Sigtek Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Sigtek - Case Study Example om majority owner, Telwork, on the distinctive nature of core competencies of Sigtek, in contrast to other subsidiaries; and (5) implementing a management (organizational change) in the midst of the implementation of the TQ program. It is therefore deduced that the root cause of the dilemma is the lack of awareness of Telwork, Signet’s corporate parent, to make a comprehensive assessment of the applicability of the TQ program, which should cater to the needs and demands of Sigtek. Alternative Courses of Action 1. Status Quo. Do Nothing: John Smithers could just go with the flow and not institute any changes, in addition to those that were already implemented. As proposed by Richard Patricof, the newly appointed general manager of Sigtek, to keep teaching the TQ program. Pros: There would be limited resistance to change as all needed changes have already been implemented. Cons: Potentials for greater decline in morale and decreased productivity and satisfaction. Smithersâ€℠¢ job could be in danger if no significant improvements resulting from the implementation of the TQ program would result from his teaching. The performance of his department could continue to decline and would reflect negatively on his ability as the Engineering Services Manager. 2. Focus on teaching TQ to the line workers and solicit their inputs and comments towards improving quality in their respective areas of operations. Pros: There were evidence of holistic support from line workers and their inputs on areas that need improvement are most valid given that they are directly involved in operations. Any remarkable suggestions that would improve productivity, performance, and satisfaction would evidently support the validity of the TQ program. Cons: Their suggestions should be supported by higher management to ensure that workable areas of improvement should be undertaken and implemented, as required – otherwise, it would only prove that management is not serious about the TQ program. This could be costly and time consuming. Recommendation: Option 2, focus on teaching TQ to the line workers due to the advantages that would be realized which would affirm the validity and effectiveness of the TQ program. References Rosegrant, S. (1998). John Smithers at Sigtek. Harvard Business

Han China and Gupta India Essay Example for Free

Han China and Gupta India Essay Han China differed from Gupta India politically, developing a strong bureaucratic system while India allowed local rulers to stay in control, but the Guptas focused more on trade and made more intellectual achievements than China, especially in mathematics. They established empires that were successful, but also distinct in their own ways. Although these two civilizations were notably different politically, economically, and intellectually, both were successful in bringing prosperity to their empires. During the Han dynasty, China successfully improved its bureaucracy, but in India local rulers maintained regional control. India’s territory never grew to be as large as China’s, so different forms of government were needed for each civilization. Han China retained the centralized government formed by the Qin, and expanded the bureaucracy. The bureaucratic system suited China, because it was able to support the civilization as it expanded into a large empire. The emperor Wu Ti created civil service examinations for his bureaucrats, which could be taken by any male. Wu Ti also urged Confucianism in order to gain support, as it urged respect for the government. On the other hand, India lacked an extensive bureaucracy, and local rulers were allowed to keep control as long as they remained loyal to Gupta authority. Because of its separated regions, it was very difficult to politically unify India. Similar to China, the Gupta rulers turned to religion to strengthen support for the government. In contrast to China, they favored Hinduism because they claimed to be appointed by Hindu gods. Additionally, Hinduism encouraged the rigid caste system. The empires were also similar because political power was given to landowners. Although the Gupta period is considered the golden age of India, providing its greatest period of political stability, it never developed the solid bureaucracy that Han China did. Although trade is vital to any civilization’s success, India emphasized trade far more than China did. China’s economy focused on extensive internal trade, while India developed more maritime trade. Trade gradually became more important during the Han dynasty, focusing on luxury items for the upper class such as silks, leather, and jewelry. Internal trade was made easier by the standardization of currency and circulation of copper coins. Han rulers expanded the empire, which allowed trade with more places. Some merchants even took profitable trips to India. Even though they were important, trade and the merchant class did not become the focal points of Chinese economy. This was due to the emphasis on Confucianism, which frowned upon a life devoted to moneymaking. On the other hand, the Guptas established a strong economy. It was partly based on technological sophistication, new inventions, and production. For example, Indian artisans were the first to manufacture cotton cloth, calico, and cashmere. In these areas, India and China were rivaling, but the India’s economy became more vigorous. Merchant activity was greater in India than in China, with merchants at a relatively high caste status. They traveled by land, and also by sea, increasing maritime trade. Han China and Gupta India’s economies can be compared as firmly agricultural, both relying on a large peasant class, organized into cooperative close-knit villages. Han rulers regulated agricultural supplies by storing extra grain and rice in good times, preventing price increases when harvests were bad. The Gupta period in India was known for its wealth, which was due to extensive trading both internally and by sea, as opposed to Han China’s economy, which relied more on technological innovations. The Hans and Guptas both made many important intellectual achievements, but there was more academic success in India, especially in mathematics. The Chinese studied astronomy, calculating the movement of planets, as well as observing sunspots. During the Han dynasty, scientists invented a seismograph to register earthquakes. In addition, they actively researched medicine, studying principles of hygiene that would support longer lives. Generally, the Chinese focused their studies on practical findings, such as discovering how things worked. They studied the mathematics of music that led to advances in acoustics. Like China, Indian scientists also progressed in astronomy and medicine. Many astronomical discoveries were made, such as the calculation of the solar year, the circumference and daily rotation of Earth, a theory of gravity, and the discovery of seven planets. In medicine, hospitals also stressed cleanliness, like China. India surpassed China in mathematical discoveries. Scholars created a numbering system and the concepts of zero and negative numbers. Mathematicians also calculated square roots and a more accurate value of pi. These advances in both civilizations were possible because of support from the government. In China, the government sponsored intellectual life, organizing research in astronomy. The Guptas had a vast university center in Nalanda featuring lecture halls, libraries, and an observatory. This supported the new discoveries that were being made. Both civilizations made important intellectual achievements that were advanced by world standards, but Gupta India especially excelled in mathematics. The Han and Gupta dynasties were both successful periods in China and India. Their success was due to different causes, because their societies were very unlike each other. China’s government centered on its strong bureaucracy developed during the Han dynasty, while India never advanced a decent bureaucratic system. Both civilizations had strong economies, but India focused more on over-sea trade than China did. Also, Gupta India made more intellectual achievements particularly in science and mathematics. The Han and Gupta periods were similar in some ways, but their civilizations showed distinct differences politically, economically, and intellectually.

Blood, Sweat, Tears and Oil: The mistreatment of the Ogoni People by R

Blood, Sweat, Tears and Oil: The mistreatment of the Ogoni People by Royal Dutch Shell and the Nigerian Government Introduction Nigeria, located in West Africa, is a densely populated nation of over 100 million people. Since the nation’s independence from Britain in 1960, the country has been in the hands of various leaders ranging from religious to staunchly militant. Nigeria is the sixth largest producer of crude oil in the world and it has one of the largest deposits of natural gas (Wiwa, 2001). Oil accounts for ninety five percent of Nigeria’s foreign exchange earning and one-fourth of the country’s Gross Domestic Product comes from oil. A large percentage of this oil is located in the Niger Delta. The Niger Delta, located in eastern Nigeria, is the third largest wetland in the world covering 70,000 square kilometers and accounts for 7.5% of Nigeria’s land mass (www.nddconline.org). About twenty million of Nigeria’s one hundred million people reside in the Niger Delta and forty different ethnic groups live in the region. Oil development by large industries, such as Shell, and lack of support from the Nigerian government has left many people in the Niger Delta at a severe disadvantage. Most notably the Ogoni people, who are the minority in the region, have suffered from devastating exploitation. Oil was discovered in the Ogoni region in 1958 and after an estimated 900 million barrels with an estimated value of $30 billion were extracted in the area, there is very little to show for it in the Ogoni community. Economic loss, environmental loss, exploitation and murder are all direct consequences of the occupation of major oil companies, namely Shell, in the Ogoni region. This paper aims to bring to ... ...d. Austria: OPEC Fund, 2003. Amanyie, Vincent. The Agony of the Ogoni in the Niger Delta: A Case Study. Nigeria: Horizon Concepts, 2001. Azaiki, Steve. Inequities in Nigerian Politics: The Niger Delta, Resource Control, Underdevelopment and Youth Restiveness. Nigeria: Treasure Books, 2003. Civil Liberties Organization. Ogoni: Trials and Travails. Lagos, Nigeria: Civil Liberties Organization, 1996. Douglas, Oronto and Ike Okonta. Where Vultures Feast: Shell, Human Rights, and Oil in the Niger Delta. San Francisco: Sierra Club Books, 2001. Niger Delta Development Commission. www.nddconline.org Wiwa, Diana. â€Å"The Role of Women in the Struggle for Environmental Justice in Ogoni.† Delta, No.3 , October 1997: 11 Wiwa, Ken. In the Shadow of a Saint: A son’s journey to understand his father’s legacy. Canada: Alfred A. Knopf, 2001.

Whole Foods Strategy

The company I will be presenting is Whole Foods, case number seven. Whole Foods is a supermarket chain based in Austin, Texas which emphasizes natural and organic products. As of September 2009[update], the company operates 302 stores: 291 stores in 38 U. S. states and the District of Columbia; six stores in Canada; and five stores in the United Kingdom. External assessment: There are over one hundred thousand grocery stores in the United States, with a wide variety of types. Stores range from very small neighborhood stores, to huge two hundred thousand square foot stores. Currently, the only major competitor to Whole Foods is Trader Joe's. As of 2008, they had roughly 300 stores in twenty five states are still growing. Most of their stores are located in California and the upper east coast, and some single stores spread out across the United States. Trader Joes usually has lower prices than Whole Foods, but their stores are generally smaller in size and in selection. Another supermarket that is new to the industry, but growing at a rapid pace is a Wegmans. With over 70 stores in the New York area, this store had 4. billion dollars in sales in 2008. Wegmans is consistently rated near the top of Fortunes annual list of the 100 best companies to work for. With the organic foods market growing at such a fast pace, new stores, small and large are always popping up. A couple examples include the Fresh Market chain which has 86 stores in 17 states, and the Central Markets which have 8 stores in Texas. In addition to the unique, organic centered grocery stores, companies such as Walmart, with over 100 billion dollars in sales, compete for the same customers that Whole Foods does. Kroger and Safeway round out the list of the highest grossing grocery stores in the country. Due to the economic downturn, Whole Foods has tried to lower some of its pricing to compete with all of the other growing stores in the market. SWOT: Strengths: Despite the economic downturn, Whole foods has a strong financial performance. Revenues have grown by a rate of 17 percent over last year and this increase was driven by 14 percent square footage growth, excluding the recently acquired Wild Oats locations. Whole Foods recorded sales per gross square foot of $923,an increase of approximately 7 percent over last ear. The Strong revenue growth has helped the company to pursue its expansion plans and improve its bargaining power in the market. The company has also grown through mergers and acquisitions, with approximately 32 percent of its existing square footage coming from take-over’s. In August 2007, Whole Foods merged with Wild Oats markets. Since the organic foods retailing industry is mostly comprised of small local chains, mergers have provided the company access to locations and they have retained experienced team members. The company offers a broad product selection in all its stores and its larger stores, also have catering services where customers can purchase made-to-order foods. Whole Foods emphasis on fresh food gives the company an edge over its competitors who usually just offer packaged foods; this large product portfolio allows the company to address multiple customer segments. Weaknesses: The company has a weak international operation with just three stores in Canada, and six in the UK. The company’s operations in the UK and Canada are not yet large enough in purchasing and distribution, resulting in relatively high product prices. Also, Whole Foods relies heavily on word-of-mouth publicity, which is a disadvantage in comparison to its competitors who use print, television and online media. The company spends small amounts on advertising and marketing compared to its competitors. In 2007, the company spent 0. 5% of its total revenues on advertising. Opportunities: Natural and organic food products are one of the fastest growing categories in food retailing. There is growth in the demand for organic foods because of the increasing preferences among consumers for healthy food. The US organic food market grew by 12. 3% last year to reach a value of $15. 9 billion and is expected to hit 24 billion this year. Although organic products represent just about 2% of the total food and beverage sales in the US, the market is growing approximately 20% annually. More consumers are preferring natural, fat-free and healthy food products. Food items containing trans-fat are losing market share to low calorie, low fat, natural and organic products. Increasing customer preference for organic foods is likely to impact the company’s sales, given its leading market position in the organic grocery segment. Threats: Whole Foods’ competitors include natural foods supermarkets, specialty supermarkets, warehouse membership stores, small specialty stores and restaurants. In addition, some traditional and specialty supermarkets are also expanding more aggressively in marketing a range of organic foods, thereby competing directly with Whole Foods for products, customers and locations. For example, Wal-Mart announced that it will focus on the organic segment. They aim to become the low-price leader in organics, not just in food but clothing, electronics and other household products. Wal-Mart has already doubled its organic range in fresh produce, dairy and dry food items during 2006. Some of these competitors have greater financial or marketing resources than Whole Foods, and may be able to provide greater resources to promoting and selling their products. Increased competition may have an adverse effect on profitability as the result of lower sales, lower gross profits and/or greater operating costs such as marketing. Discussion of Strategic Alternatives: Faced with unprecedented economic challenges and numerous competitors, Whole Foods needs to take an aggressive approach to offset any challenges. By anticipating continued interest in healthy eating, Whole Foods should target children as their new customer base with the development of an organic line of products designed for children. With increased competition and economic conditions in the state they are, Whole Foods needs to expand their marketing strategy towards a more broader, interactive one. The use of Facebook and Twitter could be useful tools on the local, and global level to communicate with current and future customers. Whole Foods needs to also continue its commitment to the environment. Expanding on already in place programs, such as eliminating disposable plastic bags, charitable donations and green power use, Whole Foods should take part in programs that promote animal welfare on farms and ranches. Value perception is one of the most important strategies that needs to be focused on if Whole Foods is going to overcome competing with low cost competition . Providing coupons, budget conscious recipes, and money saving tips are what customers value. A in store value guide can help customers locate the best deals in the store. Along with a friendly and educated staff, these strategic alternatives can provide Whole Foods with the tools necessary to overcome the challenges it currently faces.

MOTORBUS Company: Que Sera Sera Essay

I. Point of View This study should be observed in the perspective of Engr. Hermogenes Ancheta. His situation is very critical since all of the burdens of the Maintenance Department are lying on his shoulders. Therefore, the researcher should specifically view themselves as Engr. Hermogenes Ancheta in considering some solutions and recommendation and finally offer the proper, distinct and probable plan of action. II. Time Context Since the company will be fielding an additional 50 new buses in a month, Engr. Hermogenes Ancheta should settle all misfits and do the recommended plan of action within 30 days. That timeframe will give Engr. Hermogenes Ancheta the perfect decision that he can get to come up with a perfect solution. This problem needs a lot of thinking and analyzing. III. Statement of the Problem The MOTORBUS Company: Que Sera Sera is a route of bus from Manila via Isabela. Que Sera Sera means â€Å"What will be, will be†. Engineer Hermogenes Ancheta has just received his appointment papers from his new immediate superior, the Vice-President for Operations, he has been promoted from Assistant Manager to Manager of the Maintenance Department. After congratulating him from his promotion, his boss gave him a verbal directive that he should put some order in his department and make and make it work in the most effective and efficient manner as possible without incertitude. Engineer Ancheta has just passed the board examination for Mechanical Engineering when he joined Motorbus Company in 1993. By June 1995, he informed his former classmates at the University of Santo Tomas that he has promoted as Assistant Manager for Maintenance. He had promoted from Assistant Manager to Manager when Engineer Gaudencio Inductivo, who in turn to be at 62 years old. After the approval from VP for operations, the next day after the approval of Engineer Inductivo retirement, Engineer Ancheta received an appointment papers promoting him to be a Manager. By the time on his duty as a manager he inspect the storage room and he found the uneven supply of parts. Some parts were in excessive quantities and some important ones were inadequately stocked and the corner room contains a big volume of obsolete parts. The problem now is that how he handle the operation most effectively when he’s just new to his job, while there are 50 more buses added in the route for 100 buses will servicing the various routes assigned to Motorbus Company. IV. Statement of the Objectives To settle the disputes with the maintenance personnel To convince the maintenance personnel to not quit their jobs To innovate and improve the old method of purchasing To fix problems regarding inadequate, excessive and obsolete parts in the stock room V. Areas of Consideration Engineer Hermogenes Ancheta as a Mechanical Engineering Graduate he then work in a Motorbus Company as Assistant Manager of Maintenance Department. By the year 1993 when he joined the Motorbus Company, he passed the Board Examination for Mechanical Engineering course. He then informed his former classmate from University of Santo Tomas by year 1995 as he promoted Assistant Manager for Maintenance. The former Manager of the Department Engineer Gaudencio Inductivo, joined the company since it started the operations in 1989. A total of ten buses began plying the Manila-Isabela route. A maintenance unit was put up the Manila in Sampaloc. Another unit serves the Ilagan, Isabela terminal. Each unit has a full-time mechanic and one assistant. When a company bus comes in for repair, the mechanic diagnoses the various automotive systems in the bus and later produces a list of parts needing replacement. The mechanic sends the list to Engineer Inductivo, who, in turn, forwards the same to the company accountant for approval of the purchase request. Often times, Engineer Inductivo performs the actual purchasing himself. Later, he sends the purchased items to the mechanic who made the request. The maintenance units were operating normally until 40 new buses were procured by the company in 1993. Since then, every maintenance was so busy that they threatened to quit their jobs unless additional mechanics and assistants were recruited. By the end of 1993, each unit has a personnel complement of 5 mechanics and 5 assistants. But with current developments, the old method of purchasing was not improved. Purchase request started to embroiled, the file endorsed become discreet. Mechanic and drivers began complaining to the VP for Operations about the delays in the delivery of needed parts. The VP (Vice-President) for Operations immediately sent a note to Engineer Inductivo ordering that the problem should be resolved immediately. Engineer Inductivo was hard pressed and he could not offer an immediate solution. The next day, Engineer Inductivo informed the VP for Operations that he is requesting for the approval of his application for retirement as he is already 62 years old. The VP forwarded the request to the President with an endorsement justifying the request. On the same day, the request for retirement was approved. The next day, Engineer Ancheta received his appointment papers promoting him to Manager. During his first appointment as a Manager the first thing Engineer Ancheta did was to inspect the storage room for parts. He found out that the room was full of uneven supply of parts. Some parts were of excessive quantities, while some important ones were inadequately stocked. A corner of the room  contains a big volume of obsolete parts. At the end of the day, Engineer Ancheta was informed by the VP that the company will be fielding an additional 50 new buses within 30 days. This will mean that by next month about 100 buses will be servicing the various routes assigned to Motorbus Company. Engineer Ancheta is now mulling over how he will make the operations of his department as efficient and effective as possible. The areas of consideration are the ongoing disagreement with the maintenance personnel, the old system of purchasing applied in the company and the mountain of problems about the inventory of parts. VI. Assumptions â€Å"What will be, will be†, this is the meaning of Que Sera Sera was derived from a Spanish song. So, this is the word that really bind in his mind with the luck that came up with Engineer Hermogenes Ancheta that he became appointed Assistant Manager to Manager. For that case it will happen someday in advance that Engineer Ancheta will become the Manager of the Motorbus Company and that what will be happened after the retirement of Engineer Gaudencio Inductivo. For what happened to Engineer Ancheta is a time of luck that he knew someday he will become a Manager for he work a good Assistant Manager so the company President trusted him so much that he will be the next to be appointed as a Manager of Maintenance Department because he already knew how to run and operate the business pertaining to Motorbus Company most effectively in good service. As a new appointed Manager Engineer Ancheta work literally honest in his field of work so that the VP for Operations trusted him and for that time, the company will be fielding of 50 new additional buses. This means that the business was keep on growing for the President put the trust on Engineer Ancheta to handle the operations to make efficient and good service for the various routes using 100 buses assigned to Motorbus Company. This is what really the analysis that Engineer Ancheta is a successful upon doing his Job. VII. Alternative Courses of Action (ACA) For Engineer Ancheta since he’s just new on the job as appointed Manager, he must pondered on focusing in the operations of the Motorbus Company to be adequate enough to work with it efficient and more effective bus servicing through the Philippines. As a manager he must need to know the employee under his supervision like mechanic, asistant that they might work with no other reasons for them to give their support to the company. This is just giving him the idea that he need a better employee which has no other alternatives just to work with the company with their full time basis. For that reason they may work efficiently if they work together in helping each other in the company to support their needs to have a better foundation of Motorbus business infrastructure. They must conduct an additional training for the new employee that they may hire, just to make sure that the bus route will do a better service in travelling back to back to its destinations. The mechanic should had their support as a maintenance that every unit must be checked before they move on to their destinations. What will be, will be, that’s the theme that this company appparently symbolized. The determination of continous focus on the job is the best thing to do. VIII. Conclusion/Recommendation There you can see to it that the business shown an increase in numbers of buses and same as usual with the profit they will also gain a better than what they had recently when Engineer Inductivo’s in charge with the Management of the Motorbus Company. Aside from that, when Engineer Ancheta is appointed as a new Manager he’s now on his way to make a decision like a real boss of the company, for that case his order is the way that the President of Operations will be respected. For the President knew that he is  an honest manager to be appointed to handle the operations pertaining with the Maintenance Department. Furthermore, I recommend that they must need another hired of new employee since the addition of a 40 new buses to be added on the route assigned to Motorbus company. No one should be able to quit, that he must need to convince his employee under his supervision as a result of a good performance in the part of a workforce. IX. Plan of Action The first step for Engr. Hermogenes Ancheta is to set up a meeting on his department. In this meeting, he will lay all of his proposition for the problems present in the department. To settle the dispute on maintenance personnel, Engr. Hermogenes Ancheta must hire additional personnel and staff since the company needs more manpower in 30 days. For the improvement of the old method of purchasing, Engr. Hermogenes Ancheta Mallari is to ask his sons and to influence them and ask Lastly, to fix problems regarding inadequate, excessive and obsolete parts in the stock room, Engr. Hermogenes Ancheta must perform an inventory. If there isn’t enough supply, the department must list all of the inadequate tools. If there is an excess, there is choice of just putting it in the stock room or the department can also sell it to retailers. And for the obsolete parts, they must be sold to junk shops.

Free Essays on Civilization And Its Discontents

For many years Ireland has been internationally recognised as a nation who enjoy the odd tipple. You only have to browse through the various mementos on sale in such shops as Mary’s on O’Connell St, or O’Carrolls on Grafton St, to understand why this image of a boozy nation is so renound worldwide. We intentionally export the jovial image of the drunken leprechaun or of the old man sitting by the fire in his local nursing a pint of Guinness by the fire, yet beneath this humorous faà §ade lies a worrying social phenomenon. In the past decade alone there has been a significant increase in the alcohol consumption of this country whilst the figures for our European counterparts, like France, have reportedly dropped by a third. Ireland and Britain remain the only western countries where there has been an increase in the amount of alcohol consumed. A quarter of all hospital admissions in this country are drink related and over a half of the casualty admissions are for the same reason. At three point five billion euros, we spend more on drink than we do on the health service. According to a recent survey, Irish teens are the biggest binge drinkers in the European Union. Binge drinking is defined as â€Å"the consumption of five or more drinks in a row on at least one occasion.† In America where there has been a major decline in alcohol consumption in the past decade, their government and media have been aggressively pursuing the problem of alcohol abuse for some time. In recent years the Irish medi a have been following America’s footsteps. There is an increased frequency of articles focusing on alcohol abuse, many of which are littered with shocking facts to strengthen the impact. One such article revealed that drinking by college students alone contributes to 1,400 student deaths, 500,000 injuries and 70,000 cases of sexual assaults or date rape each year. This social phenomenon is not a recent development, but it is becoming pr... Free Essays on Civilization And Its Discontents Free Essays on Civilization And Its Discontents For many years Ireland has been internationally recognised as a nation who enjoy the odd tipple. You only have to browse through the various mementos on sale in such shops as Mary’s on O’Connell St, or O’Carrolls on Grafton St, to understand why this image of a boozy nation is so renound worldwide. We intentionally export the jovial image of the drunken leprechaun or of the old man sitting by the fire in his local nursing a pint of Guinness by the fire, yet beneath this humorous faà §ade lies a worrying social phenomenon. In the past decade alone there has been a significant increase in the alcohol consumption of this country whilst the figures for our European counterparts, like France, have reportedly dropped by a third. Ireland and Britain remain the only western countries where there has been an increase in the amount of alcohol consumed. A quarter of all hospital admissions in this country are drink related and over a half of the casualty admissions are for the same reason. At three point five billion euros, we spend more on drink than we do on the health service. According to a recent survey, Irish teens are the biggest binge drinkers in the European Union. Binge drinking is defined as â€Å"the consumption of five or more drinks in a row on at least one occasion.† In America where there has been a major decline in alcohol consumption in the past decade, their government and media have been aggressively pursuing the problem of alcohol abuse for some time. In recent years the Irish medi a have been following America’s footsteps. There is an increased frequency of articles focusing on alcohol abuse, many of which are littered with shocking facts to strengthen the impact. One such article revealed that drinking by college students alone contributes to 1,400 student deaths, 500,000 injuries and 70,000 cases of sexual assaults or date rape each year. This social phenomenon is not a recent development, but it is becoming pr...

British Petroleum History - Smart Custom Writing Samples

British Petroleum History - Smart Custom Writing Is Democracy The best Form of Government For All PeopleDemocracy is a widely acknowledged form of political government under which the power to govern is sourced from the people either by a conducting a direct referendum or through an election of various representatives. In the 5th century BC, the Greeks coined this system of government that vests all power to decide as to who shall rule squarely on the people. This system chiefly asserts on equality and freedom as its mainstream virtues. Therefore, citizens are viewed as having equal access to power and deemed as equal before the law. Therefore, every man is entitled to one vote with an equal weight. These rights and liberties practiced by the citizens within such a state are secured by a constitution. Although this system of government implies multiple freedoms to its citizens, it can end up failing and becoming cumbersome to the subjects if proper checks and balances are not put in place to constantly keep the leaders in track. Th erefore, an in-depth analysis of democracy has been carried out herein by evaluating the pros and cons of this system. (Strong, 1998) There are numerous merits as to why a democracy should be the system of choice in governance. First, smooth transitory changes can take place in government without violence. This is enabled through free and fair elections whereby the citizens determine the ruling authority by simple majority. Secondly, democracy prevents monopoly of any one ruling authority. This is since the incumbent government has to compete with other parties and personalities after expiration of its term. This therefore ensures that the ruling authority works for the people and towards their needs or leave office due to the failure to be re-elected. Thirdly, a democracy serves as motivational factor to the people. This is since the government is obligated towards its citizens. By carrying out of all its duties and goals set which are supported by the majority, the people feel appreciative and encouraged to work even harder towards attaining a better economic status. Finally, a democratic government makes the citizens have a feeling of participation and ‘ownership.’ They feel that the government has been legally elected by them and that it is theirs. They are able to express their freedom of choice and opinion through the ballot box or voting process. This has the capacity of enhancing nationalism. (Kukathas, 2004) Despite all these merits, there are various demerits and criticisms that have been put forward against democracies. These have been based on the irrational voters who are widely perceived that they are poorly informed on political, social and economic issues. First, democracies have been deemed to be politically unstable. Though the government is elected in by the majority, during its term, opponents and the media frequently challenge the ruling authority which could lead to a sudden change in the political support. This goes a long way in discouraging foreign investment and economic growth.   (Zorach, 2010) Secondly, democracies have been characterized by short terms. This is especially the case after elections and there is no clear winner leading to formation of coalitions due to the fact that democracies are not after the ideological match but the support of the majority. Any imbalance in the treatment of principal partners may lead to withdrawal from the coalition hence the collapse of the government leading to another election. Thirdly, the democratic governments are slow in responding to key issues in the society. This is because decisions are carried out through consensus rather than a unilateral system that would otherwise speed up decision making. Finally, governments elected into power during elections have been accused severally of vote buying and rigging. This is a way of appealing and influencing voters to vote for one particular party who might not be the most appropriate in ruling. A form of vote buying is the pork barrel whereby some political sectors are awarded specific special benefits whose costs are spread to all taxpayers. (Ratchasima, 2007) Despite multiple criticisms, democracies remain the most popular governments in the world. This is since they allow the citizens to openly express their views which are a vital need among humanity. Therefore, democratic governments can be viewed as the best form of governments.    References Kukathas, G. F. (2004). Handbook of Political Theory. Sage. Ratchasima, N. (2007, November 25). Democracy, and vote buying, returning to Thailand. The New York Times . Strong, M. H. (1998). Public Space and Democracy. University of Minnesota Press. Zorach, A. (2010, September 12). Democracy. Retrieved November 19, 2010