| Papers [385-396] of 1383 :: [Page 33 of 116] | | Go to page : <— 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 —> | |
|
|
City Dwelling, 2004.
A review of various articles that comment on the value of city dwelling.
1,106 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 38.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper comments that, while living in cities provides obvious benefits such as art and culture, access to food and medicine and trade, there is an adverse effect as well. The paper refers to a number of articles by Brechin, Pena, and Foster, among others, who all write on the subject. The writer concludes that, while each article may have some value, the reality is that we do live in cities and, at least in the foreseeable future, will continue to do so.
From the Paper
"There must be few citizens of the 21st century ? at least few who are citizens of both the 21st century and the First World ? who do not view the city as a problematic accomplishment of humanity. Certainly, cities are the highest expression of human civilization, at least in some ways: They support the flourishing of the arts and culture, of haute cuisine and high-tech medicine, of universities and research labs. But cities are also the expressions of the worst that humans have created, both in terms of how we treat each other and in terms of how we treat the planet, as the readings that we are examining for this paper argue. The city is many things, but it is and always has been essentially a site of commerce, and the basing of relationships upon commercial grounds is never unproblematic."
| |
|
Activity-Based Cost in the Department of Defense, 2004.
This paper discusses the ABC accounting process, which evaluates and determines ways to improve the quality of financial decisions at the Department of Defense (DoD).
2,505 words (approx. 10.0 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 76.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper explains that the Department of Defense (DoD), with more than $1 trillion in assets and a budget that accounts for about half of the federal government?s discretionary funding, has a need for accurate accounting processes. The author points out that ABC captures quantified cost and time data and translates it into information for making decisions by measuring process and activity performance, by determining the cost of business process outputs, and by identifying opportunities to improve process efficiency and effectiveness. The paper concludes that the ultimate decision will be based on a blended action that minimizes cost and time, while creating a better outcome.
Table of Contents
Big Need for Accurate Accounting
ABC in the Military
Process Decision Example
Success Stories
NASA
Fleet and Industrial Supply Center (FISC)
Military Resistance to ABC?
Who Might Benefit in the DoD?
From the Paper
"In the 1990s, the RAND Corporation, including its defense-oriented federally funded research and development organizations, offered a better way for the DoD to pay for its purchases, one it thought would improve the interactions; after all, if a unit overspent in one year, then the next year it would be looking for lower prices. That meant that the organization it purchased from would experience a loss, or potentially could, which in turn could affect the service or product quality or delivery. However, the WCF arrangement bore the stamp of approval of the DoD Comptroller?s office, which suggested that the WCF approach has saved ?billions of dollars by providing managers with greater visibility into the costs of DoD support operations.?"
| |
|
The Dearth of Performance Metrics in the Department of Defense, 2004.
Discusses a bill in the United States, signed into law in 1993, known as "The Government Performance and Results Act".
3,936 words (approx. 15.7 pages), 11 sources, APA, $ 107.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper looks at an innovative piece of legislation in the U.S. government known as "The Government Performance and Results Act". The bill was initiated as a result of the lack of public confidence in government institutions and is intended to mandate the use of ?program metrics? and ?results-related? planning for the Department of Defense and all federal agencies. In addition to explaining why such a bill was deemed necessary, this paper also examines the bill's success rate, the meaning and implementation status of the term "metrics" in the Department of Defense, and what will happen if the federal government does not use metrics or does not use them effectively.
From the Paper
"Prior to examining the specific program metrics implemented in DOD, and the results therein, it would seem instructive for the big picture to look at the overall success or failure of GPRA; indeed, the DOD is just one piece of the overall puzzle in a maze of myriad federal programs and initiatives. The first big test of the success of GPRA came shortly after 1997, which was the deadline for all agencies in the Federal Government to produce their initial goals for a results-based honest measurement of their performance. And basically, this act was and is a test of the government?s ability to ?re-invent itself? ? to become leaner, more forward-looking and willing to accept the challenges of using public monies in a more frugal and responsible way by projecting what results should be expected."
| |
|
Illinois House Bill 60, 2004.
An overview of the debate regarding how House Bill 60 grants Illinois's undocumented immigrants the right to pay in-state tuition rates at the state's public colleges and universities.
2,551 words (approx. 10.2 pages), 12 sources, MLA, $ 77.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper looks at how, on May 18, 2003, Illinois became the fifth state in the country to offer in-state tuition rates to illegal residents. It examines the legal basis of this controversial law and looks at its possible economic, social, and political and economic effects on the state of Illinois. The first part of the paper is a history and overview of House Bill 60. The next part then details the law?s objectives and the number of students who stand to benefit in Illinois. It shows how, despite its objectives, this controversial law has generated spirited criticism, and it examines the various objections, which include debates regarding the legality of the law and the economic effects of this law on Illinois taxpayers.
Outline
History of House Bill 60
Overview and Objectives
Critics of the Measure
Benefits of House Bill 60
Beyond House Bill 60
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Much of the opposition centers how these laws will limit opportunities for United States citizens and legal residents. For many low-income American families, state universities present the only option for higher education. Because many state universities are already limiting enrollment, groups like the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) contend that ?when public universities admit an illegal immigrant and provide subsidized tuition, some other student who is also deserving is denied an opportunity? (FAIR Issue Brief). These alien students, in effect, will gain an education at the expense of legal American residents or citizens."
| |
|
Immigration Law, 2004.
An overview of the SEVIS program and the U.S.A. PATRIOT act for clamping down on foreign students.
978 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 34.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper examines how there are two troubling initiatives coming out of Washington, D.C., regarding foreign students. One is the SEVIS (Student Exchange Visitor Information System) program, and the other is the U.S.A. PATRIOT (Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism) Act. It discusses how, while there may be some legitimacy, post-9/11, in seeking to keep tabs on students who might be terrorists, it can also be considered a system of racial profiling that singles out and criminalizes international students in the U.S.
From the Paper
"There have been abuses of the sort SEVIS seeks to stem, which probably helped both before and after 9/11 to influence politicians to tighten standards for foreign study in the U.S. Chaleampon Ritthichai, writing in the Gotham Gazette, revealed the story of Lek Supaluk. Supalak thought she could make more money by working in the U.S. after college than by returning to Thailand, and she could find no employer to sponsor her working visa. So she bought an I-20, the form that allows foreigners to apply for student visas. She enrolled in a language school, but never attended. SEVIS means her luck might be running out. Peter Pachter, Director of Overseas Students and American Language Communication Center in Manhattan, said, ?There were rules and regulations that students had to comply with but the INS never seemed to follow through with the enforcement.?"
| |
|
Government Performance Results Act, 2004.
This paper discusses the General Accounting Office (GAO) report on the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), titled, ?Status of Achieving Key Outcomes and Addressing Major Management Challenges?.
2,165 words (approx. 8.7 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 67.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper explains that the 2001 GAO review of DOJ, a routine assessment conducted in compliance with federal law, the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 (GPRA) was put into place because waste and inefficiency undermine the confidence of the American people. The author believes that the current Attorney General, John Ashcroft, a hard-line, religious-right, ultra-conservative, has shown a contempt for the Bill of Rights. The paper states that the GAO should not be given more power, but the Congress has a duty to enter into a new post-9/11 phase and stand up to the Executive Branch to independently protect Americans from waste, abuse, and mismanagement of resources.
Table of Contents
The GAO Critiques DOJ
Internet-Based Research of DOJ
Conclusion
From the Paper
"As to the first of DOJ?s ?planned outcomes? ? less violence related to gangs and drugs ? the GAO in its summary states that DOJ ?fell short of achieving its performance targets for four measures.? Looking into those failures a bit more closely (p. 8), DOJ had said it would try to perform 4.81 million ?criminal background checks? ? and yet it only conducted 4.49 million checks. Also, the GAO says that while DOJ claims it prevented 71,890 ?ineligible? individuals from purchasing firearms, the GAO says DOJ missed its target of preventing 140,244 persons from buying guns."
| |
|
HADD in Brazil, 2004.
This paper discusses the expansion of the work of the non-profit group, HADD, or Homeowners against Deficient Dwellings, into Brazil.
2,590 words (approx. 10.4 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 78.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper explains the dire need within most underdeveloped nations for consumer protection and advocacy in the home ownership arena. The author points out that HADD Brazil will remain a consumer advocacy group and will work with local, state, federal, and international advocacy organizations and individuals to give redress to those individuals most in need of advocacy and assistance. The paper stresses that racial disparity among indigenous and immigrant societies within Brazil and extreme levels of environmental destruction have driven people from the rural areas into urban slums.
From the Paper
"Collaboration with those successful housing advocacy organizations and institutions that already exist within the Brazilian culture will be the focus of the expansion. Yet, it is clear that simply handing over the donation to one successful organization would not meet the individualistic goals of HADD. HADD will establish a grass roots local organization through existing channels of organizations with hopes that the influence will stretch beyond those of existing resources and serve as a model for consumer advocacy groups already at work in Brazil to challenge the poor and substandard housing issues in the country."
| |
|
FDA Leveraging, 2004.
Overview of FDA leveraging policies, guidelines, and principles.
1,686 words (approx. 6.7 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 54.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
In this paper, FDA leveraging and the impact special interest groups could have on protection of human research subjects is discussed. Initially, an overview is provided of FDA leveraging, including a definition of leveraging and a discussion of relevant background information, basic principles, and types of partnerships involved in the process. Subsequently, the oversight of FDA leveraging is described. This is followed by a discussion of the legal and ethical issues associated with the process. Conflicts of interests (COI) as well as potential conflicts of interest are identified. After this, information is provided as to strategies to avoid the emergence of COIs. Finally, a summary of the information provided within the paper is provided.
From the Paper
"Leveraging, as implemented and utilized by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has been defined as the development of relationships and/or formal agreements with others outside the FDA, designed and intended to enhance FDA's capacity to meet its public health mission. As such, leveraging within FDA represents a continuum for gaining advantage and support in fulfilling its public health goals and undertaking."
| |
|
The Legitimacy of Religious Schools, 2002.
This paper evaluates the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) and the Catholic approach to education in an attempt to determine whether they should be considered legitimate recipients of government money in the form of vouchers.
1,610 words (approx. 6.4 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 52.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper discusses that the Catholic school emphasis is on educating students to be successful, rather than instructing them how to attain divine revelation, which is the goal of the Seventh Day Adventist schools. The author feels that too much emphasis on the spiritual and on divine revelation diminishes reasoning ability and the ability to think and understand on the theoretical level. The paper concludes that, if a school is to be subsidized by the community as a whole, the school must provide its students with a strong academic program.
Table of Contents
Why It is Important
Seventh Day Adventist Approach to Education
Catholic Approach to Education
Concluding Statement
From the Paper
"In recent years, the rhetoric over this issue has been ratcheted up. Why? Primarily because a general perception has developed in the United States that public education is failing to deliver on its great promise. The resulting backlash has created a demand for an alternative to the typical public school. Thus, one witnesses the proliferation of charter schools as well as a call for the introduction of private school vouchers. And this means that American society has come almost full circle. Two hundred years ago, the government funded private religious schools. A hundred years later, this funding was then removed and legal barriers put in place to bar access to it. Now, calls are being made to re-institute this funding."
| |
|
Education in Latin America, 2002.
This paper examines education in Latin America, primarily elementary through high school, with the primary focus on economic and social factors, concentrating on countries representative of the region.
3,210 words (approx. 12.8 pages), 18 sources, MLA, $ 92.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper contends that Latin American countries are far behind most of the rest of the world, except perhaps some African countries, in overall levels of educational achievement. The author points out that per capita spending, at times on par with some Asian countries, is still considered inadequate by politicians and international agencies like OECD. The paper concludes that many of the Latin American countries? leaders, especially Mexico?s Fox and Brazil?s Cardoso, are making pronouncements regarding refocusing resources on education.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Examination
Reforms
Conclusions
From the Paper
"Greater numbers of Latin Americans are being educated then 20 years ago, but the quality of their education is still not well. Past governments in Latin America lavished educational spending on the universities with the goal of training the countries? small groups of the elite. Now the current crop of leaders state that they recognize a need and the value of making sure that all of their countries? children, most especially ones from the poorest areas, are given and the opportunity of receiving a proper education. Regional consensus appears to be broad that the key to improving economic and social development in the region begins with improving the quantity and quality of education for a majority of the children, not just the elites."
| |
|
Florida Lottery Education Funding, 2002.
This paper discusses that the use of state lotteries to finance education is a debatable topic. The Florida state lottery is featured.
1,560 words (approx. 6.2 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 51.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper explains that the lottery was to be used only for supplementary funding of education. The author points out that, unfortunately, Florida is using the lottery for basic funding; and, particularly in Florida, the lottery income is very meager and insufficient. The paper concludes that, nonetheless, when used as supplementary funding, lottery funding plays an important role in meeting the educational demands of the students.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Lottery Funding
Florida Lottery Funding
Scholarships
Florida School Recognition Programs
School Capital Outlay Bond Program
Impact of Lottery Funding
Political Factors
Uncertainty in the Lottery Revenue
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The reason for this aberration is the drastic cut down of the education funds by the government in total breach of the 1987 ?Florida Public Education Lottery Act?, which states that lottery revenue is only an additional source of money and that it must not affect the regular allocation on the part of the government. So instead of proving to be a boon for the students the lottery funding is now proving to be baneful solution."
| |
|
California Energy Crisis, 2002.
Discusses the major energy crisis that erupted in California in 2000-2001.
953 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 33.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper looks at the causes of the California energy crisis that occurred in 2000-2001 following the deregulation of the state's electrical utilities. The paper discusses the arguments cited in favor of deregulation, what the deregulation entailed for the electrical utilities, and what this meant in terms of the major heat wave that hit in the summer of 2000. Also discussed is the flawed reasoning behind the arguments for deregulation, which ultimately caused the bankruptcy of the California electrical utilities.
From the Paper
"The California Public Utility Commission (CPUC) which used to set the consumer electricity rates in the state, itself declared the system of energy regulation in California as "fragmented, outdated, arcane and unjustifiably complex," and opened the state's electricity industry to competition in December 1995. After the unanimous passing of the deregulation legislation by both houses of the state, it was signed into law by the Governor in September 1996. California thus became the first state in the U.S. to deregulate its electricity industry. The three major Californian utilities, Southern California Edison, Pacific Gas & Electric and San Diego Gas & Electric are said to have spent $4.3 million on lobbyists and $1 million on political campaigns in their efforts to encourage deregulation."
|
|
|
