Women In Combat (426 words) Essay Example For Students

Women In Combat (426 words) Essay Women In CombatThe idea of women in combat is not unusual anymore. Although American womenhave, for a long time, served as nurses, and as other roles during wartime, theywere not officially enrolled in the armed forces until World War I. Duringthis time women served as clerks and secretaries, some being assigned totranslation, recruitment, and other tasks which were usually assigned to men(Wekesser, 2). The women were not given rank or benefits, and after the war wasover they were not allowed to remain in the military. More than 350,000 womenserved in World War II. During this war, the military once again encouraged therecruitment of women. They established the Womens Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC),the Navy Womens Reserve, and the Marine Corps Womens Reserve. Any of thewomen in these organizations were given benefits and military rank. As inWorld War I, the women served as clerks, secretaries, (Wekesser, 2). We will write a custom essay on Women In Combat (426 words) specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now In 1948, a congressional law banned women from direct combat (Wekesser,3). They were not allowed in any jobs that were viewed as hazardously close tocombat, where the risk of capture is high. Until the late 1960s, the statusof women in the military remained unchanged. It was then when the armed forcesbegan to open up more positions for women. The first women generals in Americanhistory were appointed in 1970. By 1976, military academies were beginning toopen their doors to women. By the end of the 1970, all of the womensorganizations were discontinued; women and men were officially integrated withthe military. During the Persian Gulf War, women were sent to the Middle East tofly helicopters, service combat, refuel tankers, and load laser-guidedguns (Johnson, 31). They were assigned to battleships, aircraft carriers, andmarine support groups. Their performance has led the world to realize that womenare extremely useful in combat, and they brought home their changing role inthe militar y (Priest, AO1). In 1994, the Defense Department ordered allthe services to open up thousands of combat-related support jobs to women(Priest, AO1). Today women represent more than fourteen percent of the Armys495,000 soldiers (Newman). The times have definitely changed over the years, andmuch more will probably come. Who knows what lies ahead?BibliographyJohnson, Julie. The New Top Guns: In the wake of Desert Storm, the Senateclears women pilots for combat. Time 12 Aug. 1991: 31. Newman, Richard J. Army Sex Ed. 101. U.S. News 11 Aug. 1997. Priest, Dana. In a Crunch,Ban on Women Bends. Washington Post 30 Dec. 1997: AO1. Wekesser, Carol, etal. Women in the Military. Greenhaven Press, Inc, 1991.

The Business Environment of the Great Lakes Chemical Cooperation

The Business Environment of the Great Lakes Chemical Cooperation Introduction External factors such as demographic, technological, economic, environmental, and government segments affect the general business environment for Great Lakes Corporation. However, internal factors such as planning, diversification, and competition also play vital roles.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on The Business Environment of the Great Lakes Chemical Cooperation specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Thus, this reflective paper attempts to classify effects of these factors on the business environment of the Great Lakes Chemical Corporation. Besides, the paper reveals the Great Lakes’ ability to survive in a competitive market by reviewing its capabilities. Generally, the above reflection touches on the lead additive industry in United States of America and position of the Great Lakes Chemical Corporation. External Factors Among the external factors that affect business environment at the Great L akes Chemical Corporation include the demographic, technological, economic, environmental, and government segments. These factors oscillate and simultaneously interact with one another to positively and negatively determine business operation atmosphere (Helfert, 2001). To begin with, the legal aspect determined by government policy is straight on production of lead additives. Through a regulatory agency, the government has imposed stringent laws and bills on production of lead additives for gasoline fuel. Specifically, production and use of lead additive gasoline fuel was banned in 1986 and a law introduced to prohibit further use within the boundaries of America. This has seriously affected the company since the market has been trimmed down to export trade in Africa and Asian continents. Environmental concerns have negatively affected production of lead additives in US. Specifically, research has proven that lead additives in gasoline contribute to ill health through heart complic ations, respiratory organ damages, and high blood pressure. Thus, â€Å"phasing out lead internationally, many experts believed, was necessary to reduce human exposure to lead and prevent lead poisoning†¦ an estimated 15 million to 18 million suffer permanent damage from lead poisoning resulting in lowered intelligence† (Mead, Wicks, Werhane, 2002, p. 155). Technological improvement has negatively hindered lead production in Great Lakes Cooperation. By 1991, most states in the US had phased out and modified engines which use lead additive gasoline into those that use gasoline without any additive.Advertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More As a result, production of lead additives was directed to a smaller market of Africa and Asia making the company to completely lose the America market. Finally, demographic population patterns and desire for sustainability has seriously and negatively eat into production of lead additives by the Great Lakes. As the population growth surges forward, there is greater concern on environmental sustainability and pollution. Research has proven that lead is the lead cause of high blood pressure and respiratory organs complications. Besides, lead is non biodegradable and takes longer time to integrate in the soil. As a result of increase in death and illnesses associated with lead production, it was necessary to address demographic concern by banning its use in America in the transport industry. Lead Additive Industry The five forces of competition are the threat new entrants, bargaining power of supplier, bargaining power buyers, and threat of substitutes. These factors directly influence profitability of a company since they demand intensity of returns on production and investment (Jone Hill, 2009). The lead industry in the United States exhibits throat-neck competition. Due to the ban on use of lead add itives in the beginning of the twenty first century, buyers and users of this product have identified alternatives that serve same purpose as the additive. Besides, the government has phased out car engines that use lead additives. In addition, pressure from environmentalists has placed the company in a tight spot despite efforts to introduce financial incentives and commitments to environmental issues. In response, the company has diversified by producing a variety of other supplements such as household cleaners, polymer stabilizers, flame retardants, and fire supplements. Besides, the company managed to buy its major competitor; Octel associates. This strategy has enabled the company to rejuvenate its plunging sales. Specifically, the strategy helped to rescue the company from a looming financial crisis. â€Å"In 1994, Octel represented 59% or $259 million of Great Lakes total operating profit of 439 million. Some Wall Street analysts Octel share of profits from current operation s would not fall below 50% for many year, despite an 8% decline in pounds of TEL sold† (Mead, Wicks, Werhane, 2002, p. 157). Through diversification in products, the company has managed to secure itself from threat of competition from new entrants. Through production of bromine by its sister company Octel.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on The Business Environment of the Great Lakes Chemical Cooperation specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The company is assured of survival despite decline in profits. Besides, the company has been in the front line in production of supplements such as fire retardants, polymer stabilizers, and household cleaners in order to remain competitive as the world embrace clean energy and need for sustainability. Though the purchasing of Octel Associates, the company has managed to trim down the intensity of rivalry form their main competitor. In addition, the company has proposed a pol icy to the market regulators and governments of potential consumers to revise the time limit for phasing out lead additives in gasoline. This proposal in meant to buy time and look for an alternative arguing that the 2010 deadline was unrealistic since many engines stint lack instant converters. Status of the Industry From the analysis, it is apparent that this industry is an attractive due to opposition from the demand forces, environmentalists, governments, and sustainability issues. Despite efforts to survive the turbulence, survival may only be in short term unless the company fully adopts alternative products other than lead additives. Besides, the motor industry has embraced the instant converter technology which enables engine to operate minus these additives. Competitors The current competitors of Great Lakes Chemical Corporation are those companies that manufacture biodegradable additives. These companies have embraced the issue of sustainability and environmental friendlin ess. Besides, engine manufacturers have embraced the technology of instant converters in motor engines. This development has made lead additives an alternative and not necessarily a condition. In addition, the impending competitors are manufacturers of non fossil gasoline which do not require additives. The projected competitors will be commercial production of electric vehicles and solar propelled engines. The company will eventually fade off when the market for electric and green energy engine stabilizes. As the need for greener and sustainable environment grows, it is factual that the company will experience heated competition from companies with green energy technology. Naturally, human beings will opt for the best alternative in satisfaction of needs (Jone Hill, 2009). When green energy alternative becomes viable in motor industry, it will be difficult for the company to remain feasible. Capabilities of Great Lakes Chemical Corporation The company has a strong financial base o f almost 440 million dollar in operating profits. Besides, the company controls an expansive market in the continents of Africa and Asia that are still underdeveloped and rely on lead products.Advertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Due to stable demand from developing countries, the company remains a force in the industry. Besides, the company has an option of phasing out lead additives production but with a dire consequence on profitability and returns on investments from its share holders. When this option is adopted, it will mean the company has to adopt a short term plan of implementing a complete phase out of its lead additive industry. According to projections, this option is possible within a five year plan. However, its adoption is likely to affect the developing countries that cannot afford the improved engines and products that are lead additive free. References Helfert, E. (2001). Financial analysis, tools and techniques: Assessment of business performance, New York: McGraw-Hill books. Jone, G., Hill, C. (2009). Strategic Management Theory: An Integrated Approach. Alabama: Cangage Learning. Mead, J., Wicks, A.C., Werhane, P.H. (2002). Great Lakes: Great Decisions: Virginia: University of Virginia, Darden School Foundation.

Ancient Mayan Civilization

The ancient Mayan civilization of the ancient Mayan civilization was built on a strict social structure based on religious beliefs. They use caste social structure where differences are based on wealth, inheritance level, privilege, occupation or occupation. Their beliefs are based on the fact that elements of nature have the power to help and hurt. Ancient Mayas used their social structure and beliefs to shape their daily lives. Maya is a very devout person. They believe in many gods. Maya's ancient Mayan civilization settled in Yucatan Peninsula around 900 AD. This civilization was one of the most advanced civilization of those days. They created their own religion, language, mathematical structure, highly accurate calendar and many other things. Maya's lifestyle is their religion. They have polytheism praising many gods. Every God has something to worry about whether they rule. Chac is the god of rain, Kinich Ahau is droughty. Sweat covered his whole body and made him shine under the noon sun like the god of glory which comes down from the sky. But he is not a god. He participated in the architectural project of the famous Mayan town of Copan with an unintentional slave. Maya rose in the year 250 AD and had a huge civilization that fell around the year 900 AD. They live in an area called Central America consisting of South America, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras. As a country, Maya is known for their numerous achievements. The ancient Mayan civilization contains about two-thirds of the Central American civilization. This area is also known mainly from volcanic mountains to porous limestones, as a lowland in the central area. Maya civilization extends from the northern Belize and the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico to Honduras in the south. It is their complex society far beyond the current construction and modernization in the tropical rainforest climate that makes the Maya the most prominent (Aissen, 1992). General

What is data mining and how can it bring benefits to a business Essay

What is data mining and how can it bring benefits to a business organisation - Essay Example 2007).Data mining is incorporated for gaining in depth patterns for market intelligence from data warehouses containing massive amount of data. However, the issue that arises is not the quantity of data, as we already have massive amount of data to work with, it is the methodology that is required to learn data. Likewise, data provides all the attributes but how to utilize them for gaining benefit is another question. This is the area that is addressed by data mining, as it is used for extracting valuable information from large amount of data saved on periodic basis. Likewise, information that can be extracted may contain relationships and different patterns. For instance, a retail store may indicate that some products are more in demand in one channel of distribution, there may be two different products that are sold at the same time in a specific geographic location, some specific products are more in demand in some geographic locations and similarly, some products are more demandi ng in certain events may be associated with religious events. If we take an example of Wal-Mart, the store has found that if there is a probability of a hurricane, the demand of beet increases in that specific geographical area, therefore, stores have to stock more beers that usual in this sort of situation (Keating 2008). Employee associated with utilizing patterns of customer behavior from data mining, i.e. a financial analyst would seek facets of the store or organization that may become bankrupt, similarly, human resource managers would seek information of a successful potential employee, employees working in a credit card department would like to get information associated with credit card debts payments from potential customers and also to analyze the legitimate credit card transactions against the falsified ones, marketing department executives would like to extract information associated with product

Rationale of the Stability and Growth Pact Given the Maastricht Treaty Essay

Rationale of the Stability and Growth Pact Given the Maastricht Treaty Criteria and its Advantages and Disadvanatges - Essay Example These monetary advantages augment in relation to volume of trade and with the intensity of economic integration. As for the cost of the monetary union, it emanates from the savings in loss of the exchange rate as a fine-tuning variable to soothe the aggregate demand. (Quere et al 2010:390).Further, Exchange rate movements are liable to be a basis of asymmetric shocks and Mundells approach found the monetary union as a mode to condense asymmetric shocks and enhance insurance against them (Quere et al 2010:390). As per Mundells, elimination of Transaction costs will be the direct gains whereas price transparency will be the indirect gain. Many empirical studies have shown that there will be many gains from a monetary union and one of the main benefits will be the elimination of exchange rate transaction’s costs as there will be reduction in the size of price discrimination between national markets. (Llirjani 2006:73). According to Taylor (2005), transaction costs will include sa vings in currency conversion charges , reduction in bank commissions , charges and delays linked with cross-border payments by banks. As per an EU study , the elimination of transaction costs involving conversion of one currency into another is likely to enhance the GDP of the nations concerned by an aggregate of 0.4% for the EU as a whole per annum. (Macdonald 1999:201). Single monetary union will help to attain lower transaction costs as there will be no commission on foreign exchange transactions and there will be an elimination of costs of hedging the exchange rate risk. Under single monetary union, all member nations will enjoy lower interest rates. (Grauwe 2007:78). Many of the analysis of costs and benefits of Europe’s common currency is footed upon the theory of optimum currency areas . According to this concept, the benefits that accrue by sharing a common currency across nations’ frontiers include more uniform prices (price parity), greater certainty for inve stors , lower transactions costs and increased competition.(Carbaugh 2011 :307). A single monetary union will offer more advantages to exporters as it will put a full stop to domestic currency volatility and a diminution of peripheral currency volatility, which would facilitate exporters to visualise prospect markets with larger conviction. This will let loose a larger possibility for expansion of economy for participants of the monetary union. For instance ,in the recent years , Germany experienced economic development which is footed on vibrant corporate investments and export growth in the export sector(Herr & Kazandziska 2011:194) The chief advantage connected with a monetary union is that there will be welfare advantages due to better prospects or from less uncertainty for companies to maximise their revenues as future returns will be less risky. (Llirjani 2006:73).Further, less uncertainty will also fetch financial stability among member nations. For instance ,it is interestin g to observe that Spain, Italy and France attained 100%, 100%, and 68% respectively of their prior-EMU window variances that were greater than the post-EUM variation. (Mafi-Kreft & Sobel 2006). According to Balwin, Skudelny and Taglioni (2005), due to single

The Trojan War :: essays research papers

The Trojan War   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Trojan War took place in approximately the 13th century. The ancient Greeks defeated the City of Troy. The Trojan War started after an incident at the wedding feast of Peleus, the king of Thessaly, and Thetis, a sea goddess. All the gods and goddesses of Mt. Olympus had been invited except Eris, the goddess of discord. Eris was offended and tried to stir up trouble among the guests at the feast. She sent a golden apple inscribed â€Å"For the most beautiful.† Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite each claimed the apple as their own. Paris judged the quarrel and awarded the apple to Aphrodite because she had promised him Helen, the most beautiful woman in the world. Helen was already married to Kin Menelaus of Sparta but when visited by Paris, she fled with Paris to Troy. Menelaus organized Greek war against Troy to get Helen back. The Greeks battled for ten years but could not defeat Troy. The fall of Troy occurred when the Greeks built a large hollow horse and placed it outside the walls of Troy. The Trojans took the horse inside and thought the had won the war and the horse was a gift from the Greeks. Later that night, the Greeks stormed from the horse and opened the gates to allow their fellow warriors in and the Greeks conquered the City of Troy.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ancient Greece was the birthplace of Western civilization about 2500 years ago. Greek civilization consisted mainly of small city-states. A city- state consisted of a city or town and the surrounding villages and farmland. The Greek city-states were independent and quarreled often with one-another. These city states established the world's first democratic government. The Greeks believed that certain gods and goddesses watched over them and directed their daily lives. Families would try to please these gods by offering sacrifices, gifts, and ceremonies. Greeks flocked to oracles to consult priests and priestesses to answer questions and fore-tell the future. Greek men enjoyed drinking, talking, and dancing at parties. They also like sports and religious festivals Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle are the most important Greek philosophers. Socrates taught by carefully questioning his listeners to expose the weaknesses of their ideas and arguments. Plato explored such subjects as beauty, justice, and good government. Aristotle summed up the achievements of Greek philosophy and science. His authority on many topics remained unquestioned for more than 100 years Most Ancient Greeks were suspicious of philosophers and their theories. They continued to believe in superstitions and in myths. In 399 BC, an Athens jury sentenced Socrates to death for showing disrespect to the gods.

In the Face of Betrayal, Lewis Discovers Loyalty Cosi Essay

The play ‘Cosi’, written by Louis Nowra, is set in 1971 amidst the chaos of the Vietnam War. Australia’s involvement in the war was a topic of great controversy, and being the first televised war, reality was brought crashing into the lounge rooms of Australians. The horrific images displayed in people’s homes sparked anger from those involved in the fight against communism and conscription. The loyalty of Australians was heavily tested during these times, with society divided in their support of anti-communism. Nowra exposes the audience to the harsh treatment of those living in mental institutions during these times; a result of society’s’ predisposition to neglect those labelled ‘insane’ in the 70’s. Through the play he encourages the audience to ignore these perceptions and recognise the mentally ill as equals instead of undermining them. Furthermore, Nowra highlights society’s conflicting attitudes towards love and fidelity. When compared to the barbarism of the war, faithfulness was often viewed as irrelevant. However contending this idea, Nowra expresses the need for loyalty and taking care of one another, even when confronted with seemingly more ‘important’ matters. Through the journey of the protagonist of the play, Lewis, the audience learns that even in the face of deep betrayal, loyalty can be found. Although Lewis initially explains that he is directing the play due to his lack of money, it is evident that Cosi Fan Tutte becomes more than just a quick way to earn cash. In the beginning of Cosi, Lewis expresses his reason for directing the play by stating â€Å"I need the money, Lucy.† He is confronted and uncomfortable when first meeting the patients under such foreign circumstances, overwhelmed by the idea of having to deal with these â€Å"mad† people. Nowra embodies society’s negative attitude towards those with mental illnesses, where anyone classed as ‘insane’ were removed from society and thrust into the confinement of institutions. Instead of dealing with these people in a humane fashion, it was accepted that ECT treatment, drugs and surgery prevented them from creating a hassle. Lewis’s doubt and concerns about working with the patients are encouraged when he can’t convince them to perform ‘The Exception and the Rule.’ Instead, the antagonist of the play Roy, is determined to perform ‘Cosi Fan Tutte’, a Mozart play about fidelity and love. Lewis is not keen on the play and what it represents, his view on love evident when he states â€Å"Love is not so important nowadays.† Through Lewis, Nowra highlights the similar opinions of so many people during these times. In the face of war and politics, with horrific televised images thrust into people’s homes, fidelity was rated an irrelevant concept. This was the view held by Lewis and even more so his girlfriend Lucy, who states â€Å"After bread†¦.comes maybe love.† However the audience soon experiences a change in Lewis’s mindset towards not only the patients, but the importance of love and loyalty. He finds himself relating to the patients more and more, building relationships and accepting their quirks and issues. When Lewis’s close friend Nick confronts over his absence at the moratorium, stating â€Å"You said you were going to help out†, Lewis explains that Cosi Fan Tutte is more important, â€Å"This comes first.† It is clear that Nick does not support Lewis in the play or share his view of the patients â€Å"Only mad people†¦..funny farm.† Again, Nick’s comment only further exposes Lewis’s opinion, when he replies with â€Å"Nick, they’ll hear you.† Lewis’s comments exemplify his unwavering loyalty towards the patients and likewise, Nowra promotes the audience to recognise the importance of loyalty and support. Lewis’s changed perception of love is shown when he contends Lucy, telling her the Cosi Fan Tutte is â€Å"about important things, like love and fidelity.† This proves his changed attitude towards love, which he originally placed little value on. Nowra influences the audience to be open to the idea of fidelity and see the values within it. He contends society’s views in the 70’s and encourages the audience not to neglect and degrade the mentally ill, but see and treat them as equals. In the face of betrayal, Lewis experiences unswerving loyalty from a conservative Henry. Henry, a depressed and quiet man, is seemingly reserved. However it is clear when he learns that Nick gives money to North Vietnam for supplies, that Henry is strongly opinionated and willing to stand for his beliefs, â€Å"My ffffather fought†¦..you are traitors.† Henry’s loyalty to his father, who was a soldier, is deep seated and deeply held. His attack against Nick and Lewis proves that despite being ‘crazy’, he has the ability to stand up for what matters to him. Nowra demonstrates that everyone deserves the right to stand for their values. Henry’s loyalty is again demonstrated when Lewis learns that his girlfriend Lucy is sleeping with Nick. Lucy explains â€Å"I have sex with him and sleep with you,† highlighting her belief in ‘free love.’ On the contrary it is clear that, Lewis wants Lucy to be faithful, â€Å"It’s over. I’m shifting out of the house.† When Lewis confronts Nick over the matter, he repeats Lucy’s explanation â€Å"No, she’s sleeping†¦..having sex.† It is here that Henry shows his support and loyalty to Lewis, offering to beat up Nick, â€Å"Do you want me†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦stand up?† Henry’s display of loyalty highlights the relationship he has formed with Lewis. Nowra exhibits that we should not take advantage of our relationships with others, and value the loyalty and commitment that they offer us. Also, one can hold strong political values whilst also displaying empathy and loyalty. Despite Roy constantly undermining and insulting Lewis, when he suffers from stage fright Lewis provides him with encouragement and reassurance. Roy is extremely passionate about the performance of ‘Cosi Fan Tutte,’ displaying enthusiasm from the beginning when he alerts the cast to his plans, â€Å"I’ve already chosen what we’re doing. ‘Cosi Fan Tutte’.† Despite complaints about his choice and the difficulties it will create, Roy is utterly undeterred by any issue the Italian opera presents. His desire for the play to be performed the way he imagines it results in constant attacks regarding Lewis’s direction, â€Å"Couldn’t direct a nymphomaniac to a stag night.† Despite Roy’s passion, when it comes to the final performance he struggles with stage fright, telling Lewis â€Å"I can’t do it.† Putting aside the abuse and insults from Roy, Lewis only offers him encouragement and support, replying with â€Å"Yes, you can,† and, â€Å"I’ll whisper the lines to you.† Lewis understands how much the play means to Roy, and furthermore, it is clear that Lewis wants Roy to have the opportunity to succeed in his performance, â€Å"I want you to be noticed all the time.† Nowra suggest the idea that not only Roy needs to be noticed, but all those who have been locked away from society. That the mentally ill should no longer be ignored, but seen as equals with the rest of the world. Through evidence of the loyalty Lewis develops towards the patients, Nowra demonstrates that despite whether somebody is classed as ‘insane’ or not, strong relationships and trust can be built. Overall, Cosi demonstrates in numerous situations that whilst facing betrayal, one can also experience true loyalty and friendship. This is evident through Lewis’s support of Roy, and when Henry stands up for Lewis. Furthermore, Nowra highlights the cruel and degrading treatment towards mentally ill people during the 70’s, and promotes the audience to reconsider these views. Through Lewis’s acceptance of the patients and the relationships he builds with them, he influences us to alter our negative perceptions. Additionally, Nowra promotes the idea of fidelity and trust. Despite the reality of the televised war leading people to hold more ‘important’ values, Nowra encourages not to forget the importance of loyalty and love. On the whole, Cosi portrays what Nowra depicts to be important values; loyalty, trust, acceptance and empathy.