Global Civil Society Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Global Civil Society - Essay Example Through much of the Cold War, realism (a later neorealism) dominated the international relations literature. This particular focus placed an almost exclusive emphasis on the state. However, with the introduction of concepts like interdependence theory in the 1970s by scholar like Keohane and Nye (1977), alternative positions started to emerge. These alternative - neoliberalism in particular - approaches argued that economics and scare resources forced states to interact with each other in increasingly frequency and in doing so states ceded sovereignty to international institutions. While neorealism remained dominant even after the Cold War, these alternatives raised important questions not only about state sovereignty, but also about the existence of international actors and their relationship with the state and between each other. One particular approach that gained momentum after the Cold War was the concept of Global Civil Society (GCS). GCS examines non-state actors such as Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), non-state organisations and social movements as a whole. Many of these concepts, though, are not new to the post-Cold War era. Rather, within the past two decades, GCS has come to refer to a specific set of actors whose interactions influence the globalised world and particularly challenge the state as an alternative form of governance; with these non-state actors playing an increasingly important role in international affairs. Accordingly, this paper seeks to identify the main actors in GCS and critically assess their roles. First, this essay will define GCS as to generally outline the concept. Section two will introduce the main actors and their roles. Finally, the conclusion will offer suggestions on the future of GCS; which will depend in large part on how current actors perceive and cooperate with each other. Define Global Civil Society While the concept of GCS was greatly developed after the Cold War, its origins can be traced back much earlier and include the idea of civil society. Heywood (2002, p.8) notes that "civil society consists of what Edmund Burke called 'little platoons', institutions such as the family and kinship groups, private business, trade unions, clubs, community groups." Civil society was separate from the mechanisms of the state and, to varying degrees, influenced domestic state behaviour. And as the state interacted with other states with increasing frequency through the 18th century, so too did non-state actors. Through the mid-20th century, Lawson (2003, p. 50) notes that NGOs and international organizations started to significantly increase their interaction with states and this constituted the emergence of 'international civil society'. While states still dominated, these non-state actors exerted more influence on the fabric of international relations. Yet, the framework and the interactio n of these non-state actors were such that it was not long before the 'international' transitioned into the 'global'. Like many concepts in international relations, GCS does not have a universally agreed definition. Axford (2002, p. 558) states "the existence of global civil society - a zone of transnational association and deliberation under the control on neither states nor markets

Impact of big data on data management functions Essay

Impact of big data on data management functions - Essay Example Distinguishing characteristics of Big Data are its capabilities of circumnavigating data utilization and limitation issues. It deploys highly cohesive methods for data nomenclature and architecture. It also deploys dedicated and powerful processors just for data storage and retrieval functions. While normal range of handling data sets varies from megabytes to gigabytes, Big Data can handle data sets varying in the range of terabytes and pentabytes (Magoulas and Lorica 2009). However, functioning of Big Data at such an enormous scale of database management may have some unwanted impact. It often becomes highly difficult to detect privacy violations or flaws in data capturing methods while operating Big Data (Snijders, Matzat, and Reips 2012). The general paradigm of data management deals with traditionally manageable sizes of mostly similar datasets. For example, DAMA’s Data Management Body of Knowledge or DAMA-DMBOK framework serves as a popular functional paradigm for general data management. There are 10 primary functions in DAMA-DMBOK. According to the DAMA-DMBOK Guide (2010), these 10 functions are: Data Governance serves as the core function, which must be accomplished with the help of the other functions. The framework also explicitly defines all the stakeholders involved in database management and related utilities. (Earley 2011) Big Data has certain positive impacts on a standard database management framework like DAMA-DMBOK. Firstly, it helps in modifying the framework suitably for handling larger datasets. Secondly, it helps in developing a stakeholder-independent database management framework. Thirdly, it helps in generating and storing enormous amounts of data for both storage and processing. (Magoulas and Lorica 2009) However, Big Data is likely to have a negative impact on certain DAMA-DMBOK functions such as Data Security Management and Data Quality Management. The

Nursing Informatics Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Nursing Informatics - Term Paper Example Understanding and identifying such challenges is the first requirement in order to find solutions to the problems faced by the nursing informatics today. RECENT TRENDS IN NURSING INFORMATICS INTRODUCTION A very interesting fact about health informatics is its smooth and rapid integration in the health care systems of the world. Now, advanced health care facilities cannot even bear to think running their services without computerized equipment at their disposal (Caraway, 2008). They have valid reasons, for computers and informatics systems have made processing and handling patients much quicker and efficient. Nurses in many ways can be considered as the pioneers in adopting such technologies within their services. This is the sole reason why nursing informatics is an important feature of the nursing curriculum (Caraway, 2008). Informatics is defined as the science of â€Å"representation, processing and communication of information in natural and artificial systems† (Fourman, 2 003), where as in health care it would be defined as â€Å"a discipline focused on the acquisition, storage and use of information in a specific setting or domain† (Hersh, 2009). So how are nurses using these technologies in their daily healthcare provision? Firstly they are using informatics as an analyzing tool, and with that they are better able to choose, implement and evaluate the information gathered and create better care systems. Such systems are also now widely being used to provide information and education to the staff (Caraway, 2008). This trend has given a boost to the already implemented evidence based health care provision, by keeping nurses up to date about the most recent researches and clinical studies. It is therefore, easier for nurses to advance themselves as they move forward in their career (Caraway, 2008). WHAT IS HAPPENING NOW? The current trends are very much the continuation of the efforts of the past. With the understanding of the potential impact of informatics in medicine and health care delivery, there is emphasis to explore new areas and integrate this new technology deeper (Kampov-Polivoi, 2010, Jensen, Meyer and Sternberger, 2009). this reflects itself in the number of programs that have evolved related to informatics not only in nursing but in other medical areas as well. the technical advancement of these programs is reflected in the high number of such programs delivered online for studying (Kampov-Polivoi, 2010). Nursing informatics is based on three principles, which include data, information and knowledge. Utilizing these three principles has been able to provide one of the best methods applicable in evidence based nursing and medicine (Kaminski, 2010). This is why the evolution of the current nursing informatics programs has been made from bachelor levels to master levels. These developments in the academic areas indicate that informatics in all of its forms are becoming an essential subject to be learnt for futu re health care systems (Kampov-Polevoi, 2010). The integration of this system may be able to help reduce the work load that is presented to the current nurses. Currently, there is a gradual shortage of nursing staff across the globe due to the most demanding and time consuming work nurses do (Kaminski, 2010). The introduction of information technology in nursing may be able to reduce the burden of such long hours, and may even entice fresh graduates into taking up nursing as a profession (Kaminski, 2010). Currently there are three

Economic and financial aspects of business Essay

Economic and financial aspects of business - Essay Example & FESS, P.E., 2005] Environmental accounting: - It shows the role played by natural environment in economy. It provides data which shows contribution of natural resources in economy and costs born by economy due to pollution and other environmental factors. Financial accounting is purely related to the record of daily transactions. In it only those transactions are considered in which money is directly or indirectly involved. It provides information to the present and potential shareholders and stakeholders of a business such as investors, creditors, debtors, suppliers, customers, financial analysts and government agencies, about the financial condition of the business. As it has to serve the information needs of a diversified base of users who have diversified needs, so it presents the financial accounts in a very structured manner and strictly follows certain rules, these rules are called â€Å"Generally Accepted Accounting Principles† or GAAP. Managerial accounting is defined in following words â€Å"The process of identifying, measuring, analyzing, interpreting, and communicating information for the pursuit of an organizations goals.†[INVESTOPEDIA] It fulfills the information needs of internal stakeholders of business as managers and employees. It provides useful accounting information to management of organization, to support them in making more educated and informed decisions. It is mostly related with such decisions as continue or shut-down a factory, make or buy decision, drop a product or not etc.. Financial accounting information is generated for the use of external stakeholders of organization such as stockholders, investors, creditors, debtors, suppliers, customers, government agencies, financial analysts and other regulatory bodies. Managerial accounting system generates information for the internal stakeholders of organization especially for management to support them in effective

Social Performance, part 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Social Performance, part 2 - Essay Example Many financial industries, especially those dealing in financial services, have codes of conduct. The table below shows the codes of a competitor to Pioneer Financial Group and criticism of their codes. COMPANY CODE OF CONDUCT CRITICISM SERVICES OFFERED LINCOLN FINANCIAL GROUP Fairness Respect Employee Ownership Diversity Responsibility Integrity Commitment to Excellence They have stringent do’s and don’t’s, and their employees feel that if something is not specified in the code of conduct, then it is acceptable. Life insurance Annuities Retirement plan services Group protection AF FINANCIAL GROUP Honesty and fair dealing Workplace environment Compliance with laws and regulations Conflict of interest Gifts Records and reporting information Political activities Insider trading Revoked their contract with Lowerell as their independent auditors without giving them notice as this contradicts their code of honesty and fair dealings with other intermediaries Insurance services Loans such as mortgage loans Offers business services such as checking accounts CUNA MUTUAL GROUP Integrity in the workplace Integrity with company resources, information and financial disclosure Integrity while dealing with others Integrity with business conduct Faced with challenges of measuring the effectiveness of their program, though they have ambitious programs and codes of ethics Crop insurance Retirement planning for members and small businesses Insurance for union members Trevino and Nelson (2007) define business ethics as behaviors that are in line with the principles, standards, and norms of practice that are in accordance with the society. Pioneer Financial Group is facing a conflict of interest of some shareholders, side deals done by employees, and corruption. Establishing an ethical business culture is one way of improving the corporate governance. Pioneer Financial Group should have ethical codes that promote ethical behavior. This guides employees in cases where ethical course of action is not clearly known. The codes help the company to communicate their expectations to employees, communities, government, and other stakeholders. The codes do promote market efficiency, build public trust, enhance business reputation, raising awareness on the societal needs, and help the company reinforce and acquaint new employees with their values and culture. Pioneer Financial Group have put in place training programs regarding ethics in the company that are designed to offer real solutions to those employees under ethical dilemma. A code of conduct or ethical code sets out the company's values, ethics, objectives and responsibilities. Pioneer Financial Group will have the following code of conduct: COMPANY CODE OF CONDUCT PIONEER FINANCIAL GROUP (PFG) HOW TO DEAL WITH COMMUNITIES HOW TO DEAL WITH COMPETITORS GOVERNMENT ®ULATORS,EMPLOYEES,SUPPLIERS AND INTERMEDIARIES Take into account community concerns Providing good employment opportunities Su pport communities through Charitable donations Seek competitive advantage through superior products and performance Avoid discussing confidential information with competitors Not engaging in restrictive trade practices that abuse market dominance Not evade tax Report and record all reportable transactions Giving room for employees to air their grievances about the company Encourage freedom of association Providing safe & healthy working environment Rewarding employees who observe ethical behavior Providing quality products and

Colonial Medicine Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Colonial Medicine - Assignment Example Money had to be made, and the men, especially, were determined to make themselves and their families financially free. Women, on the other hand, were in charge of caring for the children. Almost every two years, a new child would be born to a woman, making her be responsible for caring for children pretty much her entire adult life. Women even began taking care of the children before the adult years. For instance, when Rebecca Lukens came home from the boarding school that she attended to get a top-of-the-line education, she was home caring for her six younger siblings at sixteen years of age. While some were owners of large farms and plantations, and while there were others who tended to family duties, others went to school to get an education on a wide variety of things, such as apprenticeships and obtaining medical degrees (Gustaitis). According to the article titled, â€Å"Iron Woman† one could draw the conclusion that men primarily were doctors. Women primarily were nurses, and they worked with midwifery, helping other women deliver their children. For instance, the husband of Rebecca Lukens, Charles Lloyd Lukens, studied to become a physician and practiced for quite some time before he decided that he’d go into the iron business along with Rebecca’s father (Gustaitis). During those times, women did not primarily work, as their duties were primarily in the home. However, when their husbands died, leaving them widows, these women were able to inherit all of the estate, the business, and any other financial means that their husbands left behind. Not to mention, they possessed legal rights (Gustaitis). In 1840, Rebecca was the sole owner of her business, and she had done well enough that she be became a very successful CEO. Her iron business thrived until her death, and it even is thriving today. As a matter of fact, in the year 1996, Rebecca was entered into the business hall of fame (Gustaitis). This

IN WHAT WAY CAN OPERATIONAL, FUNCTIONAL, STRATEGIC DESIGN MANAGEMENT Essay

IN WHAT WAY CAN OPERATIONAL, FUNCTIONAL, STRATEGIC DESIGN MANAGEMENT CONTRIBUTE TO THE BUSINESS GROWTH OF Artdinox - Essay Example The feedback will provide the base for the ideation process which will lead to new product development. Then the CEO along with the NPD team can take care of the design finalization. In the context of new products one of the most important pieces of information is the control and monitoring mechanism for the product when it is launched briefly into the market as a part of test launch. Art d'inox does a pilot launch through three to four hundred pieces of the new product and monitors it carefully in terms of control points and then depending upon the conclusion decision to further expand the production or to curtail it is taken. Also, the organization can form collaborations with design institutes of repute; in case of Art d'inox it could easily form alliances with National Institute of Design, one of the premier places of learning in its respective field. This encompasses creation of a design management function in the company. At the strategic level this deals with the incorporation of the design strategy into the basic philosophy and workings of key departments like marketing, communication and innovation departments, i.e. inculcating the deign strategy into the business strategy of the firm. ... Art d'inox's basic objective of turning stainless steel items into lifestyle products with the amalgamation of design and functionality through innovative surface finish and the use of combined materials has adhered to this concept. This leads to the planning stage where procedures and standard for quality are fixed. Art d'inox has a design center with a professional design team which works in tandem with NPD or the new product development team. In Art d'inox's functional structure the CEO leads the design vertical along with the NPD, which designs products after receiving pointers from marketing and sales teams. The finances have to be taken care of in terms of setting up supplier and so Art d'inox being a part of the Jindal Stainless Steel group has timely supply of high quality raw material at reasonable prices. Strategic Design Management This is the capability of the design philosophy to give shape to the organizational objective and transform it according to the vision. At the initiation level the basic strategy is defined and the objectives to be reached in terms of design are also communicated clearly. The very concept of Art d'inox lies in changing the perception about stainless steel utensils and items through extremely creative and functional designs. The CEO is at the helm of designing, who along with the NPD team looks after the various aspects of deign and new product launch. This structure ensures that the top management level is guiding the design team from the top and the philosophy also percolates from top through all the management layers and departments. In Art d'inox the CEO ensures the effective completion of this job. Human resources are extremely important, especially in a design