Do We Need More Space Essays - Spaceflight, Human Spaceflight

Do We Need More Space? Do we need more space? The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, or NASA for short, plays a necessary and vital role in human life. It provides economic stability for the country, the common-day luxuries we have all come to expect, medical discoveries and advances, an insurance policy for the planet, and fulfills mankind's eternal desire for exploration. Though there are many critics of the federally-funded space program, it indeed plays a central role in both the history and the future of the country. The space program is a major component in our country's economic stability. The industry generates more than $40 billion in annual exports, and almost $30 billion in positive balance of trade each year. (FAQs 1) The space program also supports nearly one million jobs. (FAQs 1) Yet, NASA's funding represents only about one penny out of every dollar in the US federal budget. This is down from a peak of about four cents during the height of the Apollo program in the late 1960's. (FAQs 1) The dissolution of NASA, along with destroying these one million jobs, would cost the country approximately $70 billion in revenue each year. New industries have been built on the technology that made space exploration possible, including personal computers, advanced medical equipment, and high-tech communications. NASA's research and development generates jobs, demand for goods and services, and new opportunities for further research and development. The space program had and continues to be a strong i nfluence on the economics and prosperity of the country. The applications of the space program have a profound effect on human life as we know it. In just a few short years, our lives have been significantly changed by space technology. The space program is responsible for the orbiting spacecraft that transmit information such as phone calls and television signals around the globe with speed and precision. Other satellites monitor the weather, and the world wide condition of the atmosphere. This provides advance warnings of major, possibly catastrophic, weather phenomena. Along with data on current weather patterns, satellites can forecast problems with the atmosphere that may create problems in the future. Present day satellite-based navigation systems aboard planes and boats enable people to determine their exact location and heading accurately. This improves safety and makes travel more efficient. In more ways than one, the space program has an immediate effect on many aspects of our life. Research by the space program into the medical sciences affects all people. NASA is currently running experiments aimed at improving our quality of life and life expectancy. For instance, the Visual Sciences Department is working on a premise that the weightlessness of space would have a positive effect on the retinas of the human eye, causing less blindness and poor eyesight in humans by negating the pull of gravity. (Vision 1) The Department of Immunology has a theory that the human immune system is strongly influenced by environmental factors such as pollution, and space living would increase the strength and immunity of humans. (Immune 1) Perhaps the largest area of study at this time is from the bone and calcium studies, relating bone loss to gravity, and noting how bones respond to weightlessness. (Calcium 1) These projects, along with countless others currently being studied, will have a lasting effect on humankind. A different, yet valid argument was made by Ms. Sylvia Engdah l, Professor in Space Studies at Princeton. Her view on the importance of space flight centers around the need for insurance for mankind. There are still very real possibilities that the earth could be destroyed by nuclear war, terrorist attacks, or even an asteroid. We all hope and believe that our homes won't burn down, and yet we buy fire insurance. Does not our species as a whole need an insurance policy? (Engdahl, 1) This is an interesting theory and a valid point, but we obviously have a ways to go before space is ready for a mass exodus from the planet earth. Historically, Americans have always been explorers. Going back to our Native Americans crossing the land bridge of present day Alaska, the Viking exploration of the east coast, Columbus, and fellow explorers looking for a passage to

Negotiation. Hofstedes Cultural Model in Negotiations

Negotiation. Hofstedes Cultural Model in Negotiations Introduction Negotiations are important avenues through which different parties can mutually agree to a solution after holding discussions. Negotiations are often held between interested parties with a view of achieving positive results at the end of the process. Culture may affect the level of success of a negotiation, particularly where the parties involved hail from different cultural backgrounds.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Negotiation. Hofstede’s Cultural Model in Negotiations specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This paper seeks to discuss in detail the concept of negotiations by specifically analyzing the significance of Hofstede’s cultural model in negotiations, addressing impasses in negotiations, and examining relationships and their significance during negotiations. Hofstede’s Model of Culture and Its Impacts There are four dyads of cultural aspects, according to Hofstede’s cult ure differentiation model. These include masculinity against femininity, long term orientation against short term orientation, individualism against collectivism, and uncertainty avoidance index (Steers and Nardon 137). Masculinity against femininity focuses on a culture’s emotional roles distribution between the genders. Masculine cultures have specific characteristics, such as assertiveness, competitiveness, and power, whereas feminine cultures characteristically give more emphasis on quality of life. Examples of masculine societies include Germany and the USA, while Sweden is a feminine society (Steers and Nardon 137). Longs of collectivistic cultures include Latin America and Indonesia, while individualistic cultures include Australia and the Scandinavian countries (Steers and Nardon 137).  Uncertainty avoidance measures the scope of a people’s feeling of threat out of situations that are uncertain.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let 's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Where a society is considered as having low uncertainty avoidance, the subjects tolerate ambiguity and there is little need for regulations in order to put uncertainty into check. Examples of such societies include the United Kingdom and Singapore. High uncertainty avoidance societies, on their part, are intolerant where there is ambiguity, and it requires many regulations to control uncertainty. Such societies include Greece and France (Steers and Nardon 137). Significance on International/Multi-Cultural Negotiations Hofstede’s dimensions are significant in minimizing cultural conflicts between countries. There is a greater possibility of misunderstandings emerging where individuals from different societies meet for negotiations since cultural practices and beliefs vary. Through understanding this model, such misunderstandings are minimized because individuals get to learn about cultural practices of other countries and learn to appreciate them. Thus, participants will be keen on the verbal cues, as well as the non verbal cues that they choose during negotiations.  For instance, an American who is highly individualistic and who negotiates with an Indonesian may likely consider his personal interests as taking precedent in their discussions. The Indonesian, however, may shelve his own interests in favor of collective benefit. This may prompt the American to consider him a coward, which may not augur well for the negotiations. Understanding Hofstede’s cultural model, however, will make both parties understand and respect each other’s position in their negotiations. Impasses in Negotiations It is possible to determine the most appropriate time when negotiations would require third party involvements. Several pointers to this effect exist, including a stressful or emotional situation, when the participant lacks the appropriate expertise required for the negotiation, and when a participant’s strategy is failing. In the first instance, where the situation seems to be emotional, a participant’s rational thinking is likely to be affected by the situation. A third party involvement would, thus, help in making the discussions clearer to the advantage of the participant.  Lack of technical skills, on the other hand, may deprive a participant the advantage of negotiating from an informed position. A third party negotiator in this instance, therefore, would involve a person who is highly skilled in the aspects being negotiated and whose arguments are made from an informed position. A doctor, for instance, would argue on health matters from a point of understanding compared to the contributions that a teacher would give on the same topical issue (Dietmeyer 112).  Equally, when a negotiation strategy fails, it is important that a third party negotiator is involved in order to ensure the objectives are attained.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Negotiation. Hofstede’s Cultural Model in Negotiations specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The third party negotiator must have adequate understanding on the negotiations such that it would be easy for him to employ alternative strategies until the anticipated results are achieved (Dietmeyer 112). Forms of Third Party Involvement Third parties may take part in negotiations through mediation or arbitration. While acting as mediators, the third party negotiator seeks to build up mutually satisfactory solutions such that the parties to the negotiations may easily arrive at a conclusion. For instance, a mediator would seek to establish an agreeable solution for both parties where workers withdraw their services because they demand a 50% increase in salaries, yet the employer can only add 20%. This may be done by suggesting a 30% pay increase. This would call for the workers to climb down from thei r initial position of 50%, while imploring on the employer to include an additional 10% to the previous position of 20%. Third parties may also participate in negotiations as arbitrators, where they act by dictating outcomes. Arbitrators enjoy immense powers because the solutions they offer to a negotiating party are final and have to be adopted even though they may not be acceptable. In an election dispute, for example, an arbiter may decide that a particular candidate is the winner and the solution offered will be allowed to stand even though the candidate ruled against may not be in agreement with the decision. Relationship Building and Negotiations Relational contexts during negotiations may be considered as integrative or distributive. In an integrative context of negotiation, the parties assume greater cooperation and trust and relations are given priority (Schermerhorn 350). This contrasts with a distributive context, where hard positions during the bargaining are adopted. Th e parties involved often lack past interactive relationships and are least expected to forge any interactive relationship (Schermerhorn 350). Manifestation of the negotiation process Negotiators in an integrative context focus more on value creation during the entire process. Their idea revolves around expanding the subject of their negotiation such that both parties may emerge as winners at the end of the process.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Each party begins the negotiating process by understanding the interests of the other party such that this takes the center stage rather than focusing on their individual arbitrary starting positions. Strict observation of the objectives is significant in achieving successful results for the whole process, even though the entire negotiation process will look at the issue at hand as a common problem (Schermerhorn 350). This negotiation process involves both parties seeking to outdo the other in order to benefit more. The parties regard each other as adversaries more than partners, with the negotiations adopting hard line positions from the onset (Schermerhorn 350). How to earn trust in a relationship One way through which parties to a negotiation can earn trust in order to bolster relationships is by minimizing on perceptions and the effects of stereotypes. Negative consideration of others will only create a counter reaction, which ends up creating conflict. Negotiators can adopt use of pleasant adjectives, such as honorable or brother, to portray their positive perception towards the other party (Movious and Susskind 98). Recognition of the other party’s legitimacy is also significant in earning trust and bolstering relationships in negotiations. This equally creates a situation where the other party considers its counterpart as legitimate, and therefore opens up fully without any kind of fear (Movious and Susskind 99). All the necessary details required during the process will be issued by both parties, making the negotiation healthy altogether. Number of Parties in Negotiations Types of parties Several types of parties involved in negotiations exist, including agents and constituencies, and negotiating dyad. Agents and constituencies refer to a negotiation type where the negotiator involved is acting on the behalf of another party. The individual involved in the actual negotiation is referred to as the agent, while those represented are the constituen cy (Gelfand and Brett 214). Another type of negotiation by party composition is the negotiating dyad, which involves two individuals actively and directly involved in the negotiations. Such negotiations often center on the needs and interests of the participants. The diagram below depicts a negotiating dyad structure. Source: Lewicki, Barry, and Saunders (2010) How the Parties Shape Pending Negotiations Agents begin by negotiating with the constituents whom they seek to represent in another negotiation, where the collective view of what is intended in the negotiation is determined. The agent next establishes a relationship with the other party in the negotiation in order to reach an agreement. Measures to lessen complexities in multi-party negotiation Complexities can be eliminated by ascertaining the compatibility of the two parties where constituents and agents are involved. This means both parties must be understanding each other properly and be ready to work together as agreed between them. The contract binding the two must also be clear. Clarity of the contract should involve spelling out the expectations properly and determining the terms and conditions of the cooperation. It is important to provide the agent with the discretion to design, as well as develop the overall negotiation process since he or she will assume the full responsibility of a party to a negotiation, thus the need to have the discretion. Conclusion Negotiations are part of an important discussion that brings together individuals or parties in their bid to achieve a common goal over a divergent issue. It is important for parties to a negotiation to prepare adequately before engaging each other in order to achieve quality negotiations. Preparations aim at creating trust and building relationships. Understanding the culture of parties involved in a negotiation is important as it aims at reducing conflicts that mainly occur through assumptions or stereotypes. It is important to include te rms and conditions of the relationship as a measure of reducing conflicts where third parties are involved. Dietmeyer, Brian. Strategic Negotiation: A Breakthrough Four-Step Process for Effective Business Negotiation. New York, NY: Kaplan Professional. 2004. Print Gelfand, Michele and Brett, Jeanne. The Handbook of Negotiation and Culture. Stanford, CA: Stanford University, 2004. Print. Lewicki, Roy, Barry Bruce, and Sauders David. Negotiation. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 2010. Print. Movious, Hallam and Susskind Lawrence. Built to Win: Creating a World-Class Negotiating Organization. Boston, MA: Harvard, 2009. Print. Schermerhorn, John, R. Exploring Management. Danvers, MA: Wiley. 2010. Print. Steers, Richard M, and Luciara Nardon. Managing In The Global Economy. New York, NY: M.E. Sharpe, Inc, 2006. Print.

The Music & Entertainment Manager - research project proposal

The Music & Entertainment Manager - project - Research Proposal Example In recent times, one of these issues can be said to be online music piracy. The piracy of music generally refers to the act of copying and distributing copies of music for personal gain without the consent of legitimate copyright owners of the music (Kreitz & Niemela, 2010). Online music piracy can therefore be said to be the use of the internet or other online portals for music piracy activities (Chase, Mulvenon & Hachigian, 2006). Even though the effect of online music piracy can be appreciated to be vast and widespread, the research seeks to put a very specific spotlight on the entrepreneurial investment in the music industry. In effect, the research will look specifically at the impact or effect of online music piracy on the entrepreneurship and funding of music projects in the UK. As noted by Duckworth (2005), music as an industry is a well branded business which require a lot of financial investment to succeed. But as to whether the issue of online music piracy is a disincentiv e for entrepreneurs is a question that the research will explore. The aim of the study will be to find the direct effect of online music piracy on music entrepreneurship and funding of music projects in UK. To achieve this aim, the following specific objectives will be targeted. There is a historical context to the effect of online music piracy on sales where The Institute for Prospective Technological Studies, which is part of the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre, published a report suggesting that online music piracy does not hurt sales (Ernesto, 2013). Since this publication, there have been several other academic and professional discourses to debate the real economic impact of online music piracy on the music industry as a whole. The proposed study there comes with the significance of contributing to the ongoing public discourse. The study will add much economic contexts to the subject by looking at how

Data Backup and Life Cycle Restore in the Enterprises and Companies Research Proposal

Data Backup and Life Cycle Restore in the Enterprises and Companies - Research Proposal Example w data base management systems (DBMS) perform the backup/restore operations, How about the automatic and manual backup, what's the data will been restored regarding the network limitation of bandwidth and work time and How we can construct a strong Disaster recovery plan. All these point will be discussed and covered in my research. This dissertation has not made possible without the help of some key persons who in one way or the other help succeed in the completion of this paper. To Mr./Ms. (insert name of adviser or instructor), who served as my adviser and instructor with this paper. He had not just thought me to do the technical part but also encouraged and gave me challenge in the field of study I practised. Thank you for being a mentor all the way. With this, I would like to take the opportunity to thank as well to my parents and friends who are always there to lend a helping hand. And, to my classmates who shared time and experiences along the duration of school years, thank you all. March 4, 2007 Table of Contents Data Backup System Over Networks 1 Sam 1 Abstract 1 Abstract 1 Acknowledgements 2 Acknowledgements 2 Table of Contents 3 Table of Contents 3 List of Figures 4 List of Figures 4 1 Introduction 5 2 Backup and Recovery 8 3 Backups and Tape Storage 14 4 Network Disaster Recovery 20 5 Conclusion 21 References 23 References 23 Appendix 1: Dissertation Proposal 25 Appendix 1: Dissertation Proposal 25 List of Figures Figure 1. Information Security Policy and Procedure Hierarchy 13 Figure 2.Prototype Set-up of Data Backup Over Network 17 1 Introduction In this e-centric day and age of organisations have come to rely on IT infrastructures not just and aid to business, but for some, as the core of their business. Safe, secure, and reliable computing and telecommunications are essential to these organisations. As these organisations begin to understand the importance of information security and data backup, they are developing security programs that are often under the direction of the CIO. This program includes more than just people and technology 1.1 Background and Context In the field of information technology, backup refers to the replication of data so that these supplementary copies may be restored after a data loss event. Backups are useful above all for two purposes: to restore a computer to an operational state subsequent a catastrophe (called disaster recovery) and to restore small numbers of files after they have been accidentally deleted or corrupted. Backups are at variance from archives in the sense that archives are the primary copy of data and backups are a secondary copy of data. Backup systems differ from fault-tolerant systems in the sense that

Leadership, Coaching and Mentoring Scrapbook Essay

Leadership, Coaching and Mentoring Scrapbook - Essay Example The benefit of experiential learning is to give learners active involvement and better problem solving skills through the effort (Merriam, Caffarella and Baumgartner 2007). This type of learning involves â€Å"a direct encounter with phenomenon being studied rather than just thinking about solutions to a problem† (Brookfield 1990, p.71). I felt privileged to understand how experiential learning can be beneficial by giving employees a purpose for learning. So, I thought about experiential learning and how it could be applied to a real-world organisation. This would be a critical learning process especially in an organisation where there is no real moral accountability and in a decentralised business that needs better human capital. Some organisations need positivist learners, those who understand moral accountability and its importance to business growth and reputation. Many organisations need employees and managers that consider ethics and morals. Much of this cannot always be learned through instruction and lecturing. For example, if many Wall Street firms had been more up front and ethical about their business practices in recent years it is likely the Occupy Wall Street situation would not have occurred. I think that experiential learning, such as role playing, would give employees more knowledge about ethical behaviours by exposing them to different situations where ethical responses are needed. I was able to review more research data on experiential learning and found through the analysis that it has more positive gains than negative outcomes. Businesses need to have a culture that is devoted to ethics and morality as described the lecture materials. According to Fairholm (2009), a leader must inspire vision and mission, be visionary and also teach others through inspiration. This is known as transformational leadership style. If more organisations such as Wall Street investment firms had moral accountability learned through role playing, they would be better off in representing the moral interests of shareholders and other stakeholders. Role playing as experiential learning actually creates more interest in learning than through just instruction (Poorman 2002). I really found this to be interesting in experiential

Siddhartha Essay on Enlightenment

Siddhartha Essay on Enlightenment Siddhartha, a man looking for enlightenment, was able to find it among a river. It took Siddhartha many years and several failed attempts to obtain his own personal enlightenment. His first attempt was to explore the traditional religious path to enlightenment. Siddhartha realized that the religious scripts were not how he was going to find enlightenment. Next, he decided that he would become a Samana to attempt to obtain enlightenment. This also proved a futile attempt and he eventually fled the Samana lifestyle. After that did not work, he went to the Buddha in hope that he could help with his journey to enlightenment. Once again, Siddhartha was unable to find or even further his quest to enlightenment. Siddhartha would now become a worker to see if this could put him on the right path to enlightenment. This effort would also prove to be a vain attempt as it pushed him further away from his goal than ever. After this attempt, Siddhartha believed that there was no way to achieve enl ightenment and began to believe that his life was meaningless. When all was looking down and he was beginning to give up, Siddhartha wandered into a man named Vasuveda, a ferryman. It was this river, with its calming sound and natural beauty, in which Siddhartha obtained enlightenment. Siddhartha attempted to accept the way to enlightenment as described by religious text, but the restrictions were too many and he rejected their ideas. Siddharthas father attempted to pressure his son into accepting the religious texts ideas, but Siddhartha knew better. One must find the source within ones own self, one must possess it. This quote comes from Siddharthas youth and he states that one must find their own path to enlightenment. After realizing that his fathers religious text was not going to lead him to enlightenment, he decided to try and find enlightenment elsewhere. Siddhartha chose to leave his family and he decided that he would attempt to obtain enlightenment as a Samana. Siddhartha left to become a Samana during his quest for enlightenment. He lost his Self a thousand times and for days on end he dwelt in nonbeing. This quote speaks of how Siddhartha became a Samana and he felt that in fasting and prayer that he was becoming numb and, with each consecutive day, that he was furthering himself from his goal of reaching enlightenment. Siddhartha practiced self-denial and meditation according to the Samana rules. While a Samana, he chose to fast for days and weeks upon end without food or water. Siddhartha began to feel that he was living a pointless life and that he was wasting precious time. What is meditation? What is abandonment of the body? What is fasting? What is the holding of breath? Siddhartha asked these questions to Govinda when he began to realize that the Samana ways of life were not going to bring him to enlightenment. Siddhartha realized that the Samana ways of life were actually pulling him further away from his journey to enlightenment. This is when Siddhartha realized that a change was in order. After this failure, he fled the Samana way of life and became a follower of the Buddha. Siddhartha realized that he needed to find another way to attempt enlightenment. He found this new way in the Buddhas teachings. Siddhartha went to the Buddha expecting to learn something that would promote his quest towards enlightenment. However, it did not take Siddhartha long to understand that the Buddhas teachings were just useless words. After listening to Gotama Buddha, Siddhartha realizes that enlightenment cannot be taught or learned but can only be achieved through personal experience. This quote exemplifies the thought that Siddhartha cannot truly learn anything from the Buddha as all he can give him are words. Siddhartha, after speaking with the Buddha, believes that he must obtain enlightenment through actions, not words. Nirvana is not a thing, there is only the word Nirvana. Siddhartha said this to Govinda when he realized that the Buddhas teachings could not further his knowledge or help him on his way to enlightenment. Siddhartha has discovered that comforting secre t that a teacher is unnecessary. This quote occurs when Siddhartha realizes that the Buddha, or any teacher, cannot further him on his quest to enlightenment. Siddhartha leaves the Buddhas words behind and travels to find another way. Siddhartha travels along his way and comes upon a woman named Kamala. Siddhartha feels that he may be able to help him along his path to enlightenment. Kamala is where Siddhartha learns sensual pleasure. Kamala derails Siddhartha from his Siddhartha, on the brink of death, finds the fountain of youth in a mere river. Siddharthas only goal was to become empty of everything. Siddhartha wished to become empty and then he would be reborn, enlightened. He is dissatisfied with the ritual and the worship of the Gods. Siddhartha, at this point, was disgruntled with everyone elses teaching and the river was different. The river was the one place he could go and listen, but there was no teaching to be heard. The river held no biases and told not of how to obtain enlightenment, but instead it taught Siddhartha that all he had to do to obtain enlightenment is to listen. The new Siddhartha felt a deep love for this flowing water and decided that he would not leave it again so quickly. This quote comes after Siddhartha had attempted to commit suicide in the river. Siddhartha realized that the river had given him new life and he needed to use it carefully. After he awoke from his sleep, he realized how beautiful the river was and ho w simplistic it was. Siddhartha was enlightened because he now desired to live a simple life and his desire for enlightenment was gone. That is it, said Siddhartha, and when I learned that, I reviewed my life and it was also a river, and Siddhartha the boy, Siddhartha the mature man, and Siddhartha the old man, were separated by shadows, not through reality This quote states that Siddhartha realizes that his life is just like a river, every moment is not separated by reality. Instead every moment is merely separated by shadows, or minute moments. This realization is one of the keys to obtaining enlightenment.

Radioactive Isotopes Essay -- Chemistry Atoms Energy Essays

Radioactive Isotopes I never thought nuclear energy would play a role in my life, but that was until two years ago when my family was hit with horrifying news. A close friend of ours was diagnosed with breast cancer. Because of a new technology called radiation therapy or radiotherapy, my mother’s best friend is alive today. Radiotherapy is produced by a form of nuclear energy called radioactive isotopes. The class EGEE 101 has educated me about the subject of nuclear energy, but I wanted to take it a step further and discover how nuclear energy plays a role in medicine. Radioactive isotopes are radioactive atoms of common elements like carbon, cobalt, phosphorus, or sodium. Radioactive isotopes are located in â€Å"atomic ash† that is left behind after uranium atoms are split in a â€Å"nuclear pile.† Some radioactive isotopes are produced from the exposure of common elements to powerful radiation inside a nuclear reactor during fission (Nuclear Energy 2005). Fission occurs when an atom’s nucleus splits into two or more smaller nuclei, producing a large amount of energy. Radioactive isotopes release radiation in the form of beta and gamma rays. The strength of the radiation is relative to the rate where radioactive material decays. Because of this, different radioisotopes can be used for different purposes, depending on their strength. (Nuclear Energy 2005). Radioactive isotopes have led to what some are calling â€Å"nuclear medicine.† This type of medicine uses the radioactive isotopes to prevent, diagnose, and treat many diseases. During nuclear medicine diagnosing methods, a small amount of radioactive matter is penetrated into the body. The radioactive materials are attracted to cer... .... Radioisotopes in Medicine. May 2004. Uranium Information Centre Ltd. 4 Apr. 2005 . â€Å"Nuclear Energy.† Britannica Student Encyclopedia. 2005. Encyclopedia Britannica Online 4 Apr. 2005 . â€Å"Nuclear Engineering.† Encyclopedia Britannica. 2005. Encyclopedia Britannica Online 4 Apr. 2005 . Schenter, Robert. Nuclear Medicine Research Council. 18 Nov. 1998. Nuclear Medicine Research Council. 4 Apr. 2005 . Schenter, Robert. What Is Nuclear Medicine. 21 Sept. 1999. Nuclear Medicine Research Council. 4 Apr. 2005 . What Is Radiation Therapy. Dec. 2003. Your Medical Source. 4 Apr. 2005 .