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Decision Dilemmas

Decision Dilemmas

QUESTION ONE

Case one – Reject the Offer

The fact that the employee was on demand was owed to the current company she was working for. This is clearly indicated in the argument that her training was sponsored by the organization. A contract should be entered defining the minimum period of time she can work for the organization before making a final decision to leave. It would be necessary for the organization to establish the improvement in performance of the employee as a result of the training they offered. Similarly, there is need to provide information on the sole intention for the training. One would reconsider reversing the decision in a situation where the efforts of the employee are not appropriately remunerated by the first organization and where they are not appreciated. Under different circumstances, depending on the relevant factors as mentioned above, the decision might have been different, for instance, where the company only provided experience but not the training.

Case two – Continue to advertise

The decision is based on the fact that each organization is believed to know its product best. Similarly, they have the right to design their advertisements as they deem fit provided the information is not misleading to the consumers. It would be appropriate if the question clearly indicated whether the results found by the organization, which claimed they had the juiciest products, were credible or biased considering they were self carried out. One might change their mind regarding the decision made if a situation contradicting the findings of the firm arises. This is where they will be presumed/proven to be less juicy than others. The decision is likely to be revered where the circumstances vary from the one presented. For instance, where there is sufficient evidence that the results are misleading to the clients and are not accurate. This could also be if the laws of the country do not allow for the advertisers to practise freedom in formulating their own advertisements.

Case three – Not proper, Should not sell

The relationship between the two parties was already manipulated and ceased being professional when the potential buyer company decided to send gifts since it personalized their transaction. To enhance certainty of the decision, information regarding the previous relationship between Bob and the potential buyer should have been indicated. A situation such as an evident professional relationship of the buyer in other business transactions and empirical evidence of an existing relationship between Bob and the potential buyer may lead to a consideration to reverse the decision. The above mentioned circumstances may lead to an automatic change in decision to not sell to the party since it changes the circumstances surrounding the dilemma.

Case four – Suspend them for several games

The decision is based on the coach’s critical demand for discipline and non acceptance of favours and benefits from outsiders. However, having been trained by him, it would be worth giving them a second chance where if breached, they could be kicked out of the team. There should be specification as to whether this has been happening continuously or over a short period. The conduct of the team members when stated should also be able to clarify whether they deserve a second chance or not. The change of circumstances such as a discovery that the team members had been previously warned of the same conduct would automatically reverse the decision. They would be better off out of the team since that would be a clear indication of lack of discipline.

Case five – Close the plant

The decision is based on the consideration that if the adjustments are ignored, the whole organization may end up collapsing. It would be more convincing however if the performance of the plant being closed was clarified. Certain circumstances such as the increase in prices of the opposing firm or reduction in cost of production would lead to reconsidering of the decision. a different answer would be obtained in a case where the plant targeted for closure makes more profits than most of the others, or where there is a guarantee that non closure of the firm will not affect the stability of the organization in the market.

QUESTION TWO

The article, ‘Refugee Operations and Environmental Management’ is based on the important principles of decision making. The author in this case is focussed on the dilemmas that may arise in different situations that require timely decisions to be made. (UNHCR. 2001) argues that the principles are important since they enable a similarity indecisions made regarding similar situations. It is also possible that with the arising of relatively complicated situations, the responsible parties will be able to derive a possible solution regardless of the dilemma involved. For instance, the link between the problem at hand and the parties they involve should be clearly elaborated and defined before the ultimate decision regarding the matter is made. This will ensure that it will be fair, not biased in any way and the conduct of the individuals in sufficiently put into consideration. The author is also specific in stating that the relevant bodies for making decisions should have a rough idea of the possible circumstance that may arise such that in case they do, it will not get them unawares.

The author also brings about some interesting ideas surrounding the factors surrounding decisions to be made. These are very useful in a learning environment as well as for practise in the actual management field. This is so because the management is always responsible for making decisions that affect their subjects. These include the fact that every situation should have a monetary value attached to it. We realize that human beings place so much value on finances such that they rarely risk with it. Converting losses/profits that may come about with a bad/good decision encourages management to critically review a decision before implementing it.

References:

Suhr, J. (2003). Basic Principles of Sound Decision Making. The Institute for Decision Innovations, Inc. Retrieved http://www.value-eng.org/knowledge_bank/attachments/Suhr%20Jim%20Basic%20Principles%20of%20Sound%20Decisionmaking.pdf

Stormer, W. (1991). The Decision Dilemma – Cognitive Bias. Psychology. Retrieved from http://handle.dtic.mil/100.2/ADA235660

UNHCR. (2001). Key Principles for Decision Making. Refugee Operations and Environmental Management. Retrieved from http://postconflict.unep.ch/humanitarianaction/documents/02_10-01.pdf

Decision Analysis. The analysis is all about analyzing the current workflow with analyzing the improvement things in total

Decision Analysis

Name

Institution

Date

Evaluation Summary

The analysis is all about analyzing the current workflow with analyzing the improvement things in total. There are number of things which have been considered in this scenario and Shuzworld has to consider the same in total for enhancing the situation and productivity of the company with efficacy.

Enhance the current level of workflow

The essence of continuous growth as well as advancement is mainly some of the considerable aspects from the perspective of the company, which is uniformly favorable for the Shuzworld. The layout of the production line is comprised on eight different locations, the work of employees, dedicated to accomplish things, like, extremely resistant work boot (RWWC) requirements. The company has got the availability of resources through which they can enhance their growth as well as business process, by keep considering and maintaining the competency of their production units. It is highly recommended that the total amount which is used to operating the working stations should be carried to its lowest level, as it should be five, instead of 8. Secondly, it is quiet significant to ensure that the actual assembly line goods is manufacturing, and decreased slightly between the productions

The total production time for the boot is mentioned below,

The projects A, D and H having a large project allocation of time, relative to any other type, which will reduce the amount of items associated with G. It is recommended for Shuzworld to reduce the level of their working stations from level 8 to the 5, and it is verified from the tables and diagrams given below:

The recommendations which are proposed to reduce the numbers of working stations from the level 8 down to 5 which is basically a provision of module tool called balancing which is taken into consideration for minimizing the total number of working stations are mentioned below:

Workstation A

Workstation B and C

Workstation D

Workstation combined of E, F, and G

5. Workstation H

After evaluating the above working, it is obvious that the production cycle time is 46 minutes per cycle, when eight stations; it will go to the level of the workstation 50 to the level 5. Reduced down to the level of the workstation, evidently increases the competency and reflect positive effects over the workflow of Shuzworld, particularly from 92% as a whole and the total average delay in this particular case would be stood at 8%

It is necessary to choose a perfect decision-making tool and for this, the Balanced Module tool is the most favorable tool for this purpose. Behind choosing this particular module reason is that it will augment the productivity of the company to it greater extent, and because of this particular model, the nature of the allocation and division of work between the workforces would certainly be easy enough. By utilizing this specific module, the important task is to correct the sequence, and by working down from 8 positions to 5, a great influence over the production, because it will fall to 92% level. In addition to balancing module, “Line balancing component is used to display a graph showing the change on the floor in all of the operations.

Line balancing is such a module that integrated the statistics from single or several plans. Multiple parts can be balanced on the same line. Based on the times, the Line Balancing module retrieves all operations and their associated elements and displays a Chart showing the amount of time each part spends at each workstation. The Line Balancing Module lets you evaluate multiple analyses to predict the impact before implementing changes on the floor. Applied Logistics supports your lean manufacturing initiatives

Analysis of the initial and follow-up costs

In order to improve the efficiency of the workers against reduced cost of production, it will be important to undertake a critical analysis of the data provided. This can be achieved through a revisit of the overall production cost schedule. The integration of sandals line from the point of view of production as well as operations will be extremely important and with the new sandal line, it would be considerably amplified, called a “Maui Sandal”. And the area of ​​focus which is requires in this specific case is the scheduling the timing of production. As reported the Shuzworld’s case, it will need something with a new line of shoes for about 1,000 hours of labor on the basis of a certain historical value generated. The standard cost of labor in the U.S is $ 1.08, and the learning curve is inclined downward by 80%. Moreover, the following month, and batches of sandals are given below:

left-2540From the above working, it is quite clear that the lots scandal increased 100 percent per month and this would be followed by the coming 3 months as a whole. The total amount of all these four months batch is “50.” The learning curve is the amount of time required for different types and through the implementation of the total of 3,737 for the $ 1.08 level, labor costs are mixed. The total budget comes to about $ 4,036 level. The Costs, working hours and per month starting in the associated table and graph formats are mentioned below:

Learning curve

It is evident that the cost of production is increasing with the increase in labour hours but at a relatively lower rate. This simply means that learning curve indicates that with time workers become more efficient and reduces the overall cost.

It is clear that the association of labor cost would be the highest in the 4th month of operation, in which the total sandals production was 20. After critically examine the statistical data, the first group of sandals acquire large amount of working hours reveal 1,000 while the additional along with the production to reduce this amount to only 283.83 hours this is consequently a cost-effective for production costs. The more production of a product the more decreased amount of hours needed to produce the product. By extending the production timeline over the trial of four months there will be increased profits and revenue while decreased cost of manufacturing especially seasonally. Excel spreadsheet view by specific learning curve tab formaldehyde Windows module is necessary to calculate all the data for that specific product. With module “POM” in the name will be used for the same analysis, the calculation of the total of all the data of this particular product. And inversely proportional to the amount of hours of production cost, with a high production took several hours to reduce the amount of each point. In the review of statistical data, the maximum amount is $ 1,000 the first sandals labor time required, further reducing production continues along this amount to only 283.83 hours this is a cost-effective labor costs accordingly. The more production of a product the more decreased amount of hours needed to produce the product. By extending the production timeline over the trial of four months there will be increased profits and revenue while decreased cost of manufacturing especially seasonally. By reviewing the excel spreadsheet specific to the tab of learning curves the module in POM for Windows was needed in order to calculate all the data for this particular product. This particular choice of tool accurately reflects the information as it calculates the data on the coefficient of the 80% model.

Bibliography

Johnston, R. (2013). Operations Management. New York: Pearson Education, Limited.

Schneider, M. (2010). Operations Management: Theory and Practice. Miami: Springer.

Decision Analysis answers

Decision Theory

Student’s Name

Institution Affiliation

Self-Test

A

A

A

A

C

B

C

A

Question 17

What type of decision is Ken facing?*Decision under uncertainty

What decision criterion should he use?*Maximax

What alternative is best*He should choose Sub 100, since it has the best possible outcome.

Question 18

Ken is using maximax criterion and should select sub 100 as it has the maximum payoff of $300000.

As Bob is pessimistic, He should use Maximin criterion. Equipment Favourable Mkt($) Unfavourable Mkt($) Row minimum

Sub 100 $ 300,000.00 $ (200,000.00) $ (200,000.00)

Oiler J $ 250,000.00 $ (100,000.00) $ (100,000.00)

Texan $ 75,000.00 $ (18,000.00) $ (18,000.00)

Maximin $ (18,000.00)

Using Maximin criterion, Bob would select Texan as worst payoff for this alternative

is better than the worst payoffs of other alternatives

Question 20

SOLUTION: (a) What decision would maximize expected profits? To decide the best alternative, we need to calculate EMV for each alternative as shown below.

STATE OF NATURE EMV DECISION ALTERNATIVE GOOD ECONOMY POOR ECONOMY Stock Market 80,000 -20,000 30000 Bonds 30,000 20,000 25000 CDs 23,000 23,000 23000 Probability 0.5 0.5   Maximum EMV 30000 As the EMV is maximum for Stock market, Mickey should invest in the Stock market.

(b) What is the maximum amount that should be paid for perfect forecast of the economy?

Expected Value for Perfect information (EVPI) is the amount that should be paid for perfect forecast of the economy.

EVPI = EV with perfect information – Maximum EMV EV with Perfect information = Best payoff for first state of nature

*Probability of the 1st state of nature +Best payoff for second state of nature

*Probability of the 2nd state of nature

EV with PI 51500 EVPI $ 21,500 Thus, the maximum amount that should be paid is $21,500

Question 24

SOLUTIONS (a) Develop an opportunity loss table.   PROFIT ($)   STRONG FAIR POOR   MARKET MARKET MARKET Large facility 550,000 110,000 -310,000 Medium-sized facility 300,000 129,000 -100,000 Small facility 200,000 100,000 -32,000 No facility 0 0 0   Opportunity loss Table   STRONG MARKET FAIR MARKET POOR MARKET   Large facility 0 19,000 310,000 Medium-sized facility 250,000 0 100,000 Small facility 350,000 29,000 32,000 No facility 550,000 129,000 0 (b) What is the minimax regret decision?   Opportunity loss Table  

  STRONG MARKET FAIR MARKET POOR MARKET MAXIMUM REGRET

  Large facility 0 19,000 310,000 310,000

Medium-sized facility 250,000 0 100,000 250,000

Small facility 350,000 29,000 32,000 350,000

No facility 550,000 129,000 0 550,000

Minimax regret 250,000

Minimax regret decision is to build Medium-sized facility.

Question 29

Payoff

266700800100120967513239752419350295275264795012382526860504095753048000123825306705066675054292592392512096754095751219200409575

0.5 $100,000

favourable market Construct Clinic $30,000 Unfavorable market 0.5 ($40,000)

EMV $30,000 $0 Do nothing $0

EMV for node 1(Construct clinic) = 0.5*100000 +0.5*(-40,000) = $30,000 EMV for do nothing=$0 The EMV for tree is maximum of the two, thus $30,000 As, EMV is highest for the alternative of construct a clinic, the medical professionals should construct the clinic.

Reference

Turskis, Z., & Zavadskas, E. K. (2011). Multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) methods in economics: an overview. Technological and economic development of economy, (2), 397-427.

Deception In The Investigative Process

Deception In The Investigative Process

Contents

TOC o “1-3” h z u HYPERLINK l “_Toc377058423” Ethics and Lying to Get the Truth PAGEREF _Toc377058423 h 1

HYPERLINK l “_Toc377058424” Do Ends Justify the Means? PAGEREF _Toc377058424 h 2

HYPERLINK l “_Toc377058425” Conflict between Code of Ethics and Law Enforcement Practices PAGEREF _Toc377058425 h 3

HYPERLINK l “_Toc377058426” Physical Behavior and Non-Verbal Communication in Detecting Deception PAGEREF _Toc377058426 h 5

HYPERLINK l “_Toc377058427” Conclusion PAGEREF _Toc377058427 h 5

HYPERLINK l “_Toc377058428” References PAGEREF _Toc377058428 h 6

Ethics and Lying to Get the TruthDeception refers to an act of deliberately misleading a person in order to achieve a premeditated intention. In criminal justice procedures, deception is an investigative tool that is used prevalently by investigating officers. Deception is mainly used in the detecting process where alleged criminals are deliberately misled to give up information that is pertinent to the crime before the case is presented in court. There are other forms of psychological persuasion for information which include seduction, manipulation, and all other means of non-violent coercion through the use of what is generally referred to as “white lies.” An ethical question that arises from this sanctioned use deception is whether it is morally right to lie in the search for truth.

The question can be approached from two perspectives. One is from an ontological point of view which leans on a realistic justification for the use of deception on the basis of the good that will come out of it for the whole community. The second approach is from the more idealistic deontological perspective which is based on ideas by philosophers like Immanuel Kant who held that, “moral conduct means acting within a constraining framework of principles that are independent of consequential considerations” (Herman, 2006, p. 344). From this line of thinking it emerges that if lying is considered to be morally unacceptable, then it should not be used for any purpose regardless of what good it might bring.

From an ontological perspective, truth is an end that holds priority over the means used to achieve it. The close relationship between ontology and critical realism supports the premise that ultimate truth exists on such levels like scientific investigation but not morality. In this regard any pursuit of truth is justified regardless of its moral implication. Therefore if the objective is to arrive at an ultimate truth, then the use of lies is justified. A good example is the government’s duty to national security by eliminating existing and potential threats through investigative intelligence gathering. An ontological view maintains that covert intelligence, which is based deception techniques, is not only justified but necessary in ensuring national security (Pfaff, 2006, p. 4). This implies that in pursuit of legitimate information, nothing is off-limits, including matters to do with moral justification.

An opposing view is held by deontologists who are considered to be moral absolutists. From a deontologist perspective, the act of lying is wrong no matter how positive its consequences might be. According to Immanuel Kant, goodwill is the only absolutely good thing therefore the moral value of an action is judged by the will of whoever is doing it. If the action is performed under a negative maxim then it is wrong. Starting out by stating that “I shall lie to get the truth” is morally wrong regardless of whether the truth being sought is arrived at. Lying is accorded similar treatment with absolute maxims like “thou shalt not kill.” Kantian philosophy is based on “categorical imperatives” that are absolute since they value human dignity and treat people as ends in themselves. It is an idealism rooted on the universal Golden Rule that requires everyone to treat others as he or she would expect to be treated.

Do Ends Justify the Means?The argument on ethical implications of lying to get the truth can be taken a step further by asking whether the end really justify the means. The deontologists hold that any moral action must consider itself not only as a principle but as an end too. A good society should seek justice for all, therefore employing unjust means works against the end it seeks to serve. It is unethical to lie in pursuit of a good end like seeking for information. It would be like trying to construct a good house using wrong or inferior materials.

Deontologist emphasize on giving a closer examination of the perceived good end in before attempting to justify the means. Of great concern should be how the bad means affect the end. The use of lies to get truth does not produce a genuine response but one that is subject to the lie. Therefore a morally wrong means ultimately affects the end negatively. A case in point is in power politics games or in war where success determines the justification of the means used to achieve it. This is an ontological approach that pays very little or no concern at all to morality. Means used in this perspective are measured by their expediency which is a position that contrasts deontological ethics where expediency and moral justification are two different aspects.

It is quite obvious that anyone who violates his or her moral code in pursuit of a goal, no matter how good that goal is, takes a downward path of moral degradation. This is because after the first time, adopting unethical techniques like lying to find a truth becomes a habit in which the stakes are raised to a situation where any rule can be bent or broken. The problem lies in where this chain of logic stops. Invading a foreign country can not be justified on national security grounds or on the pretext that the invasion is the best thing for that country’s citizens, however true or false the claims may be.

Conflict between Code of Ethics and Law Enforcement PracticesAs professionals, law enforcement officers are expected to provide a service that benefits the society. In this regard, ethics and ethical standards pertaining to “doing the right thing at the right time in the right way and for the right reason” are important aspects in the practice (Hansen, 1973, p. 46). It is for this reason that the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) came up with a code of ethics in 1957, and later updated in October 1991, to govern the conduct of law enforcement officers. These officers are expected to follow the values and norms of the society and exemplify respect for the law and ethical behavior. Therefore law enforcement officers must lead the society in upholding social values and norms by living by the code. Law enforcement code of ethics works together with the police code of ethics by providing guidelines on how to act with impartiality, discretion, integrity and professional image at all times. Thus law enforcement agencies do not operate in a moral vacuum. However, at a practical level application of ethics in this field is not a black and white issue.

The conflict between ethics and law enforcement practices occurs when rules limit police conduct during investigation making the officers resort unethical practices. The irony is in the fact that when use of coercion is restricted, there is an increase in the use of deception. Deception occurs in the form Miranda admonitions, misrepresentation of the offence and its seriousness, false promises, and fabricated evidence. From an ontological perspective, deception is an effective tool because it can reach to the conscience of the suspect while he or she has a sense of right and wrong. It makes the work of the interrogator easier in uncovering the motive behind the crime. The conflict is further emphasized by the courts which, in as much as they do not openly support deception, they do not prohibit it either.

From a deontological perspective, deception is retrogressive because when it is used on an uncooperative suspect who is unwilling to divulge information, the investigator might be inclined to delve deeper and deeper into a tangle of lies until he or she crosses the line between legality and illegality. This is one of the reasons why defense attorneys often have to establish whether the investigator lied in the course of the investigation. The deontological imperative that lying is wrong pits investigation and interrogation practices in conflict with ethics for law enforcement officers. Maintaining ethical standards therefore acts as a limitation to efficiency in investigations.

Physical Behavior and Non-Verbal Communication in Detecting DeceptionDeception can be detected in non-verbal communication and physical behavior. The art of detecting non-verbal deception is often used by police and security officers in interrogating suspects. In detecting deception through body language on evaluates changes in physical expression which will be limited and stiff with very little hand motions when a person is lying. Avoiding eye contact has often been the easiest way to tell when a person is lying. Other body motions that indicate lying include touching face, throat, and mouth with the hands and scratching motions on the nose, behind the ear, and across the head. When the timing and duration of gestures and emotions is longer than normal, the person is lying.

ConclusionDeception and the use of lies have no place in law enforcement. It is undeniable that ethical concerns are integral in law enforcement practices especially in a liberal democracy. For interrogative and other investigative practices to be justified, they must subscribe to ethical standards that not only represent the goals of their profession but also adhere to the moral values of the community. The words of former CIA director Stansfield Turner put it more accurately when he states, “There is one overall test of the ethics of human intelligence activities. That is whether those approving them feel they could defend their actions before the public if the actions became public” (Quinlan, 2007, p. 2).

ReferencesHansen, D. (1973). Police ethics. Chicago, IL: Charles C. Thomas.

Herman, Michael. (2006). Intelligence Power in Peace and War. Cambridge: CambridgeUniversity Press.

Pfaff, T. (2006). Bungee jumping off the moral highground: Ethics of espionage in the modernage. In Ethics of Spying: A Reader for the Intelligence Professional. Jan Goldman (ed.).Maryland: The Scarecrow Press, Inc. 3-56.

Quinlan, M. (2007). Just intelligence: prolegomena to an ethical theory. Intelligence andNational Security. 22(1), 2-11.

Debunking the 9-11 conspiracy theory

Debunking the 9/11 conspiracy theory 

Name

Course

Tutor

Date

Debunking the 9/11 conspiracy theory 

Since the 9/11 attack and the subsequent investigations, several theorists have come up with divergent views and analysis aimed at putting together pieces of information on what could have triggered and guided the fatal attack. The theorists however differ on their analogies and logical conclusion as to who was responsible for the attack. Specifically, there have been emergence of a controversial argument that attempts to allude existence of collusion between the Americans and the foreign terrorist in planning and execution of the 9/11. largely refereed to as the conspiracy theory, the proponents argue that the Americans especially the government had hidden agenda that so it conspire with the attackers ostensibly to gain international support for fight against perceived enemies, to justify the foreign invasions such as the case of Iraq and Afghanistan and to gain access to the Arab oil. Some theorists fully credit the government with the attack (Grossman, 1). However, the explanation given by the theorists do not add up or have credible back up to support the claims.

The proponents of the conspiracy theory argue that the attack was not carried out by passenger plane but by military jets and missiles. This argument has no tangible evidence to support it based on two major facts. One, the planes that were officially reported to have been used by the hijackers to launch the attack has never been traced. put differently, the planes have never reached their destinations as scheduled. This support the official report that the hijacked passenger planes were used in the operation. Two, the recovered cockpits at the scene clearly endorse the official report as they belonged to the planes in question. The forensic investigations have also proven the fact that cockpit details march those of the commercial airlines.

The lack of total military intervention sanctioned by the government has been described as a weighty evidence of conspiracy and insider job (Mole, 1). Facts from the military show that there were 14 military planes to offer sky protection in the US on that date. At the same time, the NORAD did not receive signals indicating any mishap to warrant a military response. Additionally, when the military got information about the missing planes, it was so late that the damage had been done. For example, FAA contacted NEADS at 9.41 am about the situation, the same time when the plane hit the WTC. Demystification of the conspiracy theory also emanates from the fact that the NEADS failure to act as claimed by the conspiracy theorists is that the military intervention launched was aimed at ensuring that the US was safe from external and not internal attack. This military mistake gave the hijackers a leeway to force the planes into the targeted buildings. It is therefore subjective to argue that the attack was engineer by the government which later failed to alert the responsible military agents.

The nature and magnitude of the WTC destruction from 78th to 110th floors and the destruction of the elevators as well as the buildings basement has been described as far much a bigger damage that the commercial planes could have caused. The argument is that the explosion and nature of the damage hint at a conspiracy. As such, the destruction could have been caused deliberately by “substances or devices,” that might have been in the building before the aircraft impact (Mackey, 10). For example, there could have been explosives planted early at the building. The FEMA’s report rule out existence of conclusion bombs in the building. However, the widespread destruction might have been caused by explosions occasioned by the fuel. As a result, the fire triggered electric fire that badly damaged the building. At the same time, the fuel jet fire though could not cause steel melt; the impact of the explosion was hard enough to interfere with the building’s structural strength thus resulting into the collapse. At the same time, the buying had other combustible materials that could have intensified the heat capacity beyond the jet fuel heating point.

Conclusively, the conspiracy theorists base their claims on sloppy researches that have no scientific or provable evidences (Debunking911, 16). It is therefore evident that their arguments have been based on misinformed sources and illegal reasoning that do not add up.

Works Cited

Debunking911 Debunking 9/11 Conspiracy Theories. Journal of Debunking 9/11

Conspiracy Theories, Volume 1, Issue 1, (2006).

Grossman, L. Why the 9/11 Conspiracy Theories Won’t Go Away. (2006). Accessed June

28, 2010: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1531304,00.html

Mackey, R. Evidence for Controlled Deception: A Long List of Observations – Part I

On Debunking 9/11 Debunking. (2007). Accessed June

28, 2010:http://www.jod911.com/drg_nist_review_1_0.pdf

Mole, T. 9/11 Conspiracy Theories; The 9/11 Taith Movement in Perspective SKEPTI,

Vol. 12, No. 4(2006).

debt crisis tuesday

Debt Crisis

Name:

Professor

Institution

Course:

Date:

The impact of the Third World Debt Crisis and Globalization on Developing and Developed Nations

There are extreme cases of the debt crisis in the modern world, and it needs to be understood well. Often the debt crisis refers to public and private external debt that is experienced by developing countries. The latter has been taking place since the 1970’s and exists up to date. The global economy is being affected tremendously by the debt crisis. Furthermore, the government of the United States is suffering immensely as it seeks to correct the problem of budget deficits. Also, its loans and savings institutions, as well as its balance trade deficits are being affected by the debt crisis.

On the other hand, Globalization is changing the relations that exist between the developing and developed nations. The world is on a daily basis having an integrated economy that is global. It means that decisions regarding social relations and production consumption have transnational dimensions. It cannot be denied that the influence of globalization is felt everywhere, and it is quite strong. Globalization has ensured that forces such as consumption patterns, information, and technologies, real and financial capital are present.

This paper seeks to give a critical analysis concerning the relationship between developing and developed nations. Moreover, it seeks to find out how their relationship has been affected by Globalization and the Third World Debt Crisis.

Critical analysis of the Global Debt Crisis and its impact on Developing and Developed nations

It is claimed that the developing world will never repay its debts fully, and this is due to the fact that they cannot afford it. Loans were initially given to the developing world as a form of stimulus to get rid of their poverty. Some economists claimed that in order to ensure that the citizen’s plight is addressed; they have to give them loans. People living in the developed world often cannot relate to poverty. Those living in developing nations do not have access to proper housing, nutrition, health care and even education.

The first world seeks to find ways of making sure that the debt crisis is resolved before it escalates any further. In turn, it has come up with three methods, and they include; reduction, adjustments of repayments and repudiation. Debt repudiation has been quite common in South American countries such as Peru and Brazil. Unfortunately, this measure has only been temporary. Jeffery Sachs an economist claims that repudiation will never be a solution to the debt crisis. In fact, it is known to affect the relations that exist between the developing nations. Some of polices established by the International Monetary Fund are discriminative. For example, the IMF believes that by controlling the currency values of African countries it can maintain the debt crisis. In Tanzania, the IMF has sort to solve the problems that are related to balance of payments. The latter attempt by the IMF failed, and this made the world know that the debt crisis cannot be handled by the organization.

Countries such as Brazil and Mexico have massive debts, and this is due to the international financial system, which they focus upon. Another region known to be affected by the debt world crisis is the region of Sub-Saharan Africa. Development in the third world is being hindered as a result of the debt crisis. It has made the debtors have a life quality that is not superior. For example, in most African countries such as Somalia and Sudan there is constant fighting. The decline in life quality is due to the political violence that is taking place in those regions. The Somali government has many debts that it cannot be able to pay and in turn the country is in chaos. The Al-Shabaab that is against the Somali government has resorted to find ways of taking over the country. They have resorted to engage in terrorist activities and some analysts’ claim this is due to the debt crisis that has affected Somalia.

Most of Africa is taking the time to develop as the debt crisis has made them become heavily indebted. The international economic system is the key reason why poverty levels are extremely high. There are some African nations, which are extremely rich, while others are the complete opposite. Egypt is a rich African country that cannot be compared to others such as Senegal and Mali. The first world seems to favor Egypt and often finds ways of removing their debt burden. In turn, Egypt has an opportunity to progress while other regions are ignored by the first world. African nations have resorted to protecting their own territories and not become involved with each other. In turn, the debt crisis is blamed for affecting the relations between members of the third world.

It is argued that the relationship that exists between Developing and Developed nations has been affected by Globalization. Recently, there has been an increase in interconnection, which is economic in nature. In turn, it has led to changes that are political, and it seems to affect many countries and especially the poor ones. Developing countries are extremely dependent on the economies of developed countries. For example, the United States is viewed as a power that can fully support most developing countries. America is known for its high levels of technology levels as well as capital expertise. Multinationals are a perfect example of how globalization has affected the relationship between the two diverse nations. Brands such as Sony, Nike and Coca Cola are examples of products that affect globalization. Also, as a result of globalization, capitalism has emerged and it has three features that are unique. The most distinct features are the ones concerning delocalization and its relation to globalization.

People are becoming familiar with one another through mediums such as the internet, telephones, media, advertising as well as economic exchanges. This means that, at the same time, material consumption is enhanced by the developing and developed nations. For example, the American brand known as McDonalds is widely found. In fact, the chain has outlets in all almost all the continents. Local communities are also affected by the activities that are conducted by multinationals. The latter often search for developing countries whereby, they can obtain cheap resources and labor, in order to carry out their operations. In turn, the local communities benefit as there is a flow of wealth and this enhances the globalization process. Also, the scenario can bring about cases of unemployment that is large scale. The result is that there will be wide gaps of inequality between the local communities and the multinationals For example, employees working in a multinational in a country such as China, for the company known as Nike, often complain about poor pay. In a 1998 in China, it was found out that manufacturers such as Nike and Ralph Lauren underpaid Chinese workers. They were being paid as little as 13cents every hour, while their counterparts in other companies in the same region were being paid 87 cents every hour. Moreover, workers doing the same job in the United States were being paid at least 10 dollars every hour. In turn, the relation between the United States and China was strained as a result of such cases.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the first world does not seem to try and solve the problem of the debt crisis in the third world. It is almost a daily occurrence to hear of loans being given to third world countries. This is despite the fact that they are heavily indebted and cannot find a way to pay back. It is vital that suitable ways of helping the developing third world are found, other than give them loans that cannot be repaid easily. Globalization has totally widened the gap between developing and developed nations. At the same time, globalization has been enhanced by beliefs and ideas that have been spread through western imperialism. This is an error that is costly as well as serious that multinationals in developing nations should be aware of. Since they have the power of improving a developing countries economy, they should control the macroeconomic forces that exist. In turn, the local community in the developing country will be satisfied by the changes that are taking place.

Debate Participation Importance of Applied Psychology in the Society today

Debate Participation: Importance of Applied Psychology in the Society today

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Institution

Importance of Applied Psychology in the Society today

Psychology can be defined as an applied and academic field that studies the human mind and behavior. There are numerous research studies done on psychology. The studies aim at understanding and explaining how people think, act and how they feel, both mentally and physically. Applied psychology is the use of the several psychological principles to try deal with issues, especially the negative ones that affect the daily lives of people.

Applied psychology is very important in the growth of the society today because it is of great essence that people know their mental fitness and have it monitored if their enormous performance at work is to be seen (Davey, 2011). This means that doctors have a big role in making sure they understand the behavior of people and check on their medical backgrounds before they embark on critical assignments. The values and theories of psychology help a great deal in overcoming many problems, in the cases of people with huge capabilities, but are useless or unproductive because of their difficulties back at home. This would include drilling and regular counseling which helps the victims have a different and better perspective of their lives.

Many problems at the work place and in families are not medical and so they only need some psychotherapy, which can be done by personal doctors, those that have treated someone or members of the family for a long time and have information about its history. It has come to be one of the only treatments that would not require medication, but psychoanalysis, just opening up to someone and letting them give their views and propositions of how to handle stress and come out of it. Psychiatric therapy is not only important for the working class, but also necessary for the young generations. There is a rise in cases of children who grew up in dysfunctional families and have grown to show traits of distressful youth lives. They also need a lot of counseling to enable them to become what they dream to be.

Therefore, applied psychology is of key importance as not all problems that affect people in the society today are medical. There is a need for more doctors and specialists trained to handle cases related to stress. This is because the number of people who require special and urgent attention is also rising. There should also be a number of fields which would deal with different types of such cases (Burtt, 2011).

Reference

Davey, G. 2011. Applied Psychology. John Wiley & Sons.

Burtt, H. E. 2011. Applied psychology. Prentice-Hall.

Debate on Collective Memory

Debate on Collective Memory

One of the most distinguishing aspects in Maurice Halbwachs’ discourse in social frameworks of memory is the strong association of memory with cultural perceptions. Through various examples, Halbwachs illustrates the existence of collective memory and social memory frameworks. He goes further to assert that our personal thoughts reside in these social frameworks which actively play a role in the process of recollection. We are able to remember things more vividly and with a higher degree of clarity when parents, friends, or fellow members of our society recall them for us. The associative ability of our memories largely relies on our cultural surroundings.

Clifford Geertz maintains that our expectations are conceptualized through our general stock of theoretical concepts as defined by our cultures. In this view Geertz is in agreement with Halbwachs’ concept of social frameworks of memory. In response to his critics, Michael Foucault invokes Halbwachs’ social frameworks by asserting that theories are results of “established regimes of thought” (Halbwach 38). He attributes criticism against him to features and events that have been socially accepted by virtue of our being in contact with them repeatedly. He calls the recalling and accepting of these virtues “a return of knowledge” (Foucault 81). His description of these virtues that form culture is in agreement with Halbwachs’ social frameworks of memory.

Halbwachs maintains that individuals should be considered as isolated beings as most psychological treatises try to portray. Such arguments demand that in order to understand human mental operations we first have to sever all connections of the individual with the society. He calls this an erroneous process since the individual derives a large part of his or her memory from the society. It is from the society that they are able to “recall, recognize and localize their memories” (Halbwachs 38). All our daily recollections in any day are the result of our direct or indirect association with other members of the society since we appeal to our memories to answer questions that have been asked or we believe they might have asked us. In providing answers we put ourselves in the same social context as the other people in order to be properly understood. Our memory is therefore subjected to the kind of society we are in.

Michel Foucault recognizes the social framework of memory while describing the phenomenon of insurrection subjugated knowledges. He describes subjugated knowledges in two ways. The first way is as “the historical contents that have been buried and disguised in a functionalist coherence or formal systemization” (Foucult 81). Secondly, subjugated knowledges refer to the historical content of the society that would help us discover who we truly are from where we came from but are disguised. Subjugated knowledges can thus be defined as blocks of historical contents that make it possible for us to keep on rediscovering the adverse effects of the struggle between our true selves and the norms imposed on us by the functionalist or systematic mental disguise. The mental disguise he is referring to is the social framework of our cultural memory.

Foucault states that criticism thrives well when people have lost the perception of differential knowledge which does not rely on unanimous acceptance but instead rely on local popular knowledge to disqualify the truth. This opinion lends credence to Halbwachs’ viewpoint of the society being the determinant of how concepts, items, and other phenomena are called to memory.

While describing the relationship between memory and language, Halbwachs renounces the idea that our pasts are stored in our memories like cabinet drawers. He argues that people living together in a society are held together by the use of words they find to be commonly intelligible. This is a major condition is for collective thought. Every word that they use brings a recollection of an item or idea. All words are accompanied by appropriate recollections such that a word that does not call to mind a specific event, item, idea or person is considered to be alien in that particular language. It is described as un-understandable. On the other hand, there are no recollections that come without corresponding words to describe them within the society. “We often speak of our recollections before calling them to mind” (Halbwachs 173). These words make up the language we speak therefore it is language in combination with a host of many other social conventions, that give us the ability to reconstruct past events.

The function of language as a social framework for memory is an issue that Clifford Geertz includes in his definition of culture as a complex whole. He uses Clyde Kluckhohn’s definition culture in eleven ways that are all in agreement with Halbwachs social frameworks of memory. Geertz gives Kluckhohn’s definition of culture as “the total way of life of a people” (Geertz 4). This definition implies that culture relies on the unifying concepts that people can conceptualize through memory to agree that they are indeed one community. The conceptualization is only achieved through similar recollections of common values, beliefs, social systems, events, and any other aspect of life that they share. This conceptualization therefore relies on social frameworks of memory and recollection.

Another definition is about culture being “the social legacy the individual acquires from his group” (Geertz 4). This description of culture calls to attention Halbwachs’ association of memory with cultural perceptions where an individual’s thoughts reside in social frameworks that actively play a role in the process of recollection. It is in the same way that one would ask how our recollections are stored. Halbwachs describes this phenomenon of locating recollections by stating that it is done “with the help of landmarks that we carry within ourselves, for it suffices to look around ourselves within the social frame work to retrieve them” (175).

Geertz also describes culture as “a way of thinking, feeling, and believing” (Geertz 4). This definition is similar to Halbwachs’ assertion about the associative ability of our memories largely relying on the way we think and believe as members of one society. When Geertz talks about the definition of culture as a storehouse of learned attributes pooled together, he is borrowing from Halbwachs’ argument on memory being subject to the kind of society we live in such that all learned attributes are defined by the social recollection. For example, a hot-dog is a type of food eaten in most western cultures and is therefore a cultural attribute. However, a person from a different culture will have to learn what it is before he or she can recollect what it is whenever it is mentioned. The meaning of the term resides within the storehouse of that community. Anyone from outside might misconstrue the real meaning and end up recollecting visions of a hot canine.

Halbwachs addresses the question of how we can with a degree of certainty confirm that our recollections as individuals and as members of a society are actually as a result of social schemes or frameworks. How are we able to achieve the colorful representations of our recollections? To answer this question, he first considers the relationship between an image and a concept. The image is considered as being independent of intellectual significance while the concept is considered to be devoid of the image. This makes it possible to reconstruct memory-images without having to pull out tangible images. The concepts on the other hand can be recollected on an intellectual level without the need for tangibility. While writing about nationalism, identity, ethnicity, and revolution among other subjects, Geertz assumes a similar outlook on life as Halbwachs does about images and concepts.

Geertz takes a stand against sociological aestheticism and concentrates on separation of biological and physical entities from political and economical realities in order to place such issues in a comprehensible and meaningful frame. He takes a symbolic dimension on social action like art, morality, and ideology to show that the function of “interpretive anthropology is not to answer our deepest questions but to make available to us the answers that others, guarding other sheep in other valleys, have given” (Geertz 30). This argument can be equated to Halbwachs’ position on the social frameworks of memory where an individual relies on the other members of the society to recollect issues and events from his or her natural surroundings.

Works Cited

Foucault, Michel. “Power/Knowledge.” Selected Interviews and Other Writings 1972-1977. Ed.Colin Gordon. New York: Pantheon, 1980. 78-108. Print.

Geertz, Clifford. The Interpretation of Cultures: Selected Essays. New York: Basic Books, 1973.Print.

Halbwachs, Maurice. The collective memory. New York: Harper & Row Colophon Books, 1980.Print.

Debate between Teleological Arguments and Theory of Evolution

Main Lines of Debate between Teleological Arguments and Theory of Evolution

Debate has been rife for several centuries regarding logical explanation for the existence of the universe, particularly with regard to existence of life. Teleological arguments and evolution theory have widely been studied to offer some of the most acceptable reasoning perspectives for the debate. Explanation has been sought to validate the position held by proponents of the debate, which fall on the opposing side. The main lines of debate can be discussed as follows.

Teleology Lines

First, temporal orderliness of the universe acts as one of the main support points of the teleological proponents of the debate (Swinburne, 154). According to the author, the universe happens to follow some form of order which cannot be assumed to occur just by chance. Guided by positions held by great theologians such as Thomas of Aquinas, the author is of the opinion that such happenings can only be explained by existence of “someone with awareness…we call God,” (Swinburne, 155). It is clear that the apparent orderliness that exists in the universe must be under the control of some being, a comparison of which mush be a deity. This position finds easy acceptance into the debate, perhaps better than any other.

Another argument is the probability of existence of the high orderliness in both universes, Godly and Godless which shows that there is a high probability that the laws of nature that the universe follows must be set out by some being (160). The author states that objects in nature follow some predictable behavior only in a Godly universe as Humean theory explains. We can draw an inference from this theory that the universe is under directions from a deity.

In addition, spatial order, a fact of the universe can be argued only in a perspective that recognizes regularity therein. Co-presence as well as succession can not be explained in exclusion of God (167). These regularity perspectives that denote a well ordered universe complement a Godly universe argument with all respect. Alternatively, beauty of the universe that complements its orderliness is more reasonable when an explanation is sought from Godly presence (190). Using the spectacular regularity depicted by the universe, it is logical to attach a deity to the best explanation sought on its beauty.

Consciousness and mentality analysis gives an array of arguments that strongly support the position that were it not for the existence of God in the Universe, certain innate features of the universe would not exist (198). It is certainly possible to lose meaning of morality in human beings without telos, which explains the position held by God in the universe (Fahlbusch, 328).

Evolution Lines

Linnaean Taxonomy appears to solve the problem of the structure of life forms into a family tree. It is easily possible to trace the origin of life forms due to the universe’s incredible consistency in organizing life into the family tree. It is possible to practically demonstrate the origin of life forms from a common ancestor using the family tree (Wong, 1)

death sentence abolish

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Date

Introduction

Capital punishment has for a long time been one of the most controversial subjects in the entire world. It mainly involves handing an individual a death penalty for a heinous crime such as murder, child rape and robbery with violence among others (Banner and Banner, 13). In the state of Florida, the execution is carried out using a lethal injection that was allowed by the legislature in January 2000 (Tucker, 3). Alternatively, an individual may be executed using the electric chair in the execution chamber situated at Florida State Prison (Tucker, 6). However, questions have emerged pertaining to the efficacy of the death punishment. There has been controversy as to whether a death sentence serves any positive purpose or whether it should be abolished. In my opinion, capital punishment or the death penalty should be abolished.

First, it is worth noting that judges can err in their judgment as far as the determination of the guilt of an individual. This underlines the fact that, there are instances when an innocent individual will be condemned to capital punishment or the death penalty simply because he or she cannot prove his innocence (Pojman and Reiman, 22). It goes without saying that the inability to prove one’s innocence does not necessarily underline his guilt. This raises the question as to whether justice would have been done in such instances (Pojman and Reiman, 24).

It is worth noting that once a miscarriage of justice has been done, as is the case of capital punishment, it cannot be undone. Death is always irrevocable in which case there would be no way of undoing the injustice of executing an innocent person. Philosophers have always stated that it is more preferable to free a thousand guilty people than to kill an innocent person. In essence, I think it would be preferable that these people are given life sentences with or without the option of parole to prevent the killing of innocent people.

In addition, death penalty seems to single out the poor. This is because they may not have sufficient financial muscle to hire proper lawyers, in which case they have to rely on the attorneys appointed by the court (Bedau, 24). In most cases, courts do not have sufficient capital to appoint appropriate representation, in which case the poor may end up being punished for wrongs that they did not commit. In fact, court-appointed attorneys are paid less than the minimum wage, in which case they are not motivated to invest sufficient effort in uncovering the truth about the cases (Pojman and Reiman, 34). The rich, however, can afford to hire qualified lawyers to argue their cases, as well as dig for justice. For example, O.J Simpson could afford a team of highly-qualified lawyers and even finance DNA testing thereby exposing the errors in the DNA evidence of the prosecution. This, however, is unlikely to have happened without the assistance of the attorneys.

In addition, the main reason for any sentence should be to compensate the wronged parties in a fair manner and possibly deter such actions in the future. In the case of death penalties, it goes without saying that the wronged parties would not in any way be compensated by the execution of the presumed wrongdoer.

Of course, proponents of the death penalty opine that it gives the victims a feeling that justice has been done. However, this is not the case. For example, in instances where an individual is presumed to have raped a child, killing him would not compensate the wronged party (Pojman and Reiman, 28). Moreover, how just would it be if an innocent person is executed just to satisfy the will of the wronged parties? In such instances, it would be preferable to follow the suggestions of sociologists, who opine that such individuals should be handed a life sentence where they would work to support the wronged parties. In fact, such measures would offer criminals a chance to reform their ways, which should be the fundamental pillar for law (Bedau, 55).

In addition, proponents argue that the death penalty is the only way that can effectively deter people from committing violent crimes. However, this theory has been proven wrong and inaccurate by statistics. Statistics show that after the lifting of the ban on death penalty in 1976 by the United States Supreme Court, states that have the highest rate of executions also had higher rates of violent crime than states that had lower rates of executions (Pojman and Reiman, 56). For example, from 1982 to 1991 Texas witnessed a rise in the rates of crime by 24% and the rate of violent crime by 46% after reenacting the death penalty statute. It is worth noting that at this time, Texas had executed around 355 people. California, on the other hand saw an increase of crime rate by only 5% yet it had executed only 11 people. This underlines the fact that death penalty does not serve as an effective deterrent of violent crime (Pojman and Reiman, 67).

These points underline the need for the abolishment of the death penalty. It is improper to execute an individual especially considering that human beings can make an error of judgment, thereby executing an innocent person. This is complemented by the fact that death is irreversible, in which case the execution of an innocent person would be a permanent and irrevocable miscarriage of justice. In addition, it does not serve as an effective deterrent of crime, nor does it serve as sufficient compensation to the wronged parties.

Works cited

Banner, Stuart and Banner, Stuart. The Death Penalty: An American History. New York: Harvard University Press, 2003. Print

Pojman, Louis P. and Reiman, Jeffrey H. The Death Penalty: For and Against. New York: Rowman & Littlefield, 1998. Print

Bedau, Hugo Adam. The Death Penalty in America: Current Controversies. New York: Oxford University Press, 1998. Print

Tucker, Kenneth S. Florida Department of Corrections: Death Row Fact Sheet. Web retrieved from HYPERLINK “http://www.dc.state.fl.us/oth/deathrow/” http://www.dc.state.fl.us/oth/deathrow/

(Bedau, )