The Kansas City Gun Experiment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Kansas City Gun Experiment - Essay Example Experiments are not the only research designs used to conduct research. There are other types of data-gathering strategies that can be used such as surveys, case studies, participant observation and unobtrusive measures. The most common type of unobtrusive measure is the Uniform Crime Reports (UCR) where existing data collected and maintained by the FBI is used. The National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) is a part of UCR. This experiment undertaken by the Kansas City Police Department was based on the theory that gun seizures and gun crime are inversely proportional. According to this theory gun seizures increase with the decrease of gun crimes. In order to test this theory and to reduce gun crime in Kansas City the Police Department used the quasi experimental design. It ordered extra patrol attention on gun crime â€Å"hot spots†. They conducted a target beat for 29 weeks. Specific and varied techniques were used by officers to detect guns, illegal weapon owners and high-risk youths. In order to protect civil liberties all searches and frisks conducted had to conform to legal guidelines. All arrests made for carrying illegal weapons had to be approved by a supervisory detective. A University of Maryland evaluator accompanied the officers when they went out to gather information. The data gathered was then analyzed. It was found that gun seizures in the target area increased by more than 65 percent and gun crimes declined by 49 percent whereas there was no significant change in areas not covered by the experiment. There was also a significant drop in homicides in target areas. The experiment also proved that the police can implement a program to increase seizures of illegal guns and that the productivity of Police officers increased when they were given the opportunity to focus only on gun detection in crime hot spots without being duty-bound to answer service calls. This program was

Environmental Fundamentals Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Environmental Fundamentals Paper - Essay Example by physicists through their proficiency in physical laws. Computer scientists, mathematicians and engineers are involved in environmental science through computer modeling and technical innovations. Biomedical expertise contributes by assessing health repercussions of environmental issues, such as disease and pollution. Question Two In the 20th century, scientific and technological advancements contributed largely to the development of industrial societies that used underground resources extensively. This resulted in societies characterized by large-volume production, consumption and waste. However, on the other hand, the resources of the earth are limited, as well as the natural environment’s ability to assimilate the enormous volumes of waste (Carson, 2002). This has given rise to environmental issues globally, ranging widely from acid rain to global warming, tropical rainforests and ozone layer destruction and desertification. Environmentalists have traced all these occurre nces to the increasing human activity facilitated by growth in science and technology. However, the progress of science and technology can also be used to resolve global environmental issues. The same power of science and technology can develop monitoring systems to warn of dangerous levels of pollution or emissions, hence triggering reduction or control measures. Innovations that have positively impacted the environment include the hybrid car and the catalytic converter. Science and technology can, therefore, be both a cause and solution to environmental issues in society today. Question Three The concept of environmental sustainability is important because it addresses ways in which human beings can accomplish a lifestyle that meets their fundamental survival requirements in a manner that can carry on indefinitely without causing harm to the natural ecosystems as well as their biodiversities. As a key topic in environmental studies, sustainability is an example of how policy and e nvironmental science may be used to resolve environmental problems. Historically, unsustainable interactions between people and their environments have been linked to migration, whereby human activity tampers with the ecosystem in a new settlement due to lack of technology or knowledge for sustainable interaction (Carson, 2002). With the ongoing non-sustainable human population explosion, the study of sustainability promotes the problem solving skills and facilitates problem-oriented researches towards a sustainable use of resources. The enormous global human population of over seven billion is rapidly heading towards an unsustainable level in terms of resource utilization, which makes sustainability more than just a study area, but also an economic, social and political tool in community service. Question Four Human intentions towards nature determine how they play their role towards sustainability and conservation. Organic farming, green building and recycling contribute towards s ustaina

Monopoly vs. oligopoly Essay Example for Free

Monopoly vs. oligopoly Essay Monopolies and Oligopolies are both marketing situations that are present in today’s economic system. Many people are aware of what a monopoly is and the federal government has even taken steps to make monopolies in the United States illegal. However many are unaware of the many oligopolies operating in the US economic system today. Monopolies and Oligopolies are similar but not the same, this paper will explore their similarities and differences, and provide examples of both operating in today’s economic system. A monopoly is where one cooperation or business controls the supply of a particular good or service. In monopolies these firms or cooperation’s not only try to control their respective industry but go out of their way to stop others from entering with heavy restrictions, low price costs, and strategic marketing plans. The business dictionary defines oligopoly as; a few or single supplier effectively controlling the supply and therefore the price of a particular product or service creating a seller’s market. These two situations as defined are similar in the fact that one or few corporations or businesses control the industry and its prices. The consumer is the target in both situations; you see where its one or few the consumer is forced to pay the prices set by these controlling corporations. Monopolies and Oligopolies differ in a few ways. In a monopoly you have one cooperation that controls the price and supply of the said product or service, allowing for no competition. Or in other words allowing them to charge consumers whatever price that want and even the opportunity to raise prices at any time for no reason thus in a way holding the consumer hostage. In oligopolies there is more than one major player and this allows for some competition in the industry. It also gives consumers more than one option. If one company lowers the price a consumer may choose to switch companies. The most evident difference as stated above is that monopolies are illegal and mandated by the US government where oligopolies are a common market situation in the United States. A great example of an oligopoly is the US Automobile industry. There are a variety of manufactures to choose from,however most Americans will agree the major players are Ford, General Motors, Honda and Toyota. These major players in the industry control the actions of each other and their competitors. In 2005, GM offered customers employee pricing. This affected the whole industry, Ford, Toyota and other manufacturers were forced to do the same thing or offer something better in order to match the prices of GM to generate profits in the industry. This is a common marketing strategy for automobile manufacturers, the use these tactics to anticipate the next move of their competitors. It also can cause smaller manufacturing companies to go out of business as they can no longer compete with these large companies. Monopolies are a little harder to explain in today’s economic system as they are illegal. However they do still exist, for example utility companies usually operate in specific areas where they do not have competition. Consumers are forced to use them do to the region, city or district in which they live. They do not have choices and are required to pay whatever prices their utility company charges for the service. Another good example would be DirecTV, while there are other cable and satellite companies to choose from they offer a service no other company can; NFL Package. They are the exclusive owner of this service and football fans have no other option that offers them every game anytime at their fingertips. Most notable in recent history was Microsoft, who was inevitably fined and regulated by the US government in 1998. While monopolies and oligopolies have their similarities and differences the consumer is the target of both and is a victim to these multimillion dollar corporations and industries. Monopolies even if illegal still exist and operate in today’s economy. Oligopolies are very prevalent and still allow corporations and businesses to operate at will against the consumer as long as there is competition among the various players in the industry. Whether a monopoly or an oligopoly the consumer has little to no say in the market situation and one or few businesses are allowed to dictate prices and supply of their respective products and services. Works Cited Evans, K.(2013, 02 21). Monopoly Vs. Oligopoly. Retrieved from E How Money: http://www. ehow. com/about_4795365_monopoly-vs-oligopoly. html Site contributor. (2013). Dictionary . Com. Retrieved 02 21, 2013, from Dictionary. com: http://dictionary. reference. com/ Stein, T. (1999, November 6). Microsoft Ruled a Monopoly / Court finds firm abused its power. Retrieved from SanFransico Chronicle: http://www. sfgate. com/news/article/Microsoft-Ruled-a-Monopoly-Court-finds-firm-2899336. php.

Organisatonal Learning Research Project

Organisatonal Learning Research Project 1.1 Organisational Learning This section determines if records about product, services and project are being kept for future references in the present system and the expectations of a future system. Question 38: Provides Information for Project Debriefing and Follow-Up This question identifies if the present system provides information for project debriefing and follow-up in comparison to the future system. Availability of information for project debriefing and follow up shows that reference is made to past activities or occurrences to avoid making the same mistake. Thus it indicates if there is an organisational learning tendency. The present system does not seem to adequately provide information for project debriefing and follow-up with 54% that agree (41% agree and 14% strongly agree) and 35% that disagree (30% disagree and 5% strongly disagree) with the statement. In contrast, 97% consider (51% agree and 46% strongly agree) that the future system will provide information for project debriefing and follow-up. Figure 4‑45: Provides Information for Project Debriefing and Follow-Up Question 39: Promotes a Knowledge Sharing Environment in the Organisation This question indicates if there is a knowledge sharing environment in the present system in comparison to the aspiration of the future system. There is a clear distinction from knowledge share and information sharing. This shows that employees are not only willing to share information but also their knowledge for the benefit of customers and the organisation. This portrays if the organisation is open in its approach and culture. The figures show that 51% agree (41% agree and 14% strongly agree) that the present system promotes a knowledge sharing environment in the organisation. This is the lowest rating for the present system in this section showing a lack of knowledge sharing. On the other hand 90% believe (41% agree and 14% strongly agree) that the future system will promote a knowledge sharing environment in the organisation. Silo-based organisational myopia must be replaced with a customer-focus one so that departments will collaborate rather than compete with each other. A customer-centric model requires sharing the data throughout the enterprise; this usually requires a fundamental paradigm shift in the culture to sharing information and knowledge. Many of these changes efforts can be aided by effective communication throughout the entire project and targeting and reaching all levels of employees. (Injazz J. Chen and Karen Popovich, 2003)(Refer Literature Review, Pg. 29, Paragraph 3). Figure 4‑46: Promotes a Knowledge Sharing Environment in the Organisation Question 40: Provides Technical Details of Products Services This question asks respondent if the present system provides technical details on product and services in comparison to the future system. This shows that if an employee or a manager is not aware of a particular specification, is he/she willing to go on the system and find out about the technical information. The results show that 60% agree with the statement (41% agree and 19% strongly agree) that the present system provides technical details of products and services. In comparison, 95% agree (54% agree and 41% strongly agree) that the future system will provide technical details of products and services. It was noted that no respondents disagreed with the statement that the future system will provide technical details of products and services. Figure 4‑47: Provides Technical Details of Products Services Question 41: Learn from Past Resolved Issues This question compares the present system and the aspiration of the future system, in term of referring to past resolved issues to solve problems that the firm is currently encountering. Only 53% (28% agree and 25% strongly agree) of respondents agree that the present system helps them to learn from past resolved issues and 28% disagree with the statement (19% disagree and 8% strongly disagree). On the other hand, 92% agree (35% agree and 57% strongly agree) that the future system will help them learn from past resolved issues. Figure 4‑48: Learn from Past Resolved Issues Question 42: Learning New Methods is Essential for Success This question basically checks if the present system promotes learning new methods for success in comparison to the aspirations of the future system. This in turn identifies if respondents are willing to learn. The figure indicates that 61% agree (31% agree and 31% strongly agree) that with the present system, learning new methods is essential for success. Yet, 92% agree (30% agree and 62% strongly agree) that the future system will provide opportunities for learning new methods which is essential for success. From the literature review, Laudon Laudon (2004) highlight that organisational learning in support of change requires the acquisition of complex knowledge of new business rules and processes and the ‘unlearning’ of the previous ones. This question tests if learning new methods is essential for success indicating that respondents understand the importance of learning. ) (Refer Literature Review, Pg. 30, Paragraph 3). Figure 4‑49: Learning New Methods is Essential for Success It has to be highlighted, that 35% disagree that the present system provides information for project debriefing and follow-up and only 51% agree that the present system promotes a knowledge sharing environment. The highest rating for the present system is 61% that agree that learning new methods is essential for success. It has to be noted that all the ratings for the future system in this section is above 80% with the lowest rating 89% for promoting a knowledge sharing environment in the organisation. This evidently shows that employees understand the significance of a knowledge sharing environment. Embracing a CRM business strategy requires more than the development of a mission statement, it requires employees to acknowledge it, believe it, and understand how the strategy will change the way they do their jobs. Within Royal Bank, the training of employees to deliver a true customer-focused business strategy is acknowledged to be the most critical aspect of the CRM implementation (Kathleen Khirallah, 2001). Busyshop.com regards employee learning as an investment, essential to sustainably address customer problems and satisfy customer demands. (Hsin Hsin Chang, 2007). MOCOTO Bank believes that, given the competitive nature of the finance industry, and its high degree of IT dependence and innovation, continuous employee learning is an essential investment. Question 43: We believe that the Implementation of CRM is This question determines if the respondent understand the importance of a CRM in their daily task. From the survey 94% consider (26% important and 68%% very important) that the implementation of CRM is important, with only 6% neutral. No respondents disagree with the statement. The Literature review also highlights that, CRM does much more than just track customer interactions. It also helps organisations optimize their operations by automating routine tasks and standardizing best practices. Ultimately, CRM allows organisations to better acquire, manage, serve, and extract value from their customers while improving operational efficiency something that is critical in today’s economy (Microsoft Dynamics, White Paper, 2009) (Literature Review, Pg. 9 Paragraph 3). Figure 4‑50: We believe that the Implementation of CRM is CRM does much more than just track customer interactions. It also helps organisations optimize their operations by automating routine tasks and standardizing best practices. Ultimately, CRM allows organisations to better acquire, manage, serve, and extract value from their customers while improving operational efficiency something that is critical in today’s economy (Microsoft Dynamics, White Paper, 2009) (Literature Review, Pg. 9 Paragraph 3). Open ended questions are used to obtain more insight into the problems of organisations and the recommendations that respondents would like to propose. Question 44: What are the main difficulties in carrying out your responsibility in your department? Table 4‑1: What are the main difficulties in carrying out your responsibility in your department? It is noted that the problems are three folds, either strategic, system related or employee related. Strategic issues that were pertinent were: lack of information, information needed for decision making, proper management of information, issues with planning, cooperation, coordination and the process itself. Other concerns were that the system was slow, need for training regarding communication channels, lack of communication channels, planning issues. The present system is not user friendly with no proper graphical user interface and limited functionality. It does not track customer complaints effectively moreover respondents have difficulty in following up issues in a timely manner (time and resource management). The system is also complicated with too many passwords to remember. On the human aspect, some consider that there is too much work load, follow-up of employees is tedious, the need for implementation of a systematic and coherent culture throughout a large organisation. It has noted that respondents have difficulties in managing customer attitude and perception. There tends to be limited resources and human approach – indicating organisational culture issues. Issues with managing people, low team spirit, lack of training. The difficulties enumerated demonstrates that strategic, system and employee related issues impact on the efficiency of the organisation and should be considered when implementing the CRM system. Question 45: Any Recommendation you wish to propose Table 4‑2: Any Recommendation you wish to propose Likewise the recommendation also tends to be in three folds: strategic, system and employee related. There is a need for a tool that can bring efficiency in back office while ensuring visibility on overall operations. In addition there is a necessity for inter department meetings and regular meetings – basically a more reinforced communication and collaboration between departments. Equally important is proper planning, training and support to achieve business objectives. Respondents expect the new system to provide flexibility while doing several tasks at the same time. It is evident that an upgraded system is required which will necessitate training. It requested that the system is designed as per respondents’ requirements. Essentially the system should enable respondents to manage several tasks at the same time. The new system is also expected to enhance quality output for any task assigned, linking time sheets, complaints, warranty, maintenance scheduling, blacklisted clients in other departments, claim back up among others. In addition the CRM should be updated daily – which should be a prerequisite. There is a need for a proper and organised procedure to manage and distribute information and follow-up issues in a timely manner. Employee related issues entail the need for regular follow-up and employee initiative, concerns about the hierarchy, and the need for training As seen above the recommendations are three folds where the system is a major limitation, hampering strategic progress and creating frustration due to an out-dated system which is no longer aligned to the actual requirements of the organisation. In turn the present system does not facilitate strategic analysis and is concerned mainly to facilitate operations.

Silence Of The Lambs: The Battle Between Two Evils Essay example -- es

Silence of the Lambs: The Battle Between Two Evils   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the novel, Silence of the Lambs, we see two different extremes of evil. Dr. Chilton is evil in one respect, while Dr. Hannibal Lecter is evil in his own unique way. Dr. Chilton is the man with bad morals and feels the need to control people. He manipulates people into thinking and acting the way he wants them to. Basically he is the type of guy who takes advantage of his job position, who thinks of himself before others and only acts in ways that will benefit himself. Dr. Hannibal Lector, unlike Dr. Chilton, is unable to control his evil even if he wanted to. Dr. Lector is insane and feels the need to kill people just because he thinks they are boring and from his point of view, they do not seem suitable to be human beings. He understands the things he does are evil, but they do not phase him since he is insane. There is no question, Dr. Lecter is a truly evil man, but Dr. Chilton is the worse of the two.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Dr. Chilton must morally change and take responsibility for himself. Dr. Lector is not able to take control of his evil because of the way his distorted mind thinks. Although his mind is distorted, it is still a very powerful mind which he uses to see into the minds of others. He gets into their heads and plays with their minds, internally torturing them. He is a sick man and needs therapy and constant care in a hospital because he is too... Silence Of The Lambs: The Battle Between Two Evils Essay example -- es Silence of the Lambs: The Battle Between Two Evils   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the novel, Silence of the Lambs, we see two different extremes of evil. Dr. Chilton is evil in one respect, while Dr. Hannibal Lecter is evil in his own unique way. Dr. Chilton is the man with bad morals and feels the need to control people. He manipulates people into thinking and acting the way he wants them to. Basically he is the type of guy who takes advantage of his job position, who thinks of himself before others and only acts in ways that will benefit himself. Dr. Hannibal Lector, unlike Dr. Chilton, is unable to control his evil even if he wanted to. Dr. Lector is insane and feels the need to kill people just because he thinks they are boring and from his point of view, they do not seem suitable to be human beings. He understands the things he does are evil, but they do not phase him since he is insane. There is no question, Dr. Lecter is a truly evil man, but Dr. Chilton is the worse of the two.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Dr. Chilton must morally change and take responsibility for himself. Dr. Lector is not able to take control of his evil because of the way his distorted mind thinks. Although his mind is distorted, it is still a very powerful mind which he uses to see into the minds of others. He gets into their heads and plays with their minds, internally torturing them. He is a sick man and needs therapy and constant care in a hospital because he is too...

Hesters Deconstruction of Puritan Ideals in Nathaniel Hawthornes The

The Scarlet Letter - Hester's   Deconstruction of Puritan Ideals   Ã‚  Ã‚   Hester, the protagonist in Hawthorne's novel The Scarlet Letter, effectively challenges the efforts of the Puritan theocracy to define her, and at the same time, contain the threat she poses to the social order.    Throughout the novel Hester bears the mark of an "A" embroidered on her chest which was originally intended to label her as a social outcast, more specifically an adulteress to the rest of society. She wears the "A" for many years after she bears her "illegitimate" child with virtually no objection. She graciously accepts the punishment bestowed upon her by the strict Puritanical decree that rules, unimpeded, over the New England town where she finds residence. But as the novel progresses Hester remains subservient, dutiful and humble, living in slight seclusion with her child on the edge of town. Hawthorne writes:    As was usually the case wherever Hester stood, a small, vacant area - a sort of magic circle - had formed itself about her, into which, though the people were elbowing one another at a little distance, none ventured, or felt disposed to intrude. It was a forcible type of the moral solitude in which the scarlet letter enveloped its fated wearer; partly by her own reserve, and partly by the instinctive, though no longer so unkindly, withdrawal of her fellow-creatures (Hawthorne 181).    This excerpt from the text shows how Hester does, to some extent, impose strict limits upon herself which she lives by, and which helps to reinforce her punishment, and at the same time preserve and show respect to the Puritan theocracy. Hester cooperatively plays the role of the scapegoat for the rest of soci... ...forts of the Puritan theocracy as she refuses to divulge the identity of her fellow adulterer, revealing a weakness in the governance and facilitating her with a certain sense of power. This power Hester experiences, along with her child, are her testimony to the contribution she makes in the deconstruction of some patriarchal Puritan ideals. But at the same time Hester does lead a virtuous life that harmonizes quite well with this Puritan theocracy, this enables Hester to deconstruct parts of the social order at its very source. The upright way of life that Hester chose to live by, after time, resulted in a near metamorphosis of the originally stigmatized definition that the letter "A" held in society, to one that carried a much more positive connotation.    Work Cited: Hawthorne, Nathaniel. The Scarlet Letter. New York: St. Martins, 1991.   

Sexual Selection of African Cichlids

Sexual selection: it is part of natural selection. Sexual selection acts on an organism's ability to obtain or successfully couple with a mate. Selection makes many organisms go to extreme lengths in order to find a mate such as: peacocks need to develop a beautiful tail, elephant seals fight over territories†¦. Sexual selection is often powerful enough to produce features that are harmful to the individual’s survival. For example, extravagant and colorful tail feathers or fins are likely to attract predators as well as interested members of the opposite sex. In nature females always invest more energy into producing offspring than males invest, and as a result in most species females are a limiting resource that male have to compete for. In most cases it is the females who have a relatively larger investment in producing each offspring and in contrast sperm are cheaper than eggs. There is such a large production of sperm that a single male can easily fertilize all of female's eggs. So clearly female will not produce more offspring by mating with more than one male since her eggs are the limiting factor where in contrast a male is capable of fathering more offspring if he mates with several females. Generally, a male's potential reproductive success is limited by the number of females he mates with, whereas a female's potential reproductive success is limited by how many eggs she can produce. This results in sexual selection, in which males compete with each other, and females become choosy in which males to mate with. As a result of being heterogamy, males are fundamentally less likely to stick to one female, and females are fundamentally selective when it comes down to selecting a mate. Sexual selection takes two major forms one is called intersexual selection and one is called intrasexual selection. intersexal selection is simply males competing with each other to be chosen by females. Intrasexual selection means that members of the less limited sex which are always males compete aggressively among themselves for access to the limiting sex the female. The limiting sex is the sex which has the higher parental investment, which therefore faces the most pressure to make a good mate decision. In his essay Emlen comes up with few hypotheses as to why or how natural selection may have shaped patterns of horn evolution in such a way as to generate divergence in horn morphology, change from one type to another. First we need to understand the benefit of having a particular horn type and how they’re used. One thing he presents is that eetles live underground, in the same cylindrical tunnel no matter if it’s in the hot desserts or tropical area, but male have to keep the tunnels defended against other males trying to invade it therefore horns have defensive and weaponry use. Next important idea that is brought up in his essay is the cost of having certain horns. At this point we don’t care about the benefit or function of the horns, the only thing matters is its trade-offs. The main reason for that is the growth and siz e of beetle horn can stunt the relative size of other morphological structures such as antenna, wings, and eyes. The first identified trade off was that males who possessed long horns also had small eyes. Based on his research he found a correlation between where the horn is located and the adjacent structure to it. After breeding beetles for multiple generations he realized that horns that grow on the center or front of the head affect the size of the antenna, horns that grow on the thorax affect the size of the wing, and finally horns that grow on the base of the head affect the eyes.