A Teacher’s Involvement on Education Reform Essay

Student achievement is constantly changing. Today’s students are being prepared to face the real world that requires them to have exceeding abilities and knowledge. On the global economic aspect of today, students are asked to understand the fundamentals and at the same time be able to think critically. They must analyze and make inferences. It is the teacher’s task to develop these skills in the students. They must prepare them for any changes in the assessment of the school, especially when this approach is of the large scale and high-stake level. Education in the United States has been reformed countless times – all for various reasons. The changes in the knowledge and skills that are aimed for success go hand in hand with the understanding of how students learn. The relationship between the instruction given in schools and the assessment of the students through exams change the learning goals that are set for them and their schools. Therefore, the need for education reform. 1 Before, society can get by with the basic reading and arithmetic skills. This was during the industrial age. However, we are now in an information age. Individuals are required to have access to the interpretation and analysis of the information that they use in order to come up with decisions. Studies show that the skills and competencies mentioned in the previous sentence are the requirements to succeed in the workplace. 2 To adapt to these changes, the content standards of education – skills, knowledge and behavior of the students – must be achieved at a higher level. This is developed at the national, as well as the state areas of science, mathematics, history and geography. In this process, student assessment is the focus and the center of the efforts on matters concerning educational improvements. The policymakers intend to change the assessment that will allow teachers and schools to have different approaches. Assessment reform is not an excuse for a new regime by teachers. This is targeted to the students with the help of the development efforts of the teachers. These include curriculum reform, improving instruction and getting new instructional materials. A number of policymakers and educators believe that the assessment of the students reflect the lessons that they were taught. It’s true that the assessment influences the format of instruction. Contrary to the understanding of today’s students on how they learn their lessons, the assessments are particularly traditional. Most exams still follow the multiple-choice and the true-false format. These test facts determine the skill in an isolated approach. It seldom requires the students to apply what they really know, making it hard to determine what they are capable of doing in real life situations. The standardized tests do not match the content standards. Relying too much on these kinds of assessment often result to an instruction that only focuses on the basic knowledge and skills. It does not encourage the institution to reform the instruction give to the students. Engaged learning will prepare the students better for the 21st century. That being said, it only makes sense that the tests the students take encourage aggressive learning. 3 â€Å"The notion that learning comes about by the accretion of little bits is outmoded learning theory. Current models of learning based on cognitive psychology contend that learners gain understanding when they construct their own cognitive maps of the interconnections among concepts and facts. Thus, real learning cannot be spoon-fed, one skill at a time. † 4 Educators, policymakers and parents are starting to realize that the basic learning abilities are no longer enough. They need the students to have the skills they learned in school and the abilities they need upon leaving school all at the same time. Schools are expected to assist students in developing these competencies which they will use in real and authentic situations. The establishments are expected to graduate students who have these abilities – students who excel on both the standardized and the alternative assessments. During the last decade, the education community in the United States went through a proliferation of reform efforts that are standardized-driven. Its main objective is to increase the achievement level of the students. They want students from the United States achieve the same level of competitiveness with other industrialized nations. The education community also wants to restore the public confidence in the education. Once these are achieved, then it provides the standards-setting bodies the primary ways on how the classroom teachers can be involved in the reforming process. The federal government is a prominent player in the reforming efforts one educations. It goes all the way back in March 1994 when President Clinton signed the â€Å"Goals 2000: Educate America Act. It was the legislation that created the framework which allowed states to adopt and construct the education reform strategies by incorporating the three Goals principles: 1. ) rigorous academic standards. 2. ) alignment of curriculum, textbooks and teacher education and 3. ) clear incentives to encourage students to strive to meet high standards. Also, in 1987, the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards or the NBPTS was formed in order to articulate the standards of excellence to what teachers must know and should know. NBPTS has an assessment system that determines the eligibility of the educators for the National Board certification. At the same time, the Council of Chief State School Officers has established the Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (INTASC) to produce the model standards for the initial teacher licensure. INTASC standards are based on NBPTS standards. In 1987, the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) started using the revised accreditation standards for teacher education institutions. This also reflects NBPTS standards. It calls for better performance, higher admissions and graduate standards. NCATE encourages the teachers to prepare the reforms on education at a content standard that has appeared from projects such as the NCTMs. There are three kinds of national standards which currently receive attention from the American government. The content standards focus on the curriculum, the performance standards concentrate on the student work and the assessment, and the school delivery standards which centers on the resources and support for the schools, teachers and students. The building figures from the consensus prominently show that the standards- setting movement of the schools and teachers has had de facto standards for the content areas that are mentioned in the Goals. These are affected by the textbook manufactures and the performance standards that are set by the testing companies. In contrast to this, the standards development projects of recent years have tried to get a base of support for a ny academic improvement. The involvement of teacher in the professional standards development can be seen in various areas: 1.  The teachers function as the standards. A lot of members of the NBPTS standards committees are accomplished and celebrated teachers. Classroom teachers are members of the NCATE board and the Standards Committee serve as the team which evaluates the teacher preparation programs. The Standard Project is there to develop the assessment standards. It also serves as the instrument for a national system of voluntary student examination. It engages the teachers in developing the tests items and refining the content standards in order to come up with better scores from the students. 2.  Teachers are the subjects of the fields that are new to test standards. Since they participate in the NBPTS field test, the INTAST assessments are conducted by teachers. 3. Teachers serve as the translators of the content standards. They apply this in a teachable classroom setting. By working with the scholars, the teachers build the contend standards in a state curriculum framework. They come up with lesson plans which are the operations for the standards they intend to meet. 4. Because they bargain units and have professional associations, teachers serve as the initiators of the standards-setting projects.  Take this for example, the Standards for Teacher Competence in Educational Assessment of Students was developed by the American Federation of Teachers, the National Council on Measurement in Education and the National Education Association. 5. Teachers also serve as the critics of the national standards that set the efforts on education reform. The seven model standards that have been developed and supported by the Board of Education have circulated drafts of the standards documents. It also solicits the comment from the teachers and the parents. It is very important that teachers are on the panels in order to oversee the projects. The promotion of students’ critical thinking skills, active engagement in learning and deeper understanding of the subject matter is â€Å"teaching for understanding. † The classroom teachers must be engaged in teaching and understanding the lessons that they teach to the students. The research and the experience are collaborated and are jointly reported. Teachers must also focus on the policy considerations, starting with the perspectives in the classroom and emphasizing on the need for the field-based research that are needed for the multiple contexts of teaching. However, the involvement of teachers also varies on the perception of the school leadership. There are some teachers that perceive the costs of involvement in education reform outweigh the benefits. There are also some teachers who choose to not get involved because it means that this will influence other school policies. With this in mind, this proves that there are two kinds of decisions: the managerial, which is made by the administrators and the technical, which concentrates on the goal. Most teachers prefer being involved in the process than coming up with technical decisions. 7 Then there are some teachers that argue that education reform cannot be imposed on a unilateral approach. Teachers must endorse their new responsibilities and roles, as long as there is a time and enough resources to go about it. Schools depend on the cooperation, relation and interdependence of the staff members that plans such as these must be consistent with the norms that already exist. 8 Schools must also consider the current staff development. There are some models that do not help the teachers in handling the complex reforms that are currently being implemented. Dominant models work perfectly when the specific practices or skills are transferred. The current reforms need teachers to be intellectual. They must grapple the new ways in order to implement the principles and ideas in their daily work. The five steams of reform are challenges to the teachers. 9 Finally, there are the different studies of teachers when it comes to leadership roles. There are conditions that are particularly good prospects when it comes to leadership. By investing in roles that are dignified and not simply powerful, the organizational incentives needed for collaboration results to agreements which protect and separate the interest of the administrators and the teachers. This is a good thing because its final result is that it complies with the policies which support the education reform. Drawing from four different studies of teachers in leadership roles, the author examines the conditions for teacher productivity in schools. Little identifies five conditions as particularly likely to advance or erode the prospects for teacher leadership: define leadership tasks that are important, not trivial; invest leadership roles with dignity, not simply power over others; have organizational incentives for collaboration; avoid agreements that protect the separate interests of teachers and administrators; and have district policies that support teacher leadership, especially those on recruitment, selection, placement, and evaluation of principals. 10 Sometimes it is better to give movie examples. Over the years, there are countless movie releases that show teachers defying the school’s rules in order to provide what is best for their students. In â€Å"Dangerous Minds†, Michelle Pfeiffer encourages her students to read poetry instead of hanging out in the street and ruining their lives by getting involved in drugs, sex and gangsters. In the â€Å"Sister Act 2†, Whoopi Goldberg helms a choir consisting of African American students from the ghettos. Like Pfeiffer in â€Å"Dangerous Minds†, this is the nun’s distraction for the students to make something out of their lives. But a recent movie that depicts educational reform and teacher’s involvement best is the TV movie â€Å"Walkout. † It tells the story of the Mexican-American students in Los Angeles high schools in 1968. They staged a boycott in order to improve the quality of education for Chicanos. Actor-director Edward James Olmos (who plays Jennifer Lopez’ dad in â€Å"Selena) appears and directs in the movie. â€Å"Walkout† was skillfully directed and presented a simple story told in a direct manner. There is a frank portrayal of the unacceptable educational standards in the schools that are attended by the Mexican-American students. In one scene, two Chicano students were slapped on their behinds because they spoke in Spanish. This was only one of the rules in American schools which Mexican-American activists wanted to reform. They want to speak in Spanish whenever they want to because Spanish is their language. For teachers who want a peg in participating in educational reforms, they can look at Sal Castro played by Michael Pena (Jennifer Lopez’ brother in â€Å"Selena. ) He is a dedicated high school history teacher who is the instrument in stirring idealism in his students. He didn’t want them to be violent activists. He encouraged reform but he reminded them that this can be done in a united and peaceful protest. The focal point of the story is Paula Crisostomo (Alexa Vega) who is an exceptional student. She risked her graduation in order to be part of the Lincoln High School walkout. â€Å"Walkout† captures the passion of Paula and her classmates. The parents strongly resisted at the earlier part of the film, but later on they slowly understood the reason behind the activism of their children. The entire cast, played by young performers, is convincing. It is true that â€Å"Walkout† is a film but this is a depiction of something that happened in 1968 which changed history. Because of that walk-out, Mexican-American students are given a voice. The teacher participated in his own way in the education reform his students want granted. Those who watched this movie for the first time were unaware of the Chicano movement of 1968. They were surprised to find out that there was a time Universities kept Chicanos out. Teachers sacrifice their efforts and their time in order to concretize the goals they want for their students. Education reform may not be achieved with just one snap of a finger but that does not mean that teachers should stop trying there and then. For this very reason of reform, teachers and students are more motivated to strive toward success. Education reform is a right that must be made the most out of. It could be better opportunities for the teachers as well as the students. Once the school is presented an option to have an education, then they must seize it. It may be puzzling at first but the absence of education reform can have dire effects on the effective teaching in schools. Research shows that successful schools have reformed their education in relation to the demands of today’s information age. By viewing teaching as the central activity of organizations, more and more educational bodies are encouraging schools to take part of education reform. By proposing the norms, conducts, standards and practices which will serve as the central dialogue and observation of teaching, activities and practices that are related to providing a curriculum and materials needed by the school, students and teachers will be open to the recognition of teacher’s involvement in the whole educational reform process.

Frame the Case JohnsonJohnson and Dow Corning

Frame the Case JohnsonJohnson and Dow Corning Both companies Johnson Johnson and Dow Corning were framed particular issues which helped the make a decision in their cases. However, those frames also presupposed the effectiveness of the decision in cases under consideration. The choice of the tools for solving the problem and the vision of the problem are effective aspects which are to be considered while making a decision.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Frame the Case: JohnsonJohnson and Dow Corning specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Looking at the cases under consideration, it should be stated that the difference in the outcome of the politics held by Johnson Johnson and Dow Corning was caused by the frames which were used as windows and tools. The main idea of the Johnson Johnson’s Code of Ethics is to make sure that the customers are satisfied and the products do not harm their health. Additionally, there are a lot of other items which make sure tha t the frames have been correctly chosen. Thus, applying to the human resource frames, political frames and symbolic frames, Jonson Jonson managed to remain successful and conserved its positive image. The company’s measures were based on the roles, policies, needs and relationships of the organization towards its customers. Many other ethical aspects played their role. At the same time, the failure of the Dow Corning company may be explained by the reference only to the political frames. The company was bothered for the conflicts which may appear and wanted to prevent those by means of closing the factories and refusing from the manufacturing. Therefore, it may be concluded that the choice of frames, both the windows and as tools, plays a great role in considering the image of the company and its mental map. Dwelling upon the differences in ethical stances of the Johnson Johnson and Dow Corning, the Code of Ethics as well as the goals of the companies should be considered. Johnson Johnson is the company which takes care for its customers and for their health. Only the great care for the clients and the guarantee of their satisfaction may create the successful business for the company. Johnson Johnson deals with many different products and covers many niches at the world market. The problems and the shade of one particular product may cause the company failure if successful marketing of other products. Dow Corning is the company which produces only one kind of the products and they believed that the arguments they had were enough. The lack of interest in the company image may be explained by the great assuredness of the company leaders in the inability of the company failure or the fact that the issue cannot be proved. The failure to combine the company image and the purposes of the manufacturing has lead to the fact that others became interested in the failure. Looking for the problems, the information was found. Therefore, it may be concluded that the company has lost the whole manufacturing only because they did not want to lose some income.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The loss in case of accepting the failure and withdrawal of the failure product could be less than the closure of the whole manufacturing. The politics and the frames chosen by Johnson Johnson were directed at the benefit of customers with the reference to the personal profit, while Dow Corning was directed at the personal profit with making the interests of the customers the secondary concern.

Difference Between Totalitarianism, Authoritarianism, Fascism

Difference Between Totalitarianism, Authoritarianism, Fascism Totalitarianism, authoritarianism, and fascism are all forms of government. And defining different forms of government isnt as easy as it might seem.   The governments of all nations have an official form as designated in the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency’s World Factbook. However, a nation’s own description of its form of government can often be less than objective. For example, while the former Soviet Union declared itself a democracy, its elections were not â€Å"free and fair† as only one party with state-approved candidates were represented. The USSR was more correctly classified as a socialist republic. In addition, the boundaries between various forms of government can be fluid or poorly-defined, often with overlapping characteristics. Such is the case with totalitarianism, authoritarianism, and fascism. What is Totalitarianism? Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler in Munich, Germany September 1937. Fox Photos/Getty Images Totalitarianism is a form of government in which the state’s power is unlimited and is used to control virtually all aspects of public and private life. This control extends to all political and financial matters, as well as the attitudes, morals, and beliefs of the people. The concept of totalitarianism was developed in the 1920s by Italian fascists who attempted to put a positive spin on it by referring to what they considered totalitarianism’s â€Å"positive goals† for society. However, most Western civilizations and governments quickly rejected the concept of totalitarianism and continue to do so today. One distinctive feature of totalitarian governments is the existence of an explicit or implied national ideology, a set of beliefs intended to give meaning and direction to the entire society. According to Russian history expert and author Richard Pipes, Fascist Italian Prime Minister Benito Mussolini once summarized the basis of totalitarianism as, â€Å"Everything within the state, nothing outside the state, nothing against the state.† Examples of characteristics that might be present in a totalitarian state include: Rule enforced by a single dictatorThe presence of a single ruling political partyStrict censorship, if not total control of the pressConstant dissemination of pro-government propagandaMandatory service in the military for all citizensMandatory population control practicesProhibition of certain religious or political groups and practicesProhibition of any form of public criticism of the governmentLaws enforced by secret police forces or the military Typically, the characteristics of a totalitarian state tend to cause people to fear their government. Rather than trying to allay that fear, totalitarian rulers tend to encourage and use it to ensure the people’s cooperation. Early examples of totalitarian states include Germany under Adolf Hitler and Italy under Benito Mussolini. More recent examples of totalitarian states include Iraq under Saddam Hussein and North Korea under Kim Jong-un. What is Authoritarianism? Fidel Castro circa 1977. David Hume Kennerly/Getty Images   An authoritarian state is characterized by a strong central government that allows people a limited degree of political freedom. However, the political process, as well as all individual freedoms, is controlled by the government without any constitutional accountability In 1964, Juan Josà © Linz, Professor Emeritus of Sociology and Political Science at Yale University, described the four most recognizable characteristics of authoritarian state as: Limited political freedom with strict government controls imposed on political institutions and groups like legislatures, political parties, and interest groupsA controlling regime that justifies itself to the people as a â€Å"necessary evil† uniquely capable of coping with â€Å"easily recognizable societal problems† such as hunger, poverty, or violent insurgencyStrict government-imposed constraints on social freedoms such as suppression of political opponents and anti-regime activityThe presence of a ruling executive with vague, loosely defined and shifting powers Modern dictatorships, such as Venezuela under Hugo Chvez, or Cuba under Fidel Castro, typify authoritarian governments.   While the People’s Republic of China under Chairman Mao Zedong was considered a totalitarian state, modern-day China is more accurately described as an authoritarian state, because its citizens are now allowed some limited personal freedoms. It is important to summarize the main differences between totalitarianism and authoritarian governments. In a totalitarian state, the government’s range of control over the people is virtually unlimited. The government controls nearly all aspects of the economy, politics, culture, and society. Education, religion, the arts and sciences, even morality and reproductive rights are controlled by totalitarian governments. While all power in an authoritarian government is held by a single dictator or group, the people are allowed a limited degree of political freedom. What is Fascism? Rarely employed since the end of World War II in 1945, fascism is a form of government combining the most extreme aspects of both totalitarianism and authoritarianism. Even when compared to extreme nationalistic ideologies like Marxism and anarchism, fascism is typically considered to be at the far-right end of the political spectrum. Fascism is characterized by the imposition of dictatorial power, government control of industry and commerce, and the forcible suppression of opposition, often at the hands of the military or a secret police force. Fascism was first seen in Italy during World War I, later spreading to Germany and other European countries during World War II. Historically, the primary function of fascist regimes has been to maintain the nation in a constant state of readiness for war. Fascists observed how rapid, mass military mobilizations during World War I had blurred the lines between the roles of civilians and combatants. Drawing on those experiences, fascist rulers strive to create a rabidly nationalistic culture of â€Å"military citizenship† in which all citizens are willing and prepared to take on some military duties during times of war, including actual combat. In addition, fascists view democracy and the electoral process as an obsolete and unnecessary obstacle to maintaining constant military readiness and consider a totalitarian one-party state as the key to preparing the nation for war and its resulting economic and social hardships. Today, few governments publicly described themselves as fascist. Instead, the term is more often used pejoratively by those critical of particular governments or leaders. The term â€Å"neo-fascist† is often used to describe governments or individuals espousing radical, far right political ideologies similar to those of the World War II fascist states.

ELITES AND DEVELOPMENT IN CIS COUNTRIES Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

ELITES AND DEVELOPMENT IN CIS COUNTRIES - Essay Example In fact the changes perceived in the structure of the various political elite groups in this region which was stimulated by the changes brought in by democracy, did not essentially lead to the renewal of the political elite, primarily in the nature and manner of their conscription and commissioning. The fragile nature of the democratic institutions were revealed when the actors in the new political order that came into power during the first democratic elections, instead of aiming at creating a better socio-economic future for their respective countries, used the new positions for amassing personal wealth and strengthening their personal power. The result of the plans adopted for orienting all governmental organizations towards a system of Presidential domination that would democratically control the executive, legislative and judiciary, failed. In its place, there was the rapid emergence of a group of hybrid political elites, where the authoritarian power was well in vogue, albeit b ehind the facade of democratic institutions. ... Other international and regional bodies that provide corruption survey figures based on perceptions and experience in this sub-region, present a very analogous picture that portrays a ‘systemic’ form of corruption, having disastrous effects on the lives of the common citizens of these states. A study of these reports make it very clear that the political elites of these regions are creating a hindrance in the developmental strategy of these regions, and in order to initiate growth and development in the CIS countries one must make a thorough study of the elites that run these countries. One must take heed of their perception of national development and personal power, and also comprehend how the elites analyze the role of various international development bodies like ‘The European Bank of Reconstruction and Development’ (EBRD). The research project primarily aims to study these issues in order to identify in which CIS countries the political elites are deter mined to act in a manner that has positive economic and social implications, and thereby aiming to create a favourable climate for investments. Objectives The target of this research paper is to propose various recommendations that are based on strong and logical evidences, for the increase in the EBRD’s investments within the CIS countries. Since this international developmental body is supporting a research project and providing ?5 million for investigating the role of political elites in the development of CIS countries, it necessary for the researcher to study in detail the various notions and ideals practiced by the ruling political elites that are mainly responsible

Marketing Simulation Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Marketing Simulation - Research Paper Example The Ochre teams had an increase of approximately 10 percent, which is roughly near the Orange team’s performance level. Customers From the market outlook chart above, most of the customers are derived from households and companies. On average, most of the customers are derived from general households. The high-end households also contribute a large portion but particularly in Europe. In Asia, the sales in the high-end households have dwindled to the extent that there are negative sales in this particular segment. The companies follow the household in usage in both Europe and Asia. However, in Asia, the reception in the high-end companies has been poor compared to the European market. Marketing Research The team has three phones in the European market that are SSKE 1, SSKE 3 and SSKE 4. In the Asian market, the team has one phone, the SSKE2A. The SSKE4 I is the best performer in the European market followed by the SSKE1. Most high-end companies prefer the SSKE4 while the ordina ry companies prefer the SSKE1. Therefore, it can be concluded that most of the consumers in the region are derived from companies. The phone model on sale in the Asian market mainly targets the lower end segment of the market. The product has received significant reception in the general households and companies. By not focusing on improving the product to suit the high- end segment of the market, the company is losing on sales in this segment in Asia. The team also has not emphasized enough on creating enough awareness of the product in the region compared to the awareness in Europe. Furthermore, introducing only one product in the region is not a feasible strategy. The team should introduce more products in the region to compete effectively with the competitors. The team also... The team has three phones in the European market that are SSKE 1, SSKE 3 and SSKE 4. In the Asian market, the team has one phone, the SSKE2A. The SSKE4 I is the best performer in the European market followed by the SSKE1. Most high-end companies prefer the SSKE4 while the ordinary companies prefer the SSKE1. Therefore, it can be concluded that most of the consumers in the region are derived from companies. The phone model on sale in the Asian market mainly targets the lower end segment of the market. The product has received significant reception in the general households and companies. By not focusing on improving the product to suit the high-end segment of the market, the company is losing on sales in this segment in Asia. The team also has not emphasized enough on creating enough awareness of the product in the region compared to the awareness in Europe. Introducing only one product in the region is not a feasible strategy. The team should introduce more products in the region to compete effectively with the competitors. The team also channeled most of its resources in advertising and channel investments. This caused a reduction in operating profits for the team. The team should have reduced the investment in the two divisions considering that most phone companies have their own niche in the market. The curved out section will always buy the products. Furthermore, the investment was done without an introduction of more new products. The money would have been used for research and development instead.

RISK MANAGEMENT 3PL (THIRD-PARTY LOGISTICS PROVIDER) Dissertation

RISK MANAGEMENT 3PL (THIRD-PARTY LOGISTICS PROVIDER) - Dissertation Example Also, the logistics industry is transforming speedily because of lack of control in transportation scenario due to TPLs working in the technologically advanced environment of internet, e-commerce, and other electronic ways to offer logistics services (Marsh, 2007). TPL has been variously defined in literature. A definition of TPL by Knemeyer & Murphy (2005, p. 710) citing Murphy and Poist (1998), point out that TPL involves â€Å"a relationship between a shipper and a third party which, when compared with basic services, has more customized offerings, encompasses a broader number of service functions and is characterized by a longer-term, more mutually beneficial relationship.† It is a narrower definition of TPL focusing on the word â€Å"relationship†, highlighting the long term outlook of the TPL for completing various strategic functions. When it comes to managing risks, sufficient literature is available on risk management in general, but when it comes to risk ident ification, research related to identification of risks is still in nascent level. Companies need to invest resources in attempting to identify the risks systematically; nevertheless, methods to follow systemic approaches are few and scarce. The similar viewpoint is offered by Zsidsin et al., as cited by Rao & Goldsby (2009, p. 98) that â€Å"few studies exist that explore the key constructs necessary for assessing supply [chain] risk†. The research gap between risk identification and risk mitigation, therefore, needs to be worked out by selecting Saudi Arabia, a country of the Middle-East. The example of Saudi Arabia can set the pace for creating better understanding on TPL risks in an emerging field, as developed Western countries have already seen it happening along the complexity of the risk types and their management. Further, selecting a country as a methodology would help in finding ways of improving the current situation of the TPL firms in Saudi Arabia. Addition of el ectronic interface to the TPL industry has increased its liability risks, such as failure to securely provide reach and connectivity to its internet and extranet portals. These risk exposures are unforeseen and are not always binding by contracts. As customers of TPLs are equally technology-efficient, therefore, exhibit least inclination to be partners in liability risks with TPLs, thus, increasing risk exposure of TPLs. For instance, websites of TPLs are very interactive for providing a good user experience to their customers for selecting freight carriers, checking about shipments or stock, and sending shipment instructions. Thus, various liability risks could be related to TPL functions over internet reach for completing shipping, billing, and claims documentation procedures, tariffs, posting of carrier, stock, tracking, and management of transportation, load, administrative services, claims etc. among others (Marsh USA, 2007). Although TPL network has become highly globalised bu t considering the country-specific example, which in this case is Saudi Arabia, one can see that growth of TPL in the Middle East countries is relatively not as dynamic as in developed countries of Europe and the USA. When it comes to approximation of TPL risks and risks mitigation in Saudi Arabia, one finds handicapped due to the lack of empirical data across the whole Arab region although research reveals that overall

Code of Ethics Paper Essay Example for Free

Code of Ethics Paper Essay The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is a well-known government based facility that presents a web site that keeps its customer base well informed on a wide variety of topics. Providing and gathering knowledge for doctors and patients, this facility and website serve as an investigator. This ranges from heath issues to the medicine used to treat. The NIH has been a part of history ranging from advances in penicillin to machines used such as the MRI. Also, NIH has funded and researched thousands of drugs and physicians to find cures and treatment. As a team we believe that the NIH has social, ethical issues, as well as goals that are met every day as a part of their social responsibility. â€Å"NIH’s mission is to seek fundamental knowledge about the nature and behavior of living systems and the application of that knowledge to enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce illness and disability.† (USA.Gov, 2013) NIH’s goals and their ethical principles If everyone were afraid about unethical research, nobody will participate or volunteer. Without the research subjects, developing new medicine and treatments would be impossible. Because millions of selfless and generous research volunteers, the world has benefited from an array of medical advances in used today. Furthermore, Effective chemotherapy and radiation treatments have cured millions of people with cancer, such as breast, thyroid, pancreatic, and cervical cancer to name a few. Additionally, we have also benefited from numerous vaccines that protect from deadly disease, for instance, polio, measles, chicken pox, and the seasonal flu. Moreover, these medical advances have made it possible to increase awareness about nutrition and health lifestyles (NIH, 2013). The National Health Institute’s goals are to cultivate and promote â€Å"fundamental creative discoveries, innovative research strategies and their application as a basis for ultimately protecting and improving h ealth† (NIH, 2013, para. 1). In addition, their goals are also for helping support, and â€Å"renew scientific human and physical resources that will safeguard the Nation competency to prevent disease† (NIH, 2013, para. 1) Furthermore, they work tirelessly to  Ã¢â‚¬Å"expand the knowledge base in medical and sciences to enhance the Nation’s economic well-being and guarantee a continued high return on the public investment in research† (NIH, 2013, para. 1). According to the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), before any research is started there are seven ethical principles the researchers must comply with. These principles help to clarify meticulously a coherent framework for assessing the ethics of any clinical research studies: (1) social value- the research or study must define how are peoples health or well-being will improve; (2) scientific validity- the research must have a hypothesis to be tested, and controlled; (3) fair subject sel ection- an abroad group of people must be selected , including age (over 18), gender, and race, not vulnerable or privileged; (4)favorable risk-benefit ratio- the research shows that the riskier the study the more ethical it is considered; (5) independent review- an external group must review the research and will approve it or denied it. This practice makes people believe the study is more ethical and unbiased. Also, this will minimize potential conflicts of interest; (6) inform consent- the subject must be mentally capable to understand the full disclosure of the research, the decision must be voluntary; (7) respect for the enrolled subject- the volunteers privacy must be protected, withdrawal from the study cannot be denied, and their health must always be monitored. The researchers have the obligation to treat everyone who volunteers in an experiment ethically and respectfully (Emanuel, Wendler, Grady, 2000; NIH Clinical Center Department of Bioethics, 2012). NIH’s culture and ethical decision making The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is one of the largest organizations in the world with regard to researching advancements in medicine and the improvement in delivery of health care. Culturally speaking, the NIH is as diverse as the population it provides services to. Therefore, the NIH encourages health care providers to become more culturally competent in order to assist them in improving the quality of services they provide. According to the NIH, (2013) â€Å"Cultural competency is critical to reducing health disparities and improving access to high-quality health care; health care that is respectful of and responsive to the needs of diverse patients† (par. 3). Possessing a better knowledge of the cultures  a health care provider delivers services to will allow him or her the ability to provide a higher quality of care and enable him or her to remain ethical when critical decisions need to be made. Currently, the NIH is collaboration with other groups and organizati ons to help health care providers become more aware of the cultures they serve, which in turn, will provide better quality of care to all Americans (NIH, 2013). End of life is an area of health care the NIH suggests is especially critical with regard to culture and making ethical decisions (NIH, 2013). There are many different cultures in the United States that do not share the same point of view when it comes to a family members’ last wishes. An article called â€Å"Diverse decisions. How culture affects ethical decision making†, written by Wright, Cohen, and Caroselli explains the importance of cultural competence and ethical decision making at the point of a patients’ end of life. This crucial aspect of health care can be especially challenging to health care providers if they are not familiar with their patient’s cultural preferences. If not treated with the sensitivity a family requires culturally, the health care provider will likely encounter probl ems in assisting the family in arriving at an ethical decision that best helps the patient. As stated by Wright, Cohen, and Caroselli, (1997) â€Å"When these difficulties are coupled with ineffective communication related to cultural insensitivity or unawareness, the effects can be devastating† (par. 1). Few moments in life present as many challenges as the end of a family members’ life. Therefore, the NIH not only challenges its organization to become more culturally competent, it also encourages and assists health care providers to do the same, especially when assisting patients and their families in making the appropriate ethical decision. NIH’s ethical values supporting our ethical values The NIH has clearly stated that â€Å"turning discovery into health† is part of their mission statement. Supporting this ethical decision in the United States alone there are many individuals with chronic diseases or health issues. Therefore, it is safe to say that because the mission of the NIH is to find cures and treatments to better our nation is in correspondence with most. According to the NIH, (2013) â€Å"Nearly half of all Americans have a chronic medical condition. NIH research makes significant strides toward  treating and preventing these long-term illnesses.† Along with promoting wellness, the NIH develops new technological tools to treat any or most ailments in the USA. They are always looking for bright and positive new recruits to help research and enlighten the NIH to provide answers to thousands of individuals who have questions. The NIH has conducted research and found that cancer, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and cardiovascular disease is on the decline bec ause of the research they have contributed to society. Because of their code of ethics they are helping babies that are born today live to a common age of 79, a vast improvement from the last 100 years. NIH believes it â€Å"invests over $30.9* billion annually in medical research for the American people.† (USA.Gov, 2013) and posted under NIH budget they write â€Å"Research for the People†, a clear message that this company is high in ethical values. They plan on widening the research capacity of our country and foster exploration. For any individual finding treatment for loved ones or ones’ self goes hand in hand with the ethical beliefs of the NIH. Social responsibility for NIH in the community NIH has proven itself to be socially responsible for not only the community but the entire population. They have done research and contributed a vast amount of information that physician’s, staff, and patients alike use on a daily basis for personal or practice knowledge. For example, the NIH has provided hundreds of thousands of jobs to research new technology and to find cures ever the past years. In addition, â€Å"to directly supporting research, NIH funding spurs an impressive amount of spin-off economic growth in our communities, ranging from scientific equipment suppliers to biotech firms to businesses offering food and lodging.† (USA.Gov, 2013) So not only has it contributed to health of the population, but is has proved financial contributions to the population. It has contributed more than $62 billion in revenue. Because of NIH’s research it will have not only short term effects but long term ones as well. Employing over one million employees to do rese arch and development, the NIH has made a vast contribution for jobs to those who do not have one. Providing tours and other means to understand what they do to the public, they encourage public awareness. Providing funds for over 130 Nobel prize winners that have created such instruments like the MRI, NIH scientists have paved the way for many and future scientists. The  NIH expects â€Å"to expand the knowledge base in medical and associated sciences in order to enhance the Nations economic well-being and ensure a continued high return on the public investment in research.† (USA.Gov, 2013) Providing leadership for this frontier in medical research, NIH is constantly making new advancements. Keeping archives of all research done in the past 100 years, the NIH keeps these records so future generations can learn. In conclusion, the goals of the NIH are to provide medical research, for the population of the USA. Their goal is to find cure and increase the wellness of the surro unding population. Also, the NIH is made up of a culturally diverse population making it successful in finding, curing or preventing most or all ailments. Encouraging physicians to be more culturally diverse, is one of the NIH’s main goals because of the background in genetics and their diseases. Their ethical values support ours because we are all in the same country. Where thousands if not hundreds of thousands diseases are present every day, and as part of the population most would like to see research and treatments available. â€Å"Our practical wisdom must balance the shifting demands and possibilities that our changing circumstances present.† (Fremgan, 2009) Knowing our past is important as knowing our future. And the NIH has provided a sanctuary for both. As a team we believe that the NIH has social, ethical issues, as well as goals that are met every day as a part of their social responsibility. References National Institutes of Health, (2013). Frequently asked questions. Retrieved from http://www.nih.gov/about/FAQ.htm USA.Gov. (2013). National Institutes of Health. Retrieved from http://www.nih.gov/ Wright, F., Cohen, S., Caroselli, C., (1997). Diverse decisions. How culture affects ethical Decision making. Division of Nursing, New York University, New York. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9136346 Fremgan, B. (2009). Medical Law and Ethics (3rd ed.). Retrieved from The University of Phoenix eBook Collection database