Thursday, December 19, 2019

The Homeland Security Risk Management - 1239 Words

Homeland Security Risk Management Olgera Haywood American Military University Introduction Homeland security in United States comprises of complex and competing requirements, incentives, and interests that need to be managed and balanced effectively to achieve the desired national objectives. Security, resilience and safety of the country are endangered by different hazards such as cyberspace attacks, terrorism, manmade accidents, pandemics, natural disasters and transnational crimes which are part of external risks affecting homeland security. Internal risks such as projects costs, workforce management and acquisition operations also affect the security. Internal and external risks impact the country in diverse ways such as human death, environmental degradation, injuries, economic loss, among other negative impacts. Department of Homeland Security and other involved partners should be in a position to manage and understand the different risks to security. The security state current is dynamic and relying on past cannot completely inform decision making (CRS, 2007). Risk management therefore is a process of analyzing, communicating and identifying risk and avoiding, accepting, controlling or transferring the risk to acceptable limits considering benefits and costs of measures taken with the aim of ensuring improving security decisions. Risk management enterprise in homeland security Department of Homeland security together with other players in theShow MoreRelatedRisk Management And Homeland Security1309 Words   |  6 PagesRisk Management and Homeland Security The nation’s homeland security is a very multifaceted environment which must be controlled to effective function at its highest potential. â€Å"The safety, security, and resilience of the Nation are threatened by an array of hazards, including acts of terrorism, manmade accidents, and natural disasters† (DHS., 2011). All together, homeland security agencies must manage risks at all levels connected with an array of components. Collectively, these external andRead MoreRisk Management Within The Homeland Security1115 Words   |  5 Pages Risk management within the homeland security Dustin S. Smith American Military University Abstract The department of homeland security uses an equation that will assess our economy, actions, public affairs, natural occurrences, consequences, threat, and vulnerability of threats. The component itself can be quite complex and problems exist in components through risk measures. The performance of modern technology depends on combinations of specific systems that are affectedRead MoreThe Homeland Security And Risk Management Programs1213 Words   |  5 PagesThe Homeland security has been faced with a multitude of threats as the United States encounters new enemies as well as ongoing natural disasters. Regarding the topic of risk management lays an intriguing question. This question is how to appropriately coordinate risk management programs while acknowledging elements of focus in regards to different assets and the manner in which these assets are used. The homeland security uses risk assessments on all areas, which this paper will be focusing on,Read MoreRisk Management Within Hom eland Security Essay1187 Words   |  5 Pages Risk Management within Homeland Security Risk management is applied in numerous ways by various agencies and organizations within the U.S. national security apparatus. One manner in which risk management is utilized by the Department of Defense is to mitigate vulnerabilities to personnel during military operations. Whether or not to recruit and deploy a double-agent is a primary focus of risk management within the CIA’s Counterespionage Group. Moreover, evaluating security threats toRead MoreRisk Management Within The Homeland Security Enterprise1245 Words   |  5 PagesRisk Management within the Homeland Security Enterprise Risk has been defined as the likelihood of a specific outcome and the results or consequences of that specific outcome (Masse, O’Neil, Rollins, 2007). Risk is inherent to every facet of life. There are risks involved in the mundane of driving down the road or walking on a sidewalk. Certain factors are added which increases the risk of conducting these mundane tasks. For example, driving at a high rate of speed during a rain storm exponentiallyRead MoreThe Role Of Risk Management On The Homeland Security Enterprise1361 Words   |  6 Pagesattacks against the United States, a series of risk management evaluations were created by the US Federal Government to assess the future risks the homeland was going to face. When the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was officially created in 2002, more effective risk management assessments were re-designed to evaluate the past and present dangers, prevent them and respond successfully to more terrorist attacks. Since 2001 until 2007, a development of risk assessment has been divided in phases toRead MoreRole Of Risk Management Within The Homeland Security Enterprise1271 Words   |  6 Pagesability of the Department of Homeland Security to effectively manage risk is vital to national security. Risk in general, is something that is permanent but because this is known, strategies can be used to mitigate situations as they present themselves. Government managers must manage risk in a complex environment taking into consideration the diverse missions and multiple objectives of public agencies (Hardy, 2014). The role of risk management within the homeland security enterprise was managed byRead MoreWhat Role Does Risk Management Play Within The Homeland Security Enterprise?1186 Words   |  5 PagesWhat role does risk management play within the homeland security enterprise? To answer that question we first have to examine what risk management is. Risk management is an anaclitic approach to figuring out the likelihood that an event will impact a specific assets, person, or function and then implementing steps to mitigate the impact or consequence of the event. (Decker, 2001) The Standard risk management formula that the Department of Homeland Security uses is R=T*V*C or Risk = Threat * VulnerabilityRead MoreThe Department Of Homeland Security Essay786 Words   |  4 Pagesdeter and prevent attacks on our homeland and as well as deter and threats from potentially occurring. Following 9/11, the Department of Defense has been entrusted with the role in the management of risks facing the United Sates. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has stated that it will apply risk management principles to homeland security operations and has stated â€Å"Ultimately, homeland security is about effectively managing risks to the Nation’s security† (DHS 2010, pg. 2). This is muchRead MoreStrategic Planning, Resource Allocation And Grant Funding1362 Words   |  6 Pagesat some point carries a certain level of risk based on a decision or choice made to meet a specific goal. Things taken for granted such as driving from one point to another or shopping at your local grocery store carry certain risk. The variables that affect the level of risk range from low to extreme. The issue with risk is there never is an absolute number of mitigating solutions that will neutralize risk 100% of the time. If something was essentially risk free, there would be no room for error or

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Observations of Chemical Changes free essay sample

All substances (matter with a definite composition) have characteristics that be used to identify them. These characteristics are referred to as properties. The properties of substances can either chemical or physical. Physical properties are those that do not change the chemical nature of a substance. Dying an Easter egg blue will alter the appearance of the egg not it’s make up. If the nature of a substance were to be altered then the chemical properties have been affected. A good example of a chemical change can be seen repeatedly in our textbook each time a chemical is oxidized. For more examples of physical and chemical substance properties see the map in figure 1. 1. Physical properties are quiet simple to calculate. Determining the solubility or boiling point of a chemical for example is pretty cut and dry. I think this is most likely due to the fact that physical changes do not alter the identity of a substance. Chemical changes, in my opinion, are not as easy to recognize as physical changes. Chemical changes are determined by how a substance reacts with one or more substances when forming compounds. These reactions are known as chemical reactions. (Plaster, Soil Science pg. 13) Not all chemicals will react when mixed with another chemical; while some chemicals can be explosive or toxic when mixed with other chemicals. In previous science courses (soil science and chemistry), and in every day life, I have learned there are â€Å"observable clues† that can be used as indicators of a chemical change. When I drop an Emergent-C tab into a glass of water it reacts by fizzing or bubbling quickly until dissolved. The bubbles are created from gas production. It drives me nuts when a restaurant offers Splenda instead of Sweet-n-Low as a sugar substitute because Splenda doesn’t completely dissolve (insoluble) decaffeinated iced tea. Some Splenda will remain suspended in my glass while some settles in the bottom of my glass. The tea and Splenda formed a compound, but the insoluble Splenda is called a precipitate or a double replacement reaction. (Brown, pg. 47) Ever mixed two clear chemicals together and the compound magically turned a different color. I learned quickly, during a lab about reactions in aqueous solutions last semester that a color change can be a good indicator of a chemical reaction. Prior to beginning my chemistry labs this semester I watched a Lab Paq safety video. The Lab Paq host reminded me that chemicals can react to absorb or give off heat. Temperature changes are classified as exothermic, heat/energy releasing or endothermic, heat/energy absorbing and are both chemical reactions. Figure 1. 1: Properties of Substances (Chang, Raymond, Chemistry, 13th Edition, 2013, McGraw Hill. and www. chemistry. about. com, accecced 9/18/2013) Physical Properties of a Substance Chemical Properties of a Substance Color, smell, and luster Heat of combustion Concentration, fluidity, flow rate Reactivity with water or other chemicals Freezing, melting, and boiling point pH Density, mass, volume Enthalpy of formation Distribution, area Toxicity Electrical conductivity Chemical stability Permeability Flammability Solubility Oxidation states II. Objective Use household products to observe and better understand the chemical properties associated with chemical reactions III. Materials ToothpicksSafety gogglesPaper towels Sheet of white paperWell-Plate-24Pipet, short stem Sheet of dark paperWell-Plate-96Household cleaning supplies IV. Chemicals Ammonia (aq), 1 M – 1 mLBromthymol Blue, 0. 04% 2 mL (in Pipet) Cooper (III) Sulfate, 0. 2 M – 2 mL (in Pipet)FDC Blue Dye #-1, 0. 01% 2 mL (in Pipet) Hydrochloric Acid, 1. 0 M- 1 mLLead (II) Nitrate, 0. 2 M 2 mL (in Pipet) Phenolphthalein Solution 1% 1 mLPotassium Iodine, 0. 1 M – 2 mL (in Pipet) Silver Nitrate, 0. 1 N 2 mL (Dropper Bottle)Sodium Bicarbonate, 1M 2 mL (in Pipet) Sodium Bicarbonate, 1 M – 2 mL (in Pipet)Sodium Hydroxide, 1 M – 1 mL Sodium Hypochlorite, 1% 2 mL (in Pipet)Starch Solution, 1% Stabilized – 2 mL (in Pipet) V. Experiment I will follow each step listed for each of the chemical combinations listed below (under step #4. Titled: Chemical Combinations). A different well of the 96-well plate will be used for each combination. Each chemical combination will be completed 3 times to watch for discrepancies, maintain consistency, and for observations to be made on my beige counter, on white paper, and on black paper. 1. Place 2 pipet drops of the first chemical into one well. 2. Add 2 drops of the second chemical into the same well. 3. Observe: Slide the light and dark sheets of paper (backgrounds) under the well-plate. Record the well-plate number of each mixture next to the coinciding observation 4. Once all combinations have been performed, observations have been recorded, and questions have been reviewed I will clean up. a) Dispose of leftover chemicals by pouring down them sink and flushing with water. b) Rinse the well-plate pipet. Use distilled water for final rinse. Dry the well-plate. d) Wipe down work area with soap and water and wash hands w/ soap water Chemical Combinations Data Table 1: Reactions Expected Well # Chemicals Qualitative Reactions Observed A (1, 2, 3) NaHCO? and HCl CO? No precipitate or color change B (1, 2, 3) HCl and BTB HCl is a strong acid should turn yellow, produces H3O+ ions C (1, 2, 3) NH? and BTB NH3 is basic should turn blue, produces OH- ions D (1, 2, 3) HCl and Blue Dye Not sure, HCl is a strong acid E (1, 2, 3) Blue Dye and NaOCl Not sure, NaOCl (learned about in soil science) it’s used in bleach, can purify water, inexpensive, soluble in water, oxidizing agent F (1, 2, 3) Kl and Pb(NO? )? K (group 1) soluble with I (group 17), Pb Nitrate soluble, K and Nitrates soluble, but Pb and I are an exception; their insolubility will create a precipitate G (1, 2, 3) NaOH and Phenolphthalein NaOH is a base, OH- ions will be produced, solution will turn pinkish- red H(1, 2, 3) HCl and Phenolphthalein HCl is an acid, H3O+ ions are produced, solution will remain clear A (10, 11, 12) NaOH and AgNO? Tried to work a ton of times, but still not sure how these two will react, OH- may precipitate with silver J (10, 11, 12) AgNO? and NH? According to our e-text NH3 is a weak electrolyte, should form NH4+ OH- ions, lab manual suggest patience during this test, causes me to think this reaction is slow, in 2 or more parts, or a reversing reaction K (10, 11, 12) NH? and CuSO? Sulfates ammonium are soluble, Copper will precipitate or be insoluble, H3O+ ions may be produced VI. Observations/Results *The reaction with the best background for observations is highlighted pale yellow Data Table 1: Reactions Observed (on my beige kitchen counter) Well # Chemicals Qualitative Reactions Observed A (1, 2, 3) NaHCO? and HCl CO? Immediate fizzing, Bubbling; translucent Liquid B (1, 2, 3) HCl and BTB Golden yellow at first, then orange color; translucent Liquid C (1, 2, 3) NH? and BTB Royal to deep blue, almost a has a hint of purple, 5 minutes later looked navy blue, translucent Liquid D (1, 2, 3) HCl and Blue Dye Emerald green color, swirls of dark green for first 10-15 sec. ; Opaque liquid E (1, 2, 3) Blue Dye and NaOCl No color change, no bubbles, no precipitate F (1, 2, 3) Kl and Pb(NO? )? Yellow opaque liquid, pale yellow precipitate G (1, 2, 3) NaOH and Phenolphthalein Dark radish red, almost fuchsia in color, no precipitate H(1, 2, 3) HCl and Phenolphthalein White precipitate, hazy liquid A (10, 11, 12) NaOH and AgNO? Fibrous brown baby pooh floating in the bathtub, settles after 3 minutes and brown color fades to grey J (10, 11, 12) AgNO? and NH? Every so slight fizz K (10, 11, 12) NH? and CuSO? Baby to Light Blue in color, cloudy liquid Data Table 2: Reactions Observed (WHITE Background) Well #/Question Chemical Reaction A (1, 2, 3) NaHCO? and HCl CO? Tough to see, but could hear it fizz B (1, 2, 3) HCl and BTB Golden yellow at first, then orange color; translucent Liquid, no precipitate or bubbles C (1, 2, 3) NH? and BTB Turned dark blue with a hint of purple, no precipitate or bubbles D (1, 2, 3) HCl and Blue Dye Swirls of dark emerald green worked through the solution, possible slight precipitate, no bubbles E (1, 2, 3) Blue Dye and NaOCl No visible change in color, no precipitate or bubbles F (1, 2, 3) Kl and Pb(NO? )? Yellow opaque liquid, pale yellow cloudy precipitate, started to settle within 10-15 seconds G (1, 2, 3) NaOH and Phenolphthalein Dark radish red, almost fuchsia in color, no precipitate H(1, 2, 3) HCl and Phenolphthalein Looks like a cup of sprite almost done bubbling or almost out of carbonation, Dark radish red, almost fuchsia in color, white hazy precipitate A (10, 11, 12) NaOH and AgNO? Murky water brown, with fine particles floating around J (10, 11, 12) AgNO? and NH? Hard to see on white paper K (10, 11, 12) NH? and CuSO? Very light to baby blue color change, white cloudy precipitate, no bubbles present Data Table 3: Reactions Observed (BLACK Background) Well #/Question Chemical Reaction A (1, 2, 3) NaHCO? and HCl CO? Layers of various sized bubbles throughout the solution, bubbles and fizzed upon contact with HCl, B (1, 2, 3) HCl and BTB Golden yellow at first, then orange color; translucent Liquid, no precipitate or bubbles, but appeared to lighten in color over time C (1, 2, 3) NH? and BTB Tough to see on black background, almost appeared black in color D (1, 2, 3) HCl and Blue Dye Tough to see on black background, almost appeared black in color E (1, 2, 3) Blue Dye and NaOCl No visible change in color, no precipitate or bubbles F (1, 2, 3) Kl and Pb(NO? )? Yellow precipitate chunks really popped on black, could see cloud forming, looked like a bomb exploding dust and debris up and outwards G (1, 2, 3) NaOH and Phenolphthalein Dark crimson red almost blackish-red with a hint of fuchsia in color, no precipitate H(1, 2, 3) HCl and Phenolphthalein Swirls of small foamy bubbles and a white precipitate forms causing the liquid to be hazy or opaque A (10, 11, 12) NaOH and AgNO? Thick gravy texture, brown sludge eventually settles to the bottom of the well J (10, 11, 12) AgNO? and NH? No color change, has a white precipitate that over time almost completely dissolves K (10, 11, 12) NH? and CuSO? Baby blue color change, white cloudy precipitate, form is easiest to see, clouds seem to dissolve slightly, but blue liquid is murky and opaque VII. Calculations/Errors Before beginning my chemical changes exercise I tried to determine the chemical changes and reaction products. Even though I couldn’t finish all of them it really helped me to know what to look for. Plus, I felt more invested in the lab and more aware of what may be happening chemically to the solutions. Chemical Chemical Equation (to the best of my ability) NaHCO? and HCl CO? NaHCO3 + HCl ? NaCl + CO2 + H2O HCl and BTB H+Cl- + C27H28Br2O5S ? H3O+ + Cl- + (unknown) NH? and BTB NH3 + C27H28Br2O5S ? NH4+ + OH- (unknown) HCl and Blue Dye H+Cl- + C37H34N2Na2O9S3 ? H3O+ + Cl- + (unknown) Blue Dye and NaOCl C37H34N2Na2O9S3 + NaOCl ? + + (unknown) Kl and Pb(NO? )? Pb(NO3)2 + 2KI ? PbI2 + 2KNO3 NaOH and Phenolphthalein NaOH + C2OH14O4 ? NaO2 + CO2 + H2O HCl and Phenolphthalein HCl + C2OH14O4 ? NaOH and AgNO? 2NaOH + 2AgNO3 ? Ag2O + 2NaNO3 + H2OAg2O AgNO? and NH? AgNO3 + NH3 ? NH4+ + OH- + AgO NH? and CuSO? NH? + CuSO? ? NH4+SO4- + Cu + OH- VIII. Discussion/Conclusion During the lab exercise I was given the task of observing chemical changes. I observed double replacement reaction, precipitation reaction, reactions between various chemicals with Bromothymol Blue and Phenolphthalein (acid/base indicators). In the e-text book, Chemistry: The Central Science (Twelfth Edition) , I learned about properties of acids and bases in chapter 4. I was able to use what I learned to aid in understanding what I observed chemically during this exercise. BTB or Bromothymol Blue (acid/base indicators – by color) Acids turned orange with a hint of yellow at the start of the reaction. Bases turned dark blue. Phenolphthalein (acid/base indicator – by color or lack of) Neutral and acidic solutions had no chemical reaction (color change) when combined with the phenolphthalein. Bases on the other hand turned as pink as a radish. Rate of Reaction I’m curious as to way some reactions take so much longer than others. I wonder if it has something to do with how strong of an acid or base it is, or something to do electromagnetic attraction of anions and cations, maybe solubility plays a big role. I’m uncertain what factor or factors determine the rate at which a reaction takes place, but I’d be an interesting topic to look into Knowing the rate of a reaction can aid in maintaining safety or enable one to speed up or slow down a desired reaction. I am now wondering all the possible benefits of knowing the rate of a reaction when it comes to soil and water remediation. Hmmmm†¦ Most importantly, I learned more about physical and chemical changes that could aid in the identification of unknown substances. I was able to practice the scientific method, write and predict chemical equations, get better acquainted with ionic charges (cations and anions), enforce what I learned in chapter 3 about replacement reactions, precipitates and more. I experienced first-hand the indicators that signal a chemical reaction is taking place (e. g. : gas evolution, heat/energy change, color change, and precipitate reaction). IX. Questions A. I could test for the presence of sodium hydrogen carbonate (sodium bicarbonate) in a household product by repeating one of test conducted early in the lab and comparing results. Test: 1. Place 2 pipet drops of the household cleaner into one well. 2. Add 2 drops of HCl (hydrochloric acid) into the same well. 3. Observe, waft smell, record 3. If bubbles are produced then CO2 gas was created and if a Clorox bleach smell is produced then I would assume sodium bicarbonate is present in the cleaner B. Phenolphthalein remains clear when testing an acid or a pH neutral substance and pinkish-red when testing a base. Bromothymol blue turns yellow when testing an acid, green when pH is neutral and blue when testing a base. I tested the household cleaning chemicals below, recorded my observations, and recorded my interpretation of the results. Data Table 2: Reactions Observed Well # Chemical Reaction Interpretation A 12 Windex BTB Dark blue in color, no precip. Windex is basic B 12 Dish Soap BTB Bright yellow color, Dish soap is surprisingly acidic C 12 Lysol Pheno. Light pink color, no precipitate Lysol is basic C. Suppose I found a sample of solution with a faint odor resembling vinegar. I then decided to verify the presence of vinegar by adding a few drops of phenolphthalein. The sample turned pink. I could assume the odor may resemble vinegar, but the sample does not contain vinegar. Vinegar is an acid. In earlier test, only bases turned pinkish-red when mixed with phenolphthalein. D. Using BTB (bromothymol blue), I selected five flavors of the new wave Vitamin Water to test their claimed pH neutrality. Three of the flavor-samples turn a murkey green when combined with BTB, indicating the likelyhood of acid/base (neutral) balance. Of the two remaining samples, one turns slightly yellow when combined with BTB, indicating the pH is most likely 6. 0 or slightly lower and more acidic then the first three samples. The fifth and final sample tested remained blue when combined with BTB, indicating the pH is 7. 6 or higher and is more basic then the first three samples. E. I devised the simple test below to confirm the presence of lead (Pb, an ingredient in Grecian Formula) in a new brand of hair tonic. Test To test the tonic for lead (Pb) I would combined a sample of Pb with potassium iodine (an acid). KI and Pb() react to form a precipitate when combined. If the hair tonic and potassium iodine react to form a bright yellow precipitate I could assume the tonic does indead contain lead. Background Knowledge (Includes: lead, aqueous reactions, precipitate, solubility, replacement reaction) Chemical Equation Pb(NO3)2(aq) + 2KI(aq) PbI2(s) + 2KNO3(aq) Double Replacement Reaction Pb2+(NO3-)2(aq) + 2K+I-(aq) Pb2+I-2(s) + 2K+NO3-(aq) Atoms like to have full valence (outer) electron shells with eight electrons. Depending on how full the valence shell of an element is determines its ability to attract another atom’s electrons. Ions are charged atoms which have lost or gained electrons. Cations are positive charged ions. While negative charged atoms are called anions. Ever heard the saying, â€Å"opposites attract†? Well, the saying is true in chemical reactions. The reaction between lead nitrate and potassium iodine is a double replacement reactions, Meaning the oppositely charged cations and anions â€Å"switch partners†. Net Ionic Equation Pb(NO3)2(aq) + 2KI(aq) PbI2(s) Group one potassium (K), iodine (I), and nitrates (NO3) are soluble in aqueous solutions. Lead (Pb) is soluble with Nitrates (NO3). However, Lead (Pb) is a not soluble with any group 17 elements (F-, Cl-, Br-, I-, and At-). Therefore, two soluble reactants combined to form one insoluble product: a solid bright yellow precipitate. G. During this lab exercise I allowed the chemicals NH3 and CuSO4 to react. The reaction produced a dark blue precipitate known as tetramminecopper(II) sulfate. The ammonia fumes have been known to waft from animal excrement and interact with nearby copper ammunition cartridges, damaginh the casing. Suppose a sample of this metal casing was collected from the site for analysis A researcher recorded the mass of a graduated cylinder filled with 10. 0 mL of water as 14. 1 g. (1mL = 1cm3 = 1g for pure H2O) Volume of H2O: 10. 0 mLMass of Graduated Cylinder: 4. 1 g She placed a chunk of the metal casing into the cylinder and recorded the volume as 11. 4 mL, its mass increased to 16. 6 g. Volume of metal chunk: 1. 4 mLMass of metal chunk: 2. 5 g Density = Mass/Volume or D= m/V in g/cm3 or g/mL D = 2. 5 g/1. 4 mL D = 1. 79 g/mL The density of the metal chunk is 1. 79 g/mL. H. Two pipette drops of each liquid in the table below were allowed to react for one minute. After reviewing the data recorded I can assume the unknown is NH3. I came to this conclusion because the unknown turned pale pink in phenolphthalein an indication it is a base with a pH above 7. 6. The unknown didn’t react with NaHCO3 indicating the substance must be soluble and relatively basic. The student could confirm their choice by testing the unknowns response to CuSO4. If the solution changes to baby blue and a cloudy precipitate forms then the student could assume the unknown is indeed CuSO4. Unknown Phenolphthalein The phenolphthalein turned the unknown pale pink. NaHCO3 No reaction seen Pb(NO3)2 White solid (precipitate formed) AgNO3 Nothing happened I. This lab exercise allowed me to observe several chemical and physical changes. It also improved my ability to recognize the difference between chemical and physical changes. Below I identified and explained some chemical and physical changes.

Tuesday, December 3, 2019

Night Time In Denver Essays - Carrie, English-language Films

Night Time In Denver One day Carrie and Jerry were walking home from school, and there was an ambulance at the next door neighbors house. They asked what was wrong and they found out that Mr. Zooman (that is what the kids call him) had a heart attack (that's what they thought). And what do Carrie and Jerry care about it? He was a weird person anyway. That night Carrie and Jerry decide to climb the big brick fence that surrounded the house. They just wanted to check out what was there. They got their flashlights and shovels and started walking toward the house. They climbed the fence and had a rough drop down the fence. They looked around and saw huge plans; they were shaped like animals. Jerry looked up and saw a lion with wings; it was so big that he could fit his head into its mouth...If he wanted to. Jerry and Carrie were both scared, but they did not admit it. Ten they herd a rustle, Jerry said "here kitty kitty." Just to try to convince him that it was only a cat. But Jerry and Carrie both knew it was the plants. They started to dig in the roots and chop them down, but one grabbed Jerry and smashed him to the ground. They ran away. This time when they climbed the fence to run away it was much harder, but the did. The next day in school they talked about what happened and what they could do about it. Jerry had an Idea. They were going to have to go to visit Zooman in the hospital, to find out how to get ride of them. They thought about this. Why didn't he get ride of them? They would soon find out.

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Free Essays on Plato’s Republic - The Three Great Analogies

Plato’s Republic - The Three Great Analogies The Allegory of the Cave, like most things in philosophy, can be interpreted in many different ways. It basically says that people are chained to the wall of a cave and they have nothing to look at but shadows on the wall that are provided by another. This is all that they know and have never been out of the cave. The main point of the Allegory of the Cave is to give an example of the way that we all live our lives. Except for a chosen few like Christ, Gandhi and maybe even Socrates, no one is really enlightened, or has seen what life is all about. The remainder of us see what we think is reality when actually it is the "shadows" of true reality. The Shadow makers represent the opinions makers, or the people that make us look at the world the way we do. An opinion maker can be anyone, a priest telling you how God wants you to live, ones parents teach them morals or the television. These shadows make us think that this is the way to live and that this is what is important in the world. As stated before, few can break the chains and escape the cave. When they do and find out what true reality is, most come back and want to spread the truth. In most cases these people are looked down upon for not conforming to the minds of others. Look at Christ, he was crucified for trying to teach as was Socrates. The main point of the Allegory is to illustrate the way in which we live and show how what we think is reality, are really just shadows. I seem to think there is another meaning to the Allegory of the Cave. I do believe while on Earth some do break their chains and escape the cave to see what reality is. I also believe that the rest of us break these chains in death. The Allegory says that it is painful to break the chains, and in most cases death is not pleasant. Once out of the chains what to do, where to go is the question. Only when the sunlight is spotted from the cave entrance does one... Free Essays on Plato’s Republic - The Three Great Analogies Free Essays on Plato’s Republic - The Three Great Analogies Plato’s Republic - The Three Great Analogies The Allegory of the Cave, like most things in philosophy, can be interpreted in many different ways. It basically says that people are chained to the wall of a cave and they have nothing to look at but shadows on the wall that are provided by another. This is all that they know and have never been out of the cave. The main point of the Allegory of the Cave is to give an example of the way that we all live our lives. Except for a chosen few like Christ, Gandhi and maybe even Socrates, no one is really enlightened, or has seen what life is all about. The remainder of us see what we think is reality when actually it is the "shadows" of true reality. The Shadow makers represent the opinions makers, or the people that make us look at the world the way we do. An opinion maker can be anyone, a priest telling you how God wants you to live, ones parents teach them morals or the television. These shadows make us think that this is the way to live and that this is what is important in the world. As stated before, few can break the chains and escape the cave. When they do and find out what true reality is, most come back and want to spread the truth. In most cases these people are looked down upon for not conforming to the minds of others. Look at Christ, he was crucified for trying to teach as was Socrates. The main point of the Allegory is to illustrate the way in which we live and show how what we think is reality, are really just shadows. I seem to think there is another meaning to the Allegory of the Cave. I do believe while on Earth some do break their chains and escape the cave to see what reality is. I also believe that the rest of us break these chains in death. The Allegory says that it is painful to break the chains, and in most cases death is not pleasant. Once out of the chains what to do, where to go is the question. Only when the sunlight is spotted from the cave entrance does one...

Saturday, November 23, 2019

Scandinavian Airlines and Lufthansa Essays

Scandinavian Airlines and Lufthansa Essays Scandinavian Airlines and Lufthansa Essay Scandinavian Airlines and Lufthansa Essay Lufthansa: Going Global, but How to Manage Complexity Strayer University Business Administration Capstone – BUS 499 #004016 September 5, 2010 Describe the type of international strategy the company has chosen. An international strategy is a strategy through which the firm sells its goods or services outside its domestic market (Hitt, Ireland Hoskisson, 2009). Lufthansa tends to follow a transnational strategy that will help grow the company internationally and in their own country. Since the September 11 terrorist attacks airlines have been struggling to stay in business. The fear that passengers have is slowing diminishing but it is still affecting the airlines. Airlines have been forced to enforce many regulations and fees adding to their financial struggle. With any international strategy comes a risk. Lufthansa seems to have managed to survive many risks all while being one of three airlines where their debt is to the point of bankruptcy if they have not started it already. Since mergers are illegal across country boarders the response from Lufthansa was an alliance with Star Alliance (Hitt, Ireland Hoskisson). Star Alliance is an alliance that is made up of a partnership amongst several airlines, in an effort to offset costs and create value. The alliance has been a constant balancing act. The alliance was done to help reduce Lufthansa’s debt but has come with many challenges in managing the alliance with Star Alliance. The plan was to increase the revenue side of Star Alliance by keeping passengers’ loyalty to fly with them. Since the late 1999, Lufthansa has been running according to the value –based management. The aim of the value-based management approach applies to all planning, steering and monitoring processes in order to achieve a purposeful, long-term and continuous increase in enterprise value in investor’ and lenders interest (Lufthansa Investor Relations). Explain what means the company has used to expand internationally The biggest move that Lufthansa has done to expand internationally and help reduce their debt and increase revenue was to join with Star Alliance. Star Alliance is a group alliance with Lufthansa and airlines like Air Canada, United and SAS Scandinavian Airlines, just to name a few. They are a good option for intercontinental business travel. The alliance helps to reduce costs by coordinated flight schedules, have common lounges and baggage handling. Lufthansa has a few more cost saving strategies in place. While it does affect their employees, they have a cost saving structure resulting from slightly lower wages, they have smaller planes adjusted to the traffic density a reduced services level, an operating base in second-tier airports, and point-to-point-services so that the on time in the air is greater for â€Å"network† airplanes (Hitt, Ireland Hoskisson, 2009). They have also restored antique planes. Lufthansa has some of the newest built planes in their fleet but the rebuilt airplane is for the airplane enthusiast. Enthusiasts wait months and pay C259 ($400. 00) for a bumpy hour long ride on a 1936 Junkers-52 propeller plane (Lufthansa’s Labor of Love). To ensure safety of the passengers the planes are re-built every winter. Identify and describe the elements and objectives of Lufthansa’s cooperative strategy A cooperative strategy is a strategy in which firms work together to achieve a shared objective (Hitt, Ireland Hoskisson, 2009). The alliance that Lufthansa has with Star Alliance is almost by definition a cooperative strategy. The airlines that are in the alliance are all working together to cut costs and develop and grow each of their own airlines. The alliance is a partnership that works for all involved to include the right to leave the alliance. Lufthansa is the leading member in the Star Alliance (Hitt, Ireland Hoskisson). Lufthansa’s value-based management adds viable recognition of cooperative strategy. Lufthansa has a joint venture with Star Alliance that gives Lufthansa strength in its network in the transatlantic traffic. These networks have been used to gain the shared objectives of those in the alliance. Describe the uncertainties and challenges related to operating beyond the company’s national boundaries Having a stable airline is the key to a successful airline. If the airlines in the Star Alliance are not stable they will lose their place in the market. Many think of Lufthansa as the leader and integrator, because the biggest member, United Airlines, was preoccupied for more then three years with emerging from Chapter 11 bankruptcy procedures in the United States. With United Airlines otherwise occupied, Lufthansa was driving the revenue side thus implemented through â€Å"code sharing† leading to higher utilization of planes and infrastructure and sometimes economies of scale in purchasing and sales (Hitt, Ireland Hoskisson). One of the biggest challenges that Lufthansa, actually all airlines, are dealing with is global warming. This is something that most businesses do not need to think about. Airlines claim 3 percent of carbon dioxide comes from the air traffic but because of the higher altitude of the planes they number is rapidly growing and by 2020 the emission from air traffic might increase by 20 percent (Hitt, Ireland Hoskisson). Describe the potential risks of cooperative strategies The decision to be involved in a cooperative strategy is a risk in itself. You are trusting other firms to work with you in order to accomplish mutual goals of financial and organizational stability. One risk is the risk of trust. There is always a risk of one of the firms becoming involved in unethical practices for their own selfish gain. The firms have to trust that the alliance they have developed is based on productive and positive motives. The firms involved in the alliance have to be in it for the good times and bad. Another risk is the entrepreneurial risk. If any of the partners is not making available resources, that can not only bring down that company but it can bring down the value of the alliance. The purpose of the alliance was to develop services and products that would be productive to the alliance. Explain the use of organizational structure and controls to effectively support Lufthansa’s strategy. An organizational structure specifies the firm’s formal reporting relationships, procedures, controls and authority, and decision making processes and organizational controls guide the use of strategy, indicate how to compare actual results with expected results, and suggest corrective actions to take when difference is unacceptable (Hitt, Ireland Hoskisson, 2009). In any business organizational structure and controls are important. Organizational structure develops a chain of command making everyone involved responsible. Lufthansa is no different. Lufthansa is part of the organizational structure of Star Alliance. The formal organization has the CEO who is in charge of legal, HR/Training and finance and strategy and then the corporate office who runs commercial, products and services, loyalty marketing and information technology (Hitt, Ireland Hoskisson). Lufthansa at one point had an integrated corporation and now has six business lines. The business lines are related in the area of shared products and markets and help develop their economies of scale. Their executive board is responsible for managing the company and their goal is growth and adding value. Corporate Profile, 2009) Describe what strategic leadership actions should be recommended for developing human capital at Lufthansa. Human capital refers to the knowledge and skills of a firm’s entire workforce (Hitt, Ireland Hoskisson, 2009). Human capital is the most important aspect in a business. Any business will essentially fail if t hey do not take time to invest time and energy into improving their employees. Lufthansa should continue to invest time in developing and training staff and the management teams to ensure that they have the highest knowledge and the best developed skills. This will not only help Lufthansa but it will help the alliance because of all the changes, additions of the partnerships and acquisitions. It is important for Lufthansa’s strategic leadership to create a positive culture for the continued training and development to build continued success. The investment of building development programs not only build knowledge and skills but it motives employees to want to learn, it can boost internal core values and morals and promotes Lufthansa vision and organizational goals. Lufthansa is operating in a very diverse area with being part of the Star Alliance. It is important for them to develop their employees to fit the needs of the alliance as well as Lufthansa. Describe what strategic leadership actions should be recommended for establishing an effective organizational culture at Lufthansa. Having a strong and positive organizational culture is important to any business. An Organizational culture consists of a complex set of ideologies, symbols, and core values that are shared throughout the firm and influence the way business is conducted (Hitt, Ireland Hoskisson, 2009). Lufthansa used to be known for a strong culture based on pride, the positive image of the company in Germany, its reputation for engineering excellence and ongoing training and educational activities. However, in 2001 there was a pilots strike that showed the changes within the company and the unhappiness of the employees toward the company was not as good as they thought. The management teams should make sure they are fully aware of the diversity within the segments of the business. They need to make sure they are communicating any messages, training or even promotions to fit the different cultural diversities within Lufthansa. All the employees should be involved in solutions to problems, to include the discovery of them, within their core position. It is also necessary for the leadership to make sure they are leading by example not just in working but in ethical practices. It is the leadership’s responsibility to encourage all employees on all levels to follow their lead. Improving an organization’s culture will do nothing but increase the company’s value and the opinion of its employees; from simply an employee working for a paycheck, to an employee who feels they have worth. The employees then will want to invest time and energy into the company. Describe what strategic leadership actions should be recommended for promoting an entrepreneurial mind-set at Lufthansa. Lufthansa main goal, like any other business, is to maintain financial discipline and health. Because of the crisis from 2001-2004, the gearing increased from 36 percent in 2000 to 85. 4 percent in 2005 and because of that the operating goals are dominant and Lufthansa has learned to focus its cost cutting on the cash flow impact (Hitt, Ireland Hoskisson, 2009). Lufthansa should continue to lead by allowing its acquisitions to keep their identities and brand but operate with limited control. Investing in developing their training of their staff and managers will help in maintaining that financial discipline by having well rounded and educated employees who will limit the mistakes they could be making without the knowledge and training. It is important for Lufthansa to have an entrepreneurial mindset to gain the advantage over its competitors and even for keeping the lead within Star Alliance. With Lufthansa having an entrepreneurial mindset they are showing that they are a committed business that will focus on gaining financial growth and developing more and stronger value to the business. They should be involved in strategic entrepreneurship and focus on opportunities in the external environment of the business. They should make sure that all the segments have the means to grow innovatively and reward them when success is apparent. Lufthansa is one of the world’s largest airlines with 424 aircrafts and 39,500 employees. They transport approximately 55. 5 million passengers every year; they have sales revenue of 39. 1 billion dollars and have been a member of Star Alliance since May 1997 (Lufthansa a Star Alliance Member). This all shows the current success of Lufthansa and that their entrepreneurial mind set is going in the correct and positive direction. Describe what strategic leadership actions should be recommended for reducing complexity at Lufthansa. It is important for Lufthansa to have knowledge of all the segments in the division’s internal operations. Top management must stay well versed in global economics with the fluctuating prices of oil, the competition, and increasing no-frills airlines. Because of the alliance with Star Alliance they have pushed themselves into the center of the world of complexity. It will be important for them to keep a well rounded culture by having diversity in top management to include females in top positions. The top management team must have knowledge of their European counterparts in order to stay on top. Not only will top management have to deal with the complexity but they will have to work hard to remain a part of the world’s leading airline. The top management team can be used to make strategic decisions along with CEO and ensure that the decisions are followed not by just the employees but by members of top management. Maintaining the knowledge and training that Lufthansa had developed is a must. Because of the high priced competitive market, Lufthansa’s segments will need different cost structures and support financially. They will need to monitor the acquisitions, partnership and alliances to make sure that there are no unnecessary expenses and that no one is being non-productive. References Corporate Profile (2009), Retrieved September 3, 2010 from lufthansa- cargo. com/content. jsp? path=0,1,19142,91382,99001 Hitt, M. , Ireland, D. R. Hoskisson, R. E. 2009), Strategic Management: Competitiveness and Globalization, Concepts and Cases. Ohio: Cengage Learning. Lufthansa a Star Alliance Member (2010), Retrieved September 3, 2010 from staralliance. com/en/about/airlines/lufthansa/ Lufthansa Investor Relations (2009), Retrieved August 24, 2010 from http://investor- relations. lufthansa. com/en/fakten-zum-unternehmem/group-strategy. html Michaels, D. (2008). Lufthansa’s Labor of Love: Restoring Some Really Old Junkers, Retrieved August 25, 2010from http://online. wsj. com/article/SB121357457537975947. html? mod=hps_us_inside_today

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Principles of Macroecomomics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Principles of Macroecomomics - Essay Example 295). Figure 1. Disposable income and MPC Source: Miles and Scott (2005, p. 295) It can be found in all textbooks in macroeconomics that the MPC is related with the Keynesian income multiplier. Following Mankiw (2009, p. 373-374), the Keynesian multiplier process begins when government spends. For example, let us say that government spends ?20 billion (as mentioned earlier, Mankiw’s discussion used dollars not pounds). If the MPC is ? or 0.75 then the ?20 billion spent by government is received by society as factor payments of ?15 billion wherein, in turn, 75% of the ?15 billion are spent by those who received the payments. In turn, the factors who received the payment of 75% of the ?15 billion will spend ? of their income or 75% of 75% of ?15 billion and the chain goes on continuously. According to Mankiw (2009, p. 373), the process continually repeats and goes on indefinitely resulting into a total spending illustrated by Table 1. Table 1. MPC and multiplier resulting from i nitial government spending of ?20 billion Source: Mankiw (2009, p. 373) Based on the above, from the Keynesian perspective, government spending multiplies or increases income received by society based on the marginal propensity to consume (Mankiw 2009, p. 373-374). Based on Mankiw (2009, p. 374), the multiplier based on the MPC can be derived as: . The foregoing is equal to the following (Mankiw 2009, p. 274): . Economists are concerned with the MPC because the MPC is intimately related with the Keynesian income multiplier. It follows from the multiplier = 1/(1-MPC) that the higher MPC or the marginal propensity to consume, the higher the multiplier is. A low MPC implies a low Keynesian multiplier. As implied by our earlier discussion, Baumol and Blinder (2009, p. 160) discussion is similar but Baumol and Blinder’s take-off point for the concept of the marginal propensity to consume is disposable income rather than plain income. Disposable income refers to that part of income left after taking out taxes and the transfers payments received are added (Baumol and Blinder 2009, p. 157). Based on Baumol and Binder (2009, p. 157), at the macro level, disposable income or DI is: DI = GDP - Taxes + Transfer payments = GDP - (Taxes – Transfer payments) = Y - T. Miles and Scott (2005, p. 298) provides an interesting illustration of the Keynesian multiplier based on the modelling of the Keynesian perspective through the consumption function. In Figure 2 below, the 45 degree line is the level where spending equals income while PEo is the initial level of spending by consumers, government, and investors. A rise in government spending leads aggregate spending to PE1 such that following the Keynesian perspective, an increase in income from Yo to Y1 results. Figure 2. Marginal propensity to consume and multiplier Source: Miles and Scott (2005, p. 298) Miles and Scott (2005, p. 298) preferred, however, to say that â€Å"the multiplier shows how much demand rises once all agents have adjusted to an event that generates a change in some component of demand.† Following, this interpretation, it is important to study the MPC because initial spending by government or an increase in spending by any one or the consumer, government, or business can increase aggregate spending â€Å"once all agents have adjusted† to the initial increase in spending by any or all of the economic agents. Miles and Scott (2005, p. 299) even pointed out that â€Å"the larger is the propensity to con