Proposal Preparation and Ethical Issue Research Paper

Proposal Preparation and Ethical Issue - Research Paper Example It is critical to use the Standard Form 33, provided with this RFP, as this is the format used by the DDC in solicitation. No further ethical concerns seem relevant to the completion of this particular form. II. List of Costs/Prices associated with requested Supplies/Services This response component requires a firm/fixed price (FFP) regarding the relevant contractual line items, with considerations made for additional or follow-on requirements relevant to each section as provided in the provided form, especially as regards the Base Period of one year and the Optional Period of three years. Section B of the form provides instructions for completion of the FFP relevant to each cost/price center for the line items, as commented upon below. Line items are as follows: 1. Sixty Day Start-up 2. Stock Transfer 3. Phase-In, Distribution Operation 4. Phase-In, Contractor Furnished Equipment for Distribution 5. Facilities (with Option for Office Space) 6. Mobilization 7. Preventative Maintenanc e 8. Material Support/Other Direct Costs (presented as cost reimbursement/no fees) 9. Phase-Out (optional) 10. Reporting Requirements and Exhibits. The ethical considerations for completion of this component include an accurate representation of the contractor pricing considerations, especially as regards subcontracts, fringe and other indirect costs, and profit. All pricing considerations should be done in accordance with general government procurement allowances and should accurately reflect contractor requirements and government specifications, except where and unless noted specifically by amendment concerns attached to the bid proposal. III. Specifications and Work Performance Statement This section of the proposal response should indicate that the contractor has read accurately the provided work specifications and performance statements relevant to this RFP and should indicate acceptance of the said requirement unless otherwise noted. The contractor has a required ethical oblig ation to comply with both the stated work specifications and scheduled delivery expectations, and the reporting requirements presented in an acceptable format as determined by the owner/agency. In the case of this specific RFP, one possible concern that must be addressed within the response is the acceptance of the Quality/Performance Evaluation system listed on page 14/87 of the RFP. Contractor has an obligation to meet these requirements throughout the award period, stated as from award date through one year (unless optional three year period is negotiated). IV. Schedule/Delivery of Performance This proposal component requires a full response to both the required and optional periods relevant to the performance of work. The RFP provides for a required base response and an optional three year response that may be exercised if agreed upon. Contractor must state compliance capability with regard to both approaches. The ethical considerations that the contractor holds with regard to t his section include a willingness and capacity to comply with stated fixed prices throughout the awarded period, whether the base period or optional period are exercised. V. Contract Administration

Corruption of Culture Essay Example for Free

Corruption of Culture Essay In Yukio Mishimas Swaddling Clothes we see a great deal of symbolism portraying the corruption of the Japanese culture. The times are changing and with that change, culture is adapting to it. Some of the Japanese feel threatened and that the changes that are being made are corrupting their moral values. The story is told through Toshiko, a lonely and seemingly oppressed wife and mother. She shows how this corruption is leading to decay. The story depicts the corruption of Japanese culture by western modernization. Japanese culture is becoming more westernized, unhomely with its Western-style furniture (366). The air of the room being unhomely because some Japanese thought that Western-style was corrupt. Toshikos husband is accepting these changes, sitting there in his American-style suit, puffing at a cigarette (366). The city they live in is changing as well, dotted with bars and then by a theatre (368). The park that Toshiko visits had also changed, The paper lanterns that hung from wires between the trees had been put out; in their place electric light bulbsthat shone dully beneath the blossoms (369). The word dully being used to show that western-style is dull and dreary. Violence is one of the concepts Toshiko relates to western culture. Toshiko believes western style is violent, his frail body was wrapped in bloodstained newspapers (367), showing the degradation of moral values in this westernized society. When Toshikos husband is sitting there talking with his friends he jokes about the incident and stating I rescued our good rug (367), this showing that his mind is corrupt with the western culture because he did not care about the well being of the nurse and the blood did not faze him. The baby is a symbol of the violence in the western culture as well. The way the baby was born was out of wedlock, Even if that baby should grow up in ignorance of the secret of his birth, he can never become a respectable citizen (368). Toshiko worries that the baby who has been sinned against (368) may come in contact with her son one day and, savagely stab him with a knife (368). All because the baby was born out  of wedlock, due to Western modernization, Toshiko thinks of him as violent and evil. Western culture is not only se en as violent but as polluted as well. Western-style is also polluting their society. While walking in the park Toshiko notices that the people would automatically kick aside the empty bottles or crush the waste paper beneath their feet (369). Waste pollution not only being the kind of pollution polluting their society but moral pollution as well. Toshiko sees a homeless man and wonders was it one of those miserable drunks often to be seen sleeping in public places? (369). The homeless man in the park is a symbol of the baby that will grow up to be in crime and poverty, though what is most significant is the way that he is dressed, his khaki trousers had been slightly pulled up (370), this showing that he is westernized just like Toshikos husband. Toshiko is saddened by this westernized lifestyle. This story shows through many elements the degradation of moral values in the modern westernized changes that are taking place. Through the moral changes, the violence of the western culture, and the pollution we have seen that Toshiko believes that her society is corrupt. There are many symbols showing these changes; through the baby, Toshikos husband, and through the homeless. She continually contemplates the loss of their moral values and is saddened. Ultimately this story is trying to depict the corruption of Japanese culture by western modernization.

Lets Rank the Clique :: essays research papers

Let's Rank the Clique! In case you don't know, the Clique was an infamous backstage of friends (Triple H, Kevin Nash, Shawn Michaels, Scott Hall and X-Pac/Sean Waltman) who reportedly managed to find ways to manipulate Vince McMahon and the WWF's booking to their own advantage for a few years during the mid-90's. They were all members of the WWF's "Next Generation" of superstars who were supposed to usher in a new era of WWF product. They were all being pushed as young and cool. Not as cool as the Official Ninja Homepage (http://www.bol.ucla.edu/~rahjr79/ninja.htm), but whatever "cool" was to Vince McMahon at the time. Keep in mind, this is the same guy who built an angle on his second biggest PPV around a guy in a turkey outfit. So which member of this group of backstage politicians will make it to the top? Which one will be the undeniable "leader" of this infamous backstage faction? That's the question we will answer today! So let's break this down in a scientific manner.... Most Memorable Moment: Triple H: Steals Stephanie McMahon on WWF TV, then dates her in real life Shawn Michaels: Beating Bret Hart for WWF title Kevin Nash: Formed NWO in WCW X-Pac: Return to WWF in Spring '98 Scott Hall: NWO debut, ladder match with HBK at 'Mania Most Embarassing Moment: Triple H: Breaks kayfabe during infamous MSG incident in '96, gets hung out to dry by fellow Clique members and is depushed for a year Shawn Michaels: Gets ass kicked by "9 regular guys" at bar in Syracuse. Loses smile. "Injures" knee in '97. Cries in locker room after Hart screw job on "Wrestling with Shadows", hung out to dry after appearing in WWF locker room "unready to work" (according to WWF management) last year.................... Kevin Nash: Totally flops as WCW booker, sends company further on road to hell X-Pac: Invented Bronco-Buster and crotch-chop. Ten year olds everywhere begin telling teachers to "suck it" Scott Hall: Post-Divorce party that lasted from 1996 to 2000 Turning Point of Career: Triple H: When he was rehabbing knee injury in '98 and found a way to suddenly get bigger Shawn Michaels: Taking a bad bump from the Undertaker during a casket match in '98, led to career-ending back injury Kevin Nash: Given WWF title after squash win over Bob Backlund at WWF house show X-Pac: Injured his neck and had to give up his trademark high-flying style Let's Rank the Clique :: essays research papers Let's Rank the Clique! In case you don't know, the Clique was an infamous backstage of friends (Triple H, Kevin Nash, Shawn Michaels, Scott Hall and X-Pac/Sean Waltman) who reportedly managed to find ways to manipulate Vince McMahon and the WWF's booking to their own advantage for a few years during the mid-90's. They were all members of the WWF's "Next Generation" of superstars who were supposed to usher in a new era of WWF product. They were all being pushed as young and cool. Not as cool as the Official Ninja Homepage (http://www.bol.ucla.edu/~rahjr79/ninja.htm), but whatever "cool" was to Vince McMahon at the time. Keep in mind, this is the same guy who built an angle on his second biggest PPV around a guy in a turkey outfit. So which member of this group of backstage politicians will make it to the top? Which one will be the undeniable "leader" of this infamous backstage faction? That's the question we will answer today! So let's break this down in a scientific manner.... Most Memorable Moment: Triple H: Steals Stephanie McMahon on WWF TV, then dates her in real life Shawn Michaels: Beating Bret Hart for WWF title Kevin Nash: Formed NWO in WCW X-Pac: Return to WWF in Spring '98 Scott Hall: NWO debut, ladder match with HBK at 'Mania Most Embarassing Moment: Triple H: Breaks kayfabe during infamous MSG incident in '96, gets hung out to dry by fellow Clique members and is depushed for a year Shawn Michaels: Gets ass kicked by "9 regular guys" at bar in Syracuse. Loses smile. "Injures" knee in '97. Cries in locker room after Hart screw job on "Wrestling with Shadows", hung out to dry after appearing in WWF locker room "unready to work" (according to WWF management) last year.................... Kevin Nash: Totally flops as WCW booker, sends company further on road to hell X-Pac: Invented Bronco-Buster and crotch-chop. Ten year olds everywhere begin telling teachers to "suck it" Scott Hall: Post-Divorce party that lasted from 1996 to 2000 Turning Point of Career: Triple H: When he was rehabbing knee injury in '98 and found a way to suddenly get bigger Shawn Michaels: Taking a bad bump from the Undertaker during a casket match in '98, led to career-ending back injury Kevin Nash: Given WWF title after squash win over Bob Backlund at WWF house show X-Pac: Injured his neck and had to give up his trademark high-flying style

How My Children Helped Change My Life Essay

When my children were born, I knew my life was going to change. I started to feel complete with my life the day my son arrived. Even more complete when my little girl was first placed in my arms. My children have been my rock over the last three and a half years. They have helped me learn, grow, and love by showing me the world through their eyes. My children have helped me become a better role model and friend. They have helped me through my education. With my children I’m always learning something new. Most importantly my little ones have taught me how to love in a whole new light and it’s the small things in life that matter. A few years ago when I was about the age of 16 I knew that I had always wanted to be a mother. At that time I was going through a very difficult stage. I had my head wrapped around alcohol and a not so pleasant drug. As I proceeded to live the life I knew I never wanted, I had a lady a couple years older than me express that she loved her children but she loved the drug we chosen to do and that would never change. I threw my hands up, walked out the door and never returned to that life. I knew I was not destined to be that person. At the age of 18 I had found I was pregnant with my son. My old life was behind me and I knew this child was going to change my life forever. It had changed me into a mother. A month after my son’s first birthday when got the news I was pregnant with my second child. Even though Alieric was only a year old, I think the little man was more excited for a baby than me. He helped me as much as his little fingers could during his my pregnancy. He would grab me trash cans, rub my tummy, and talked to the baby every day. He loved his sister before she even arrived. He touched my heart in more ways than one and showed me even as a tiny person, love still had the power to conquer all. The day my daughter was born, I had to leave my son with a friend until his sister actually arrived. It broke his heart. I promised him that as soon as she was here he would be one of the first people to see her. I reassured him that she was going to love him as much as he had already loved her. That was the day I vowed never to break a promise to him or our new little bundle of joy. Now my children are hitting 4 years and 2 years. As they have grown I have tried my best to show them right from wrong and encourage them to help others as much as they can. Respect and appreciation is something that has been a huge part of my life and now that I have passed that down to my children, I get scolded from them when they think I’m being rude. They teach me right from wrong , and put their mommy in check. â€Å"Say bless you mommy†, â€Å"You’re excused†, â€Å"Mommy that wasn’t nice†, â€Å"I think you owe grandma an apology mom†. Those are the statements you might hear my children say on a daily basis. As I instill respect in them, they also instill respect and courtesy in me. I started school at the Goal Academy in 09 right after my son was born. I pushed myself for him so I could give him a future but that schooling wasn’t working for me. I moved on to the Alternative High School Diploma Program at PCC. Through that program I was pregnant with my little girl and with another baby on the way I pushed myself even harder to get through the program to graduate for them. Every day before I left my son would wish me luck, tell me to do a great job and that he knew that I could do it. That was all the motivation I needed. I made it through it 6 months! My little man guided me through it. He was there to watch me walk across the stage at graduation and all I could hear was him rooting for me. I was on proud momma that my son had so much faith in me. Now as I walk out the door each morning for college and my kiddos stay home , it fills my heart to hear them say things like â€Å" kill that test mom†, â€Å"you got it mommy†, â€Å"see you later, I know you can do it†, â€Å"Have a good day at school†. They are my inspiration and guidance to stay in school. They move me to better and get good grades so I can get the degree I want so I can give them a great life. With my children encouraging me and always being there for me through school , I know I will never give up. They won’t allow it. My children have so much faith in me and knowing that helps me have faith in myself. They teach me compassion and love . They have taught me that every day is a blessing . That god has given me these children for a reason and they have a purpose in life. To my children I’m wonder women for everything I do. They teach me something new with each new passing day, whether it be how to let loose and be free or how to care for their own owies. They teach me how to care for them by just being the little unique individuals that they are. They teach me different things through their personalities. In life they are going to teach me who they are, and along the way, even now, they have taught me who I am. I am a mother. It’s an amazing feeling to say that my children are two of my biggest accomplishments in life. As the end of November 2013 rolls around we will be welcoming a new baby into our little family and I couldn’t be more excited. Just like when I was pregnant with my daughter and how my son helped out, he has now taught his sister to help mommy and how to love this little baby even though he/she isn’t here yet. I could be anymore grateful or proud of my children than I am now. My children are my role models, my blessings and most of all my best friends. They have changed my life more ways than I can count and helped me mold into the person I am today. I honestly wouldn’t change one thing in my life and I’m proud to carry the title â€Å"Mommy†. I will forever hold that title dear to my heart and will never forget who was and still is there for me the most, my beautiful amazing children.

Improve Maternal Health Essay

The World Health Organization defines maternal health as â€Å"the health condition of women during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period that needs to be safeguarded to prevent death† (http://www. who. int/topics/maternal_health/en/). Improving maternal health is one of the concerns of the Millennium Development Goals with focus on reducing maternal mortality and achieving universal access to reproductive health care by the year 2015. In 2008, sixty-eight (68) developing countries account for the majority of the maternal and child mortality. In the same year, the World Health Organization reported that some of the countries where maternal health is of prime importance and is given high importance include Norway, Australia, Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark and other developed countries. On the other hand, many developing countries are left behind in terms of giving importance or even appreciation to maternal health such as Afghanistan, Yemen, Niger, Chad, Sudan, Congo and other Southeast Asian countries. Poor maternal health adversely affects women. The World Health Organization reported that almost 500,000 women die of childbirth and pregnancy every year due to complications brought about by childbearing. Most of these women die due to unavailability of maternal health services and emergency assistance. It is the woman and her child that is always at risk when maternal health is not of top priority of a government. A woman and her child will always be exposed to infection and other forms of diseases when they are not given proper knowledge and skills in maternal health.

Free Essays on ABOLISING DEATH PENALTY

The Death Penalty I.Attention A."The death penalty is the ultimate cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment. It violates the right to life. It is irrevocable and can be inflicted on the innocent and has never been shown to deter crime more effectively than other punishments." Quoted from Amnesty International Website. Since the beginning of this century, 23 innocent people have been executed in the United States alone. These 23 people were wrongly tried, convicted, and executed. II.Need A.There are several reasons why we should look to alternative solutions to the problem of capital crimes. 1.Cruel and Inhumane Punishment/Loss of Human Rights a.The death penalty is cruel and unusual punishment. In the United States, cruel and unusual punishment is outlawed by the eighth amendment. Lethal injection is often cited as the most humane method of execution, but even this method involves violent loss of control, and gasping for breath during the process. The death penalty takes away the most basic of all human rights, the right to life. 2.Does not Deter Crime a.The deterrence of crime has always been one of the strongest supporting arguments for the death penalty. There have been many studies done, and there is no evidence that the death penalty can be linked to a decrease in violent crimes, such as murder. This graph from the Death Penalty Information Center shows that there is very little connection between the number of people executed and crimes such as murder. 3.Justice a.Another strong supporting argument for the death penalty is that it provides justice for the victims of the crime. Justice is defined by Webster’s Third New International Dictionary as "the maintenance or administration of what is just," and the word just is defined as "acting or being in conformity with what is morally right or good." From these definitions we can then say that justice is upholding what is morally right and good. Killing ano... Free Essays on ABOLISING DEATH PENALTY Free Essays on ABOLISING DEATH PENALTY The Death Penalty I. Attention A. "The death penalty is the ultimate cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment. It violates the right to life. It is irrevocable and can be inflicted on the innocent and has never been shown to deter crime more effectively than other punishments." Quoted from Amnesty International Website. Since the beginning of this century, 23 innocent people have been executed in the United States alone. These 23 people were wrongly tried, convicted, and executed. II. Need A. There are several reasons why we should look to alternative solutions to the problem of capital crimes. 1. Cruel and Inhumane Punishment/Loss of Human Rights a. The death penalty is cruel and unusual punishment. In the United States, cruel and unusual punishment is outlawed by the eighth amendment. Lethal injection is often cited as the most humane method of execution, but even this method involves violent loss of control, and gasping for breath during the process. The death penalty takes away the most basic of all human rights, the right to life. 2. Does not Deter Crime a. The deterrence of crime has always been one of the strongest supporting arguments for the death penalty. There have been many studies done, and there is no evidence that the death penalty can be linked to a decrease in violent crimes, such as murder. This graph from the Death Penalty Information Center shows that there is very little connection between the number of people executed and crimes such as murder. 3. Justice a. Another strong supporting argument for the death penalty is that it provides justice for the victims of the crime. Justice is defined by Webster’s Third New International Dictionary as "the maintenance or administration of what is just," and the word just is defined as "acting or being in conformity with what is morally right or good." From these definitions we can then say that justice is upholding what is morally right and good. Killing ano...

Making a Great Impression Part 2 More Job and Scholarship Application Tips

Making a Great Impression Part 2 More Job and Scholarship Application Tips Welcome to the second part of The Essay Experts 2-part article about how to craft great job and scholarship applications.  Remember, many of these tips apply to interviews too! For the first 5 tips click here . Here are my next 5 tips  to avoid these common pitfalls in your writing and get yourself noticed! 6. Lack of clear organization or focus If your writing or speaking lacks organization or focus, you are almost sure to lose your audiences attention. In a good essay, the writer is clear about the purpose of every word and every sentence. Stay focused as to what you are writing, where you are going, and why youre saying what youre saying. Sometimes, focus is difficult to maintain on your own; after all, you understand yourself perfectly and have infinite patience for yourself! It takes trained eyes and ears to evaluate whether you?re really getting your point across. 7. Speaking in generalities Heres an example of a sentence that is too general to have its intended effect: I am a hard working, determined individual driven by success and the love for acquiring knowledge. Without examples of this hard work, determination, and love of knowledge, this sentence doesnt say much of anything. The applicant would be better served by giving a concrete example of even one of these attributes. By describing a challenge she faced and how she handled it, she will keep the audiences attention and make the impression she wants. 8. Complaining or speaking negatively about past experiences If you say anything negative about a prior position, your reader or interviewer will expect you to be complaining about your new position in short order. There are ways to give even the most negative experiences a positive spin. Not sure its possible? Speak with The Essay Expert. 9. Using formal or stilted language in written materials You are writing to human beings. Write to them in conversational English. Although you do not want to get too casual with your language, you also do not want to sound awkward or pretentious. We recommend reading your writing aloud before pushing the send button. You might realize things about your language   and your punctuation   that you would never have noticed by reading silently! 10. Including extra information or attachments Unless expressly invited to do so on an application, do not attach outside information, attachments, videos, links to websites, pdfs, etc. as supplementary materials. If you are unsure about the guidelines, there is no shame in calling the company to ask. Its better to be safe and to follow instructions exactly. Achieving success with your job and scholarship applications requires a lot of work and a lot of revisions. Work with The Essay Expert if you dont want to do it all on your own. Category:Job SearchBy Brenda BernsteinJune 1, 2009

Milestones in Space Exploration

Milestones in Space Exploration Even though space exploration has been a thing since the late 1950s, astronomers and astronauts continue to explore the firsts. For example, on February 6, 2018, Elon Musk and SpaceX launched the first Tesla into space. The company did this as part of the first test flight of its Falcon Heavy rocket.   Both SpaceX and rival company Blue Origins have been developing reusable rockets to lift people and payloads to space. Blue Origins made the first launch of a reusable on November 23, 2015. Since that time, reusables have proven themselves to be stalwart members of the launch inventory. In the not-too-distant future, other first-time space events will happen, ranging from missions to the Moon to missions to Mars.  Each time a mission flies, theres a first time for something. That was especially true back in the 1950s and 60s when the rush to the Moon was heating up between the United States and the then-Soviet Union. Ever since then, the space agencies of the world have been lofting people, animals, plants, and more into space. The First Canine Astronaut in Space Before people could go to space, space agencies tested animals. Monkeys, fish, and small animals were sent first. America had Ham the Chimp. Russia had the famous dog  Laika, the first canine astronaut. She was launched into space on the Sputnik 2 in 1957. She survived for a time in space. However, after a week, the air ran out and Laika died. The following year, as its orbit deteriorated, the craft left space and re-entered the Earths atmosphere and, without heat shields, burned up, along with Laikas body. The First Human in Space The flight of  Yuri Gagarin, a cosmonaut from the USSR, came as a complete surprise to the world, much to the pride and joy of the former Soviet Union. He was launched into space on April 12, 1961, aboard the Vostok 1. It was a short flight, only an hour and 45 minutes. During his single orbit of Earth,   Gagarin admired our planet and radioed home, It has a very beautiful sort of halo, a rainbow. The First American in Space Not to be outdone, the United States worked to get their astronaut into space. The first American to fly was Alan Shepard, and he took his ride aboard Mercury 3 on May 5, 1961. Unlike Gagarin, however, his craft did not achieve orbit. Instead, Shepard took a suborbital trip, rising to a height of 116 miles and traveling 303 miles down range before parachuting safely into the Atlantic Ocean. The First American to Orbit Earth NASA took its time with its manned space program, making baby steps along the way. For example, the first American to orbit Earth didnt fly until 1962. On February 20, the Friendship 7 capsule carried astronaut John Glenn around our planet three times on a five-hour space flight. He was the first American to orbit our planet and subsequently became the oldest person to fly in space when he roared to orbit aboard the space shuttle Discovery.   The First Womens Achievements in Space The early space programs were heavily male-oriented, and women were prevented from flying to space aboard U.S. missions until   1983. The honor of being the first woman to achieve orbit belongs to the Russian Valentina Tereshkova. She flew to space aboard Vostok  6  on June 16, 1963. Tereshkova was followed 19 years later by the second woman in space, aviator Svetlana Savitskaya, who blasted off to space aboard Soyuz T-7 in 1982. At the time of Sally Rides trip aboard the U.S. space shuttle Challenger on June 18, 1983, she was also the youngest American to go to space. In 1993, Commander Eileen Collins became the first woman to fly a mission as pilot aboard the space shuttle Discovery. The First African-Americans in Space It took a long time for space to begin to integrate. Just as women had to wait a while to fly, so did qualified black astronauts. On August 30, 1983, the space shuttle Challenger lifted off with Guion Guy Bluford  Jr., who became the first African-American in space. Nine years later, Dr.  Mae Jemison lifted off in the space shuttle Endeavour on September 12, 1992. She became the first African-American woman astronaut to fly. The First Space Walks Once people get to space, they have to perform a variety of tasks onboard their craft. For some missions, space-walking is important, so both the U.S. and Soviet Union set out to train their astronauts in working outside the capsules. Alexei Leonov, a Soviet cosmonaut, was the first person to step outside of his spacecraft while in space, on March 18, 1965. He spent 12 minutes floating as far as 17.5 feet from his Voskhod 2 craft, enjoying the first spacewalk ever. Ed White made a 21-minute EVA (Extra-Vehicular Activity) during his Gemini 4 mission, becoming the first U.S. astronaut to float out the door of a spacecraft.   The First Human on the Moon Most people who were alive at the time remember where they were when they heard astronaut  Neil Armstrong  utter the famous words, Thats one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind. He, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins flew to the Moon on the Apollo 11 mission. He was the first to step out onto the lunar surface, on July 20, 1969. His crewmate, Buzz Aldrin, was the second one. Buzz now boasts of the event by telling people, I was the second man on the moon, Neil before me.   Edited and updated by Carolyn Collins Petersen.

OPRATION Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

OPRATION - Assignment Example Various reviews of related literature have revealed challenges in performance measurement for knowledge workers due to the interplay of the following factors, to wit: intangible performance drivers, the dynamic and intensive interaction between the worker/s and clients, intangible and complex services, as well as service impacts and customer value (Jaaskelainen & Laihonen, 2013). As such, the aim of the study was noted specifically as focusing on the measurement of two performance drivers: â€Å"the performance and well-being of individual knowledge workers and the ability to provide value for the customer† (Jaaskelainen & Laihonen, 2013, p. 351). The findings revealed that the traditional approaches used for measuring performance were apparently similarly utilized in knowledge intensive organizations. Likewise, in service oriented organizations, customer satisfaction surveys were deemed predominantly used as measurement tools. In addition, contingency based performance measurement approaches were also deemed applicable in service organizations and knowledge intensive enterprises. Overall, future studies using more in-depth and focused approaches were considered essential in validating conclusiveness of the findings. A company that uses project management in its delivery of goods and services is AMEC. According to its official website, the organization is â€Å"a focused supplier of consultancy, engineering and project management services to its customers in the world’s oil and gas, mining, clean energy, environment and infrastructure markets† (AMEC, 2014, p. 1). As such, its project management and execution process in major projects were noted to include the following phases: â€Å"all aspects of engineering, procurement and construction contracting†¦ tak(ing) control of project definition, estimating and planning, and project controls†¦focus(ing) on the deliverables at every stage of the project lifecycle, including supply

Should smoking be outlawed in public areas Essay

Should smoking be outlawed in public areas - Essay Example public places should be outlawed, because it causes passive smoking, where those who are not smoking and perhaps are not smokers end up inhaling the smoke. This passive smoking has various effects; causes cancer, irritation, complications in children, fertility problems among others. Tobacco smoke includes over 4000 chemicals in the form of particles, and in these, approximately 60 substances contained in the tobacco smoke are known to causes of cancer. Lung cancer is the most common form of cancer caused by smoking. It is estimated that passive smokers have a 25% chance of developing lung cancer. Passive smoking causes irritation especially to non-smokers. The irritation may be visible irritation, but cigarette smoke is known to contain substances that cause irritation to the tissues of the respiratory system. There can also be irritation of the eye, causes cough, migraines, dizziness, nausea and other forms of irritation that the different non-smokers may exhibit. Children’s’ immune system is not fully developed, and passive smoking is extremely dangerous on them. Some of its effects on children are; asthmatic attacks, it may affect the mental growth of children. Studies also show that exposing children to passive smoking makes them more vulnerable to bronchitis and pneumonia, and will most likely be admitted in hospital for treatment in their first year of life. Passive smoking also causes fertility problems in women. Women affected by passive smoking have a 68% chance of developing fertility complications than those who have not been exposed. They may experience miscarriages and may find it very difficult to

Eassay Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Eassay - Essay Example He did this in one of his great works titled â€Å"An Answer to the Question: ‘What is Enlightenment?’† which was published in the l870s. This era is referred to as the enlightenment era since it was the period in which traditional ethics were being replaced by individualism and reason This paper will focus on the enlightenment philosophy of Emanuel Kant and how it has been applied in various works. Before doing this it is crucial to understand Emanuel Kant’s philosophy on enlightenment thus the paper will carefully examine the philosophy concepts put across by Emanuel Kant on enlightenment. It will then specifically explore on individual identity and free will specifically how they are related with enlightenment. This will be done by using characters in the class material Voltaire’s Candide; Kant’s â€Å"What is Enlightenment?†. By using characters in the material, the paper will stipulate how identity and free will impact the thinking , decision making, and actions of different people by showing how they negatively or positively impact the thinking of characters in the above class material. Kant’s Enlightenment Philosophy Introduction The enlightenment period is considered to have begun in the mid 17th century to the 18th century. The major characteristic of this period was the revolutions in politics, society, philosophy and science. This is where a different approach from that of the medieval times was taken. During this time, philosophies considered to have paved way to the modern western world were put forward. For instance, the French revolution is attributed from enlightenment philosophies and concepts that stressed for the change in social orders and political set ups that were traditional which oppressed the ordinary French citizen. According to Emanuel Kant, Enlightenment is the ability of a person to emerge from a nonage that is imposed by oneself (Kant). The inability of someone to use their own thinking or understanding without influence form others is referred to as nonage. It is considered to be imposed by ourselves since it results from the lack of courage and indecision to use ones reasoning. For instance, in the past countrymen always followed orders and laws set by the monarch despite the fact that these laws and orders were oppressing to the citizens. They refused to reject or act out due to various reasons one of them being the lack of courage to speak out on the wrongs they suffered from such monarchies. Kant stipulated that the reason behind the large number of people living as minors in the society is cowardice and laziness (Kant). By this he meant that people lacked enlightenment since they felt it was more comfortable to live as minors than to stand up and fight for their rights. Kant stipulated that nonage is very dangerous since people get accustomed to it over the years resulting in it being instilled as a way of life hence the difficulty that is presented when one tries to come out of nonage or being enlightened. Emanuel Kant argued that during his time people had not yet reached the enlightened error but were simply in the enlightenment age. This meant that enlightenment was a process that would take a long time since nonage was something that was instilled so deeply in people’s minds that it had become a way of life. He pointed out religion as the most harmful and dangerous form of

Rooms Devision Operations Management Assignment - 1

Rooms Devision Operations Management - Assignment Example Front office is the departments found in an office that have direct and first contact with the customers. The department is sub divided into various segments. They include the marketing department, the sales department, service department that we as well have the receptionists. It is very important to highlight that the front office is therefore the department that welcomes and receives the guests and visitors to the accommodation or rather hospitality facility. The staff shows their warm and good reception by meeting the guests, greeting them, and discussing with them in depth about the reservation arrangements. The check in systems as well as the check outs is as well factors that the department conducts as they get into the rooms and as they leave the rooms. The staff there again ensures the provision of the key to the guests and ensures that proper security is accorded to the guests, the department as well has accounting and communication department that passes information and se ttles accounts (Sue 2001). The front office offers very crucial services that are considered to be very crucial to the customers and the actions that are done have massive consequences to the accommodation facility. ... This department issues the keys to the guests and takes them top the various rooms that they have allocated to them (Michael 2010). Communication The front office department has the messengers and the communication facilities that facilitate the easier passing of information among the employees and the guests. Information among the staff could be on the consultation of the availability of the bed space and any other service needed that would be for the satisfaction of the customers taste and for their well being. The guests can as well use the communication department in making advance reservations and making of other service orders while they are in the premises (Sue 2001). Security It is important to note that the font office has the security department. The security department is concerned on the safety and security of the guests, the property of the guests, the staff employed by the accommodation or hotel organization and also the facilities that belong to the organization. Secur ity is another crucial factor that is quite sensitive and should always be put into consideration by the management of any hospitality firm (Ahmed 2012). Sales and Marketing It is very normal that any institution that is business oriented has its main target as making profit. For a business to make profit there must be proper sales and marketing done. This is therefore the reason for the creation of the sales and marketing department. The sales and marketing service that the accommodation organization does is based on various factors. The quality of the service that is offered by the organization is a very crucial factor that markets an organization. Sales and marketing service as well can

Research computer forensics or cyber security professional Paper

Computer forensics or cyber security professional certifications - Research Paper Example uter forensic, the demand is high especially in the police stations due to the need of understanding computer and related issues in the law enforcement line of work computer forensics involves the analysis and investigation of computing devices for the purpose of using that knowledge to provide witness in a court of law. The term involves the collection, analysis and report of digital data in a legally admissible manner. The specialization in computer forensics assists in the detection and prevention of crime in a country, especially in a situation where there is a digital storage of information. Mostly, digital information may have storage of information in the form of internet history, emails and other documents that may prove a crime. Through a careful computer forensics analysis, it is possible to gain information on the metadata of the emails and documents. Computer forensic analysts also have a lot of importance to companies. They assist in presenting admissible information on business related issues such as industrial espionage, intellectual property theft, investigations of fraud and employment disputes. All these functions and roles of the computer forensics professionals indicate that the various professionals should have creditable certifications from professional certification bodies. It is of importance in analyzing the various aspects required of a computer forensic professional before acquiring certification. The certification of the professional computer forensic individual from a professional body will assist in legalizing the qualification of computer forensic. There exist various professional certification bodies for the computer forensic professionals, but in this research, there will only be the consideration of three professional bodies. One of the professional bodies of computer forensics professionals under consideration in the research will include the GIAC Computer Forensics certifications. The professional body offers various

LEADERSHIP Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

LEADERSHIP - Term Paper Example In this context, it can be said that having open heart requires leaders to stimulate and encourage others for taking a chance to foster desired changes. On the other hand, having open determination necessitates leaders to take risks and brave steps. Essentially, making a positive difference in the professional context requires executing the unconventional aspects. Every challenge includes confrontation of status quo. This denotes that in order to make positive differences, leaders will need to experiment the unconfirmed aspects, dug deep in the implicit aspects and challenge the unrestrained parts (Wren, Hicks and Price 3-47). THESIS STATEMENT Focusing on this aspect, the paper discusses how a leader in a professional context can challenge the status quo and make a positive difference. The objective of the paper is to identify the challenges which can be faced by a leader while making the difference. Furthermore, the paper also intends to develop a plan for changing the present profe ssional context. In line with this aspect, the paper further provides examples of two exceptional leaders in the field of politics who had made positive differences in their field namely Franklin Roosevelt and George Washington. PLANNING FOR CHANGE AND IMPROVEMENT IN PROFESSIONAL CONTEXT In the professional field, change has become a common mode of operations for most of the organizations. The change initiatives are intended to improve the performance of organizations. One of the key skills required for a leader to commence such changes is ‘context thoughtfulness’, i.e. the capability to understand the context and accordingly plan methods for change which would be effective for such a context. Successful change necessitates context-based approach. In the professional context, there are several approaches which require the consideration of a leader such as change type and management style. A common way of describing the type of change is to syndicate speed related to cha nge with the level of change. In accordance with speed, change can be reactive or proactive. Reactive context is a type of context where organizations require undertaking certain changes instantly due to a crisis situation. On the other hand, proactive context is a context which is related with long-run strategic development. In this aspect, the planned change is based on proactive context, i.e. the planning would be made for developing the context on a long run basis. This type of change in the professional context is referred as system change i.e. implementing more sophisticated technology in the workplace. This change will definitely lead to changes in policies, processes and job roles of people in the organizations. The key reason for change is to enhance the benefits of an organization with respect to more productivity and effectiveness (Hailey and Balogun 153-178). Successful change requires changes from status quo to future state. Following is the plan for changing status quo in professional context: Demonstrating the Change: This is a phase in which a leader requires demonstrating various ways to change ‘status quo’. In order to shape the behavior of people effectively towards change, values of change will be expressed to everyone within the organization. The value will comprise both individual

Research computer forensics or cyber security professional Paper

Computer forensics or cyber security professional certifications - Research Paper Example uter forensic, the demand is high especially in the police stations due to the need of understanding computer and related issues in the law enforcement line of work computer forensics involves the analysis and investigation of computing devices for the purpose of using that knowledge to provide witness in a court of law. The term involves the collection, analysis and report of digital data in a legally admissible manner. The specialization in computer forensics assists in the detection and prevention of crime in a country, especially in a situation where there is a digital storage of information. Mostly, digital information may have storage of information in the form of internet history, emails and other documents that may prove a crime. Through a careful computer forensics analysis, it is possible to gain information on the metadata of the emails and documents. Computer forensic analysts also have a lot of importance to companies. They assist in presenting admissible information on business related issues such as industrial espionage, intellectual property theft, investigations of fraud and employment disputes. All these functions and roles of the computer forensics professionals indicate that the various professionals should have creditable certifications from professional certification bodies. It is of importance in analyzing the various aspects required of a computer forensic professional before acquiring certification. The certification of the professional computer forensic individual from a professional body will assist in legalizing the qualification of computer forensic. There exist various professional certification bodies for the computer forensic professionals, but in this research, there will only be the consideration of three professional bodies. One of the professional bodies of computer forensics professionals under consideration in the research will include the GIAC Computer Forensics certifications. The professional body offers various

Introduction to Global Management Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Introduction to Global Management - Assignment Example It is a multinational corporation since it operates in the 130 countries around the world and has employed more than 20,000 people. The products of the company are found in thousands of restaurants and supermarket freezers. Research shows that one of every three fries sold in different restaurants in the world comes from McCain and this in turn translates to one hundred million servings of the company’s fries every day (Cameron & Mike, 39). One of the strategies that McCain used to expand in China is the launch of a French fry processing plant in Harbin, the capital of North East China. This is the first processing facility in Asia and serves as the headquarters of the company in China. The construction of the plant will allow the distribution of the potatoes not only in China, but also in other North Asian markets like South Korea and Japan. This therefore makes McCain foods to be the company that is leading in the production of French fries. In addition, the company opened sales offices in Shanghai and introduced mechanical planters and diggers to the McCain way of growing potatoes. This includes the techniques used in the preparation of deep soil, and proper ways to irrigate therefore improving the quality of the yields thus increasing the margins compared to other crops. The purpose of the construction of the new plant in China was to make the company be a leader in the supply of potatoes to expand the Chinese mark et and help to meet the market demands of the country by providing products that are of high quality domestically. Moreover, the company needed to raise its presence in the big underdeveloped markets. Moreover, the spread of service retailers like the KFC and McDonald’s that have made their way extensively in the Asian markets has contributed to McCain constructing a plant in China. For new companies, it can be challenging to enter a foreign market. According to Hofstede works on global cultures, some of the challenges the Canadian

Learning Team Assignment Hardware and Software Essay Example for Free

Learning Team Assignment Hardware and Software Essay This pack of NTC 362 Week 4 Learning Team Assignment Hardware and Software Paper comprises: Time Division Multiple Access, Frequency Division, Multiple Access, and Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing Computer Science General Computer Science Write a 3- to 5-page paper comparing the advantages of Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), and Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing, as used in wireless mobile communications. Define the technical details of each access method, then compare their strengths and weaknesses in system use. Address the following: Explain radio frequency (RF) transmission characteristics. Identify common frequency bands used in current RF communications. Analyze the necessity for different protocols in wireless communications. Compare the challenges of using satellites in end-to-end communications links. There are a lot of things you can do to prepare for college, but it will still hold many surprises for you! This article will offer you some sound advice on how to get through classes, campus life and all the other obstacles that you will encounter in your efforts to reach graduation. This pack of NTC 362 Week 4 Learning Team Assignment Hardware and Software Paper comprises: Time Division Multiple Access, Frequency Division, Multiple Access, and Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing Computer Science General Computer Science Write a 3- to 5-page paper comparing the advantages of Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Code  Division Multiple Access (CDMA), and Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing, as used in wireless mobile communications. Define the technical details of each access method, then compare their strengths and weaknesses in system use. For downloading more tutorials visit https://bitly.com/12BtkCD There are a lot of things you can do to prepare for college, but it will still hold many surprises for you! This article will offer you some sound advice on how to get through classes, campus life and all the other obstacles that you will encounter in your efforts to reach graduation. Computer Science General Computer Science Write a 3- to 5-page paper comparing the advantages of Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), and Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing, as used in wireless mobile communications. Define the technical details of each access method, then compare their strengths and weaknesses in system use. Address the following: Explain radio frequency (RF) transmission characteristics. Identify common frequency bands used in current RF communications.

The Impact of Peer Pressure On Learning :: Peer Pressure Essays

Allan failed his Advanced Algebra test and his parents are going to kill him. But this is not his fault, he was to busy with intramural basketball and his job at Fromm International. With these extra activities he has had no time to study for his math test or do most of the homework. He also has a group of friends who are more concerned with drinking and parting. He try’s to impress his friend by not studying and partying. The main reason why kids and him are not doing so well in school these days is because of their peers. Today’s students listen more to their friends rather than their parents or teachers. Beyond the Classroom and two other sources have backed up the idea of peer pressures effects on kids failing. The book Beyond the Classroom, written by Laurence Steinberg, is about why school reform has failed and what parents need to do. This book explains that schools these days are not as educational as schools back in the day. One of the chapters in this book was titled â€Å"The Power of Peers†. In this section they talked about how teens are effected by other teens. One main reason is teens are not studying and learning as well because of their peers. Kids need groups or â€Å"cliques† to fell important. These groups of peers influence one another. If one kid in the group tells another kid not to do their homework because it will make them look like a geek or a nerd, they will follow the idea because they want to be cool. Also kids involved in sports or extra activities do not do as well as other students, because of the less time to study. Also kids with after school jobs are more likely to fail courses or even classes. â€Å"These kids are not failing school because they don’t try hard or because they don’t study, it’s because they are to involved in other activities†, says Laurence Steinberg. The second source was an article in Family Life. The article â€Å"Adolescence & Peer Pressure† was written by Herbert G. Lingren. This article agreed with Beyond the Classroom and also states some of the same reasons. They said that â€Å"peers these days encourage poor school performance, and peers look down on kids who succeed in school†. The one scary thing is that parents don’t realize that their kids are doing poorly in till the last minute.

The Impact of Societal and Economic Changes upon the Family Essay

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Family and society have come across many changes during our history. Every change that occurred has affected what many people would call the "Benchmark Family" (Scanzoni #7). This is considered the perfect family or the norm. The Family would consist of the husband that is the breadwinner and the wife who is responsible for raising the children, and taking care of the home (Scanzoni #4). Society has changed dramatically from the 19th century. These changes in turn have affected Family. Many factors through the years have been responsible for these changes. Feminism is a tremendous factor that is still having its effect on family and society today. Another factor is employment. Women in the workplace have changed family structure over the years. Sex is also a factor that changed family and society in many ways. I will explore these factors and show what effect they have on family.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Feminism impacted family in a tremendous way. In the "Jacksonian Era" the notion was that men had divine right to rule over women (Scanzoni #104). People believed that men had certain characteristics that enabled them to be better outside the home, for the purpose of supporting his family. Women were believed to be fragile and over sensitive for the harsh workplace (Scanzoni #104). Society also had certain rules that had to be followed by the public to keep society stable. These rules were mainly developed through the bible and religious institutions. During the 19th century religion was an important part of peoples lives. Religion basically dictated to the people what was right and wrong. Religion was very influential during this period. A person believed, what the church said about how they should live was what god wanted and dictated in the Bible (Scanzoni #103). For many years people lived their lives the way the church wanted them too.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Then the start of Feminism occurred, women began to say "God sees the genders as equals" according to the Bible (Scanzoni#107). Women started to raise questions about different issues in regards to equal treatment. This is when family change started. Men were happy with societies take on women. Men did not want any change to occur. Men felt everything was the way it was suppose to be. Women started to become more involved in other aspects of life besides homemaking. Women wanted what was initialed to them, which was equal... ...out the working family than it does today.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The 1950s seem to have less life threatening diseases. For one thing AIDS was not an issue. I know there were diseases but not to an epidemic levels as AIDS. Cancer was not as wide spread as today. It also seems to me people had more respect for the land. People did not litter, and appreciated where they lived more than today. People were also friendlier to each other. People just got along better with their neighbors.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Some may say that the 1950s were more strict and oppressed than today. It was, but it kept society stable and crime down. There has to be some sort of rules, whether they are societal rules or law. This is what keeps a stable environment. Of course you can never please everybody, and it is of opinion what is the best time in our history. I just feel that things were less problematic during the 1950s era. Works Cited: Scanzoni, John Contemporary Families and Relationships: Reinventing Responsibility New York: McGraw Hill, 1995 P# 4, 7, 102, 103, 104, 107, 111, 114, 120, 123, 130, 132, 139 Skolnick, Arlene, Jerome H. Skolnick Family In Transition: Ten Edition New York: Addison , 1999 P# 21, 44, 51

Iran’s Influence in Iraq

ABSTRACT In the period after 2003, Iran was extensively involved in Iraq by demonstrating its leading role in the international context. However, Iraq has been confronted with substantial instability as a result of Iran’s invasion, even though scholars have presented mixed arguments about this issue. This paper discusses the role that Iran has played after 2003, which has affected both the dimensions of stability and instability. The primary objective of Iran after 2003 was to observe a positive economic change in Iraq and also to ensure that the Western troops were taken off. Different factors affected Iraq’s stability, including inherent sectarian divisions and the role of other states. There were two types of influence on Iran and they are: first and foremost was that the projects politically influenced leveraging close historical relationships with several Shi’a organizations in Iraq like the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq (ISCI), the Badr organization, and the Dawah political party. A second factor was that Iran had used the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Qods Force (QF) to provide paramilitary training, weapons, and equipment to various Iraqi militant groups, including Moqtada al-Sadr’s Jaysh al-Mahdi (JAM) and the Special Group Criminals (SGCs). Iran also had an influence on the legal and constructive functions of Iraq. Although it was seen that Iran’s policy in Iraq is also duplicitous, it publicly called for stability but diverted Iraq’s government and illegally sponsored anti-government militias. INTRODUCTION Although the factors and consequences surrounding Iran and Iraq war have been extensively discussed in the research literature, the post-war implications have been hardly understood. The United States has been accusing Tehran of its undue interference, which was done by Arab leaders for establishing an Islamic Republic[1], and by prominent Iraqi officials of an array of illegitimate meddling. It has been observed that Iran’s influence in Iraq has created a quite complex situation for the entire region. Iran had vital interests in Iraq, which can be perceived as strategic important for establishing power relations in the region. In order to maximise the success of Iraq from its political transition, it is very important that Tehran and Baghdad work together. In addition, it is fundamental for all involved parties to prevent the US from further deterioration of its relations with the Islamic Republic.[2] Therefore, the objective of the present research is to explore Iran’ s role and influence in Iraq in both political and military aspects. The essay is divided into introduction followed by theoretical remarks regarding the Iraqi insurgency, and the political stability. In reviewing the literature on the conflict between Iran and Iraq, it becomes clear that Iran has played a role in bringing about instability in Iraq since 2003, which has been further divided into different sections. The first and the foremost division occurred between those academics who cite Iranian influence to be the most significant destabilising factor in post-2003 Iraq, and others who hold the opinion that Iran’s influence is considered either positive or insignificant. As per Barzegar[3], the first approach is that Iran’s influence in Iraq is both strong and negative. At the same time, it has been indicated that Iran had a negative foreign policy. The nature of Iran’s relations had changed with various militant groups in Iraq and after the fall of Saddam’s regime in 2003. Moreover, Iran had deployed thousands of intelligence and paramilitary people to Iraq, as Iran had conflicting and negative goals in Iraq. The primary goal of Iran was to expand its influence at both national and local levels in Iraq. Thus, it was seen that it had made links with the local actors, even when they opposed Iran’s preferred clients at the national level. It may be also argued that Iran follows a policy of favouritism. In the beginning after the invasion, Iran has tried to combat US power. The US had a strong position in Iraq, which could have a negative impact on the security of Iran. With the worsening situation in Iraq, and with the regime change that the US tried to impose in Iraq, the United States became less of a driver of Iranian actions, although it was always an important factor in the Iranian leadership’s calculations. Soon after 9/11 Iran also had changed some of its policy as there were significant changes in the US policy. Initially Iran had cooperated with the US with regards to al-Qaida and to some degree in Afghanistan’s issues. However, later on Iran believed that the United States rebuffed its gestures. In addition to this Iran also had exploited the situation that followed the US regime and change in Iraq so as to expand its influence there.[4] As of today, Iran has its closest ties with the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq (ISCI), formerly the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq (SCIRI). This relationship basically was on the exceptionally close and subservient days when SCIRI’s role was that of an Iranian proxy to be wielded against Saddam’s regime during the bitter 1980-8 Iran-Iraq war. Indeed, Iran even organised part of SCIRI into the Badr Corps to fight against Iraqi forces on Iran’s behalf. Today, as the International Crisis Group notes, â€Å"although the extent of ISCI’s continued involvement with it is a matter of debate, there is no question that Tehran exerts significant influence over the Party and that ISCI’s ties to Iran’s security establishment remain strong†.[5] Therefore, ISCI has been recognised as having the strongest ties to Iran. It has also been shown as quite cooperative with the United States.[6] For instance, ISCI had members, which were a part of Iraq’s intelligence and police forces. These members are now working with the United States in its capacity as part of the Iraqi government; they have also gone after ISCI rivals like Muqtada as-Sadr’s Jaysh al-Mahdi (JAM). In spite of ISCI being Iran’s closest ally in Iraq, Tehran has had many other relationships, which were maintained at any cost including weakening ISCI, such as Iran’s ties to JAM have grown to the extent of even hosting its leader Muqtada al-Sadr. This happened despite his repeated criticisms of Tehran and violent rivalry with ISCI. Thus, all these efforts were done to accomplish the initially set goals, including the major idea of maintaining a solid local influence.[7] IRAN-IRAQ WAR (1980-1988) It is important to clarify the circumstances leading to the 1980-1988 Iraq-Iran war in order to understand Iran’s and Iraq’s complicated relations. In 1979, after the rule of the Shah of Iran was overthrown in 1979, under the leadership of Ayatollah Khomeini, an Islamic Republic of Iran was established. Soon after assuming power, Ayatollah Khomeini not only exported the Islamic revolution to other countries in the Middle East but also to Iraq.[8] Because of all this Saddam Hussein in 1980 decided to initiate a war; thus, for the next two years there was a persistent war between Iran and Iraq, resulting in Iraq being expelled from Iran. [9] Although at this juncture Iran could have been declared victorious, Khomeini fought across the Shatt al-Arab waterway in Iraq to overthrow Saddam Hussein and forced his resolution in there. Khomeini had thought that Shiites would support him in his invasion but they were least interested to do it. Throughout the Arab countries it was assumed that it would take time for Iran to overthrow Saddam Hussein before the vulnerable monarchies of the Gulf fell, including the prised Saudi Arabia and its oil. Till now America was just waiting and watching all the drama (war), but at this juncture it decided to get into the war itself and tilt towards Iraq.[10] During the reign of Saddam Hussein, Iran launched a number of Shiite groups who violently opposed the Iraqi Baathist regime and this particularly took place before the Iran-Iraq war had started. The Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution (SCIR) in Iraq was led by Ayatollah Muhammad Bakr al-Hakim and his militia, the Badr Brigade, also joined forces with Iran in the Iran-Iraq war and very actively participated in the war by supporting the Iranian side. [11] After responding to the President George H. W. Bush’s ill-fated call for a Shiite uprising, which happened in 1991, SCIRI temporarily occupied the Iraqi port of Basra. Soon after the reprisals, SCIRI continued to be with the Shiite group and opposed Saddam Hussein. They were competing with different groups, such as Ahmed Chalabi’s Iraqi National Congress. After the US invasion and also after the establishment of the interim Iraqi government, SCIRI established itself as one of the most important and main political parties, which represented southern Shia (the other being Dawa). [12] Bakr al-Hakim, who was an Iraqi religious leader, was killed in the US led Iraq war. Abdul-Aziz Al-Hakim was the SCIRI’s political leader and was very famous in Iraq as a politician.[13] Moreover, SCIRI and Dawa had supported Abdul-Aziz al-Hakim when he was in Iran and was exiled; they also gave their support to the Iranian regime and advocated an Iraqi Islamic theocracy. After returning back to Iraq, they withdrew their support from Dawa and another government party, which was led by the velayat-e faqih. As a result, they started propagating the meaningful role of religion in governance.[14] IRAN’S STRATEGY TO INFLUENCE IRAQ Soon after the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime in 2003, Iran tried to influence Iraq by adopting the strategy that Iran and Iraq are neighbours with a long history of dealing with one another. In addition, they both have same historic, religious, economic, and cultural factors of influence. Moreover, the eight-year long war was a result of their troubled relationship, in which Iran tried to position itself to influence the formation of a new government in Iraq. This took place through the use of all elements of national power: diplomatic means, information technology, military, and economic resources. Iran has tried to achieve its goals in Iraq by adopting different strategies. For instance, Iran openly supported pro-Iranian factions and armed militias; it also tried to influence Iraqi political leaders by building strong economic ties in Iraq, which were considered a manifestation of goodwill towards Iran.[15] According to Joseph Felter and Brian Fishman,[16] Iran has persistently tried to affect the political landscape of Iraq. It has been argued that Iran has a well-developed plan so as to exert influence in Iraq in order to minimise or avoid the American power projection in the Middle East. Two significant modes of Iranian influence have been identified in Iraq. The first mode was associated with the idea to influence Iraqi politics through the assistance of various Shiite organisations, such as the Supreme Council of Iraq, the Badr organisation, and the Dawa political party. The second method suggested support of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Qods Force (QF) to obtain arms and ammunition as well as paramilitary training to various Iraqi militant groups to include Moqtada al Sadr’s Jaysh al Mahdi (JAM) and the Special Group Criminals (SGCs). Iran’s influence on Iraq has been identified as economic and religious. Iran’s ambitions for influence have spread to different diplomatic, military, and economic sectors of Iraq. Iran wanted to influence Iraq not only politically but through the involvement of mass media by creating a specific image in minds of Iraqi people so as to get help for its strategy. In economic terms, Iran has helped Iraq to build its trade and expand it accordingly.[17] IRANIAN MILITARY INFLUENCE IN IRAQ Because of the influence over the military, it had made many insurgent groups to operate in Iraq and some of them were directly opposing the US military in Iraq. With such influence in Iraq, Iran could possibly retaliate against the United States. In turn, this prompted the United States to convince the United Nations to impose economic sanctions on Iran because of its nuclear program. Iran also executed return attacks on the US forces using proxy militia groups in Iraq in case the US decided to take direct military action.[18] Since 2003, Iran had pursued extensive collaboration with Iraqi political allies, such as the United States, in order to participate in the nascent democratic political process. It has also armed, trained, and funded Shiite militias with the idea to defeat the United States, which would prevent further intervention of the US army in that particular area.[19] As Katzman mentions,[20] in the period from 2005 to 2008, Iran had increased support for Iraqi Shiite militias and took over both the material aid like physical arming of militia groups and the contribution of troops, as well as training or harbouring of insurgents. The Quds forces were supplying material to Iran, and they were charged for territorial actions, although reports have said that the military training in the Iraqi Shi’a militia was done by the Lebanese group Hezbollah.[21] The major terrorist activity was completed by Iran and Quds Force. This was confirmed in 2010 by the US State Department[22], but it appears that not only this Iranian government was involved between the IRGC and the Special Groups inside Iraq.[23] It has been noted that the Iraqi military group linked most strongly to Iran, is probably the Badr Corps, the armed wing of the ISCI, which, even prior to 2003, was described as â€Å"Iran’s most important action arm inside Iraq†.[24] Bergner (2007) stated that Iraqi Shiite groups were not in the situation to bring about such massive and destructive attacks, without weapons and training from Iran, implying that Tehran has carefully planned its actions. Again it was argued that links between military groups in Iraq were made in Iran, and this further fuelled instability. However, the question whether other agents or groups were involved in creating such an unstable situation remains open.[25] IRANIAN POLITICAL INVOLVEMENT IN IRAQ By 2011, it has been observed that Nouri al-Maliki, Prime Minister of Iraq, was openly against the Vice President Hashemi. In addition, there was persistent agitation between Erbil and Baghdad, which made the members of Iraqiyya and the Kurds to actually consider prime minister’s ouster seriously, which occurred in the 2012 spring. At this point Maliki’s opponents took the help of Sadrist because it was necessary at that point of time to obtain 163 votes, which were required to pass a non- confidence motion. Sadr was not willing to break with the other Shiite blocs and side with Maliki’s Kurdish and Sunni opponents in a non- confidence motion, in spite of having meetings between top Kurdish, Iraqiyya, and Sadrist officials (including Sadr himself) in Erbil and Najaf.[26] President Jalal Talabani was also under high pressure from the Iranian government to help and support Maliki, but he directly opposed the initiation of a non-confidence vote in the parliament, sa ying that there is no proper support for this action.[27] However, by June 2012, it has been evident that the non- confidence vote had faltered. It was in late 2012 reported that the President Talabani had changed his position on a non- confidence motion because of growing tensions among Arabs and Kurds.[28] By the end of 2012, Talabani suffered a stroke there by ending any chance of renewing push to remove Maliki through a non-confidence measure. De-Ba‘athification served the Iranian ambition more than the Iraqi one. The extensive period of Saddam Hussein’s Ba‘athist rule had left a deep societal mistrust and sectarian divisions. This institution, de-Ba‘athification, was created after Saddam’s downfall in 2003, but it was very quickly politicised, which also applied a ban on the former members of the Ba‘ath party. Again it was noted that there were links between the Iranian-backed militant groups and the head of the Shi‘a-dominated commis sion and his deputies, Ahmed Chalabi and Ali al- Lami.[29] Iran has been involved in Iraqi politics since 2003. Yet, Iranian efforts to exert influence over politics in Iraq have been evident since 1980s. However, the main point which is debated is whether Iran is committed to exerting long-term control over such a government, and whether the Iranian government would be comfortable in allowing a Shiite Iraqi government to become militarily and political powerful. It has also been claimed that the Iranian government had exerted persistent political pressure over the US to force the Americans to withdraw their troops in 2008 as per US-Iraq Security Agreement.[30] It has also been observed that Iran normally exerts pressure on the political sphere in Iraq through Iraq’s Shiite political parties by using its religious prowess to garner favour in the Shiite community. It appears that many of the political links were falsified after the Iran-Iraq war. This resulted in a huge number of Iraqi political figures being exiled in Iran and returning in the aftermath of the 2003 invasion to influence the politics in their home country. Iraqi Prime Minister, Nouri al-Maliki, had to spend a substantial amount of time in Iran, although most of his exile was spent in Syria, but this was during the rule of Saddam Hussein.[31] Similarly, it has been also noted that the Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr had strong links with the Iranian religious government and political establishment, although the Sadrist movement was basically anti-Iranian.[32] There were lots of other people, who felt that Iran had a negative impact on the instability of Iraq. According to Alsis et al.,[33] after the war the elections backed all major Shiite parties, so that if any of the party wins elections can be beholden to Tehran. Again this was the strategy of Iran to get support, which had led to Shiite divisions, and thus the cause of conflict and instability in many case s. Such political instability was the major cause of the development of various divisions in Iraqi society. The eruption of these division fuelled pressure not only in Iraq but in the entire region. During the 2010 elections, many incidents of violence were reported. This raised the question about the politically unstable country considering the presence of weak coalitions and holding of elections. This has provided Iran with an opportunity to demonstrate its support for Shiites, as this could be conducive to social stability, or such a condition may simply serve to whitewash and thus diminish the reality of the ground situation. The Brookings Institute Iraq Index (2006)[34] had charted a peak in multiple fatality bombings in January 2005, during the elections, and again during other months of the same year. All this has been seen very common in Iraq and somehow very much seen during Ramadan and elections, or in other words, it was considered quite normal during religious and political events. For example, Cordesman cites that â€Å"the number of attacks peaked to some 700 per week in October 2005, before the October 15th referendum on the constitution, compared to 430 per week in mid- January†.[35] In relation to these events, many political groups and parties, who are said to have links to political establishments of Iran and also independent elements within Iran, have argued that most of these groups have strong influence and links to the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq (ISCI). It has been observed in recent years that the Mahdi Army, which is led by Moqtada al-Sadr, has become very powerful and influential due to reported links with Iran of Sadr.[36] ECONOMIC INFLUENCE Since the US invasion, trade between Iran and Iraq has steadily increased and Iran is now Iraq‘s biggest trading partner[37], and the trade consists of building materials, chemicals, consumer goods, and foodstuffs, much of it via the border at Mehran and Mundhirriya/QasrShirin. In addition to this, Iran has negotiated electricity deals with Iraq that were implemented after the CPA era.[38] According to the Iranian ambassador to Iraq, Iran supplies 750 megawatts of electricity to Iraq daily. Moreover, two Iranian banks have received an approval to open their branches in Iraq.[39] Nonetheless, Iran’s investments in real estate and businesses in Basra, Karbala, and Najaf have been seen as exploitative rather than a form of gratitude from Iraqis.[40] To add to this Iran-Iraq economic ties are strong, and this has been encouraged to some extent by the impact of international sanctions on Iran and in other markets. It was demonstrated by Iran‘s ambassador in August 2010 that Iran would double its trade volume with Iraq.[41] Iranian officials have also indicated that they welcome a strong economic integration between the two countries, â€Å"Our message to Iraqi brothers in my visit is that Iran is fully ready to expand ties with Baghdad. We announced that Tehran is prepared to put its scientific, technical, engineering, economic and commercial potentials at the disposal of Iraq†.[42] In 2005, there were reports that to get a job in Basra, this requires the sponsorship of Iran, as teaching posts were filled only by those who were supporting Iran[43]. As a result, most traders in southern parts of Iran speak Farsi and many accept Iranian currency. Iranian exports include electricity, refined oil products, and cars. It al so helps to fund reconstruction. Iraqis have also started receiving medical care from Iran. Thus, Iran has presented a strong economic influence on Iraq. IRAN’S BROADER ROLE IN IRAQI SECURITY The interests of Iran and Iraq security coincide in certain areas and security competition is complicated as it is seen by some Iraqis that Iran is making huge efforts to acquire nuclear weapons as a Muslim bomb, and not as a threat to Iraq.[44] It was also noted that Iran has given some funding to Iraq‘s security forces in 2005, and Iraq had to promise the United States that Iran would not train Iraqi security forces.[45] Iran had pressurised on the security arrangement between the US and Iraq. General Odierno who was the Commander of the Multi-National Force in Iraq at that time said on October 12, 2008, that Iran may try to corrupt the members of the Council of Representatives so as to vote against the Status of Forces agreement.[46] However, in December 2011 Iran indicated that the US forces should withdraw from Iraq, as the US should not use Iraqi land, sea, and air for launching or for any transit point when they attack other countries.[47] It has been argued that some Iraqi military and intelligence officials had significant influence over elements of the Iraqi Ministry of the Interior, and had accused Iran of providing shaped charges and artillery to Iraqi militants. Moreover, Iran had also recruited thousands of Iraqis for gathering information; in fact, Iran has had intelligence agents in northern Iraq for at least 20 years.[48] As per Dafna Linzer, the rough estimate about Iranian intelligence officers in Iraq in 2007 was about 150.[49] It was also observed that some of the Iranian people felt that an increase in Iraq would be a threat to them, while others have attempted to use Iraq‘s military as a wedge to force the US out of Iraq.[50] As per Iran‘s Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi, â€Å"Considering the fact that the Iraqi Army can provide security, their presence in the country is not justifiable†.[51] THE ROLE OF THE IRANIAN REVOLUTIONARY GUARD IN IRAQ Immediately after the fall of Saddam in 2003, Iran began funnelling much of its aid to militias in Iraq via the Qods Force, which is a branch of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.[52] They not only provided funding, weapons, operatives, and training to groups in Iraq, but also to Islamic militants in Palestine, Bosnia, Hezbollah in Lebanon, fighters in south Sudan, and the Taliban in Afghanistan.[53] It was argued by Mahan Abedin, who is a director of research at the London-based Centre for the Study of Terrorism that Qods’ training was largely focused on utilising intelligence and this was the key to their success. As per official figures, the number of Qods and Iranian intelligence personnel in Iraq was 150, while US commanders believe there were only fewer Shiite provinces.[54] Although the United States was slow to grasp the full extent of Iran‘s expanding role in Iraq, but on July 19, 2005, the United States sent a secret cable to Iran which stated that a British soldier was killed by an explosive which was supplied by Iran, although Iran denied there involvement, which lead to confrontations. [55] The Commander General Petraeus, who was in power during the Multi-National Force operation in Iraq, stated in his testimony to Congress that â€Å"none of us earlier this year appreciated the extent of Iranian involvement in Iraq, something about which we and Iraq‘s leaders all now have greater concern†.[56] Moreover, the Qods was a tool used by Iran directly or indirectly for hurting the US military and also disrupting American interests in Iraq. In 2007, General Petraeus stated that, â€Å"There should be no question about the malign, lethal involvement and activities of the Qods Force in this country†. He went on to add that Iran was â€Å"responsible for providing the weapons, the training, the funding and in some cases the direction for operations that have indeed killed US soldiers†.[57] American officials did not accuse the Qods Force directly for attacking Americans and very carefully said that they were not aware of leadership of the Iranian gover nment as being involved in the Qods Force‘s activities.[58] Such uncertainty in the US regarding the potential involvement of Iran in hte Qods Force raises certain issues that should be addressed by American politicians. Although the American president, George W. Bush, confidently said that those arms, ammunitions and explosives, which were used in Iraq, were certainly from the Qods Force, but â€Å"we are not aware whether or not the head leaders of Iran ordered the Quds Force to do what all this and what all they did †. [59] As per the US intelligence reports, which leaked in 2010, certain details were provided about the precise extent to which Iran was involved in 2006-2009 violence. The report also said that the IRGC used Hezbollah to train militants in Iran before crossing to Iraq. Moreover, General Petraeus had stated Hezbollah‘s role in a 2007 report to Congress.[60] The reports draw on testimony from detainees, captured diaries, and weapons originating in Iran which included explosively formed penetrators, bombs, and surface-to-air missiles. Thus, by all these reports it can be concluded that Iran had a hand in training and resourcing of specific attacks, including assassinations of Iraqi ministry officials, mortar attacks on the Green Zone, and also on kidnappings of American soldiers. In addition, General Petraeus implicated Iran in the 2007 car bombing and killing of two southern Iraqi governors. Besides using Hezbollah to train terrorists, the reports point to both the Badr Corps and Mahdi Army as allies in Iranian efforts.[61] According to the Long War Journal, which is basically based on interviews with senior military and intelligence officials and also mid-level military people, the Qods Force streamlined its operations in Iraq by creating the Ramazan Corps. The Corps was responsible for most of Qods Forces operations in Iraq in 2007 and consists of the Fajr command in the south, Nasr command in the north, and Zafar command in central Iraq. The Qods Force’s aid also included Mahdi Army, the Badr Brigades, the Qazali Network, the Sheibani Network, and many more groups and parties, as they mostly targeted political rivals, the Iraqi Security Forces, and Coalition forces. Moreover, when Badr Brigades and SCIRI formed a government, Iranian groups targeted them.[62] Again as per Brigadier General Kevin Begner, on July 2, 2007, Iran had supplied the Iraqi militias with $3 million per month.[63] Again in 2011, the US raised concerns over Iran‘s involvement in Iraqi violence and said that the incre ase in the number of Americans dying in the summer of 2011 was because Iran had supported Iraqi militants. Again in July, Admiral Mullen said that Iran was supplying militias in Iraq so as to take credit for withdrawing American troops.[64] During the war, which lasted for 8 years, Iran has developed strong ties in terms of religious and political influence with Shiite parties. During this period, Iran played a very important role in mediating between the Iraqi political leaders. It also had strong relations with the Sadrists who are one of the largest political parties in Iran’s ruling collation. Moreover, IRGC also had a significant influence over Iraqi security forces. Iran also has a large mix of resources, which were available in the process of exerting influence upon Iraq after Saddam Hussein was toppled in 2003. Iran also used its influence in Iraq so as to divert the US goals, and pursue its own goals and interests. Iran used its sway in Iraq in order to keep the pro-Iranian Shiite Prime Minister Maliki in power and also to maintain stability along its western border. Thus, it can be argued that Iran’s role in Iraq is very complex, and not a simple task to mould Iraq as per the wishes of Iran. [65] CONCLUSION From all that has been discussed and looked at above, it is beyond doubt that since the invasion of Iraq by the United States and the downfall of Saddam Hussein, Iran has exerted more and more influence in Iraq by both conventional and unconventional methods. It has used a number of tools ranging from economic, political, military, regional to historic to exert such influence and has also formed proxies both with organisations of different profiles and objectives. Sectarianism and factional divisions have also been largely exploited by Iran to achieve its goals. Iranian influence in Iraq is vital to Iran since it considers its importance as a means of establishing its regional dominance and counters the influence of the United States in Iraq. Such efforts of establishing its influence in Iraq have not been without setbacks considering that Iran has had to work with organisations that have been counter-productive in their goals and objectives. The situation in Syria in the past few years has also lessened the viability of Iran’s dominance in the region. Even with such setbacks, Iran has enjoyed some benefits from its dominance in Iraq since trade between the two countries has flourished in a critical moment when Iran was undergoing trade sanctions from the United States and Western countries. One can only wait to see how long such influence will be exerted and whether such status enjoyed by Iran now will continue to exist regardless of the political situation in Iraq. BIBLIOGRAPHY Al-Jazeera English. (2011). â€Å"Iraqi PM in US to Chart Future Relations.† Accessed July 2, 2014, http://www.aljazeera.com/news/americas/2011/12/2011121273244299490.html. Allawi, A. (2007). The Occupation of Iraq: Winning the War, Losing the Peace. New Haven: Yale University Press. Alsis, P., Cordesman, A. H., Mausner, A. and Loi, C. 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