Wednesday, October 30, 2019

The Design of Health and Safety Control Systems Assignment - 2

The Design of Health and Safety Control Systems - Assignment Example The cattle which graze on the field that houses the subterranean chamber. Any passersby on the main road which is lesser than mile away from the location. HAZARDS Toxic sealant paint highly inflammable and heavier than air (not easy to get disposed off). Thus being hazardous in the following manner: The breaking out of a fire is possible if remnants of the sealant remain within the subterranean chamber. Since the sealant sprayed is toxic its remnants may harm the grass and other crops in the farmer’s field. The health of the cattle and the farmer is at risk. Risk of intoxication of the personnel assigned to spray the sealant. Pedestrian passersby on the main road may get intoxicated. WHAT THE LAW SAYS: The following regulations cover different aspects of the operation 1 discussed above. The regulations are stated below: Safe working in confined spaces According to the confined spaces regulation 1997, regulation 1(1) a sewer is considered as â€Å"confined space†. Accord ing to the confined spaces regulation 1997 regulation 1(9) flammable substances, toxic gas and flammable substances are declared to as HAZARDS. Regulation 3 is about duties under the regulations. ACOP 22(a) Risk assessment must be done. Regulation 4 is regarding working in confined spaces. ... ACOP Communications (39) An adequate communication system will be needed and should enable communication: (a) between those inside the confined space; (b) between those inside the confined space and those outside; and (c) to summon help in case of emergency ACOP (47) Gas purging through inert gas to for flammable or toxic gases. ACOP (51) Mechanical Ventilation for flammable or toxic gases Regulation 1997 Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 Regulation 3 Risk assessment Every employer shall make a suitable and sufficient assessment of – (a) the risks to the health and safety of his employees to which they are exposed whilst they are at work; and (b) the risks to the health and safety of persons not in his employment arising out of or in connection with the conduct by him of his undertaking, for the purpose of identifying the measures he needs to take to comply with the requirements and prohibitions imposed upon him by or under the relevant statutory provisi ons Management Regulation 3 ACOP 22(a) Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 11 The Act places a duty on all employers and the self-employed to take reasonably practicable steps to ensure the health and safety of people who are not in their employment, such as members of the public. 12 The Act also places a duty on employees to co-operate with their employer on health and safety matters and not to do anything which puts others at risk. OPERATIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS The operational recommendations are as follows: Risk assessment of the sewer should be done in compliance with the Health, Safety and Security standards. The farmer should be informed well in time before the

Monday, October 28, 2019

Empirical Literature Article Review of Leadership Ethics Essay Example for Free

Empirical Literature Article Review of Leadership Ethics Essay The opportunity to evaluate original research serves as one of the many foundations to both scholarly writing and research (Grand Canyon University, 2013). Therefore, to enhance this process I will critique empirical research articles for the purpose of demonstrating the effectiveness in understanding leadership ethics. So, using the literature presented within in the works of â€Å"Predictors of Ethical Code Use and Ethical Tolerance in the Public Sector† by Neal Ashkanasy, Sarah Falkus, and Victor Callan along with â€Å"Advancing Ethics in Public Organizations: The Impact of an Ethics Program on Employees’ Perceptions and Behaviors in a Regional Council† by Itai Beeri, Rachel Dayan, Eran Vigoda-Gadot, and Simcha Werner, and finally, â€Å" An Empirical Study of Leader Ethical Values, Transformational and Transactional Leadership, and Follower Attitudes Toward Corporate Social Responsibility† by Kevin Groves and Michael LaRocca comparisons will be made on the relevance and need for research purposes. In comparison, the authors of each study utilize ethical behaviors for the purpose of comparing relationships, perceptions, and beliefs associated with measures of ethical practice. Furthermore, reasonable justification for conducting the research presented in each study is outlined as evidence from the posed research questions and is validated within the results of each piece of literature reviewed. Posed Research Questions Relating the Authors in the Comparison Similarly, the literature within each study focused on ethical practice and how it used to enhance behavior of individuals within organizations. However, assertions within the scope of the posed research questions present relevant generalizations for each study. For example, Ashkanasy, Falkus, and Callan (2000) focused on variables that formulated predictive roles of organizational, individual, group, and contextual levels for utilizing formal codes of conduct. These variables were developed to serve as predictors of ethical tolerance as a result of formal code use. Whereas, organizational commitment (OC), organizational citizenship behavior (OCB), and quality of work life (QWL) are the basis in which Beeri, Dayan, Vigoda-Gadot, and Werner (2013) perceive positive relationships are built as ethical resources are generated. Hence, these three areas promote awareness of ethical leadership and decision making in addition to the ethics code. Further, Groves and LaRocca (2011) incorporate the notion of corporate social responsibility by modeling both transformational and transactional leadership styles. Here, the idea is leaders with deontological values of ethics will be perceived as modeling transformational leadership, while leaders with teleological values of ethics are perceived as modeling transactional leadership (Groves et al. , 2011). Although each study assessed various ethical practices, each displays similarities in presenting study results as a means of validating posed questions of research. Sample Populations The results recorded from evaluations used in the sample populations’ highlighted evidence relevant to that of measures needed to verify theory associated with ethical practice. Hence, each study presented the results through a form of statistical analysis in which various test groups within the field of research were used. Moreover, similar methods were incorporated to assess the results of the respondents within all three studies. Ashkanasy, Falkus, and Callan’s Approach This evaluation involved mailed questionnaires to public sector employees in one State of Australia. The principal method of conducting this study was based on hierarchical regression, and addressed several factors such as: demographic measures, personal ethical values and attitudes, context and group-level variables, and organizational practices (pg. 245, 2000). Given the basis of evidence Ashkanasy, Falkus, and Callan (2000) used this method of analysis to assert that ethical decisions are more likely to be influenced by employees, versus the effect of group and individual variables. Beeri, Dayan, Vigoda-Gadot, and Werner’s Approach In lieu of the goal to test the relationships between ethics and performance within governments locally, Beeri et al. , (2013) used questionnaires to evaluate the long term effects of an ethics program on employees’ perceptions, and the behavior in one council of an Israeli region. This as a result, stems from awareness of ethical codes, and inclusion of employees in the ethical decision making process. Groves and LaRocca’s Approach Groves and LaRocca (2011) utilized voluntary community-based leadership programs that targeted educational values on ethics. The leaders of these community based programs were emailed a link with instructions for participation with an online questionnaire. The assumption here was that training on both transformational and transactional leadership, in addition to ethical decision making and CSR would now be implemented. Results Analysis All in all, the results displayed by the analysis of each study correspond to the overall effort of the posed research. For example, supported results aligned with study hypotheses, but signified that certain mechanisms underlie the criterion for each of the tested variables on different levels according to Ashkanasy, Falkus, and Callan (2000). Whereas, Beeri et al. , (2013) report a greater awareness in ethical codes and decision making along with increased organizational commitment is achieved as a result of positive ethical leadership. And finally, Groves and LaRocca (2011) correlated their findings with the original prediction that transformational leadership alone was aligned with the beliefs of followers in view of the corporate social responsibility of stakeholders. Conclusion Study Limitations of Articles To fully appreciate the level of understanding needed to evaluate literature of empirical research, a description of the methodology, research questions and an analysis of results must be presented to determine the validity of the overall analysis. And as such, each study discussed within the contents of this paper has been successful in delivering on all areas to support research efforts. However, there were areas that pose limitations to future research efforts for all three studies. For example, the use of questionnaires may not represent a true assessment of the respondent’s beliefs (Ashkanasy et al. , 2000). Also, issues surrounding anonymity can urface when responding to questions concerning ethical climate (Beeri et al. , 2013). And further, influences set by both common source and common method can stimulate bias in lieu of follower values of CSR (Groves LaRocca, 2011). For future development of the practice The results yield an overall influence within organizations that build on variables to increase ethical standards. However, there are yet underlying issues for democratic organizations that stress the importance of ethics, integrity, and fairness (Beeri et al. , 2013). And recommendations for further study are necessary to promote the continuous effort of influencing follower perceptions toward ethical commitments.

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Global Food Prices on the Rise Essay -- Economics, Global Government

Who Benefits from Government Policies There are many companies, taxpayers and agencies that benefit from the promotion of production of ethanol. As noted in one resource, â€Å"Big Oil pocketed tens of billions of dollars through a little known subsidy called the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit (VEETC)† (Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association, 2010, Take Action). Farmers in developed countries who receive subsidies from the government reap benefits from this policy because the more corn, or sugarcane, that is produced for ethanol, the larger the profit is for the farmers. Subsidies also help these farmers in producing more products for the ethanol that is demanded. As the text states, â€Å"By lowering production costs, subsidies help domestic producers in two ways: (1) competing against foreign imports and (2) gaining export markets† (Hill, 2011, p. 207). Taxpayers see large benefits from ethanol production, but the benefits of sugarcane ethanol are larger than those with corn ethanol. As noted in one resource, â€Å"Gasoline with sugarcane ethanol is $2.88 per gallon, where gasoline with corn ethanol is $2.92 per gallon† (Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association, 2010, Economic Advantages). The government, for example, in the United States, also benefits from polices set in place. As noted in one resource, â€Å"Corn ethanol production has hit record levels this year [2011], beating government goals and creating a surplus for export† (Krauss, 2011,  ¶ 10). Who Benefits from Tariff Barriers on Imported Sugarcane As discussed in the text, there are two parties who benefit from import tariffs: the government and domestic producers. For the government, tariffs increase revenues. For domestic producers, tariffs provide the ability to afford ... ...ed January 29, 2012, from http://e360.yale.edu/feature/the_case_against_biofuels_probing_ethanols_hidden_costs/2251/ Hill, C. W. (2011). Global Business Today (7th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill/Irwin. Krauss, C. (2011, July 7). Ethanol Subsidies Besieged. The New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/08/business/energy-environment/corn-ethanol-subsidies-may-be-in-jeopardy.html?pagewanted=all Peters, G., PhD (2011, February 16). A Look Behind Rising Food Prices: Population Growth; Rising Oil Prices; Weather Events. Message posted to http://ourfiniteworld.com/2011/02/16/a-look-behind-rising-food-prices-population-growth-rising-oil-prices-weather-events/ Radcliffe, B. (2011). The Basics Of Tariffs And Trade Barriers. Retrieved January 29, 2012, from http://www.investopedia.com/articles/economics/08/tariff-trade-barrier-basics.asp#axzz1ktwQdZhy

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Art :: essays research papers

World Cultures Baroque Art Essay During the Baroque period, new ideas and views of society and of religion spurred up. To express these new ideas many artists used the ideas of past artists to further expand their own motives. " If I have seen further (than you and Descartes), it is by standing upon the shoulders of Giants." Sir Isaac Newton, 1676 The artists of the baroque period were using past ideals as a ladder to the prevalent and the gallant. Four pieces of art that exceplified the usage of the great minds of the past were; The Rape of the Sabine Women by Nicholas Poussin, The east faà §ade of the Louvre Palace, The View of Delft by Jan Vermeer and The Palace of Versailles. The magnificent artwork of Nicholas Poussin shows the mixture of Roman architecture and ideas. He copied the body sculptures and the basilicas of ancient Rome and added them to his medium of oil. Poussin traveled to Roman museums for inspiration and models. In The Rape of the Sabine Women, he show s how he balanced his art by carefully arranging opposites. Since he used statues for models, the people in his painting look to be chiseled and very statuesque. Poussin also uses a background of a Roman city to further enhance his love for the classical world. He sought for permanent in the momentary and the universal in the individual. Many artists of the time turned to classical Greece and Rome for their ideas. Another prime example is the East Faà §ade of the Louvre Palace in Paris, France. KING LOUIS XIV originally commissioned this piece of work to Gianlorenzo Bernini in 1665. The king's finance minister felt " it left the king housed no better than before." so his plan was rejected and a French architect named Claude Perrault was appointed to finish the job. This palace had to grand enough for the "sun-king", so Perrault used classical influences to achieve the proper grandness fit for a king. He used a long Corinthian colonnade, friezes, and pilasters. T his acted as a restraining influence to the baroque ideas of the time. Greek and Roman art influenced many Europeans, especially the monarchs of the time. No monarch showed that better than King Louis XIV of France. His rule of France's nobles required a large palace to be built to accommodate and preoccupy the people that could have threatened his absolute power.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Case of Unocal Burma Essay

Work in progress at the Yadana pipeline project †¦ modern equivalent of slavery? Unocal Corporation, the California-based giant gas-and-petroleum corporation, will face trial in a United States court on charges of forced labour of Burmese people to build the $1. 2 billion Yadana Gas Pipeline Project in southern Burma. On September 18 last year(2012), a panel of the U. S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in Pasadena reversed a previous Federal District Court decision and allowed the groundbreaking human rights lawsuit against Unocal to go forward. In the Doe v. Unocal case, 11 Burmese villagers are suing Unocal for human rights abuses including rape, forced labour and murder during the building of the Yadana gas pipeline project in Burma. â€Å"This is a landmark decision,† said Richard L. Herz, an attorney with the non-profit group EarthRights International (ERI), co-counsel in the lawsuit. â€Å"In recognising that corporations that aid and abet egregious human rights abuses can be held accountable, the Ninth Circuit has affirmed that U. S. corporations cannot violate international human rights with impunity. † The decision said that plaintiffs need only demonstrate that Unocal knowingly assisted the military in the perpetration of the abuses, and that they had done so. The court also found that forced labour such as that employed by the Burmese military on behalf of the Unocal pipeline is the â€Å"modern equivalent of slavery†. The ruling stated, â€Å"The evidence supports the conclusion that Unocal gave `practical assistance’ to the Myanmar Military in subjecting Plaintiffs to these acts of murder and rape. Thus, because Unocal knew that acts of violence would probably be committed, it became liable as an aider and abettor when such acts of violence, — specifically, murder and rape — were in fact committed. † The legal battle began six years ago when Burmese villagers filed a suit in U. S. federal court demanding that Unocal pay millions of dollars in damages for abuses committed by soldiers along the Yadana pipeline. However, in 2000, despite the court finding evidence that â€Å"Unocal knew that forced labour was being utilised and that the joint venturers benefited from the practice†, the  federal judge dismissed the case because the company’s conduct did not rise to the level of â€Å"active participation† — a liability standard borrowed from the Nuremberg war crimes trials involving the role of German industrialists in the Nazi forced-labour programme. Lawyers for the Burmese villagers responded by filing a new lawsuit under state law and making many of the same charges in the Superior Court in Los Angeles. In June 2002, the California Superior Court Judge Victoria Chaney’s decision held that plaintiffs’ claims might proceed to trial. The trial of the California State case is scheduled to start in early 2003. The lawyers for the Burmese villagers also appealed the federal judge’s dismissal last year, which led to the ruling by the Ninth Circuit Court on September 18 last year. Although the Ninth Circuit Court has sent the case back to the lower federal court for trial, the villagers’ lawyers said they would ask Superior Court Judge Victoria Gerrard Chaney to apply the new liability standard in the California State trial. Unocal maintains that its actions are not on trial in the California case and that the company expects to be vindicated of `vicarious liability’ charges. Responding to the federal decision, Unocal’s lawyer Daniel M. Petrocelli said: â€Å"What the case is about is whether a private American company can be held responsible for the actions of a foreign military regime when the company itself didn’t do any of the offending conduct. † â€Å"No Unocal person participated in any acts of wrongdoing,† Petrocelli said. â€Å"Unocal does not have, nor ever had, any control over the actions of the Myanmar military. The company does not direct, countenance or condone the violation of any person’s human rights, and it certainly did not aid or abet the violation of anyone’s human rights. And if that is the standard that is applied in this case, we are confident we will meet that standard. † During the early 1990s, ignoring widespread calls from the Burmese democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi and pro-democracy groups worldwide for a moratorium on international investment, transnational oil companies Unocal (U. S. ) and Total (France) chose to invest in a regime with one of the worst human rights and environmental records in the world. In 1992, the Burmese military government entered into a joint venture with Unocal and Total to construct a gas pipeline from the Yadana gas fields in Burma’s Gulf of Martaban to the Thai border. This represents the single largest foreign investment project in Burma. The Yadana gas revenue is one of the largest sources of foreign capital for the Burmese military government. The Burmese military regime was contracted by the oil companies to provide â€Å"security† for the project. Ever since, the Burmese army has engaged in systematic human rights abuses and environmental degradation in order to fulfil its contractual responsibilities. The U. S. court accepted the case against Unocal based on extensive documentation including eyewitness accounts of human rights abuses in the pipeline region provided by ERI. Along the Burmese pipeline route, killings, torture, rape and extortion by pipeline security forces have increased sharply since the Yadana Project was initiated. Many villagers along the pipeline area provided eye-witness descriptions of forced labour: â€Å"Battalion No.  273 came in to our village and asked for two porters to go to two places, including one located directly along the pipeline. These people had to go because it was their turn. The soldiers ordered a total of 18 porters from our village tract. The work lasted about 20 days, and they did not get any payment. I know they did not get payment because that was always the case, and it was the same again. † The influx of soldiers in the previously isolated Tenasserim region also caused an increase in illegal hunting, logging, and wildlife trade. The region is one of the largest rainforest tracts left in mainland Southeast Asia, home to wild elephants, tigers, rhinos and great hornbills, to name just a few rare and important species. It is also home to numerous indigenous peoples, including the Mon, Karen, and Tavoyans. An incriminating piece of evidence is a declassified cable sent from the U. S. Embassy in Rangoon to the U. S. State Department in 1995 that confirms Unocal’s relationship with the Burmese military and their collusion in forced labour. Known as the â€Å"Robinson Cable†, the cable chronicles a meeting between the U.S. embassy staff and Joel Robinson, Unocal’s manager for special projects. According to the cable, Robinson accepts Unocal’s relationship with the Burmese military: â€Å"On the general issue of the close working relationship between Total/Unocal and the Burmese military, Robinson had no apologies to make. He stated forthrightly that the companies have hired the Burmese military to provide security for the project and pay for this through the Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE). He said three truckloads of soldiers accompany project officials as they conduct survey work and visit villages. He said Total’s security officials meet with military counterparts to inform them of the next day’s activities so that soldiers can ensure the area is secure and guard the work perimeter while the survey team goes about its business. † Tyler Giannini of ERI said that the evidence belies Unocal’s claims that it is not responsible for the acts of the Burmese military. â€Å"When Unocal and Total hire the military, tell them where to go, what to do, and depend on them for the security of their project, they are morally and legally responsible for the abuses that their security forces commit. Unocal was dealing with the devil. Now they will have to answer to a jury,† he said. Doe v. Unocal is the first case in U. S. history in which a corporation will stand trial for human rights abuses committed abroad. Human rights lawyers have viewed the court decision on Unocal as a breakthrough for foreigners seeking to hold multinational corporations accountable for their alleged complicity with repressive regimes in human rights abuses. With at least 10 similar lawsuits pending around the U. S. against multinational corporations, including ChevronTexaco Corp. and Coca-Cola Co. , the Unocal court ruling will encourage human rights lawyers to proceed on these cases.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

The GDP of Japan †emerging economy

The GDP of Japan – emerging economy Introduction Gross Domestic Product, commonly abbreviated as GDP, is used as the measure of economic growth and development for national economies. It is also called the Gross National Income (GNI). The GDP measures the national income of a given country.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on The GDP of Japan – emerging economy specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In essence, Japan is a manufacturing economy and is considered as one of the most competitive economies in the world today. Japan competes with the United States economy and other developed economies in Europe such as the United Kingdom1. Japan is one of the largest economies in the world in terms of production of goods. It comes third after the United States and China respectively. However, for the purpose of this report, Japan will be considered as an emerging economy because of the recent flops in its economy. It is not considered as an economy that is com ing from scratch, but rather, from an economic downturn. This view is taken from the assessment of the Japanese economy in the year 2011 by the Bank of Japan. According to the World Bank Group, the economy of Japan has been showing positive economic outlook and coming out of the economic witnessed two years earlier. This view is based on a number of economic indicators that were noted in the year 2011 by the Bank of Japan. These indicators include the recorded rise in the overall production, as well as increased exports. These two indicators are the major signs of a performing economy2. With an increase in production and exports, the country is often on the positive side of balance of trade and balance of payments. Prior to the recent positive developments in the Japanese economy, the economy suffered due to a strong currency – the yen. The strong yen has been causing a shrink in exports by Japan.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we c an help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Though slightly recovered, the economy of Japan is still being affected by deflationary forces. However, strong monetary policies are aiding in cushioning the economy thereby putting it back on track3. Gross Domestic Product of Japan in 2011 The GDP is calculated through the addition of the total sum of consumption expenditure, added to the total investment expenditure, plus the government expenditure, minus the net exports. This can be represented as [GDP = C + I + G + (X-M)]. The net export is the difference between exports and imports and is a very important segment of the GDP formula. It determines the real worth of the economy relative to the international economy. The GDP is calculated on an annual basis. This is done after a cycle of 365 days, and it marks that total expenditures for both the final products and services produced and consumed by the country. The GDP of Japan in 2011 In the year 2011, the Gross Domestic Product of Japan totaled to 5867.2 billion United States Dollars. This is according to the figures availed by the World Bank. The GDP of the country was at 8.87 % of the GDP of the entire world economy. This according to the World Bank group 2012 denotes one of the highest preforming economies in the world. Private consumption expenditure The private consumption expenditure of Japan stood at 282.7263 trillion Japanese yens. This was boosted by the growth in the income of households due to a strong economy and positive prospects of growth4.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on The GDP of Japan – emerging economy specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Investment expenditure The total public investment expenditure of Japan stood at 0.2 trillion Japanese yens5. The government of Japan leads in the investment initiative within the country. The government spends a lot while investing in research and developme nt within the country. Government expenditure 2011 The total government expenditure in Japan in 2011 was 96.7 trillion Japanese yens. The expenditure of the government is high because the government focuses on two major dimensions of investment. These include investment in research and development, as well as real projects6. Exports Total exports for Japan in 2011 were 800.8 billion US dollars. There was a growth in from the previous year due to increased trade relations between Japan and major trading giants in the world like China. Imports The total imports into by Japan in 2011 were 794.7 billion US dollars. A high percentage of its imports came from China, which is one of its biggest trading partners. Graph of GDP of Japan in a decade The figure below is a graph of the GDP of Japan from the year 2000 to 2012. From the Graph, it is notable that the economy of Japan has been experiencing an increasing trend in economic growth. This is denoted by the increase in GDP each year from the year 2009 to the year 2012.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Source: The World Bank, 2012. Business cycle and economic development of Japan in 200s The characteristics of an emerging economy are usually denoted in the measures of GDP within that economy. These include the investment expenditure, consumption expenditure, government expenditure, and the net exports of that country. Increase in the production and exports are major milestones in economic development. As for Japan, there has been a notable increase in production as the economy picks up from the stagnated growth experienced due to economic shocks. Also, the country has worked on maintaining and even increasing the export of its manufactured goods mostly electronics and automobiles. This has helped to maintain a strong balance in the balance of trade records of Japan. Trade is the main basis on which economic development is always pegged. Therefore, a country that shows prospects of having a strong economy must be very active in international trade. Japan is indeed an icon not only in manufacturing, but also in the real global trade. Japan has been keeping a strong presence in the international market. Japan has maintained the production of standard goods that meet the demands of the market. This helps in sustaining and maintaining the country within the competitive markets. Japan has managed to penetrate the world’s strongest markets like the United States, Europeans Union and the ASEAN market. Japan is also penetrating the new and promising regional markets of developing economies like Africa, South America and Asia. As of today, Japan has established strong and sustainable trade relations with many countries in the entire continents of the world. With more prospects of raising its production potential, Japan will undoubtedly become of the strongest economies in the world in respect to GDP. Japan can fall in the top group of countries in the word that are heavily investing in technological development. The high investment in technology is the reason why the company is innovative enough to produce varied and high quality products. Technology has sustained the manufacturing sector of the Japanese economy helping it match with such sectors belonging to the most economically competitive countries. Trends in Japanese government expenditure in the recent years The public expenditure is a very important aspect in economic development of a state. The public spending is dictated by various factors including the economic targets and challenges facing the country. In general, Japan has been witnessing a high rate of government expenditure in the economy. This is in order to keep the economy at par with the other developed economies. The expenditure by the Japanese has accelerated from the year 2008. This is partly because of several economic situations and conditions that have been hounding the nation. The first reason for the increased expenditure by the Japanese government in the recent times is the worldwide economic recession. The gov ernment had to cushion itself for the shocks of the recession. One way of doing that was to make the economy considerably proactive. This would enable it to develop strengths to mitigate the economic shocks arising from the international financial market. The other factor, which has led to the rise in government expenditure, is the natural disaster that rocked the country in early 2011. The government had to release a lot of money in the economy to help in mitigating the effects of the disaster to the economy of Japan7. Conclusion Japan has one of the emerging strong economies in the world despite the numerous challenges to the economy. The GDP of Japan is projected to attain more growth in the coming years basing on the trends that have been witnessed over the past five years. Bibliography BBC News, Japans economy emerging from lull, says Bank of Japan, 2011, retrieved https://www.bbc.com/news/business-12461377 Mourdoukoutas, P, The new emerging Japanese economy: Opportunities and strategies for world business, Thomson/South-Western, Mason, Ohio, 2005. Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (a), Government Final Consumption Expenditure in Japan (JPNGFCEADSMEI): Main Economic Indicators, 2012, retrieved https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/JPNGFCEADSMEI Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (b), Private Final Consumption Expenditure in Japan (JPNPFCEQDSNAQ): Main Economic Indicators, 2012, retrieved https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/JPNPFCEADSMEI Sexton, RL, Exploring Macroeconomics, Cengage learning, Mason, Ohio, 2012. Footnotes 1 P, Mourdoukoutas, The new emerging Japanese economy: Opportunities and strategies for world business, Thomson/South-Western, Mason, Ohio, 2005, p 25 2 P Mourdoukoutas, The new emerging Japanese economy: Opportunities and strategies for world business, Thomson/South-Western, Mason, Ohio, 2005, p 28 3 BBC News, Japans economy emerging from lull, says Bank of Japan, 2011. 4 Organization for Economic Co-O peration and Development (a), Private Final Consumption Expenditure in Japan (JPNPFCEQDSNAQ): Main Economic Indicators, 2012. 5 Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (b), Government Final Consumption Expenditure in Japan (JPNGFCEADSMEI): Main Economic Indicators, 2012. 6 Ibid 7 RL Sexton, Exploring Macroeconomics, Cengage learning, Mason, Ohio, 2012, p 34

Monday, October 21, 2019

Julius Caesar an Iconic Roman

Julius Caesar an Iconic Roman Introduction Based on my personal opinion, Julius Caesar was a highly influential Roman, as a leader and as an ordinary person. He is a person who greatly influenced the then Roman people, as well as the recent generations, including Western culture affiliates. He lived between July 100 BC and March 44 BC. Caesar was a statesman, Roman General, and a renowned writer of Latin literature.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Julius Caesar an Iconic Roman specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More He was a major actor in bringing about the gradual revolution of the Roman Republic into the Roman Empire. Among the milestones of his life, in 60 BC, together with Pompey, he formed the political alliance, an establishment created to dominate Roman politics for a number of years. However, their attempts to converge power through populist movements, were greatly opposed by the conservative elite class within the Roman senate. These included Cato the younger, and Cicero. Caesar’s conquest over Gaul was accomplished by 51 BC, leading to the expansion of Rome’s coverage to the English Channel and the Rhine area. Caesar recorded the accomplishment of becoming the first Roman Empire, to cross both boundaries, after building a bridge across the Rhine and leading the first invasion into the British territory (Thorne, 2003). Discussion The accomplishments which Caesar achieved, marked him as an unmatched military leader, who would command massive military power, which led to his eclipsing of Pompey’s standing. The division of power among the two was further threatened by the death of Crassus in 53 BC. Later, the political realignments taking place in Roman rule led to confrontation between Caesar and Pompey, with Pompey assuming the course of the senate. Through the demands of the senate, Caesar was required to face a trial in Rome, over a number of charges. Instead, Caesar accompanied by one legion, march ed from Gaul to Italy, during which, he crossed the Rubicon in 49 BC. The march sparked a civil war, which left Caesar, the unopposed leader of the Roman Republic.Advertising Looking for essay on history? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More After taking up leadership over the government, he started widespread reforms of the Roman society and the government system. Further, he centralized the bureaucracy of the Roman Republic, thus was declared a dictator in precedence. Later on, a number of senators led by Marcus Brutus, ordered the assassination of Caesar in 44 BC, hoping that his death would help revert the system to the constitutional republic government system. However, the unexpected came about, as a series of civil wars took place, which led to the ultimate permanent establishment of the Roman Empire by Caesar’s adopted heir, Octavius (Augustus Caesar). The larger part of Caesars life was marked by his milit ary engagements (Thorne, 2003). During his time and after his death, especially among the Romans and his present day admirers, Julius Caesar was well-liked and revered for a number of accomplishments and traits. These include the view that he was a defender of the rights of the people of his time, against the ruling oligarchy. He is also revered as a highly ambitious person, who was able to push his way into dictatorial power, and bringing about the death of the republic, through his highly developed tactical leadership. Caesar is also revered for his gifted, versatile nature, which saw him amass great success in war, as an orator and a statesman in an effective manner (Thorne, 2003). Another area that has touched and influenced succeeding generation till the present time, is the literary ability of Caesar. His literary creations are highly revered and used as military references. These include the civil war literature (three books), and commentaries on the Gallic wars, which are do cumented in seven books. This literature lives on, and is cited as beautiful and clearly drawn from Latin classic works. In the field of poetry, the only one of Caesar’s works which is traceable to the present, is a poem about Terrence. This piece has also received usage and reverence as a concise Latin piece, depicting the literal constructions of the then Roman society.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Julius Caesar an Iconic Roman specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In tracing his influence on the Western culture up to date, Caesars death, served to trigger his power and influence, which grew to the level of installing him as a central symbol of western culture and a mythic emblem. In contributing to the Western culture, the figure of Caesar has been adopted by historical figures like Machiavelli, Shakespeare, Madison Avenue, and George Shaw. For instance, Mussolini and Napoleon have given tribute to Caesarâ⠂¬â„¢s crossing of the Rubicon in the protection of the dictatorial course they supported. Caesar has received credit as a one of a kind political leader. Credit is given to the social, economic, and political changes he caused on the Roman society and government. Caesar’s unique model is given credit and acknowledgement for the ability he showed in breaking the long-standing laws operating within the then Roman society. This serves to show him as a historical model, who may be emulated by the leaders of today, to bring about the changes that are needed within the history of government systems. Some of the revolutionary changes of Caesar, include his bringing of an entire army into the city, mainly because, prior to his act of disobedience, the army had not set foot inside the city of Rome. Caesar is seen as a proponent of changes, against the interests of the powerful system, proving the ability of changing socially constructed tolerance for undesired societal systems and st ructures. Some of the lines or key phrases used or related to his life, are used in real life situations, to explain the directly unrelated events or occurrences. One phrase which has received such usage to a considerable level is, ‘Crosses the Rubicon,’ which is used as a figurative phrase to show the situation of going beyond the expected conventional levels. For instance, the phrase is used in explaining the cases, where an individual acts way beyond his entitlement, in terms of what he is allowed to do and what not to. These constructions show that his lines of action, mark milestones in marking real life events, which has held value for many generations after his death (Elton, 1996).Advertising Looking for essay on history? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More After his death, instead of his legacy dying and things returning to the way they were before he had got into the picture of political leadership, they got even worse, with the possibility of a return to the republic status becoming impossible. Instead, what happened was that civil wars started taking place, which threatened the leadership of the very people who had gotten Caesar assassinated. After all the civil wars and the deterioration in stability, the leadership fell into the hands of Caesars heir, Mr. Augustus Caesar, and not the rivals. The power of Augustus, further led to the permanent change to the empire status of the region, thus the hopes of reclaiming the republic status (Casson, 1998). The death of Caesar was more of a motivation to the Romans, and not a loss of their highly esteemed leader. This can be traced to the dramatic entry into power, which had clearly portrayed to the Romans, the ability of working against the common current or established negative principl es. After his death, the Romans were again woken up to the fact that they would expect the leadership imbalances eliminated by Caesar to resurface. As a result, the fear that a power struggle would take place empowered the Romans, which led to the revolt against the leadership change, thus the civil wars witnessed. This was highly unexpected, as Caesar, a declared dictator, had the support of all the people of Rome, and his death resulted in administrative imbalances. That helped serve the role of showing that he was more of a Roman’s leader, though a dictator. This trait has led to the long held prominence of this icon, thus the influence of Western leadership which comes along with it (Blackburn Holford, 1999). The key role played by Caesar in changing Rome and Europe in general, is socially, through the conquering of Gaul and the extension of the Roman culture into England, Belgium, and France. This was the unifying tie, between these varied lands of Celtic tribes into a unified common, in the fabric of the history of Western Europe as Romanic, and the Germanic Europe as a classic. These major revisions of the cultural aspects of Europe and other societies, have played a great role, in shaping the current world, which has directed credit to him, even thousands of years after his death (Adkins Adkins, 1998). Conclusion One highly revered figure in the history of the Western culture as well as the history of the globe as a whole is Caesar, a person who was authoritative in his time, and who grew more influential after his death. The areas that give this figure immense influence, include his pattern of leadership against the odds, as well as the historical role played in creating the Western culture. Thousands of years later, his name is as influential as it was after his death, both in leadership lines as well as other areas. References Adkins, L., Adkins, R. (1998). Handbook to life in ancient Rome. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Blackburn, B., Holford, S. L. (1999). The Oxford companion to the year. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Casson, L. (1998). Everyday life in ancient Rome. Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins University Press. Elton, H. (1996). Warfare in Roman Europe AD350-425. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Thorne, J. (2003). Julius Caesar: conqueror and dictator. New York: The Rosen Publishing Group.