Free Essays on Catch 22 And Bureacratic Ritualism

Joseph Heller’s novel, â€Å"Catch-22† has many different examples of sociological problems and behaviors. More specifically there are numerous examples of bureaucratic ritualism in â€Å"Catch-22.† Bureaucratic ritualism occurs when workers conform to rules and procedures to such a degree that they become more important than the goals. People become so focused on the rules they are supposed to follow that what the rules are supposed to accomplish or solve take a backseat to following the rules perfectly. I will focus on examples of bureaucratic ritualism in which rules are followed or implemented in such a manner that they become counter active or in conflicting position of the original intent of the rule or procedure. The first example is when Captain Black’s tent was used for educational intelligence meetings. On page 44, at the end of every meeting there would be a question and answer session. After one meeting there was a number of strange questions that had no answers. Group headquarters did not like the asking of these strange and unusual questions so they implemented a rule that only those who never asked questions could now ask questions. By implementing this rule they have now counter acted the point of the question and answer session. The following of bureaucratic rules has now eliminated the question and answer session and then finally the meetings altogether because no one is allowed to ask questions unless they don’t ask any and those who asked questions were the only ones who attended in the first place. The goal of the meetings to inform the men by answering their questions has been forgotten for the following of the new rule. The second example, on page 147 illustrates the dwindling importance of goals in a bureaucracy when an over emphasis is put on following the rules. Yossarian is reprimanded for going over a target a second time. According to procedure they are only to fly over a target one time. Yossarian... Free Essays on Catch 22 And Bureacratic Ritualism Free Essays on Catch 22 And Bureacratic Ritualism Joseph Heller’s novel, â€Å"Catch-22† has many different examples of sociological problems and behaviors. More specifically there are numerous examples of bureaucratic ritualism in â€Å"Catch-22.† Bureaucratic ritualism occurs when workers conform to rules and procedures to such a degree that they become more important than the goals. People become so focused on the rules they are supposed to follow that what the rules are supposed to accomplish or solve take a backseat to following the rules perfectly. I will focus on examples of bureaucratic ritualism in which rules are followed or implemented in such a manner that they become counter active or in conflicting position of the original intent of the rule or procedure. The first example is when Captain Black’s tent was used for educational intelligence meetings. On page 44, at the end of every meeting there would be a question and answer session. After one meeting there was a number of strange questions that had no answers. Group headquarters did not like the asking of these strange and unusual questions so they implemented a rule that only those who never asked questions could now ask questions. By implementing this rule they have now counter acted the point of the question and answer session. The following of bureaucratic rules has now eliminated the question and answer session and then finally the meetings altogether because no one is allowed to ask questions unless they don’t ask any and those who asked questions were the only ones who attended in the first place. The goal of the meetings to inform the men by answering their questions has been forgotten for the following of the new rule. The second example, on page 147 illustrates the dwindling importance of goals in a bureaucracy when an over emphasis is put on following the rules. Yossarian is reprimanded for going over a target a second time. According to procedure they are only to fly over a target one time. Yossarian...

Biography of Hubert Humphrey, the Happy Warrior

Biography of Hubert Humphrey, the Happy Warrior Hubert Humphrey (born Hubert Horatio Humphrey Jr.; May 27, 1911–January 13, 1978) was a Democratic politician from Minnesota and the Vice President under Lyndon B. Johnson. His relentless push for civil rights and social justice made him one of the most prominent and effective leaders in the U.S. Senate in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. However, his shifting position on the Vietnam War as Vice President changed his political fortunes, and his support for the war ultimately played a role in his loss of the 1968 presidential election to Richard Nixon. Fast Facts: Hubert Humphrey Known For: Vice President to President Lyndon B. Johnson, five-term senator, and a Democratic candidate in the 1968 presidential electionBorn: May 27, 1911 in Wallace, South DakotaDied: Jan. 13, 1978 in Waverly, MinnesotaEducation: Capitol College of Pharmacy (pharmacists license); University of Minnesota (B.A., political science); Louisiana State University (M.A., political science)Key Accomplishments: His role in the passage of the Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty of 1963 and the Civil Rights Act of 1964Spouse: Muriel Fay Buck HumphreyChildren: Hubert H. III, Douglas, Robert, Nancy Early Years Born in 1911 in Wallace, South Dakota, Humphrey grew up during the Midwests great agricultural depression of the 1920s and 1930s. According to Humphreys Senate biography, the Humphrey family lost its home and business in the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression. Humphrey briefly studied at the University of Minnesota, but soon moved to the Capitol College of Pharmacy to receive his pharmacists license in order to help his father, who ran a drugstore. After a few years as a pharmacist, Humphrey returned to the University of Minnesota to earn his bachelors degree in political science, then went on to Louisiana State University for his masters. What he saw there inspired his first run for elected office. From Mayor to the U.S. Senate Humphrey took up the cause of civil rights after witnessing what he described as the â€Å"deplorable daily indignities† suffered by African Americans in the South. After graduating with his masters degree in Louisiana, Humphrey returned to Minneapolis and ran for mayor, winning on his second try. Among his most notable accomplishments after taking office in 1945 was the creation of the nations first human relations panel, called the Municipal Fair Employment Practices Commission, to crack down on discrimination in hiring. Humphrey served one four-year term as mayor and was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1948. It was that year, too, that he pushed delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia to adopt a strong platform plank on civil rights, a move that alienated Southern Democrats and cast doubt on Harry Trumans chances of winning the presidency. Humphreys brief speech on the floor of the convention, which led to the overwhelming passage of the plank, set the party on a path to establish civil rights laws nearly two decades later: To those who say that we are rushing this issue of civil rights, I say to them we are 172 years late. To those who say that this civil-rights program is an infringement on states’ rights, I say this: The time has arrived in America for the Democratic Party to get out of the shadow of states rights and to walk forthrightly into the bright sunshine of human rights. The partys platform on civil rights was as follows: â€Å"We call upon Congress to support our President in guaranteeing these basic and fundamental rights: 1) the right of full and equal political participation; 2) the right to equal opportunity of employment; 3) the right of security of person; and 4) the right of equal treatment in the service and defense of our nation.† From U.S. Senate to Loyal Vice President Humphrey forged an unlikely bond in the U.S. Senate with Lyndon B. Johnson, and in 1964 accepted a role as his running mate in the presidential election. In doing so, Humphrey also vowed his unswerving loyalty to Johnson on all issues, from civil rights to the Vietnam War. Humphrey relinquished many of his most deeply held convictions, becoming what many critics called Johnsons puppet. For example, at Johnsons request, Humphrey asked civil rights activists to back down at the 1964 Democratic National Convention. And despite his deep reservations about the Vietnam War, Humphrey became Johnsons chief spear carrier for the conflict, a move that alienated liberal supporters and activists who protested U.S. involvement. 1968 Presidential Campaign Humphrey became the Democratic Partys accidental presidential nominee in 1968 when Johnson announced he would not seek re-election and another presumptive front-runner for the nomination, Robert Kennedy, was assassinated after winning the California primary in June of that year. Humphrey defeated two war opponents- U.S. Senators Eugene McCarthy of Minnesota and George McGovern of South Dakota- at the tumultuous Democratic National Convention in Chicago that year and chose U.S. Senator Edmund Muskie of Maine as his running-mate. Humphreys campaign against Republican presidential nominee Richard M. Nixon was underfunded and disorganized, however, because of the candidates late start. (Most White House aspirants begin building an organization at least two years before Election Day.) Humphreys campaign really suffered, though, because of his support for the Vietnam War when Americans, particularly liberal voters, were growing skeptical of the conflict. The Democratic nominee reversed course before election day, calling a halt to bombing in September of the election year after facing accusations of baby-killer on the campaign trail. Nonetheless, voters viewed a Humphrey presidency as a continuation of the war, and chose instead Nixons promise of an â€Å"an honorable end to the war in Vietnam.† Nixon won the presidential election with 301 of the 538 electoral votes. Humphrey had run unsuccessfully for the Democratic Partys presidential nomination twice before, once in 1952 and once in 1960. In 1952, Illinois Governor Adlai Stevenson won the nomination. Eight years later, U.S. Senator John F. Kennedy won the nomination. Humphrey also sought the nomination in 1972, but the party chose McGovern. Later Life After losing the presidential election, Humphrey returned to private life teaching political science at Macalester College and the University of Minnesota, though his academic career was short-lived. â€Å"The pull of Washington, the need I suppose, to resurrect my career and previous reputation were too great,† he said. Humphrey won re-election to the U.S. Senate in the 1970 elections. He served until his death from cancer in January 13, 1978. When Humphrey died, his wife, Muriel Fay Buck Humphrey, filled his seat in the Senate, becoming only the 12th woman to serve in the upper chamber of Congress. Legacy Humphreys legacy is a complicated one. He is credited with setting members of Democratic Party on a path to passing the Civil Rights Act in 1964 by championing the causes of social justice for minorities in speeches and rallies over the span of nearly two decades. Humphreys colleagues nicknamed him the happy warrior because of his indefatigable optimism and spirited defense of the weakest members of society. However, he is also known for acquiescing to Johnsons will during the 1964 election, essentially compromising his own long-held convictions. Notable Quotes We have made progress. Weve made great progress in every part of this country. We’ve made great progress in the South; we’ve made it in the West, in the North, and in the East. But we must now focus the direction of that progress towards the realization of a full program of civil rights to all.â€Å"To err is human. To blame someone else is politics.†Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"The moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; and those who are in shadows of life, the sick, the needy, and the handicapped.† Sources â€Å"Hubert H. Humphrey, 38th Vice President (1965-1969).†Ã‚  U.S. Senate: Select Committee on Presidential Campaign Activities, Historical Office of the U.S. Senate, 12 Jan. 2017.Brenes, Michael. â€Å"The Tragedy of Hubert Humphrey.†Ã‚  The New York Times, The New York Times, 24 Mar. 2018.Nathanson, Iric. â€Å"The Final Chapter: Hubert Humphrey Returns to Public Life.†Ã‚  MinnPost, 26 May 2011.Traub, James. â€Å"The Party of Hubert Humphrey.†Ã‚  The Atlantic, Atlantic Media Company, 8 Apr. 2018.

Managing Group and Teams Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Managing Group and Teams - Essay Example Presently, organizations depend immensely on teamwork, hence the need for all employees to possess effective communication skills. Coevolutionary gaming is a scenario process developed by Jim Miskel and Jeff Cares in their article â€Å"Take Your Third Move First†. Coevolutionary gaming has revolutionized the way organizations consider aspects such as teamwork and decision making, both in issues that affect the organization internally and externally. This paper will examine coevolutionary gaming, discussing how the strategy enhances proper decision making, particularly within a group situation such as an organization or department in an organization. The paper will also describe the fundamental limitation of the coevolutionary gaming and the way through which this limitation can be resolved. Miskel and Cares’ article builds on the conception that planning, as well as resultant decision making should never be done within a vacuum. This means that it is not sufficient to just consider the present facts, as well as historical information and data in order to arrive at decisions or plans (Evans, 2012). The coevolutionary gaming also argues that it is unfeasible to presume that those who will be impacted by such planning or decision making, for instance, competitors will simply accept the decisions and not institute some form of counter action. Plans, as well as decisions, made within a vacuum process can be characterized as shortsighted at best. This is primarily because these decisions and plans typically do not take into consideration other factors such as the implications of counter plans and actions, which could be instituted by parties affected by the decision or plan. A decision made on the basis of existing data could turn out to be worse than simply sustaining the status quo, particularly if reactionary actions are taken into consideration (Branke & Rosenbusch, 2008). For instance, the decision of a newcomer to a market to implement robust price reductions so as to capture massive market share can be considered as detrimental in a coevolutional milieu (Axelrod & Hamilton, 1981). On the basis of existing data, this decision appears quite simplistic; however, the choice is erroneous since it wrongly presumes that the market leaders will do nothing in retaliation against the extremely low prices of the newcomer. What such existing data fails to show is that the market leaders are better equipped to retaliate in the event of a price war than the newcomer because of their robust, incumbent market volumes, which provide them the economies of scale needed to make long term decisions such as cutting prices (Ficici, 2004). Consequently, the market leaders can fight aggressively to the point where they bring their prices below the newcomer’ s point of breakeven, which is often higher, until the newcomer collapses since its sales will be incapable of supporting its overall operations (Thompson, 1994). Simply put, this means that if the decision made by the newcomer is not based on coevolutionary gaming, it could prove more fatal for the company than, for instance, identifying a geographic market niche where it can build its brand. Coevolutionary gaming is an essential tool in decision making, particularly within groups when the risk factors, as well as uncertainty levels are extremely high. This is the fundamental reason why Cares and Miskel poised that the process of coevolutionary gaming lends itself particularly well to all decision making endeavors, regardless of the business, from the Department of Defense to the

How significant are maritime issues in the Indian Ocean in terms of Essay

How significant are maritime issues in the Indian Ocean in terms of overall global security and stability - Essay Example The Ocean is bounded by three landmasses and ranks as the world third largest ocean or water body. The Indian Ocean is a discrete geographical entity and surrounded by long-standing disagreements (Institute for Security Studies 2012). The Indian Ocean region comprises of the following nations in Africa: South Africa, Mozambique, Tanzania, Kenya, Somalia, Djibouti, Eritrea, Sudan, and Egypt (Institute for Security Studies 2012). The Middle East countries include Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, and the United Arabs Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Iran. The South Asian nations include Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka (Institute for Security Studies 2012). Additionally, the South East Asia countries include Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Burma, and Thailand (Institute for Security Studies 2012). Lastly, the Island states include Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles, Reunion (France), Mayotte (France), Comoros, Maldives, and British Indian Ocean Territory (Institute for Security Studies 2012). The economic viability of Indian Ocean stems from its choke points. They serve as major trade routes for global oil transportation, and their disruption can cause delays in delivery of goods and services all over the world. Some of the importance choke points are discussed in subsequent paragraphs. Strait of Hormuz: This choke point is located between Oman and Iran and connects the Persian Gulf to Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea (Kopp 2012). It is considered as the global choke point because of the daily flow of oil to about 17 million barrels as at 2011 (Kopp 2012). The flow through this choke point stood at 35% of all seaborne trade, which was equivalent to 20% of worldwide oil purchased in 2011. Most of the crude oil exports went to Asian markets such as Japan, India, South Korea, and China. The chokepoint is also important to Qatar because it exports approximately two trillion cubic feet of liquefied natural gas each year, accounting for about

Further Financial Analysis Of Easton Town, Massachusetts Essay Example for Free

Further Financial Analysis Of Easton Town, Massachusetts Essay 1. Financial Analysis of Easton Town, Massachusetts In this assignment we will further examine the financial health of Easton Town, Massachusetts by computing a number of accounting rations on the financial figures portrayed in the annual report of 2006.   A horizontal analysis will also be conducted on certain key financial variables of the town, by considering the increase or decrease occurring from 2005 to 2006.   This financial analysis will be classified on three main factors, being profitability, liquidity and stability. 1.1 Financial Performance of Easton Town, Massachusetts A weak financial performance of Easton Town Massachusetts is noted from the profitability ratios performed in latter section of this assignment.    The interperiod equity figure of 0.98 times reveals that the total revenue of the town is not capable to cover by one time the operating expenses incurred.   In this respect, a deficiency of revenue over expenditure is taking place.   This point is further substantiated by the net income margin of –2.16%.   This implies that a loss of $2.16 is made up from every $100 of sales.   This is a substantially high loss for Easton Town. A loss is normally either the result of lack of revenue or excessive costs incurred in the day-to-day operations of the town.   The revenue dispersion ratio performed in section 1.4 shows that the two main revenue-generating activities of the town are Property Taxes and Intergovernmental State Revenue.   Both of them account for 84.99% of the total revenue of Easton Town.   If one considers the property taxes per capita, as we did in the latter section of this assignment, a ratio of 136.64% is attained.   This high ratio implies that substantial revenue is generated from property taxes in line with the population of Easton Town.   In this respect, the preposition of lack of revenue leading to losses diminishes on such facet. Expenditure is considerably high for Easton Town.   Cutting down costs is not an easy task especially for a non-profit making entity like Easton Town.   Personnel reductions could be performed in order to limit costs.   However, severe disadvantages would be derived from such policy, such as increased crime, deteriorating infrastructure of roads and decline in the standard of living.   Such factors would infringe the main objective of the Town, which entails providing a good overall service to the town and enhance their standard of living.   In this respect concessions should be placed on such profitability aspect. A solution that could be adopted for this expenditure issue is to try to improve the efficiency of the utilization of the town’s resources.   Presently such efficiency stands at 29.76%.   Through the adoption of scientific management, such efficiency can be improved by optimally changing the present operational procedures. 1.2 Financial Position of Easton Town, Massachusetts A sound liquidity position is noted for Easton Town from the ratios determined.   The ability of the current assets of the town to cover its outstanding short-term debts is by one and a half.   This is a good working capital feature.   Further more, the capability of cash and cash equivalents to handle the current liabilities is significantly material standing at 70.87%.   This further sheds light on a good management of working. In spite of such positive factors, through the horizontal analysis conducted, a decrease in cash and cash equivalents of $124,336 was noted.   This particularly stems from a reduction in trust funds and scholarship funds.   For instance, the high conservative funds payments, which are drastically exceeding the annual receipts is contributing to such decrease in trust funds.   Attention should be thus placed on such facet to ensure that cash flow problems are prevented. 1.3 Financial Stability of Easton Town, Massachusetts The gearing ratio computed in the proceeding section reveals that Easton Town is a high-geared company.   High gearing means that debt is in a higher proportion than equity capital.   The greater the debt, the more the financial commitments necessary to meet such debt obligations, like interest payments.   The horizontal analysis conducted revealed that the long-term debt diminished from 2005 to 2006 by $2,128,480 and thus further reduced such financial commitments.   The payments of long-term debts are another factor that contributed to the decline in cash and cash equivalents.   However, the short-term debt increased by $2,411,000, which is higher than the decrease in long-term debt.   Such movement also corresponds with the significant debt to total assets determined.   This increasing figure is yet mitigated by the good current ratio noted in the previous section. 1.4 Concluding Remark – Financial Health of Easton Town, Massachusetts Even though there is a deteriorating profitability, the sound liquidity is mitigating such factor.   The increasing total debt portion is also being stabilized by decreasing long-term debts and increasing short-term debts.   As already noted, the good financial position can sustain an increase in current liabilities. We can therefore conclude that a good financial health is portrayed for Easton Town, Massachusetts for the financial year ended 2006.

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STATEMENT OF PURPOSE Akhil Lohchab Growing up in the late 90’s, I witnessed computers revolutionize India – we had cellphones and personal computers and the internet transforming our lives - and like most other kids, I was fascinated by them. It wasn’t until I took course on QBasic in 8th grade, however, that I really took a liking to computer programming. The idea of computer ‘languages’ seemed almost magical to me. Over the years, that proclivity for programming grew into a passion and led me to take more programming electives in higher grades. I also took the initiative to set up a student-run Computer Club in my high school and host our first annual Computer Symposium. My upbringing in Delhi also made me aware of the gaping inequalities of wealth distribution in our society and as my interest in Computer Science deepened, it only reinforced my belief that lean-technologies can help governments of developing countries in bringing their policies to the altar of execution more effici ently. It is that passion which has grown over the years into a single-minded pursuit of Computer Science as a serious academic career, and led me to pursue a B.Tech in Information Technology at Delhi Technological University (DTU; formerly Delhi College of Engineering), one of the premier institutions in the country. I aspire to attain a doctorate in the areas of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Natural Language Processing (NLP). I believe Berkeley’s MS in Computer Science will help me expand both the breadth and depth of my knowledge in these areas and allow me to identify a specialization for a subsequent doctoral degree. My undergraduate degree at DTU has laid the groundwork for me through a well-designed curriculum that has helped me develop... ...Documents’ particularly interesting. I would also relish the opportunity to contribute to the AI research project on ‘Child Question Answering Software’. Berkeley offers me the unique proposition of not only being able to gain expertise and depth of knowledge in my fields of interest, but the chance to interact with a highly motivated and talented cohort of students that would help me grow as an individual. Pursuant to my doctoral research, I envision myself as an academic preferably teaching in the field of natural language processing. A MS in Computer Science from Berkeley will equip me with the proficiency and gravitas required to embark on my journey to become a Professor. I believe that my undergraduate research work makes me uniquely poised to pursue a graduate program and I am confident that I can be a valuable addition to the graduate community at Berkeley.

Film Analysis: the Boy in the Striped Pyjamas Essay

In the movie, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, the holocaust which happened in history was clearly depicted. It was shown in the film how the Jews were poorly treated by the Nazis at that time. Hence, here are some instances in the film where prejudice, bias, discrimination and ethnocentrism were depicted. First is prejudice—Merriam-Webster describes prejudice as an injury or damage resulting from some judgment or action of another in disregard of one’s rights. Prejudice was most evident in the ending scene where the Jews from the concentration camp were put inside a large gas chamber, and they were made to believe that they were just going to take a bath, but the truth is they are to face their death. Also, the fact that they were confined inside a concentration camp was already a huge example of prejudice since this has taken away their freedom. Bias, on the other hand, is a personal and unreasoned judgment. This was shown in the part where Schmuel was in the house of Bruno doing some work. He was given food by Bruno, but they were caught by a Nazi soldier. Schmuel was trying to defend himself by telling the truth, but the Nazi soldier still believed Bruno’s lies just because Schmuel was a Jew. Next is discrimination which is having a prejudiced or prejudicial outlook, action or treatment towards others. In the film, when Bruno and his family transferred to Auschwitz, there was an old Jew who were like their house help. He received discrimination since he was treated as if he had a contagious disease—the children were not allowed to interact with him. Also, Bruno’s dad constantly reminded him that he cannot go out of the confines of their home, especially to the â€Å"farm† Bruno saw from his window. This restriction was discriminating because it showed how the Nazis shied away from the Jews. Lastly, ethnocentrism is characterized by or based on the attitude that one’s own group is superior. Hence, it can be deduced that the film centered on ethnocentrism which existed at that time when the German Nazis believed that they are superior to the Jews, thus giving them the right to put the Jews to near extinction. This ethnocentrism gave rise to the holocaust which was the main story of the film.