Application of ERP within a particular sector or type of organisation Essay

Application of ERP within a particular sector or type of organisation - Essay Example It goes a long into maintaining the businesses production and competitive edge while most businesses are struggling to produce. In this paper, various case studies on the applications of ERP will be discussed. It is proposed that more should be considered in the implementation process; careful transition management, bureaucracy, network organization and most importantly culture readiness. Management should prepare the employees so that the transition is smooth and successful. Data collected was secondary. Lessons on how ERP helped curb organizational problems is discussed and explained in depth. Recommendations and possible solutions are provided too (Al-Mudimigh 2001). ERP systems usually organize a company’s resource accordingly in order to render them profitable, efficient and productive. This study focuses on the stages that should be applied in instilling the appropriate strategies in most organizations for the purpose of implementing Enterprise Resource Planning. In organizations where this strategy is embraced, enormous and distinguished performance is perceived. If this is the case, it denotes that inevitable and dramatic failures have being too vivid due to the strongholds resistances for the change. It is a common issue when making any implementation of the operation of a company or any organization, resistance happens to be a barrier from the working mate amongst other barriers. These impediments may at-most end up sabotaging the change that was intended and counteract innovation and creativity. Employee’s environment plays a critical role in gauging the level of productivity for any firm it being profit oriented or non-pro fit oriented. This study cultivates on the challenges encountered with implementation of ERP and the prospective approaches for dealing with them (Strauss 2000). Service companies as well are in demand of the use of ERP services in their day to day operations (Davenport

Explore peter hollindales claim that peter pan retains its magical Essay

Explore peter hollindales claim that peter pan retains its magical elasticity and its ongoing modernity with reference to differ - Essay Example Indeed, Peter Hollindale argues that whilst some 20th century literature is best interpreted within its historical backdrop; Peter Pan remains relevant (Hollindale, 2005). To this end, Hollindale posits that â€Å"Peter Pan retains its magical elasticity and its ongoing modernity† and this paper critically evaluates this statement with specific reference to different versions of Peter Pan since its original production. In supporting his argument, Hollindale refers to the centenary of the first performance of Peter Pan, which was marked throughout various media modes in the UK from television to radio. However Hollindale refers to the argument of drama critic Michael Billington that whilst television is often fixated with the first half of the 20th century; the continued importance accorded to Peter Pan in production is justified due to the character providing a microcosm of human nature particularly in respect of obsession with youth (Hollindale, 2005). For example, Peter Pan arguably symbolises a wealth of different universal elements tied to childhood which transcends time to sustain contemporary relevance. Moreover, it is submitted that the emotional needs of a child remains the same regardless of culture, history, and environment (Rose, 1993). This is further reflected through Barrie’s narrative as academic commentary has opined that Barrie's desire in writing Peter Pan was to write about the adventures of his own childhood mixing it with fantasy (Rose, 1993). He was highly influenced by his mother's non-acceptance of his elder brother’s death and constantly dressed in his clothing to make his mother happy. This marked him for life and contributed to one of Peter Pan's attributes of never wanting to grow up. In turn Peter Pan remains a paradoxical figure, where he symbolises eternal youth on the one hand; which are juxtaposed against the ramifications of not growing up within the backdrop of the harsh world (Rose, 1993 ). Other childhoo d experiences which seen in the narrative play The Boy Casteways, which was influential in determining other important elements (Rose, 1993). For example, it is submitted that Neverland was the Black Lake Island and Tinkerbell was a firefly. Additionally, Nana was the Saint Bernard dog, Llewellyn Davies, P, the boy Casteways. Moreover, by the time Peter Pan was published in 1904, Barrie had become a prolific play writer in London, with Peter Pan featuring prominently in Barrie’s characteristic fusion of social commentary and fantasy (Barrie 1927). Additionally, the consistent narrative of the Peter Pan story reflects the consistency of the quest for eternal youth and issues impacting childhood, which remain universally applicable (Rose, 1993). For example, the story of Peter Pan never changes and the lives of Wendy, John and Michael consists of rules, school, playing make believe, baths, rules, parents, and beds. They have their own make believe lives where they tell stories about pirates and adventures. Every child has his own Neverland, a concise place in his mind where he has his own private thoughts and fears. One night they are awakened suddenly and three children, who are bored with their lives, are invited on the adventure of their life. They leave as children, seeing their lives through the small key lock of their room; and come back seeing life through the

Safety In Maldives Construction Industry Construction Essay

Safety In Maldives Construction Industry Construction Essay Construction industry is a very unique industry in terms of all aspects and stages compare to other fixed workplace like factories. Most of the actual work is done by using human labor. Construction industry has been considered as a highly hazardous industry because of the high incidence of accidents and fatality rate. To improve the image of the industry, stakeholders should follow an accepted standard guideline of health and Safety (HS) in construction industry. Providing a safe and health workplace is a key to success in business (B.Ahmodn et al, 2006). Accidents and property damage create great impact to stakeholders of the project such as delays in operation and also directly and indirectly incur cost. Therefore, its an obligation of the construction companies to provide a health and safe workplace for their employees and for public. International Labour Organization (ILO) Constitution sets forth the principle that workers should be protected from sickness, disease and injury arising from their employment (ILO.ORG). According to ILO estimates, 55,000 people suffer fatal injuries every year. She also mentioned main cause of fatal injuries in construction in any country is by falling from heights, and this is principally due to the lack of proper edge protection in a variety of construction tasks (Fiona, 2002). This research is based on the health and safety in Maldives construction industry, and will provide an overview about the health and safety in develop and developing country. 1.2 Problem Statement Construction industry is an important sector in Maldives economy. But accidents, injuries, fatalities continue to occur on construction site, generally construction industry have lack of awareness on the importance of health and safety. Health and safety in construction industry is far extensive than a worker wearing a safety helmet and safety shoes at site. Health and safety is a attitude that identifies and reduces job site hazardous throughout the lifecycle of a work project. Major concern need to be deal with is the lack of national regulations outline health and safety obligation at nations construction sites. There are no laws encouraging construction companies to adopt in workplace. Most stakeholders of the industry have overlooked on occupational safety and health (OSH) due to lack of regulation or guideline to follow. Little or no attention is given to health and safety, as stakeholders are not setting aside money to ensure health and safety is being met. Furthermore, most construction project meetings do not address health and safety as an agenda item, which is a further indication of lack of commitment to health and safety. 1.3 Aim of the Research The aim of this research is to describe develop a standard health and safety guide line for Maldives construction industry. 1.4 Research Objectives The objectives of this study are: To identify construction industry health and safety in a developing country and a developed country. To determine the health and safety in Maldives construction industry. To develop a standard guideline for health and safety in Maldives construction industry. 1.5 Scope of Research Scope of the research is based on Maldives capital city Male. The research focuses on the health and safety awareness and current practice of health and safety in Maldives construction companies. CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW TO IDENTIFY CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY HEALTH AND SAFETY IN A DEVELOPING COUNTRY AND A DEVELOPED COUNTRY. 2.1 Introduction Major sources of the difference of health and safety performance in developing and developed countries are management commitment, supervisory environment, training and competence level (Teo, Haupt Feng 2008:497). A study done in Tanzania, a developing country, suggest that the main reason for the awful situation of health and safety on construction sites are due to the lack of necessary commitment from key stakeholders that include the government. Study also indicated that the government and its agencies have been weak in monitoring and enforcing the laws governing health and safety on construction sites and also lack of human and financial resources has disperse from developed countries (Mwombeki, 2006:426). Research carried out in developing countries that included African countries, such as Egypt, Malawi, Nigeria, Botswana and South Africa revealed that (Cibb Bust, 2006: 65-77): Lack of support from clients on health and safety ideas; Priority on health and safety is not same as developed countries; Health and safety regulations are inadequately enforced by authorities. This chapter will describe an overview of health and safety in Malaysia as a developing country and UK as a developed country. 2.2 Health and Safety in Malaysia Construction Industry In todays modern society, occupational safety and health has become an important subject in terms of financial, ethical and legislative. To survive in the global competitive market, companies are adopting to safeguard occupants health and safety. Most companys strong safety and health programs may actually mean survival. According to 3rd June 2012 Boreno Post online news, Social Security Organization (SOCSO) is targeting five per cent reduction in workplace accidents this year. Branch manager Dundang Undong stated that a total of RM4.3million was made out in compensation claims for 1,497 cases of workplace accidents last year. SOCSO 2003 report on construction industry shows that 4,654 accident cases were reported. The total death cases are 882 from all industries and out of that 92 cases are from construction industry which is 11.56% of total death percentage of the industry. SOSCO report only involves Malaysian workers and not included foreign workers (SOSCO, 2003). A study by Chai G. Mei on An analysis of accidents statistics in Malaysia construction sector tabled a summary of major accidents in Malaysias construction industry as in table 1. The study also mentioned of about rise of accidents in the construction industry occurred every month on year 2997. Table 1: Summary of major accidents in Malaysias construction industry from 2005-2008 2005 2006 2007 2008 1) Tower crane broke into two and fell onto four Indonesian construction workers at a construction site building apartment located at Batu 14, Puchong. 1) Landslide occurred at a construction site located at Taman Desa, Kuala Lumpur buried; killed a 35 year old Indonesian man at about 3.30pm while he was working on some iron steel beam foundations for the fiveblock 609 units condominium complexes 1) Death of two workers and severe injuries on ten workers at The Pavillion Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Bukit Bintang construction site where the cables of the workmens lift at the posh condominium and shopping complex project snapped and plummeted 15 metres to the ground. 1) Two Malaysian construction workers were buried alive by excavated sand pile in a 3.6m deep sewer trench at Taman Merbau phase two construction site in Changlun. 2) Iron mould weighing almost two tonnes fell from 20 storey condominiums under construction onto Dr. Liew Boon Horngs BMW; killed him and Severely injured his wife and the driver at Plaza Damas located along Jalan Hartamas. 2) Negligence of three construction companies, led to the death of another Indonesian worker on 15 May 2006 located at Lot 206, Section 63, Lorong Binjai where a 32-storey of 100 units apartment was to be built. 2) Death of two Malaysian construction workers, buried alive four meters deep in a landslide while working on the fencing located at Taman Merbau 2, Fasa III at Kubang, Pasu 2) Twenty five foreign workers escaped without major injuries when the structure they were standing gave way in one of the construction sites in Kuching. 3) Two sides collapsed of a bridge that was under construction at 3.2 kilometers of the Klang Valley Highway that caused the death of two Bangladesh workers. 3) One foreign construction site worker died; another colleague severely injured at the construction site of the prestigious KK Times Square commercial complex after piles of sand fell on them in Kota Kinabalu. 4) Three Indonesian construction workers fell from scaffolding to their deaths when they slipped from the top floor of a 21-storey condominium under construction and landed on the fifth floor at Taman Tampoi Indah. 5) Bricks fell from the construction site in Taman Bukit Angkasa, Kerinchi on several cars parked at the nearby flats during a three hour downpour 6) Eight huge concrete beams with a measurement of at least 40m long and 70 tonnes weight of an uncompleted flyover near Nilai collapsed, which narrowly missed a motorist and his aged parents. Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) enacted in year 1994 by the Government of Malaysia. Section 4, objective of act under OSHA 1994 mentioned: to secure the safety, health and welfare of persons at work against risks to safety or health arising out of the activities of persons at work; to protect persons at a place of work other than persons at work against risks to safety or health arising out of the activities of persons at work; to promote an occupational environment for persons at work which is adapted to their physiological and psychological needs; The Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) Ministry of Human Resources and other government agencies have regulation and legal requirement to ensure the safety and health of not only workers, but also the public. . DOSH policy consists of: To prepare and preserve a workplace with a safe and healthy working system To ensure that all staff are provided with the relevant information, instruction, training and supervision regarding methods to carry out their duties in a safe manner and without causing any risk to health; To investigate all accidents, diseases, poisonous and/or dangerous occurrences, and to have action to ensure that these occurrences will not be repeated; To comply with all requirements of legislations related to safety and health as stated in the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994, as well as regulations and codes of practice which have been approved; (www.dosh.gov.my). Construction site create risk not only for the construction workers, but also for the public. Therefore the general public must be protected from hazards associated with the construction work that may be carried out in a public area or adjacent to such area (DOSH). Department of Occupational Safety and Health Guidelines for Public Safety and Health at Construction Sites: DOSH, Guidelines for Public Safety and Health at Construction Site, is a guideline endorsed by the Departments Jawatankuasa Semakan Dasar chaired by the Director General of the Department of Occupational Safety and Health. The purpose of these guidelines is to provide guidance to employers on how good work practice can be carried out on every activity in the construction to prevent accidents to the workers and public. Below describes some of the sections of the guideline: Section 4 Notification of an Operation describes the section 35 under Factories and machineries Act 1967 that every work or engineering construction must inform DOSH not less than seven days before commencement of work unless the work can be completed within six days. Section 6 of the guidelines is about the Safety and Health Organization and under this section it has mentioned about the employers obligation to prepare written general policy with respect to the safety and health at work of his employees and the organization and arrangements to carry out the policy. Following are the sub sections for section 6: 6.1- Safety and health Policy 6.2- Safety and Health Committee 6.3- Occupational Safety and Health System 6.4- Safety and Health Officer 6.5- Site Safety Supervisor 6.6- Contractor Safety Supervisor Section 7 describes the General Duties of the Employers according to the section 16, of OSHA 1994. Section 8 describes the General Duties of the Architects, Engineers and Designers stating that a safe design and construction must be considered to the safety of the workers and the public. Designers, architects should not include anything in the design that leads to unsafe construction procedure and create undue hazards. Section 8 also describes about the safety and health facilities to be included in design for such work to be performed with minimum risk. Section 9: Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Risk Control (HIRARC) Section 10: Emergency Response Plan Section 11: Hoarding Section 12: Movement of Vehicular Traffic Section 13: Disconnection of Utilities Section 14: Demolition Section 15: Blasting and use of Explosive Section 16: Removal of Debris Section 17: Site Clearing Section 18: Excavation Work Section 19: Piling Work Section 20: Superstructure 20.1 Scaffolds 20.2 Safety Nets and Peripheral Nets 20.3 Catch Platforms 20.4 Concrete Work Section 21: Finishes Section 22: Use of Hoisting Equipment 22.1: General 22.2: Erection 22.3: Jacking 22:4: Operation 22.5: Inspection and Testing 22.6: Maintenance and Repair 22.7: Dismantling 22.8: Crane Storage (DOSH Ministry of Human Resources) Table 2 shows the number of occupational death rates from 2007 to 2011 within the 10 industries. The death rate in the construction industry is the highest in year 2007, the total number of 95 deaths. But statistic has dropped to 51 in year 2011 which is a good phenomenon for the construction industry. Table 2: Number of Occupational Death Rates 2007-2011 Industrial Categories / Year Number of Occupational Death Rates 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Manufacturing 63 76 63 59 45 Mining Quarrying 9 6 3 1 7 Construction 95 72 71 66 51 Agriculture 30 42 44 30 41 Utility 10 19 23 11 5 Transport / Communication 2 8 18 14 11 Trade 3 0 0 0 1 Hotel Restaurant 0 1 0 0 2 Financial Insurance 4 4 1 1 6 Public Services 3 2 1 3 7 Total 219 230 224 185 176 Source: DOSH 2011 Figure 1 shows the statistic by DOSH on occupational accidents by sector in 2011. It shows that 51 deaths, 43 non permanent disability and 5 permanent disability in construction industry. Figure 1: Statistic of occupational accidents by sector 2011- source DOSH In the Construction Industry Master Plane (CIMP) 2006-2015 highlighted about Strive for the highest standard of occupational safety and health. It stated that, long term development of the industry requires accountability of the stakeholders to achieve the highest standard of occupational safety and health. To achieve this standard, stakeholders awareness must be increase and to implementation of occupational safety and health management system (OSHMS). Furthermore, to develop occupational safety and health program need to raise awareness, education and training, enforcement of legislation, guide line and codes (CIDB :2008). 2.3 Health and Safety in Great Britain Construction Industry Great Britain has a 150 years history of health and safety regulation. The current health and safety act is called Health and Safety at work (HSW) Act 1974. This Act has been modified in 2008 to provide integrated institutional structure and legal framework for health and safety regulation. Health and safety law is enforced by health and safety executive (HSE) in many workplaces ranging from health and safety in nuclear installation and mines through to factories, school and hospitals. According to HSE guide, health and safety inspectors have important statutory power as they can enter any premises without any warning. And if they are not satisfied with the level of health and safety, they can issue information and advice, issue improvement notices requiring problems to be put right within a specified time, serve a prohibition notice stopping activity either with immediate or deferred effect, and (in England and Wales) prosecute for the most serious failings (hse.gov.uk). According to HSE statistic, there is a significant reductions in the number and rate of injury over the last 20 years or more. Yet, construction remains a high risk industry. Although it accounts for only about 5% of the employees in Britain it still accounts for 27% of fatal injuries to employees and 9% of reported major injuries. In 2010 to 2011 there were 50 fatal injuries to workers. The number of fatality injures to employees has been reduced by two-thirds compared with 20 years ago. It also stated that over 5000 occupational cancer cases are estimated to arise each year as a result of past exposures in the construction sector (HSE, 2011). Figure 2: 20 year trend in worker fatalities- source:www. hse.gov.uk CHAPTER 3 : LITERATURE REVIEW TO DETERMINE HEALTH AND SAFETY IN MALDIVES CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY 3.1 Introduction This chapter will provide some information and facts about Maldives in general and also will determine the health and safety in Maldives construction industry. 3.1.1 General Information on Maldives Table 3: General information of Maldives Government Type Republic Independence July 26, 1985 (formerly a British protectorate) No of Atolls 20 Area Spread over 115,300 sq. km square kilometers in the Indian Ocean southwest of India The capital Male Population (2009 est.): 314,000 (plus 80,000 expatriate workers who are not counted in the census). The life expectancy 74 years Language Dhivehi (official); English considered as second language Currency MVR 15.50 (Rufiyaa) = USD 1 GDP 2010 total USD 926 million, USD 2896 per capita. Weather and Climate Tropical, two monsoon in a year, annual mean temperature 28.3Â °C Literacy 97% Sources: Department of National Planning 2010, UNDP, 2011 3.1.2 Geography For administrative purpose 1,192 (Inhabited 194, Uninhabited 998) islands are further divided in to 20 atolls (Department of National Planning, 2010). Among these islands, only four islands have a population of 5,000 or more and only 10 islands are larger than 2.5sq km (R. Bassam 2011). 3.2 Maldives Construction Industry The construction industry has contributed 10 percent of the GDP and accounts for 5 percent of the national employment data (The World Bank, 2006). With the growth of tourism, and the Tsunami-reconstruction activities, construction industry to the economy is to expect to grow significantly ( Seventh National Development Plane 2006-2010). Of the total labor force of the construction industry, more than 70 percent is provided by expatriate labor; particularly at the skilled and unskilled levels. Most of the top level managers have university degree or diploma-level training in addition to work experience in the industry. Of the total employment about 10 percent are professionals (Architects, Engineers, QS or PM), while the rest consists of 34 percent skilled and 56 percent unskilled workers. (The World Bank, 2006). 3.2.1 Maldives Association of Construction Industry (MACI) Construction companies of Maldives with the support of Maldives Government established MACI on 30th October 2001. MACI is the official representative of construction industry in Maldives with 46 members actively involved in improving the construction industry. Objective of MACI is to combine all relative services in construction to develop and promote a united industry. The Association aims to achieve greater professionalism and quality in construction industry (www.business.com.mv) 3.3 Health and Safety in Maldives Construction Industry. On September 30th 2012, a local newspaper reported that the small number of building site deaths recoded in the Maldives recent years is more the result of good fortune rather than industry commitment to safety. The report was regarding the death of a Bangladeshi national working in the capital Male fell from the sixth floor of a building site on 19th June 2012. The employee was not believed to be wearing any safety gear when he died (Minivan News, 2012). President of the MACI, Mohamed Ali Janah told Minivan News that he believed a lack of national regulations outlining health and safety responsibility at the national building sites. He mentioned that judging the standard of occupational health and safety in Maldives construction sites there were very few places in the world that would approve the way the work is conducted. (Minivan News, 30th Sep 2012). Health and safety has been an issue for years in Maldives construction industry. Clients are also not setting aside money to ensure health and safety measures are being met and stakeholders do not understand the importance of health and safety in site (MACI, 2012). All project stakeholders have a responsibility of ensuring health and safety, starting from the government and the people that actually initiate projects. Health and safety must be achieved by the commitment from all construction project clients, all level management, and equal commitment by construction workers (Coble and Haupt, 1999). MACI requested to Ministry of Economic and Development, Ahmed Mohamed, for a solution to the problem of safety measures on the construction sites (sun.mv, 14th October 2012) According to Seventh National Development Plane 2006-2010, stated that to implement the building code of the Maldives under construction policies and strategies, item 2.1 as a strategy and item 2.7 stated that Enable formulation of construction industry related to health and safety regulations and established database on health and safety issues (Ministry of Planning and National Development, 2008). 3.3.1 Maldives Building Code 1st Edition 2008 Maldives Building Code was published on August 2008 by Ministry of Construction and Public Infrastructure to ensure that: the safety of the built environment T0 provide flexibility in design The building code will be empowered from a set of building regulations which itself will be bound by a building act. However a building act has not yet been passed (Ministry of Construction and Public Infrastructure, 2008). Section F of the Building Code is Safety of Users, which defines the following contents: Hazardous agent on site Hazardous building materials Hazardous substances and process Safety from falling Construction and demolition hazards Lighting for emergency Warning system Signs (The Building Code 2008) CHAPTER 4: REASARCH METHODOLOGY 4.1 Introduction The purpose of this chapter is to describe and explain the methodology used in this research in order to accomplished the aim of the research. 4.2 Research Design The researcher will distribute 100 questionnaires to different stakeholders in the construction industry of Maldives. Such as clients, consultants and contractors in Male city. Researcher will interview with a company in Male city regarding occupational health and safety. 4.3 Research Method The researcher will distribute 100 questionnaires by using emails and by the use of Google documents. 4.4 Primary Data and Secondary Data Primary data is the data that will be collected from the distribution of questionnaires to the targeted respondents. In this case, the clients, consultants and contractors are the target. Secondary data is the data that will be collected from the literature review, such as books, journals, newspaper, internet and others. 4.5 Data Analysis Technique Data receives from the respondents will be analysis by using Google documents software

Jesus of Nazareth Essay -- Christianity

One of the most controversial figures of history, Jesus of Nazareth is also one of the most influential. His short life and ministry sparked the beginning of a new religion that has grown to be one of the biggest in the world today, and has been the subject of intense debate among scholars and the population in general for centuries now. Some groups, such as the Jesus Seminar, assert that the historical Jesus did not say or do most of the things attested to Him in the New Testament, while more conservative scholars believe that most, if not all of the statements and actions in the New Testament were factual. Still others, such as Rudolf Bultmann, believe that it does not matter if Jesus were historical or not – one can still have faith apart from history. Some people believe that Jesus was a real person, but He was not the Messiah for which the Jewish people were waiting. Rather, He was simply a good person and a good teacher who was killed unjustly. Many others have based the ir faith and even their life on Jesus’ teachings and call Him Lord, among them C.S. Lewis, who went on to further suggest that you cannot call Jesus a good teacher and be done with it. According to Lewis’ trilemma, because Jesus claimed to be God, then He must either be God, be crazy, or be a liar (Lewis 51). Before forming an opinion on the person of Jesus, however, it is essential to examine the documents related to His life and what they say about Him, as well as His teachings and mission. There is too much debate surrounding the person of Jesus to find a consesus among scholars with which one can agree – it is an opinion that must be formed on one’s own. Our primary source for learning about the person of Jesus is the Bible, which includes both the Old ... ...gh Jesus’ divinity is widely debated, one cannot deny the fact that Jesus of Nazareth existed. Many sources, biblical and extra-biblical, mention this historical figure and discuss His life and His teaching. Every person who hears about Jesus must ultimately make a decision about who He actually was, and that decision could be a life changing one. Regardless of what one thinks about Jesus, He was certainly a high influential individual who changed the course of history, and His ideas are still relevant today. Carver, Stephen. â€Å"Sources for Studying Jesus.† BI 250. Warner Pacific College, Portland. 7 Oct. 2010. Lecture. —. â€Å"The Historical Background of Jesus’ Life.† BI 250. Warner Pacific College, Portland. 16 Sept. 2010. Lecture. The ESV Study Bible. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008. Print. Lewis, C. S. Mere Christianity. New York: Macmillan, 1952. Print.

Peak Oil and Global Warming Essay

There is now much debate regarding whether the remaining oil supply can last to realize the worst of the negative effects of global warming. According to one controversial analysis done by scientists at the University of Uppsala based in Sweden, all fuel will be burned even before temperature levels become exceedingly hot (Coghlan, 2003). Although estimates on the remaining oil reserves are not the same, it is believed that oil will reach its peak by as early as 2010. The scientists say that combined oil and gas reserves amount to only 3,500 barrels which is less than the very optimistic figures from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) (Coghlan, 2003). On the other hand, IPCC scientists defended that even if the oil reserves is not enough to constitute the more devastating effects of global warming, the burning of coal will more than make up for the deficiency. Nonetheless, both sides agree that burning coal is even more harmful (Coghlan, 2003). In a worst-case scenario, it is depicted that there is still 18,000 billion barrels of oil left but according to University of Uppsala geologist Kjell Aleklett that claim is â€Å"completely unrealistic† and that even the expected 8,000 billion barrels is more than double the remaining amount estimated by Sweden. The IPCC, however still argues that their predictions still has grounds using â€Å"a much broader and internationally accepted range of oil and gas estimates† and even if reserves of oil and gas do run out, there is still huge reserves of coal that may be burned for fuel or be converted into gasoline notwithstanding the fact that coal is much more harmful to the environment because it produces more emissions and particulates (Coghlan, 2003). Peak oil and global warming are two related problems and solving these two problems requires the same measures which is by reducing reliance on fossil hydrocarbon fuels. For America, coal, oil, and natural should be eliminated as a primary source of energy (Holson, 2007). Aside from being an energy source, oil is also being used as feedstock, particularly for the manufacturing of â€Å"plastics, pharmaceuticals, synthetic rubber, asphalt, lubricants, nitrogenous fertilizers, pesticides, and insecticides†. It is also an important resource for the military especially during periods of war (Holson, 2007). There are many other alternative sources of energy that produce basically no emissions and are renewable. Such energy sources include solar energy, wind energy, hydroelectric energy, and geothermal energy. These forms of energy sources have already proved efficient and effective yet many refuse to market it because of greater profit earned from oil and other exhaustible fossil fuels. Nuclear energy is another efficient energy source but this should be given much thought because nuclear power provides all sorts of other risks. The Kyoto Protocol is also a good recourse as it will aggregately reduce greenhouse gas emissions of countries that have committed to the protocol. Being one of the top producers of greenhouse gases, the US should also ratify the protocol, as currently, it is the only country that refuses to ratify the protocol after Australia agreed last year. US President George W. Bush that said reducing emissions would be bad for the US economy. However, failure of the US to do so will be bad for the rest of the world. Be it peak oil or global warming. The best recourse would be finding alternative energy sources. This would reduce oil consumption rate and oil will be available for a longer time avoiding the possibility of an extreme energy crisis. Alternative energy sources that literally produce no emissions would also be more beneficial to the environment.

Dramatic tension for the audience Essay

In the play, â€Å"A View From The Bridge†, Arthur Miller gave the audience an impression that the Italian immigrants weren’t welcome to the USA. The scene is set in New York and it relates to six main characters, who are all individuals and play unique roles. Arthur Miller was born on October 17th in 1915 in New York City. He was a prominent figure in American literature and his career as a writer spanned over seven decades. He is considered by audiences as one of Americas’ greatest play writers, and his plays are widely recognised throughout the world. The play is set in Red Hook. The main focus and stage is the Carbones’ living and dining room. Alfieri thinks that the public do not appreciate lawyers or priests because he says â€Å"You see how uneasily they nod to me? That’s because I am a lawyer. In this neighbourhood to meet a lawyer or a priest on the street is unlucky. We’re only thought of in connection with disasters, and they’d rather not get too close†. A slight of distrust lies in the neighbourhood because he can sense that the law wasn’t an amicable idea since the Greeks were beaten. People have told him that the neighbourhood lack an element of â€Å"elegance and glamour†. The neighbourhood consisted of longshoremen and their wives and fathers and grandfathers and poor people. Red Hook was considered quite a dangerous place but now it’s â€Å"quite civilized, quite American†. Alfieri can foretell the rest of story as he tells the audience that they should watch the situation â€Å"run its bloody course†, and followed that by introducing Eddie Carbone by saying â€Å"this one’s name was Eddie Carbone†. The way Arthur Miller uses Alfieri to say â€Å"this one’s†, shows that Alfieri has seen this many times before and is giving us a hint that the play is not going to end well. Eddie is introduced on stage by pitching coins with the men, in which he highlighted from them, â€Å"He is forty-a husky, slightly overweight longshoreman. When Eddie enters his apartment and meets Catherine, there is quite a friendly atmosphere but this changes quickly when Eddie criticizes the way Catherine walks and her appearance. The conversation ends when Eddie says that Beatrice’s cousins are coming. Here we can get the feeling that Eddie has undiscovered sexual feelings and is very possessive over Catherine. While the family were waiting for Beatrice’s cousins, Eddie is telling the story of Vinny Bolzano. The story has a significant importance because this play also has a similar story as Bolzano. Miller uses Eddie as the person who informs the immigration about Beatrice’s cousins (just like the young boy did to his uncle in Bolzano’s story). Marco appears to be suspicious initially. He is quite stiff towards Eddie and gives him control of when he requires them to leave. There is an instant reaction where Rodolfo is introduced, we can see Catherine is attracted by his appearance, she asked him many questions like â€Å"How come he’s so dark and you’re so light, Rodolfo† (you can see how she just addressed the question directly to Rodolfo). Catherine also is astonished, as she said to Beatrice â€Å"He’s practically blond! â€Å". Eddie however assumes that he is homosexual because he has blond hair and sings the song â€Å"Paper Doll†. Eddie doesn’t understand the law because he doesn’t see the need of obtaining evidence to prove Rodolfo guilty. He just assumes that Rodolfo wants to marry Catherine for the right to stay and become an American citizen. It is difficult for Eddie to express his emotions because he has intimate feelings towards Catherine. Alfieri’s advice to Eddie was to inform the immigration as to how Beatrice’s cousins entered the country illegally. Initially Eddie is shocked at the advice and says â€Å"Oh, Jesus, no, I wouldn’t do nothin’ about that†. Alfieri also advised Eddie to learn to let Catherine go. He says â€Å"The child has to grow up and go away, and the man has to learn to forget. † Eddie does not want to let Catherine go. This could result in two endings, either Eddie snitches on Rodolfo and Marco or lets his niece live her life the way she wants to. Catherine starts off a conversation about the places where Marco and Rodolfo have been to. Eddie doesn’t seem too convinced when Catherine says they’ve been to Africa, and says â€Å"it’s true Eddie†. Miller uses his stage directions to show that Eddie is only asking Marco about the places they have visited. Then the conversation diverts to Catherine asking Eddie about oranges and lemons growing on trees. Eddie replies directly to Marco. He becomes very aggressive and rude when Rodolfo intervenes. Eddie gets very hostile and snaps back at Rodolfo by saying â€Å"I know lemons are green, for Christ’s sake, you see them in the store they’re green sometimes. I said oranges they paint, I didn’t say nothin’ about lemons. â€Å". Another incident rises when Eddie has a conversation about how he can teach boxing to Rodolfo. Eddie picks on Rodolfo and tries to intimidate and patronise him. They both throw in some light punches but Eddie gets carried away and grazes Rodolfo. Catherine is astonished and Eddie replies â€Å"Why? I didn’t hurt him. Did I hurt you kid? â€Å". Marco had realised that Eddie was bothered by Rodolfo. Marco showed his strength towards Eddie by raising the chair over his head. He does this to make Eddie aware that if anything happens to Rodolfo, Eddie will have to pay the consequences. Arthur Miller shows that Marco has had enough and understands what’s going on, the stage directions describes Marco with â€Å"a strained tension gripping his eyes and jaw, his neck stiff†, he also used a simile â€Å"the chair raised like a weapon over Eddie’s head†. Eddie then realises what Marco meant, his â€Å"grin vanishes as he absorbs his looks. â€Å". This shows us that Marco’s hamartia is Rodolfo.