hill Creswell, J. (2007) Qualitative injury and Research Design: Choosing among Five Approaches 2nd Ed. Thousand Oaks, CA: sage Dean, James and David Bowen (1994). Management Theory and Total Quality: Improving Research and Practice through Theory Development. Academy of Management Review, (19:30) 392-418 Deming, E. W. (1986). Out of the Crisis. Cambridge, MA, MIT Center for Advanced Engineering Eisenhardt, K. M. (1989b). Building theories from case study research. Academy of management Review, 14, 532-550 Hannagan, T., 2002 Management Concepts and Practices. 3rd Ed. FT Prentice Hall Harris, C.R. (1995). The Evolution of the Quality Management: An Overview of the TQM Literature. Canadian Journal of Administrative Sciences, (12:2), 95-105 Juran, J. M. (1989). Juran on Leadership for Quality: An Executive handbook. New York: The Free Press Lynch, R., 2003 Corporate Strategy. 3rd Ed. Harlow: FT Prentice Hall Ministry of Health, Quality 2001 A Reality, A strategy for implementing and monitoring a continuous Quality Improvement Programme for the Health Sector in Trinidad and Tobago, Original Draft-May, 1997, Ratified by HSQC- March 1998, Ministry of Health Government Printer 1999 Ministry of Health, Regional Health Authorities (RHAs) Act No.5 1994, Ministry of Health, Government Printer Ministry of Health 3rd Draft Adverse Events Policy and Guidelines, Directorate of Quality Management, January 2011 Ministry of Health March 2009, White Paper for the establishment of the Health Services Accreditation Council of Trinidad and Tobago Saunders, M., (2009) Research methods for business students. 5th Ed., FT Prentice Hall Segouin, C. (2005). Globalization in Health Care: Is International Standardization of Quality a Step Towards Outsourcing. International Journal for Quality in Health Care, 17 (4), 277-279.Shin, Y.S. (1995). Hospital Accreditation A Universal Perspective. World Hospitals,.31 (1), 22-28 Silverman, D. 92007) A Very Short, Fairly Interesting and Reasonably Cheap Book about Qualitative Research. London: Sage The Peoples Partnership Governments Seven Development Pillars (Pillars 1, 6), 2010 Prosperity for all manifesto of the PP for United People to achieve sustainable development for Trinidad and Tobago Waldman, D. A. (1993). A theoretical consideration of the leadership and total quality management. Leadership Quarterly, 4, 65-79 Yin, R. (1989). Case study research. Beverley Hills, CA: Sage Publications Yin, R.K. (2003) Case study Research: Design and Methods 3rd

Youth Justice And The Medias Society Criminology Essay

Youth Justice And The Medias Society Criminology Essay This essay will start by highlighting how the media may shape societys response to young people who break the law through the moral panic model. The medias role will be outlined and youth crime data summarised. The urban disturbances of the early 1990s and the death of James Bulger will both be discussed in turn. In both cases a description of the event will be followed by an outline of the media response, identifying elements typical within the moral panic model. An attempt will be made to understand the reaction of society to media representations associated with young law breakers. Finally, in each case the action undertaken by the agents of control will be examined. This essay will attempt to construct arguments challenging this model throughout, and suggest that moral panics may also have sources within societys elite through hegemony. It is acknowledged that arguments surrounding hegemony may link in to the groundbreaking youth justice legislation of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, introduced after the period discussed in this essay. The impact of this legislation is acknowledged, however for the purposes of the media and societys response to young people who break the law it will not be discussed. The Moral Panic A moral panic may be outlined as the identification of a threat, for example to social values. This threat is simplified by the media with distorted representation resulting in raised social anxiety. Agents of control respond, resulting in either the panic diminishing or social changes taking place (Thompson cited in Newburn 2007 p95). The deviancy amplification cycle describes how heightened deviance may be attributed to stigma arising from media exaggeration or the treatment from agents of control (Brown 2005, Cohen 2002). Young highlights how this may quickly create problems through exaggerating an outsider lifestyle (Young cited in Kidd-Hewitt 2002 p119). Although studied by Jock Young in 1971 (Kidd-Hewitt 2002), Stanley Cohens Folk Devils and Moral Panics (1972) was described as the first systematic empirical study of a moral panic in Britain (Muncie 2004 p119). Cohens study of Mods and Rockers in Clacton during the Easter bank holiday in 1964 argued a clear relationship between young law breakers, the media, the general public and the police. Cohens work may be associated with Tannenbaums labelling and Lemerts primary and secondary deviance, all with origins in Mead and Cooleys symbolic interactionism (Newburn 2007). The media have constructed and processed information and ideas regarding deviancy since the industrial age, meaning society usually experience this commercially and politically constrained representation of deviance second hand (Cohen 2003). Hall et al (1978) explain how the media may have an assumed objectivity and frequently communicate an assumed social consensus, but they often have structured access to elite interests or primary definers, and reproduce their biased message. Cohen outlines elements which may appear in the media as stereotyping and stigmatising, a moral emphasis, and the requirement for further action. Information may be exaggerated and the use of symbols may be apparent with deviance represented through identifiable items such as clothing (Cohen 2002). Attitudes that may arise in a moral panic include the perception a disaster has occurred, the prophecy of doom (Cohen 2002 p38) where it is perceived events will happen again, and how at the height of a moral panic other unrelated events may be presented as connected. Perceived origins of a panic may include behaviour being likened to a disease, spreading and infecting. Nostalgia may appear along with disillusionment at the way things have become, impulsive activities may be described as premeditated, and behaviours may be perceived as newly developed (Cohen 2002). Youth Crime The ability of the media to influence public views of youth crime (Allen 2004 cited in Smith 2007) is evident through a rise in crime perceived by the majority of individuals who cited the media as a key information source (Hough and Roberts 2004). This is illustrated by 89 per cent of offenders known to the police being over the age of 18 yet nearly a third of survey respondent attributed most crime to children (Smith 2007). It is also suggested respondents perceived an exaggerated risk of being a crime victim (Goldson 2002 p391). It is advised that crime data should be treated with caution because an exact figure of occurrences does not exist (Tierney 2006). 20 per cent of the 5.4 million recorded crimes in 2006/07 were attributed to 10 to 17 year olds (Newburn 2007, Nicholas et al 2007) and approximately 80,000 crimes per annum are accountable to other agencies. These figures are not included in official crime data, along with 40 per cent of police reported crimes (Maguire 2002). Youth crime declined overall between 1985 and 1993 (Newburn 2002 cited in France) with relative consistency between 1993 and 2000 (Flood-Page et al 2000 cited in France). Offender and victim surveys highlight crimes not included in official data the dark figure (Newburn 2007) with estimated rates varying from eleven times more crime occurrences (Sparks et al 1977 cited in Tierney 2006) to a figure 39 times greater (Farrington et al 2006). Some crimes frequently undertaken by children have a smaller dark figure meaning proportionately more youth crime may be included in crime data. Crimes associated with younger people have estimated occurrences per actual conviction of six times for burglary, 77 for shoplifting and 132 for assault. Crimes associated with older offenders have rates of 809 occurrences per conviction for fraud, and 1463 for thefts from work (Farrington et al 2006). Early 1990s Urban Disturbances During the 1970s ideas surrounding the majority of crime being committed by a minority of individuals emerged from the Magistrates Association (Muncie 2004) and strategies during the 1980s were partly responsible for a reduction in youth crime (Pitts 2001). This increased sharply in the early 1990s by 111 per cent (Pitts 2001) and the Criminal Justice Act 1991 introduced an increasingly desert based sentencing policy, limiting the ability to consider previous crimes (Thomas 2003). From mid 1991 urban youth disturbances emerged from Cardiff, Oxford and in Newcastle notably on the Meadowell Estate where two young car thieves died in a police chase (Newburn 2007). These disturbances involved car related crime and resulted in conflict primarily between male youth and the police, and resulting in many arrests (Brown 2005). Individual younger children, identified by pseudonyms also appeared to be participating in unrelated activities such as domestic burglary Wykes (2001) argues that the poverty, substance misuse and lack of opportunity particularly experienced by the socially excluded Meadowell youth was largely ignored by the media. This supports Jewkes argument that the juvenile cultural resistance suggested by Cohens model may be exaggerated as a primary source of continued deviance (cited in Newburn 2007). The Media Exaggerated and distorted communication may have shaped societys perception of the level and type of offending being based on emotive, ambiguous and inaccurate information from the police and media (Garland cited in Goldson 2002). Labelling and stereotyping claimed hardcore child super crooks were responsible for 90 per cent of offences and were the number one crime problem (Daily Star, 30 November 1992 cited in Muncie 2004 p28). Reporting restrictions led to the identification of younger deviants through pseudonyms such as Ratboy, Homing Pigeon Boy, Spider Boy and The Terror Triplets (Muncie 2004). Deviant activities were distorted describing joyriding, ram raiding, and hotting (Muncie 2004) with frequent use of the term riot argued by Brown (2005) to be indicative of a moral panic. The graphic representation of deviance and the macho urban male youth stunt driving (Brown 2005 p59) supports McRobbie and Thorntons (2002) argument that moral panics may be entertaining. Moralising was also apparent with depictions of defiant youth as a ten year old in an SAS mask swaggered free from court resulting in calls for further action (Brown 2005 p60), although it is argued that a moral factor may not always be evident in a moral panic (Jewkes 2004 cited in Newburn 2007). The Terror Triplets illustrate the nature of the press coverage. The triplets were not persistent offenders with one previous conviction between them, and they all experienced health issues ranging from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder to epilepsy and a speech impediment with their education described in court as inadequate (guardian.co.uk 2002). Societys Reaction One panic surrounded the serious persistent young offender, frequently termed bail bandits (Brown 2005 p61) which failed to recognise that persistent offenders usually engage in petty crime, many are vulnerable children who are neglected or abused, with mental health and education issues (Muncie 2004). Vague and imprecise descriptions of youth deviance were highlighted by the police and media on an increasing basis with this lack of distinction fuelling social anxiety regarding the level and type of juvenile offending taking place (Garland cited in Goldson 2002). The inability of the criminal justice system to deal with youth crime was also a source of concern with Ratboy, who had accrued 55 offences between the ages of ten and 14, symbolising the inability for law and order to be maintained (Muncie 2004 p28). Despite decarceration and diversion reducing known juvenile offending in the 1980s, it was increasingly believed penal liberalism had gone too far (Goldson 2002 p390). Fiction increasingly replaced factual and rational information to conjure up monsters that seem to lurk behind the gloss and glitter of everyday life (Pratt 2000 cited in Goldson 2002 p390). Brown (2005) argues the moral panic had mutated into a total panic about the majority of young peoples lives, making the suggestion that Cohens model may provide an insufficient explanation. Childhood was considered to be in crisis, and as with Cohens prophecy of doom (2002 p38) idea, further deviance was expected (Pratt 2000 cited in Goldson 2002). Jewkes (cited in Newburn 2007) argues that the cohesiveness of societys reaction may be overstated in Cohens moral panic model. McRobbie and Thornton (2002) agree, noting how audiences may be sophisticated, understanding varying styles of interpretation which may fragment messages further, such as the ironic in-house publishing style in the Sun newspaper. Increased sources of information since the early 1990s such as the internet may cause further fragmentation. Agents of Control The extensive coverage escalated concerns prompting a Home Affairs Committee in July 1992 to consider youth crime, persistent young offenders and the youth justice system (HAC 1993 cited in Muncie 2004). It was concluded that an increasing minority of young offenders were committing a high volume of offences, despite a lack of evidence (Farrington 2002) and the idea of a persistent group being arbitrary (Hagell Newburn in Muncie 2004). Smith argues that the government responded through introducing the Aggravated Vehicle-Taking Act 1992, which was imprisonable for five years (Home Affairs Committee 1993; Childrens Society 1993 cited in Smith 2007, Brown 2005), later increased to 14 years in the Criminal Justice Act 2003 (statutelaw.gov.uk 2008). Hegemony Brown agrees with Cohens suggestion that the agents of control have no choice but to respond in their socially sanctioned manner suggesting that high media coverage prompted the police action towards joyriding which had been occurring for some time (Brown 2005). The elite-engineered moral panic model provides an alternative explanation, describing how societys powerful elite may be the source (Goode and Ben-Yehuda cited in Newburn 2007). Marxist philosopher Gramsci explains such activity through hegemony, something Hall et all include in their model of the moral panic (Hall et al 1978) and something Smith (2007) cites as significant. Hegemony describes the persuasive communication of a societal consensus of belief systems through the media, gaining legitimacy for elite actions (Althusser 1977 and Cohen 1985 cited in Smith 2007, Smith 2007, Brown 2005). Prior to the Aggravated Vehicle-Taking Act 1992 The Lord Chief Justice and the Magistrates Association were overtly discontent with political interference and the limited capacity to increase sentences the Criminal Justice Act 1991. A sophisticated campaign (Smith 2007 p25) during 1991 by powerful members of the police also emerged relating to persistent young offenders, argued to have resulted in a media moral panic (Brown 2005, Downes and Morgan 2002). The Death of James Bulger In February 1993 the well documented abduction of two year James Bulger by ten year olds Robert Thompson and John Venables occurred. Taken from a shopping centre, the boys walked for two miles to a railway track where James was attacked and murdered (Muncie 2004, Brown 2005, Smith 2007). Following nine months custody and a month long trial the boys were found guilty of the murder (Morrison 1997). The boys are now living under assumed identities, understood to be outside of the UK. 27 murders of children by children have occurred in the last 250 years (Muncie 2004) with four 10-13 year olds convicted of murder between 1979 and 1992 (Cavadino 1996). Children are considered to be at greater risk from people who know to them (Morrison 1997) highlighted by sexual abuse and torture of James Bulger which it was argued suggested indicated the sexual abuse and torture experienced by at least one of attackers (Sereny 1996). The Media The hostile and sensationalist approach to this case contrasted sharply with a similar Norwegian case which was treated as a tragic accident (Muncie 2004 p6) and a similar case from Stockport in 1861 where rehabilitation was the ultimate public response. Exaggerated and irrational labelling stigmatised the boys as spawn of satan, freaks of nature, and monsters (Muncie 2004 p4). Sereny (1996) argues that the response to the boys as innately evil highlights how insufficiently it was attempted to understand issues in their lives, with which Morrison agrees (1997). A consensus regarding a new type of deviance was evident as we will never be able to look at our children in the same way again. Concerns of reoccurrence were evident with parents everywhere are asking themselves and their friends if the Mark of the Beast might not also be imprinted on their offspring (Sunday Times cited in Muncie 2004 p4) advising For Goodness Sake Hold Tight To Your Kids (Sun 16 February 1993 cited in Mason 2003 p197). Blurring of the boundary between the media and the audience (McRobbie Thornton 2002) may be seen with the widely broadcast CCTV footage of James Bulger in a shopping centre with his assailants. The Bulger family created a petition in conjunction with the Sun newspaper and a television phone in of nearly 300,000 names demanding Thompson and Venables never to be released (Morrison 1997). Retributive comments broadcast on television included James father Ralph stating one day theyll be out of jail and Ill be waiting for them and Jamess uncle Jim threatening when we get hold of them, we will fucking kill them (Morrison p234). McRobbie and Thornton (2002) also explore the idea of pressure groups or the folk devils themselves blurring this boundary further and widening the debate by either appearing in or producing their own media, although this is not evident in this case. By 1995 young people were being represented as the savage generation (The Sunday Times 5 February 1995 cited in Kidd-Hewitt 2002 p117). Cohens its not only this (Cohen 2002 p39) idea was evident through frequent and omnipresent panics which blamed the breakdown of the family, the availability of drugs and the crimogenic media (Kidd-Hewitt 2002, Thornton cited in Newburn 2007). McRobbie and Thornton (2002) argue unlike the novelty described in Cohens model, this has become a basic media response. Society Despite this crimes unusualness, societal anxiety increased surrounding both the governments capacity to control the crimogenic capacity of younger children, and the protection of younger children (Pitt 2001, Muncie 2004, Brown 2005). Crime data suggests a trend of younger childrens involvement in crime through a fall in the peak age of offending, but this is also accompanied by earlier desistance (Criminal Statistics 1995 cited in Coleman 1997, Criminal Statistics 2005 cited in Coleman Schofield 2007). Adult perceptions regarding age-appropriate behaviour were challenged (Brown 2005) and with childhood on trial (James Jenks cited in Muncie 2004 p4) innocence shifted to potential evil and hate (Muncie Hughes 2002). It is also argued that resulting public and legal attitudes towards children have become more punitive as a result of this case (Hendrick 2002 p39) with misrepresentations fuelling harsher measures (Smith 2007). The well established panic surrounding crimogenic media also emerged (Brown 2005), a youth culture anxiety as seen as early as 1917 when the deteriorating influence of cinema was highlighted (Russell cited in Pearson 1983). In the Bulger case the film Childs Play 3 was the subject of this panic despite evidence in court suggesting this film had not been viewed by the boys (Morrison 1997). Brown (2005) argues that the films character Chucky who physically represented a child but behaviourally represented an adult was used as a symbol of the challenge to age-appropriate behaviour. More tenuous associations include the use of batteries in James Bulgers attack (Morrison 1997). Agents of Control It is argued that doli incapax (incapable of crime) where it must be proven that a child understands right and wrong was reviewed for ten to thirteen year olds in response to this case. Although the principle was initially retained it was later revoked in the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 (Bandalli 2000 cited in Gelsthorpe Morris 2002). Despite protection under the 1989 United Nations Convention on the Rights of a Child (UNCRC) mental health provision was limited during the boys nine months in custody and minimal allowance was made for their age with the trial in an adult court and their identities exposed to the international media, argued to have heightened the campaign of hate (Scraton Haydon 2002 p313). Upon release Dame Butler-Sloss favoured the 1998 Human Rights Act over freedom of expression, granting anonymity to Thompson and Venables for the risk of retributive injury or death (cited in Scraton Haydon 2002). The UK government breached articles relating to a fair trial, fixing sentence and periodic review of sentence in the European Convention of Human Rights (Muncie 2004, Scraton Haydon 2002). The sentence had already been increased from eight years to ten by the Lord Chief Justice. Final sentencing authority rested with Michael Howard (Sereny 1996) who increased it for a second time to 15 years, citing public concern and the Bulger petition (Morrison 1997). This illustrates Cohens argument that sometimes agents of control have to act. Once overturned, the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000 removed the capacity for the Home Secretary to intervene in sentencing decisions (Muncie 2004). With crime becoming second only to unemployment on the agenda (Pitts 2001), the intention to incarcerate 12 to 14 year olds through secure training units and secure training orders was announced, ten days after James Bulgers death and only months after ending custody for 14 year olds in the Criminal Justice Act 1991 (Smith 2007). More punitive measures were introduced in the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 where the maximum sentence for fifteen to seventeen year olds doubled to two years (Newburn 2002). Hegemony The end of the bi-partisan consensus on crime was apparent in the 1970 Conservative Party manifesto (Pitts 2001) with punitive rhetoric becoming associated with political success (Smith 2007). By the 1992 general election a return to bi-partisanship was argued in the form of being tough on crime as a means to political victory (Downes Morgan 2002). Following Labours 1992 defeat policies were transferred from the reinvented and electorally successful Democrats (Pitts 2001) argued to have rescued the Labour Party from perpetual opposition (Pitts 2001 p18, Hudson Lowe 2004) which included a punitive approach towards crime. This was evident the month before James Bulgers death when the Shadow Home Secretary, Tony Blair declared how New Labour were tough on crime, tough on causes of crime (cited in Pitts 2001 p19). Political posturing is argued to have become part of youth justice continuing throughout the 1990s with Labours new approach suggested to have heightened Conservative government punitiveness. It is argued that rather than being a catalyst for policy change, the murder of James Bulger may have accelerated the punitive turn. The abolition of doli incapax may be associated with this event but it is argued that events prior to James Bulgers death were already influencing youth justice policy (Smith 2007). The tone of political communication highlights the argued political exploitation of youth fear with labels like vermin (Goldson 2002 p392). John Major illustrated an assumed punitive consensus (Hall et al 1978), saying how society needs to condemn a little more and understand a little less and Kenneth Clarke called for increased court powers, emphasising hostility towards really persistent, nasty little juveniles (Smith 2007 p25). McRobbie and Thornton argue hegemony is overstated due to the potential plurality of reactions (2004 p72), something Jewkes also points out, describing how public and media cohesion is overstated (cited in Newburn 2007 p100), although it is noted that fragmented hegemonic activity may be seen, for example with Thatcherism and the Daily Mail (McRobbie Thornton 2004). Following on from the deviance amplification model, it may be argued that in some cases governments may increase deviancy through the interventions they initiate (Brown 2005). Conclusion It has been suggested that the media is powerful in shaping societys response to young people who break the law, being a primary information source. One of the ways in which the media shapes societys response is by creating the impression that youth crime is more widespread that really is the case. The problems that some deviant youth experience are grossly under represented such as the health issues of The Terror Triplets and the potential that at least one of James Bulgers attackers may have also been a ten year old victim of sexual abuse. Problems also include the failure to circulate general information such as the dark figure of crime for fraud, the adult age of most known offenders or a fall in the peak offending age. The simplified and exaggerated way in which youth are represented is argued to cause widespread societal panic and irrational fears, for example the anticipation of similar repeat activity in the case of rare crimes such as the murder of James Bulger. Explanations for the activity such as its not only this may feed the panic, resulting in greater fears about unrelated factors and in the case of the early 1990s lead to a total panic about youth. Authority action may be influenced by the public interest generated by a moral panic, and in the case of hegemony societys response to the media may be the provision of consent for authority action. It was argued that moral panics also have the potential to be entertaining and do not always include moralising. The cohesiveness of response to a moral panic may be overstated with the plurality of media highlighted. The idea of a total panic about youth was considered and the blurring of boundaries illustrated as having the potential to diffuse anxieties through debate widening, or heighten concerns and inform state action, as with the petition in the Bulger case. In conclusion, evidence may support the model described by Cohen, it is suggested however that other perspectives highlight that the way in which the media and society interact with respect to young people who break the law is more complex.

Why ANZAC day should never be forgotten :: Australia Australian History

Anzac day is part of Australia, its history, its nationhood and its people. From the day the 1st AIF (Australian Imperial Force) was created in WW1 to now in 2008 with the war in Iraq. Australia has proved herself time and time again to the world by showing the true bravery of her people. Australia is a young nation and only underwent federation in 1901 and 14 years later faced a major crisis. The July Crisis of 1914 where a 19 year old terrorist, a member of the â€Å"black hand† a Serbian terrorist organisation, shot at point blank range Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife while they were on a visit to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia. This ignited the fuse of one of the deadliest wars that the earth has ever seen. The Austro-Hungarian Empire took this as a chance to declare war on Serbia. Germany backed up the Austro-Hungarian’s decision and almost forced them to declare war quickly on Serbia, which Austro- Hungary did. Russia began to mobilise her army’s to aid in Serbia’s defence. Germany in fear of encirclement by allied forces began to activate â€Å"the Schiliffen Plan† in which Germany forced its way around France through Belgium. When Germany attacked Belgium, England which had a treaty signed with Belgium began to mobilis e her ships. This is when Australia received the call of duty from Europe. People began to rejoice and enlistment started immediately with a vast number of people signing up within days the 1st AIF was raised and equipment was bought. Australia gave control of the unit and its Navy over to England and it was decided after the troops were trained that they were to be deployed to Cairo where they underwent more training for harsher climates. Looking at the diary entries of these young men in the AIF you can understand that they were eager to look out for one another and ready for the attack and all were in high spirits and happy the night before the tragic landing. Some people say that here is where Australia underwent its â€Å"baptism by fire† and learnt through the harshness and hell of war about being a nation and a united people. Many were killed in the tragic landing but besides this A.N.Z.A.C troops were harsh, quick and brutal as soon as they scrambled up the beach head began to make a bold and courageous charge at the enemy bayonets sharpened and at the ready.

Drinking Alcohol Causes Sexual Assault Essay -- Expository Cause Effec

Drinking Alcohol Causes Sexual Assault There is a definite correlation between alcohol and sexual assault. A sexual assault can be defined as a sexual act occurring without verbal consent, or when force is used in a sexual encounter against the other person's will. Of all the men who admit to committing sexual assault, 55% report being under the influence of alcohol at the time, with 26% of the men being drunk (Stanford University, 1999). Of all the women who report being sexually assaulted, 53% of them report being under the influence of alcohol, with 21% of these women being drunk (Stanford University, 1999). These facts suggest that alcohol is a major factor in sexual assaults. Crimes such as these could be greatly reduced if alcohol was not in the picture. Unfortunately, there are many sexual assaults, or rapes, per year. According to the Affirmative Action Office at Iowa State University, there have been at least two reported rapes per weekend since classes have begun this year. Throughout the United States in 1996, there were 98,000 completed rapes, and 219,000 attempted rapes (Stanford University, 1999). Most of these assaults were upon women. In fact, women were ten times more likely than men to become victims of rape or sexual assault in 1996, a reality that still holds true (Stanford University, 1999). The number of sexual assaults upon men is so minor that statistics are rarely given. Alcohol plays a major factor in many sexual assault and rape cases. There are many reasons for why alcohol is such a clear component of sexual assault. The first reason that many assaults involve alcohol is that it has severe effects on the human body. The effects of alcohol on a man and woman are different. When a man co... ...xual assault, act responsibly around alcohol, or steer clear of it completely Works Cited Abbey, Antonia. "Acquaintance Rape and Alcohol Consumption on College Campuses." Journal of American College Health. Vol. 39, January 1991. http://www2.bitstream.net/~alpropes/resc/al Alcohol and Acquaintance Rape: Strategies to Protect Yourself and Each Other. The Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention Center. 1995. http://www.edc.org/hec. Alcohol Impairment Chart. The National Clearing house for Alcohol and Drug Information. Oct. 1998. http://www.health.org/pubs/qdocs/alcohol-bad-chrt.htm Rohypnol Facts- The "Date Rape Drug." Midland Police Service. 4 March 1999. http://www.police.midland.on.ca/rohypnol.html The Relationship Between Alcohol and Sexual Assault. Stanford University. 1999 http://www.stanford.edu/group/bbeam/alcohol

Private cars should be banned in Hong Kong Essay

In this modern world, the majority of people in rich cities own cars. Cars are cool, comfortable, and convenient. But have people ever thought about and realized the damage private cars are doing to our community? I think not. People buy cars for their own benefit, with no regard for the fact that the emissions from vehicles are contributing to global warming. Moreover, especially in overpopulated Hong Kong, the high density of private cars causes massive traffic jams and accidents. Therefore, the environment would be better off if private cars were banned in Hong Kong. It would not only reduce the effect of global warming, but also decrease the risk of disastrous accidents. Therefore, I strongly believe that all private cars should be banned in Hong Kong for the benefit of our polluted society. Hospital deaths due to respiratory and circulatory diseases, and nitrogen dioxide and respiratory moralities, reflect the impact of air pollution in Hong Kong caused by car emissions. A lot of people are suffering from asthma attack due to the polluted air in Hong Kong. And there is too much oxide going into the atmosphere and producing the greenhouse effect. In Hong Kong, nearly 10 % of the population own cars. And the density of traffic is really high, meaning if everyone drives their car at the same time, there is not enough road space to accommodate all cars. So there will be more traffic jams and a much higher risk of accidents. In one week, there is at least a few car crashes, and on a yearly basis, there is bound to be at least a few hundreds. Also, getting caught in a traffic jam wastes a lot of fuel with undue emissions causing even more air pollution. Fuels are expensive in Hong Kong and fossil fuels are running out rapidly. If people do not take private cars and use public transport instead, then less fuel is used. Every morning when we go to school, there is always traffic jam, and at least half the road space is taken up by private cars. In Hong Kong, rarely a 7 seat car is full. It is almost impossible to find one that is full. So that wastes a lot of space. If people take public transport instead, the seats will be fully utilized. Despite all those disadvantages, I must say that cars are more comfortable than public buses, and that we have more space and freedom inside our own vehicle. Also most people consider taking private cars saves more time than waiting for buses. But have people ever pondered that taking public buses is just as fast without the private cars blocking the road, and having private cars actually obstructs and slows down the travelling speed and therefore wastes even more time. And owning a private car is only for our own selfish enjoyment. People may argue that with more people using private cars, car manufacturers enjoy more business, but that would also mean lower requirement for public vehicles and hence fewer jobs for bus drivers. If everyone believes that every family should own a car, public transport will no longer be in demand and many jobs will be lost to the local community. With all these disadvantages, I believe that establishing a law to ban private cars is the right thing to do. It not only helps save money, decreases the risk of car accidents, eases traffic flows, but also contributes to a better environment. I forcefully urge that we should ban private cars in Hong Kong.

Of Mice and Men – Why Curley is Intimidating?

In the book, Of Mice and Men, Curley is the antagonist who creates problems for George and Lennie. He is a pugnacious man who is small in stature. Curley has a Napoleonic complex and tries to compensate for his small size by fighting with people who are larger than him. This makes him feel bigger. The reason he is able to intimidate everyone by fighting, is that he has power over everyone. Being the boss’ son he has no fear of punishment and is able to do anything with impunity.He uses his freedom as an advantage, while he can fight someone and not get into any trouble the other person will and will not fight back. Lastly, he has an excuse to fight; Curley is small and if he thinks someone bigger than him is intimidating he can fight them. The main reason Curley is able to intimidate everyone is because he can do anything without the fear of punishment. Curley is the boss’ son and has a high power over the other workers. He is able to pick a fight without the punishment of losing a job.Curley’s freedom is intimating to other people, they know that Curley is able to do anything to them, and with his aggressive personality they are afraid that he could do something very severe. Most people like Curley will bluff and say they would fight, but with Curley the other people know he will do it. This lack of restrictions is a reason to fight more; since there is no punishment he does it more. Curley, with his ability to do anything with impunity will cause great hardship for both Lennie and George.Curley is very intimidating to everyone because he has the advantage of freedom. Not only that he can do anything he wants without a consequence, but the other person cannot do anything back to him. The other people know that even if Curley fights them they cannot fight back in fear of trouble. He can threaten other people by trying to get them fired. For example, George is afraid that Curley will pick a fight on Lennie and when Lennie fights back they wi ll lose their job. Not only are people afraid of losing their jobs, but they are afraid because there are many people on Curley’s side.In the book, Candy says â€Å"S’pose Curley jumps a big guy an’ licks him. Ever’body says what a game guy Curley is. And s’pose he does the same thing and gets licked. Then ever’body says the big guy oughtta pick somebody his own size, and maybe they gang up on the big guy. † This gives him a sense of power, he feels bigger because people are afraid to even throw a punch at him. With Curley around the ranch it will be very hard for George and Lennie to keep their jobs. Curley is intimidating to both George and Lennie, mainly because he finds any excuse to fight with them.Curley always got â€Å"a chip on his shoulder,† he is looking for any excuse to engage in a conflict. For example, when he sees Lennie, he gets mad at wants to fight. He uses Lennie’s large build as a reason to â€Å"sc rap†. Even George wonders, â€Å"What the hell’s he got on his shoulder? Lennie didn’t do nothing to him.† It turns out Curley just thinks Lennie is intimidating. George is also afraid that Curley’s wife will create problems. George has to guard Lennie from her or Curley could use her as an excuse to fight with him, even though Curley’s wife is a flirtatious woman.Curley can create many excuses and all of them are valid because of his high power. All the reasons that Curley is able to intimidate people with, are tied in with power. With power comes impunity, and being the boss’ son gives him the freedom to do anything without consequence. Since people are afraid to start a conflict with him, because of fear of punishment, Curley feels a sense of power over other people. Lastly all the excuses Curly makes are valid because of his power. Curley uses his authority in a way that intimidates everyone.