Project Portfolio and Program Management-Myassignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about the Sustainability in Project Portfolio and Program Management. Answer: Introduction Westpac Corporation Banking that is located in Sydney Australia with branches in different countries such as New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific. Some of the projects proposed within the project portfolio include digitization of the banking services, ad-hoc reporting, data security, compliance to the recent regulations, infrastructure development. In addition, the project seeks to incorporate sustainability as key aspect global goal of UN. At the first stage of the project portfolio management which was planning, there are some aspects of the project that were introduced mostly in the sustainability per view. Upon the implementation of the project various company staffs also are involved and hence express their perspective on the benefits, effects, and outcomes of the project. Some key aspects of the project that are revealed in this report are situation analysis, project evaluation, portfolio management, corporate culture and possible outcome of the project. Various analysis of the project is, therefore, necessary to review some other benefits that can be realized. The following report documents findings that will be presented to executive management giving the project portfolio management review. Framework Situational Context Westpac Corporation Banking (WCP) investing in Project Portfolio Management project is a good idea as most organization currently working on the model as the right business project. Some of the reasons supporting the choice of project portfolio management (PPM) are a minimal risk on the overall performance of the organization, maximized resource, prove the value to stakeholders and enable repeatable success. With the call from UN that organizations need to implement sustainability projects that expresses the corporate social responsibility and environmental concerns. In addition, the project works to transforms the organization on service delivery with digitalization (Schrodt, 2002). The project also benefits general public due to climatic mitigation project that forms part of sustainable development as this solemnly helps the community. Optimism of the project portfolio management Secondly, the WCP is optimizing its capacity since one of the main objectives of the company is to invest in a sustainable development project and incorporating sustainability in project portfolio management proved optimism. (Mesly, 2017). Project portfolio management execution Thirdly, the organization is executing the project since some reasonable amount of money has been dedicated to the project. The company has already set a huge amount of funds in executing the project and this is evident by $10billion and $25billion that the company has devoted towards implementation of the environmental project being a critical aspect of sustainability. Project absorption Fourthly, the organization can absorb all the changes though slowly since the implementation follows steps that involve staff training. In addition, Stakeholder Advisory Council works to ensures that the company stakeholders are involved in the implementation of the project hence they absorb the project (Zhang, 2009). Benefit realization Finally, it is worth noting that the company is realizing the promised benefits. The company had convinced the stakeholders on the benefits of portfolio project management and some of the initial benefits of the project are the implementation of sustainable practices (Ravasi Schultz, 2006). Portfolio Evaluation The method the organization uses to evaluate portfolio is convention and risk-adjusted method. The portfolio evaluation within the company takes two directions that can be divided into conventional and risk adjusted method. Conventional portfolio evaluation method is the evaluation method that takes into account the performance of portfolio according to set standards. Risk-adjusted evaluation method evaluates the risk and risk mitigation to ensure that the project is managed. Justification of project evaluation Secondly, the justification of using the portfolio evaluation methods lies in the ability of the method to evaluate both general performance and risk (Goergen, 2012). This gives the overall goal of the evaluation that is needed both major stakeholders and management. Thirdly, the challenge that the organization is likely to face in the course of using this method can be coordination between management and project managers in case of evaluation. Incorporation of management cycle into the project Incorporating management cycle in evaluation process has the benefit of accountability since the investors need to know the progress of project portfolio. The management needs to take part in managing the project, especially through project managers (Ross, Ellipse Freeman, 2004). Meeting desired objective The evaluation process assists the management to meet the desired objective or goals of the project since it ensures that the project is implemented in the right manner. Moreover, the evaluation process gives the accountability aspect of the project to management and company owners that need the full responsibility of project managers (Rajegopal McGuin, 2007). Portfolio Management Project progress Portfolio management gives the progress and continuous update in the activities of the project. Project management is also important since it raises the need for assessing the project consistency with the preset objects or goals. Introduction of Project Management Office Project Management Office has been introduced into the organization (Hamilton, 2004). The Project Management Office does not play role in terms of standardizing practices and increasing project success rates since the project managers are still under training. Quantitative and qualitative skills Quantitative skills that are used in the portfolio management include collection and analysis of data that consist of financial (McNeil, Frey Embrechts, 2015). Qualitative skills on the other hand, take into account various reporting techniques used in portfolio management so as to deliver quality project in line with companys objectives. Moreover, the project managers need to first understand their primary role even before managing the project (EPMC Michael, et al 2009). Maturity Levels Level of maturity I believe the maturity level for the organization level 2, that is basics level. This project portfolio level that is characterized by planning with limited performance forecasting. Within this level also project interrelationship are reorganized into different managed projects. Moreover, at this level risk analysis is conducted and evaluation process also continues at this level. Improving maturity In order to improve the maturity level of the organization a model that can be adopted is OPM3. OPM3 provide the framework for the organization to understand PPM process, practice and predictability. The model focus on the training staffs in ways to strengthen project performance with the ability to predict the outcome. This enables all to be fully aware of the portfolio project hence are able to bring changes to where there are gaps. Implementation of changes In implementing changes, the project managers identify the gaps especially in the performance that need improvement. The model also enables the project management team set the target and the strategy to meet this target (Marquis Tilcsik, 2013). Corporate Culture Corporate culture for the company Corporate culture for the company is based on the beliefs of satisfying the customers financial needs and involving the local community through offering sustainable practices. When implementing the project while using the model, the corporate culture is most likely to change with the adoption of the project portfolio management. The initial corporate culture for the organization was mostly based on the areas of operation. As a monetary institution, most of the dealings were in financial transactions. As the company implements the sustainability criterion that is based on moral and ethical responsibility within the community, the company will need to diversify employees and resources to cover other areas of operation such as climate, environment and community involvement (Vincenti, 2016). The company intends to apply the PPM to all its offices within Australia and other countries. This, therefore, means that corporate culture in terms of management will affect internal stakeholders such as management and technology manager, human resource manager, project managers, accountants and public relation officers. As the company implements the project portfolio within the organization, the company will expand in terms of infrastructure, employees number, funds that are required to fully implement the project and good will to implement the project without resistance (O'Donovan, 2006). Stakeholders perspective Most stakeholders have individual perspective as that can be based on each stakeholder's profession. The amount of money allocated to an accountant to manage will influence the view of accountant and finance managers since there is a need for proper utilization and management of these funds. Human resource manager will have to reclassify job categories since project managers will have new training on project portfolio management. Projects managers are some important stakeholders that play important role in PPM and give continuous progress in the performance of the project portfolio performance. Public relation officers, on the other hand, connect the company with the public especially the implementation of sustainability (Keating, Quazi, Kriz Coltman, 2008). Stakeholders concerns Stakeholders have different concerns that will be raised in the course of implementation of PPM (Sanwal, 2007). Proper allocation of funds to the project is most likely to be the concern of accountant. While human resource managers are most likely to raise the concern of employees number required to fully implement the project. This is based on the fact that as the project begins the implementation stage the company will have to hire more employees since more work will be added to employees currently within the company payroll. Technology and asset managers also will express their concern about the capacity of the companys machines to digitalize all the required functions according to the portfolio (Kester, Griffin Hultink, 2011). Corporate culture that will support PPM The aspect of corporate culture that will support the project portfolio management changes the culture. The management both from the junior to senior management should accept change without resistance. On the sustainability, it is important to note that culture of change is particularly important for implementing the environmental sustainable strategy (Hofstede, 2001). Challenge of adopting project portfolio and sustainability The challenge that still stands in the way of adopting project portfolio and sustainability are resistance to change, lack of enough information and project implementation efficiencies. Firstly, most staffs within the organization especially the senior management often are resistant to change which in this case introduction of a new project (Paul et al, 2005). Implementation inefficiencies often cause slow decision-making that eventually retards the progress of the projects and if such care is not taken the project will fail (Lukomnik, 2016). Effects of the implementation of project portfolio management and outcomes From the staff perspective, various staffs have different view on the possible benefits of the project. (Hatemi El-Khatib, 2014). Some of the positive effects of the project are a minimal risk due to diversification brought by portfolios, improved decision making due to the reorganization of the department, improved customer service due to the introduction of digital services and improved public relation (Denney, 2005). The negative views specifically come from most internal stakeholders who feel the need to stop project implementation Conclusion In conclusion, project portfolio remains an important aspect of organization especially with the need to increase customer service delivery and community involvement. The key project portfolio management is the evaluation, portfolio management, and corporate culture. Maturity level clearly gives the characteristic of the organization and the most likely level of maturity within the organization is basic level 2. Another critical aspect of the project portfolio management is the situation analysis that gives the context and the situation of the project. Some challenges and benefits that will be realized after implementation projects are also highlighted in the project. References Hamilton, A. (2004), Handbook of Project Management Procedures. TTL Publishing, Ltd. Denney, R. (2005), Succeeding with Use Cases: Working Smart to Deliver Quality. Boston, Mass.: Addison-Wesley. EPMC, Inc.; Michael, J. S. et al (2009), Project Portfolio Management: A View from the Management Trenches. Wiley. Goergen, M. (2012), International Corporate Governance, Prentice Hall, Harlow, January, 2012, Chapter 3 Guidelines for Managing Projects from the UK Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) Hatemi-J, A. El-Khatib, Y. (2014), Portfolio selection: An alternative approach. Economics Letters, 135: 141143. Hofstede, G. H. (2001), Culture's Consequences: Comparing Values, Behaviors, Institutions, and Organizations Across Nations. Sage Publications. Keating, B; Quazi, A; Kriz, A; Coltman, T. (2008), In pursuit of a sustainable supply chain: insights from Westpac Banking Corporation, Supply Chain Management: an International Journal, 13 (3): 17579 Kester, L.; Griffin, E.J. Hultink; K.L. (2011), Exploring Portfolio Decision Making Processes. Journal of Product Innovation Management (28). Lukomnik, J. : Thoughts on the Origins and Development of the Modern Corporate Governance Movement and Shareholder Activism (chapter 22, p. 450460), in The Handbook of Board Governance: A Comprehensive Guide for Public, Private and Not for Profit Board Members, edited by Richard Leblanc (John Wiley Sons, Inc., 2016) McNeil, A.J., Frey, R., Embrechts, P. (2015),Quantitative risk management: Concepts, techniques and tools. Princeton University Press. Marquis, C.; Tilcsik, A. (2013), Imprinting: Toward a Multilevel Theory. Academy of Management Annals: 193243. Mesly, O. (2017), Project feasibility Tools for uncovering points of vulnerability. New York, NY: Taylor and Francis, CRC Press. 546 pages. O'Donovan, G. (2006), The Corporate Culture Handbook: How to Plan, Implement and Measure a Successful Culture Change Programme, The Liffey Press, Paul, C. D. et al (2005) The right projects done right! John Wiley and Sons, 2005. Rajegopal, S.; McGuin P. James W. (2007), Project Portfolio Management: Leading the Corporate Vision. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. Ravasi, D.; Schultz, M. (2006), Responding to organizational identity threats: Exploring the role of organizational culture. Academy of Management Journal, 49 (3): 433458. Ross, P.H.; Ellipse, M.W. Freeman, H.E. (2004), Evaluation: A systematic approach (7th ed.). Thousand Oaks: Sage. Sanwal, A, (2007), Optimizing Corporate Portfolio Management: Aligning Investment Proposals with Organizational Strategy. Wiley. Schrodt, P. (2002), The relationship between organizational identification and organizational culture: Employee perceptions of culture and identification in a retail sales organization. Communication Studies, 53: 189202 Vincenti, J. (2016), Westpac Banking Corporation v Wittenberg (2016) 330 ALR 476.Brief,43(11), 21. Zhang, X. (2009), Values, Expectations, Ad Hoc Rules, and Culture Emergence in International Cross Cultural Management Contexts. New York: Nova Science Publishers

Socrates, Plato and Aristotle Essay Example

Socrates, Plato and Aristotle Essay Three of the most revered philosophers in ancient philosophy are Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. Socrates was regarded as the father of philosophical inquiry known and popular for the â€Å"Socratic method† which has been the start of the formulation of scientific method. It was a method of looking for answers through continues questioning of what was the problem really is. Plato, on the other hand, is considered by most historians and philosophers alike to be the disciple of Socrates. Aristotle had been the disciple of Plato, though their ideas greatly varied, for Aristotle was the first political philosopher while Plato focus on â€Å"perfect states†. Logic and Argument in Philosophy Socrates was believed to be the â€Å"inventor of logic and reason†, for it was him who had first devise a method of searching for the truth, although he was also popularized and even executed for being a â€Å"corruptor of the youth†. Socrates believes that the same or those with â€Å"family resemblances† should have a common name or to be called in a more general world. Plato’s reasoning, takes resemblances as a copy or an imitation of a â€Å"perfect concept†. Plato believes that there exist two worlds, the world of ideas and the practical world. The world of ideas is perfect while the world of forms is imperfect and is only imitations of the world of ideas. Ideas came first before forms. Aristotle on the other hand, believes that our world is the reality. Logic, as was used by Aristotle is a device in which we came to know something. In Plato’s ideas, we came to know things through a recollection of the ideas that the soul have experienc e the world of ideas.   Aristotle was known as the founder of categorical logic, in which he argues that things have common features go together, this as we can see is the same as the notion made by Socrates. Although Plato have made attempts to establish a system that could be of deductive logic or reasoning in his book the â€Å"sophist†, nevertheless he did not succeed. We will write a custom essay sample on Socrates, Plato and Aristotle specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Socrates, Plato and Aristotle specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Socrates, Plato and Aristotle specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Knowledge and Methods of Acquiring Knowledge As discuss above, the acquisition of knowledge made by Socrates was through a method now known to be the Socratic Method. In the view of knowledge, Socrates, mentions as can be read in the dialogues of Plato, that â€Å"the only thing he was certain is that he new nothing†. This is the only knowledge that he posses. Plato believes that knowledge is the same as perception, however, Socrates do not take this same stand, Socrates insist that there were knowledge that can be gain even without sense-perception, such as the knowledge of the virtues. As what was said above, knowledge for Plato is a result of the â€Å"recollection†. Aristotle was known to distinguish knowledge as truth. Unlike Plato who believes that our world is only an imperfect manifestation or copy of the world of ideas, Aristotle believes that there is only one world where ideas are contained in the objects themselves. Love Socrates associates love with virtuous, doing morally upright demonstrate the action of love. The greatest love that a man could experience is the love for knowledge, in which philosophy came from. Love for Plato was also inclined to the â€Å"love of wisdom† although; Plato specifically concluded that love is a madness that came from the Gods; this is what he calls the heavenly love which he distinguishes apart from the common love or lust. While Socrates and Plato concerns themselves with love as expression towards another people, Aristotle conceptualized love in the notion of self-love wherein the person is pursuing virtues. Although he also recognize the fact that a justifiable self-love comes in the form of love of wisdom or love that would lead to the person’s internal happiness. Existence Socrates was skeptic with existence especially when relating existence with knowledge. HE argues that there are things which we cannot perceive but are actually non-existent such as goodness and justice. What we can are manifestations of these, but do we actually see them, or do we interpret them to be such. Plato believes that everything in the world changes, that the world does so in able to become closer to the â€Å"Perfect Form†. Aristotle on the other hand tried to prove existence through the four causes of existences and changes, which includes the material cause or the material from which a certain thing is made of, the formal cause or the model from which something was formed, the efficient cause or the maker and the final cause which is the potentiality that the things have. Conclusion The philosophies of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle served as the foundation of modern philosophy or way of thinking. Their inquiries have been so diverse but merely focus on proving why things came to be? Though some of there thoughts are different from each other, each one can be seen to be related to one another as reactions or disagreements arise and as the formation of new philosophy take place.

Using a Sample World Literature Essay

Using a Sample World Literature EssayA sample world literature essay that you can adapt to your own needs is available for free online, as well as at many colleges and universities. Here are a few tips to help you start writing a sample world literature essay.There is nothing more enjoyable to write than a great piece of work that takes the time to be thoughtful about the genre. However, this is not an easy task when it comes to world literature essays. It has been done countless times, and sometimes even worse. However, you should not let these examples discourage you from trying your hand at adapting the samples into your own.The reason for this is that these examples are in fact amazing pieces of writing. If done well, they are the type of writing that will stand the test of time. They are writing that has a depth of thought that is rare in other forms of fiction, which is why they are a great example of world literature.Of course, there are the one liners and word play that you w ill need to keep track of in order to write an amazing literary world literature essay. These need to be included for emphasis. They can make or break a piece of writing that you wish to give more weight to.There are times, though, when literary world literature is needed to solve a problem, bring a light to a dark subject, or even bring out a character's uniqueness. In these cases, using these examples can be effective. But if you want to get the best results from them, you must adapt the examples to your own needs.In addition to the examples provided above, you can also study a world literature essay that is based on a true story. This is especially useful because the piece will be based on a specific event that took place in history. You can also use this as a jumping off point to create a very realistic essay that deals with a very real event.The first step in this process is to determine what the essay is going to deal with. Then, you will want to figure out how to incorporate that topic into your writing. Some writers choose to use this as a way to create a thesis statement, while others do not.Whatever style you choose, using a sample world literature essay will show you how to approach the topic. It will also allow you to see if your knowledge is sufficient enough to write a quality essay. It will be quite helpful to have this type of essay around when you have to submit your own essay.

How to Write a High School Book Review

How to Write a High School Book Review How to Write a High School Book Review Instructors are fond of assigning book reviews in high school. Most students think that book reviews are some sort of punishment that ensures they read the whole book and write a 500 word critique. However, book reviews are assigned to students so that they can develop a better understanding of the society in which they live and the world at large. How to write a high school book review is a nightmare for most high school students who despise reading, but it does not have to be if one follows some simple rules. First, one must understand the nature of a book review, which is the reader’s reaction to a specific book rather than a simple summarization of the work. A book review involves analyzing the validity of the content, purpose, and organization of the book. There are two basic kinds of book reviews, descriptive and critical. Descriptive book reviews evaluate the pertinent information offered in the book through exposition and description and is couched in the context of literary and historical values. These attributes are then supported by evidence from the work. The writer states and examines the perceived purposes and intentions of the author, often quoting some of the most compelling excerpts from the text in an effort to illustrate a point. However, in most cases, high school students are assigned critical book reviews to complete as part of their literature assignments as opposed to descriptive. In a critical book review, students must be conscious of two requirements. First, students need to be well informed of the work under review. This necessitates that the student understand the author’s purpose and how the sections of work contribute towards the purpose in writing. Gaining a basic knowledge about the author’s life experiences, as well as other works by the author and time period of publication, will often facilitate the student’s ability to understand the influences on the author’s works. Secondly, it is imperative for students to understand the genre of the text. Understanding the book’s genre is simply to be conscious of the art form of the book and utilization of its characteristics. Without knowledge of the genre, students have no literary understanding upon which evaluation s are based. The basics of a book review also include having a sense of what the reader expects to find in the critique. The reader should be able to glean from the critique some understanding of author’s thoughts and intentions without reading the original text. Main events and themes of the book are presented in a coherent and precise manner. Finally, in a review, apart from communicating the author’s purpose, it is prudent for the reviewer to express an opinion about the author’s success in achieving the purpose in writing the book. Students must be certain to provide adequate evidence to support personal opinions. In summary, completing a book review, just like making a book report, requires one to read through the entire text and offer a reaction to the content of the book, as well as its organization and the author’s ability to express ideas in a clear and concise manner. The student will find it helpful to develop and follow an outline as a way to organize ideas in a coherent manner. Finally, the student must spend time revising and proof-reading the critique. Visit to get professional book review help from academic experts who hold Masters and PhD degrees.

Balance Redox Reaction Example Problem

Balance Redox Reaction Example Problem When balancing redox reactions, the overall electronic charge must be balanced in addition to the usual molar ratios of the component reactants and products. This example problem illustrates how to use the half-reaction method to balance a redox reaction in a solution. Question Balance the following redox reaction in an acidic solution: Cu(s) HNO3(aq) → Cu2(aq) NO(g) Solution Step 1: Identify what is being oxidized and what is being reduced. To identify which atoms are being reduced or oxidized, assign oxidation states to each atom of the reaction. For review: Rules for Assigning Oxidation StatesAssigning Oxidation States Example ProblemOxidation and Reduction Reaction Example Problem Cu(s): Cu 0HNO3: H 1, N 5, O -6Cu2: Cu 2NO(g): N 2, O -2 Cu went from oxidation state 0 to 2, losing two electrons. Copper is oxidized by this reaction.N went from oxidation state 5 to 2, gaining three electrons. Nitrogen is reduced by this reaction. Step 2: Break the reaction into two half-reactions: oxidation and reduction. Oxidation: Cu → Cu2 Reduction: HNO3 → NO Step 3: Balance each half-reaction by both stoichiometry and electronic charge. This is accomplished by adding substances to the reaction. The only rule is that the only substances you can add must already be in the solution. These include water (H2O), H ions (in acidic solutions), OH- ions (in basic solutions) and electrons. Start with the oxidation half-reaction: The half-reaction is already balanced atomically. To balance electronically, two electrons must be added to the product side. Cu → Cu2 2 e- Now, balance the reduction reaction. This reaction requires more work. The first step is to balance all atoms except oxygen and hydrogen. HNO3 → NO There is only one nitrogen atom on both sides, so nitrogen is already balanced. The second step is to balance the oxygen atoms. This is done by adding water to the side that needs more oxygen. In this case, the reactant side has three oxygens and the product side has only one oxygen. Add two water molecules to the product side. HNO3 → NO 2 H2O The third step is to balance the hydrogen atoms. This is accomplished by adding H ions to the side that needs more hydrogen. The reactant side has one hydrogen atom while the product side has four. Add 3 H ions to the reactant side. HNO3 3 H → NO 2 H2O The equation is balanced atomically, but not electrically. The final step is to balance the charge by adding electrons to the more positive side of the reaction. One the reactant side, the overall charge is 3, while the product side is neutral. To counteract the 3 charge, add three electrons to the reactant side. HNO3 3 H 3 e- → NO 2 H2O Now the reduction half-equation is balanced. Step 4: Equalize the electron transfer. In redox reactions, the number of electrons gained must equal the number of electrons lost. To accomplish this, each reaction is multiplied by whole numbers to contain the same number of electrons. The oxidation half-reaction has two electrons while the reduction half-reaction has three electrons. The lowest common denominator between them is six electrons. Multiply the oxidation half-reaction by 3 and the reduction half-reaction by 2. 3 Cu → 3 Cu2 6 e-2 HNO3 6 H 6 e- → 2 NO 4 H2O Step 5: Recombine the half-reactions. This is accomplished by adding the two reactions together. Once they are added, cancel out anything that appears on both sides of the reaction.   Ã‚  Ã‚  3 Cu → 3 Cu2 6 e- 2 HNO3 6 H 6 e- → 2 NO 4 H2O 3 Cu 2 HNO3 6H 6 e- → 3 Cu2 2 NO 4 H2O 6 e- Both sides have six electrons that can be canceled. 3 Cu 2 HNO3 6 H → 3 Cu2 2 NO 4 H2O The complete redox reaction is now balanced. Answer 3 Cu 2 HNO3 6 H → 3 Cu2 2 NO 4 H2O To summarize: Identify the oxidation and reduction components of the reaction.Separate the reaction into the oxidation half-reaction and reduction half-reaction.Balance each half-reaction both atomically and electronically.Equalize the electron transfer between oxidation and reduction half-equations.Recombine the half-reactions to form the complete redox reaction.

What are the three most important aspects or sections of the Essay

What are the three most important aspects or sections of the constitution - Essay Example The Constitution aids in enforcing the boundaries and rights of this relationship. While every aspect and section of the Constitution is important to maintaining control and equality in the United States amongst all citizens, there are some sections that stand out from the others. The Constitution, penned over a span of many years and approved of on September 17, 1787, consists of numerous articles, clauses, and amendments that help to define the relationship that exists between the government, the states, and every citizen of the United States.The first ten amendments, also known as the Bill of Rights, the Fifteenth Amendment, and Article Five each have a significance not only in its context, but in the history behind their existence. Bill of Rights The first ten amendments in the Constitution are more commonly referred to as the Bill of Rights and were among the first laws agreed upon for United States citizens. Just as the name suggests, the purpose of these amendments is to outli ne the legal rights that all United States citizens are entitled to. The significance of the Bill of Rights is that they show some of the issues that existed back when they were first penned in 1789; they also reveal the responses that were given to some of these problems and what was done to overcome them. These were issues that were at the hearts of many of the citizens of America, as well as the government officials that could make the desired changes for the sake of humanity. As amendments of the Constitution, these rights are meant to be upheld and exercised as people see fit. They are also used to help citizens should their rights be questioned, especially in a court of law. One of the most important and most exercised amendments in the Bill of Rights is the First Amendment, which allows for freedom of religion, speech, assembly, and petition. It is this amendment that has allowed people to speak their minds and express their thoughts and feelings, just as long as they adhere to the portion of the amendment that goes against speaking with the intention of starting a physical altercation with another. Under this amendment, citizens are able to freely express themselves as individuals, providing opportunities to healthily debate with others that do not agree on the same position. The significance of this amendment is that it allows citizens to exercise their rights to be individuals without having to censor themselves. Furthermore, it is because of the First Amendment that the United States has the media and art that it does. By exercising their rights to speak or express themselves freely, people have written literature, painted pictures and buildings, and have made careers as musicians under this amendment. It can be said that an entire amendment is the cause of a free, expression-filled America. Yet another most touched-upon amendment, as well as the most controversial, is the Second Amendment, which allows citizens the right to possess weapons. The imp ortance of this amendment is that it provides citizens with the opportunity to protect themselves and their families. Despite the controversy surrounding this amendment and how it should be interpreted, this amendment is being used to make sure that people are entitled to certain levels of physical protection. The Second Amendment is currently being tried in college campuses throughout the United States with the hopes that school-related violence will be drastically decreased. This amendment caters to the safety of American citizens while ensuring that the method of safety is properly implemented and not abused. The importance of these two amendments does not suggest that the other amendments are unimportant to the citizens of the United States. The Sixth Amendment promises a speedy trial for criminal offenses and the Seventh Amendment guarantees a trial by jury of the defendant's peers; the Fourth Amendment

Should Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) be considered in the Research Paper

Should Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) be considered in the rating of Wall Street companies - Research Paper Example This poses the question whether CSR should be considered in rating of Wall Street companies. In this paper, CSR is discussed in cases for and against inclusion in Wall Street company ratings. Approaches to CSR, research and trends are also examined. The author argues that CSR is important and should be considered side by side the companies’ ratings so that stakeholders get a clearer picture about the companies’ operations in the society they work with. The author proposes a simple, qualitative rating scale as a starting point for something as universal as CSR for inclusion in rating Wall Street Companies. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is an ethical belief and practice that companies, just like individuals, are responsibilities as good stewards of the society in which they do business with (Wood, 1991). Corporations have an obligation to act in ways that will benefit or sustain society and that their responsibility is not lim ited to their profit. In the last decade, we have seen movements gather momentum requesting for more corporate social responsibilities in ethical practices, for the environment, the working conditions of employees, for the local communities, and towards all stakeholders from suppliers to post-consumption of products. CSR is soon to be integrated with the human resources, business development, operations, and relations (Barnea and Rubin, 2010). This paper will examine the two companies rated by Wall Street: Goldman Sachs and British Petroleum (BP), which very recently have been involved in practices that did not do well to the society in which they do business with. An attempt will be made to see if CSR should be considered in their ratings. In the year 2010, each of the three major credit rating agencies - Moody’s Investor Services, Standard & Poor's and Fitch Ratings - rated both of these companies mainly on their credit worthiness. In the same year, Fortune Magazine also na med them as two of the world’s most admired companies. The question then is whether these companies should be rated solely on scales that show their credit-worthiness or should these ratings also include a dimension that will show how well a company performing in the society in general. British Petroleum (BP) In April 2010, an explosion occurred on BP's oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico. The Coast Guard reported that 11 people were killed, 17 other others injured and about 4.9 million barrels of oil released to the Gulf of Mexico affecting Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and Florida. The oil spill caused extensive environmental damage to the sea and wildlife creatures in the Gulf of Mexico. It also damaged the fishing and tourism industries. The US Government held BP accountable for the damages. BP officials committed to shoulder all cleanup costs and other damages. In addition, the company is also being investigated for alleged unsafe practices which caused the occurrence on the rig leading to the explosion. An internal probe made BP admit to mistakes that led to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. In 2010, Moody’s rated BP’s senior unsecured ratings as an Aa2 from Aa1. Fitch Ratings rated BP’s long-term issuer default rating and senior unsecured rating as an AA from AA+. Reuters also reported in June 2010 that Standard and