Adaptive Value Of Homosexual Behavior Sociology Essay

Adaptive Value Of Homosexual Behavior Sociology Essay Studies into the evolution of humans and essentially any organism in the world clearly prove that the concepts and tenets of Evolutionary Theory are much more complicated than the common, simple idea of survival of the fittest. The subject of homosexuality is no different in this distinction; even into modern society, human behavior has been in heated debate to uncover whether it is more a result of heredity or environmental factors. Homosexuality as a biological concept and the definition I will be using refers to same-sex sexual behavior between members of the same gender. Understanding Evolution, and natural selection as an extension of it, will help to clarify and comprehend how homosexuality fits into this framework of ideas. Modern evolutionary theory incorporates both Charles Darwins observation that there is heritable variability in traits and that variants best suited to an environment are more likely to be passes on (natural selection) as well as Gregor Mendels work on how that variation is inherited to further generations. Most importantly natural selection acts on phenotypes which are observable and often measurable expressions of a trait (Stinson, Bogin and ORourke 824). Phenotypes are not purely a result of genes; they also include (most importantly) the influence and interaction with the environment. When individuals have a phenotype that is advantageous in an environment, often this results in an adaptation where their genes are most likely to survive and they are able to reproduce to contribute alleles to the next generation (Stinson, Bogin and ORourke 7). Behaviors, as we are seeing with the increasingly developing field of Sociobiology, are often a result of both biological and social components. As clinical psychologist Frank Muscarella points out when behaviors commonly exhibited by humans can be expected to have contributed to survival and reproduction in the evolutionary past those genes that influence the behavior will spread (Muscarella , Fink and Grammer 394). In regards to homosexuality, and male homosexuality specifically, this behavior fits well into this model because there is increasing evidence that there are both genetic and social aspects that predispose individuals to homosexual behavior. A common misconception about homosexual behavior is that it is both a rare occurrence and it is inherently deleterious because same-sex sexual acts do not result in offspring; yet the commonality of homosexual behavior in itself indicates that there is an evolutionary factor selecting for it. In reality homosexual behavior is and can be seen in countless species in the world. Biologist Bruce Bagemihl in his compilation of studies on animal homosexuality shows that homosexual behavior occurs in more than 450 different kinds of animals worldwide, and is found in every major geographic region and every major animal group (Bagemihl 12). Similarly biodiversity specialist R.C. Kirkpatrick in his research cataloged the geographical distribution of forms of homosexual behavior in a variety of human populations around the world (Kirkpatrick 387). So it is safe to presume that there are other factors that play into the adaptation of homosexual behavior, some may have more of a physical evolutionary basis, while others more related to social evolutionary mechanisms but many theories have become potential explanations of this seemingly paradox of evolution that occurs quite often within and between species. The important distinction is that homosexuality, like many traits, isnt attributed to one model or theory. Multiple theories attempt to help to explain how a behavior attributed to something as seemingly ironic as nonreproductive sex contributes to an adaptive advantage in human evolution. One of the first and oldest hypotheses revolves around the theory of kin selection where selection is made for increasing inclusive fitness by increasing the reproductive fitness of kin (since parents and siblings share fifty percent of their genetic material). Another similar theory revolves around the ideas of reciprocal altruism and an adaptive advantage of homosocial behavior. Lastly, a more recent theory proposes a more physical genetic basis revolving around sexual antagonism, the theory being that the same genes that promote homosocial behavior in males is beneficial to the reproductive potential of relatives. II) Kin selection Theory Kin selection theory operates on the assumption that there is some genetic basis for homosexuality and genes for it are maintained in a population by homosexuals increasing their inclusive fitness by contributing to the reproductive success of relatives, in theory these kin would then have a better chance of reproducing and of carrying foreword genes common to both the homosexual and his kin (McKnight 129). Unfortunately I believe lack of data has led to this hypothesis being prematurely discredited by many researchers. On the other hand inconsistencies and the lack of data as Ive seen is more due to the types on environments the studies are being done in. A study on the role of homosexuality in males using data from London residents found that there were no significant differences between heterosexual and homosexual men in general familial affinity, generous feelings (willingness to provide financial and emotional resources), and benevolent tendencies (Rahman and Hull 462). However modern western and industrial societies are vastly different than the historical environments where much of human evolution has taken place. Taking into account the length of time we can track homosexual behavior has persisted, its most likely that this adaptation is a result of a specific type of environment and cultures that are more representative of ancestral environments will likely give us a better case study. A great case study by evolutionary psychologists Paul Vasey and Doug VanderLaan also tested this theory Samoan Pacific Islanders; within Samoan culture there is a gender category of men called faafafine that tend to be exclusively attracted to other adult men, an excellent parallel to exclusive homosexual behavior (Association for Psychological Science). They found that the faafafine are much more altruistically inclined toward their nieces and nephews than either Samoan women or heterosexual men (Association for Psychological Science). On the surface it doesnt seem like kin selection alone is enough to offset the costs of forgoing direct reproduction, yet more and more data is becoming evident that a combination of biological and social mechanisms may contribute to offset these costs. Again specialist Kirkpatrick helps us understand the forces that may be at work; kin selection operates on three basic assumptions (1) that homosexual behavior reduces individual reproductive success, (2) that lineages with homosexuals have greater reproductive success than lineages without, and (3) that homosexual behavior is typically seen in individuals of low reproductive potential (Kirkpatrick 391). The third observation that this behavior is seen in individuals with low reproductive potential is an important aspect of our next theory. III) Reciprocal Altruism and Homosocial Behavior Altruistic behavior is essentially any behavior of an individual that benefits another unrelated individual at a cost to its own reproductive fitness. As an extension of this, reciprocal altruism assumes that this cost is offset by the likelihood of the return benefit (Trivers 35). Applied with research on homosexual behavior there is strong evidence that this type of behavior is an evolutionary benefit for social relationships and is closely linked with survival. This theory has become known as the Alliance Theory and supposes that same-sex sexual behavior may have reinforced same-sex alliances, which contributed directly to survival and indirectly to reproduction (Muscarella, Cevallos and Siler-Knogl 771). An important and vital aspect of this theory is to recognize that homosexual behavior does not discount the occurrence of heterosexual behavior. In fact as Muscarella points out individuals in many species including humans both heteroerotic and homoerotic behavior have been impor tant social aspects for most of our evolutionary history (Muscarella, The Evolution of Homoerotic Behavior in Humans 53). Same-sex sexual behavior in humans likely contributed to survival by reinforcing social alliances; by forming social ties, overall survival of members would be directly increased as well as lower status individuals increasing their reproductive fitness by gaining access to mates through a higher ranked member. Average reproductive success increases by adapting to include a moderate level of homosexual behavior (Kirkpatrick 389). This type of relationship can be seen in both chimpanzees and gorillas where lower status males that form same-sex alliances with higher status males both increase their survival potential and in many cases increase reproductive potential due to the higher status male allowing reproduction with female members ( (Muscarella, The Evolution of Homoerotic Behavior in Humans 61); (Kirkpatrick 397)). Its likely that genes predisposing behaviors for altruistic behavior, which are a clear adaptive advantage especially in complex social species, are at least to a certain extent the same genes that influence homosexual behavior. IV) Antagonistic Pleiotropy Genetics in particular are a complicated study because in many cases genes have multiple effects, these can be based on stages of life and even have separate effects regarding different sexes of the same species. Regarding antagonistic pleiotropy, being the concept that a beneficial effect to one group can have detrimental effects in another, there are two situations that revolve around the same concept. In the first theory it assumes that there is some reproductive advantage to having homosexual alleles in heterosexual or bisexual men, while at some point this becomes a disadvantage as reproductive potential passes the peak level. Likely this advantage relates to an immediate reproductive advantage by directly enhancing sex drive or some other aspect of sexual performance (McKnight 76). This creates a great environment for case studies and twin studies in particular are excellent to examine whether this is a plausible explanation. In a twin study carried out on a large number of par ticipants heterosexuals with a non-heterosexual twin tended to have more opposite-sex partners than do heterosexual twin pairs indicating that genes responsible for homosexual predispositions likely have a reproductive benefit in heterosexuals (Zietsch, Morley and Shekar 424). Similarly, the next situation proposes that the same genes responsible for homosexual behavior in men are also responsible for higher fecundity in female relatives. Using pedigree demographics comparing both the maternal and paternal line of 98 homosexual and 100 heterosexual men and their relatives, evolutionary psychologist Andrea Camperio-Ciani found that female maternal relatives of homosexuals have higher fecundity than female maternal relatives of heterosexuals and that this difference is not found in female paternal relatives (Ciani, Francesca and Capiluppi, Evidence for Maternally Inherited Factors Favouring Male Homosexuality and Promoting Female Fecundity 2217). This along with a second study that fo und this trend in even first time mothers supports the theory of homosexuality as antagonistic selection where the same genes selected for higher fecundity in females promote homosexual behavior in males (Iemmola and Camperio-Ciani 393). V) Conclusions Its obvious that the evolution of male homosexuality as an adaptation has many facets, understandably its just as complicated as any human social behavior, but we are gaining ground on understanding the genetic and social implications of behavior and how evolution has shaped these in humans. Overall however its becoming more a more evident that the survival of a human predisposition for homosexuality can be explained by sexual orientation being a trait that is influenced by a number of pleitropic genes (Miller 45). For this reason a singular theory is highly unlikely to be sufficient to explain something as complex as homosexuality; multiple theories then likely contribute to the overall model. A gene for altruism, and as an extension homosexuality, likely plays a very important role in Kin selection theory; and it is also probable that sexual antagonism helps offset the cost of non reproductive behavior. No one theory will be sufficient, but with the combined perspectives and resear ch of genetics, sociobiology, psychology and other disciplines the adaptive benefit of this behavior will become more understandable.

Euthanasia Ends Suffering Essay -- Euthanasia Physician Assisted Suic

Euthanasia Ends Suffering      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Death is deeply personal, generally feared, and wholly inescapable, but medical technology now can prolong our biological existence virtually indefinitely, and, with these advances, comes the question of whether we should pursue the extension of life in all cases.   Most people would agree that, under certain circumstances, it would be preferable to cease our hold on life.   Nearly everyone can agree that there are situations when terminally ill patients have the right to call for a halt to life-extending treatments, and that their physicians will have the moral obligation to comply.   What appears to be quite difficult for us as a society to come to terms with is the thought that someone would actively intervene in the "natural" process of the death of another human being.   Why is it tolerable, even desirable, to intervene (with decidedly unnatural technology) in the "natural" process of death when it results in extending life, but intolerable and morally abhorrent when we act to speed the patient to his or her unavoidable death?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Certain members of society see active euthanasia as "killing," where passive euthanasia is viewed in the more favorable light of "letting one die".   My question is this: how are the two morally different?   Examine the following case:      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Perry L. was a nineteen-year-old who played in a local band, loved the outdoors, and planned to become a doctor.   One night in 1989 while driving a skidoo he ran headlong into a tree.   Perry no longer has any cognitive abilities, he does not recognize anyone that he once knew, he cannot communicate in any way, and he has no meaningful control over his body or its functions.   Perry will never recove... ... Brody, Baruch. Life And Death Decision Making. New York: Oxford University Press, 1988. Chapman, Carleton. Physicians,Law,& Ethics. New York: New York University Press, 1984. Friedman, Emily. Ethics Issues For Health Care Professionals. Baskerville: American Hospital Publishing, 1986. Gay-Williams, J. "The Wrongfulness of Euthanasia", Social Ethics: Moral and Social Policy, McGraw-Hill, 1982. 48-52 Low, Charlotte. Euthanasia - Opposing Viewpoints. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 1989. Maguire, Daniel. Death By Choice. Garden City: Doubleday & Company, 1984. Rachels, J. "Active and Passive Euthanasia", Social Ethics: Moral and Social Policy, McGraw-Hill, 1982. 52-56 Reich, Warren. Quality Of Life. New York: Paulist Press, 1990. Rothenberg, M. & Chapman, C. Barron's Medical Guide Second Edition, Barron's Educational Series', 1989

Case Stu

dyCASE STUDY Case 1: Haier in India: building presence in mass market beyond China 1. Why did Haier enter India? What did it plan to achieve in this new market? At First, Haier started as a small refrigerator factory in China. Zhang Ruimin put great emphasis on product quality, so he never tolerated any faulty refrigerators. By creating products under the value of quality awareness, Haier became the world’s biggest appliance seller by retail volume. In 1990s, Haier marched into global markets and used internationalization strategy.Haier made a great effort to break the bias that â€Å"made-in-China† products are of low quality. As Haier achieved success in the US and Europe by creating high quality brand image, it widened its scope more and more. At the time of 1980s, India was not a good target market for Haier to approach because the Indian government was acting very defensive to foreign companies. However in 1991, as India experienced payment crisis, the country had to liberalize and open up the market to foreign investments. As China encouraged companies to go overseas by subsidizing by policy banks’ loans, Haier decided to enter the Indian market.China chose Indian market as a target because India had the world’s second most populated economy and was experiencing rapid economic growth. The growth rate was similar to the one seen when Haier first achieved success in china. Also, Haier could expect several advantages from Indian market such as rising disposable income, an expanding middle class, and a relatively low entry barrier in the white good market. Banerjee, Haier India’s president, noticed that as the company was already gaining power as a major player in global market, appropriate strategy and direction would give Haier huge opportunities in the expanding market of India.Banerjee made specific targets for the company – to garner 20% of India’s white goods market in five years and to become one of the top three industries in seven years. Also he wanted to build an integrated manufacturing facility. The background of entry to Indian market was quite attractive. India’s white goods market, where Haier wanted to penetrate and achieve in top rank, was a growing piece of pie. From the materials offered in the case, [EXHIBIT 3], the home appliance sector was growing between 11% and 14% annually and Consumer Electronics sector was growing from 11% to even 30% in 2003.Economic growth brought increase of household income and middle-class. This is a positive situation for Haier because there would be more double-income and nuclear families which means more demand for house appliances. As Haier was already a global brand, it tried to expand its market more widely. As a result, India seemed to be suitable because its gross population was huge, and India was a developing country where more people would demand appliance as time goes by. Haier regarded India as a chance to generate dispo sable income for electronics purchases.With anticipation of the high market demand, Haier had plans for new plants, new production lines, capacity expansions, and even Greenfield investments. 2. Evaluate Haier’s entry strategy in India. What was and was not working? Why? Although many Chinese companies choose to first enter developing countries and then later more developed countries, Haier approached in an opposite way. So at the time when Haier entered Indian market, the company already had experience in high-end markets in the US and Europe.Because US and Europe market is mature market and competition is more fierce, Haier would have already known some strategies to appeal customers. Although Haier had experience and sources to attract customers, the entry strategies used in India were not all successful. Their production anticipation turned out to be too hasty. On the other hand, image setting strategy was quite successful because their global branding strategy made India n people believe Haier as a high quality brand, not many knowing Haier as a Chinese brand.The price strategy that Haier first adopted was a premium price strategy, which seemed to be appropriate when considering other giant brands such as LG or Samsung were adopting low pricing strategies. It could be a way to set the cost higher than major brands if entering company thinks price would not be a competitive factor in the market. One entry strategy that Haier and other company weren’t successful at first was the anticipation of high market demand in 2004. As Indian market was a growing market, companies expected the demand would rise significantly.As a result, they increased the production capacity. However, they were over-reacting to the market trend. Market demand could not catch up the production amount, so the refrigerator industry should have been overstocked. As an entry strategy, Haier adopted a global branding strategy in 2004. Before, Haier usually had an image as an e xport-based company, but Zhang wanted to create a name brand in the host market so that they could create an image as a global brand. In fact, Haier wanted to hide its â€Å"Made in China† image which implicates cheap and low-quality products.This branding exercise worked quite well, because people perceived the company as a Germany or the US brand. It seems that market positioning strategy adopted by Haier when entering the Indian market was quite tactical. Korean giants such as LG and Samsung took low pricing strategy, and Haier could have felt burdened to lower the price even lower than them. It is because if quality of Haier’s appliances turns out to be similar to those companies, and the price is similar or higher than them, not many customers would challenge to buy Haier’s.Nonetheless, Haier was confident because they already had experiences in Europe and the US market, and was quite well known as a global brand. As a result, instead of participating in a â€Å"price war† with other giant companies, Haier took premium price strategy in India. Haier rather decided to emphasize their quality in the market, which seemed to be the strategy of fighting in a â€Å"value war† The premium price strategy could be seen as both a success factor and failure factor. Overall, Haier succeeded to implant an image of global and premium brand in the Indian market.The perception of customers about Haier was homogeneous to what the company wanted their customers to have about them. However, image does not always make the company become successful. Haier showed quite disappointing revenue growth until 2009, which demonstrates that after all the company might not have won in the â€Å"value war†. Maybe the premium price strategy was not an option but an unavoidable plan, considering that giant brands were placed rigidly in the market already. 3. Discuss Haier’s localization model in India and other markets. Were they different? If so, why?As the [EXHIBIT 1] in the given material shows, Haier adopted different strategy models through timeline. In the early stage of the company, about 1984, Haier adopted Brandbuilding Strategy. The company itself was not settled yet so it had to build a brand image and notify to customers. Then from 1990, the company started to take diversification strategy. It is also the beginning of global strategy, when Haier started to export their products to the US and Germany. From 1998, Haier selected internationalization strategy, which means not merely exporting to overseas but marching to global market worldwide.From 2005, which was right after the company entered Indian market, the corporation took global brand strategy. Haier wanted to appeal itself as a global brand image with high quality and confidence. This flow of strategies proves that Haier incessantly worked hard to broaden its market strategically. From the stage when the company used internationalization strategy, wh en the company starts to actually find market abroad rather than merely exporting, Haier consistently adopted a â€Å"Three-in-One† localization strategy. Three-in-One† localization means that Haier would position itself as a local brand, produce locally, carry out a local sales strategy and create products tailored to locals’ needs. Basically, localization means adapting the production system and product itself to the circumstances of local industry. Through â€Å"Three-in-One† localization strategy, Haier could realize true localization which means the company could follow the local’s needs at maximum level. Haier’s localization strategy was rather tactical than other localization strategies. When Haier began operations in India, the company did not execute rapid localization.Instead, it took a step-by-step approach, starting from outsourcing. When sales volume grew large enough, it was right time to start acquiring local assets and doing l ocal production on its own. Haier’s approach in the US was similar to the one later chosen in India. When sales grew large enough, the company began â€Å"Three-in-One† plan. By building design centre, Haier realized true localization. The material given states that Haier also replicated this model in Europe. After all, Haier’s localization method seems to be basically similar in India and other countries.The difference of localization model in India and other countries would be more developed localization strategies adopted in India from the experiences of other countries. For example, Haier used factory in India to serve as a sourcing hub to markets in Africa, the Middle East, and Southern and Western Asia. Maybe it was the geographical advantage of India that could utilize this localization strategy. Mostly, the localization strategies were similar in various countries, starting from â€Å"Three-in-One† localization. According to the situation of each country, Haier tactically and slowly accessed to the market.After building factories which means actual production being fully held in the specific country, Haier built centers such as showrooms in retail outlets or design centers to make customers feel close to their products. Localization model used in India might not be regarded appropriate because for six years since its launching, the overall result was not satisfactory. However, from the point of arrival in India to the point of becoming as a brand well known in the country, the â€Å"Three-in-One† localization skill seems to be worked effectively.

Free Essays on Rhetoric Of Richard II

In Act Two, Scene Three of Richard II, the audience gets a glimpse of Bolingbroke’s slow rise to power, which ultimately reaches its culmination when Richard II is deposed and he becomes king. As the characters followers realize the potential deposition of King Richard II, they begin to flatter Bolingbroke in hopes of rewards for their allegiance to him. Playwright William Shakespeare uses the pace and repetition of language in order to highlight comical exchanges of sycophancy used in dialogue with Bolingbroke. We shall see that Bolingbroke directly recognizes and expresses gratitude to Harry Percy, the only character that speaks honestly and without superficial compliments. The initial exchange between Bolingbroke and Northumberland at the beginning of the scene reveals Northumberland’s desire for acceptance and in hopes of acquiring money if Bolingbroke becomes king. The following presents Northumberland responding to Bolingbroke’s brief question with an answer along with an extensive, unnecessary speech of praise: BOLINGBROKE: How far is it, my lord to Berkeley now? NORTHUMBERLAND: Believe me, noble lord, I am a stranger here in Gloucestershire. These high wild hills and rough uneven ways Draws out our miles and makes them wearisome. And yet you fair discourse hath been as sugar, Making the hard way sweet and delectable. But I bethink me what a weary way From Ravenspurgh to Cotshall will be found In Ross and Willoughby, wanting your company, Which, I protest, hath very much beguiled The tediousness and process of my travel. But theirs is sweetened with the hope to have The present benefit which I possess, And hope to joy is little less in joy Than hope enjoyed. By this weary lords Shall make their way seem short as mine hath done By sight of what I have, your noble company. (II.iii.1-18) Notice the contrast between Bolingbroke’s question and Northumberland’s a... Free Essays on Rhetoric Of Richard II Free Essays on Rhetoric Of Richard II In Act Two, Scene Three of Richard II, the audience gets a glimpse of Bolingbroke’s slow rise to power, which ultimately reaches its culmination when Richard II is deposed and he becomes king. As the characters followers realize the potential deposition of King Richard II, they begin to flatter Bolingbroke in hopes of rewards for their allegiance to him. Playwright William Shakespeare uses the pace and repetition of language in order to highlight comical exchanges of sycophancy used in dialogue with Bolingbroke. We shall see that Bolingbroke directly recognizes and expresses gratitude to Harry Percy, the only character that speaks honestly and without superficial compliments. The initial exchange between Bolingbroke and Northumberland at the beginning of the scene reveals Northumberland’s desire for acceptance and in hopes of acquiring money if Bolingbroke becomes king. The following presents Northumberland responding to Bolingbroke’s brief question with an answer along with an extensive, unnecessary speech of praise: BOLINGBROKE: How far is it, my lord to Berkeley now? NORTHUMBERLAND: Believe me, noble lord, I am a stranger here in Gloucestershire. These high wild hills and rough uneven ways Draws out our miles and makes them wearisome. And yet you fair discourse hath been as sugar, Making the hard way sweet and delectable. But I bethink me what a weary way From Ravenspurgh to Cotshall will be found In Ross and Willoughby, wanting your company, Which, I protest, hath very much beguiled The tediousness and process of my travel. But theirs is sweetened with the hope to have The present benefit which I possess, And hope to joy is little less in joy Than hope enjoyed. By this weary lords Shall make their way seem short as mine hath done By sight of what I have, your noble company. (II.iii.1-18) Notice the contrast between Bolingbroke’s question and Northumberland’s a...

veitnamess essays

veitnamess essays To many people, the name Vietnam means only one thing, a painful war in the 1960s and 1970s in which the American and South Vietnam soldiers fought against South Vietnamese rebels and North Vietnam. But the country of Vietnam is more then just its troubled past. It is a beautiful land, with rugged mountains, tumbling rivers, tropical beaches and lush fields of brilliant green rice. Vietnam has an ancient culture, rich with poets, scholars, artists, legends, and brave heroes. Most importantly, the Vietnamese are hard-working people, determined to survive and rebuild their country. Vietnams culture reaches back to Viet people who settled in northern Vietnam over two thousand years ago. Although many of todays customs and traditions are uniquely Vietnamese, several important features of the culture came from other places. The Chinese ruled Vietnam for hundreds of years and had great influence on its culture. The Vietnamese started following Chinese religions and used Chinese writhing symbols and medical practices. Through trade India also influence Vietnamese society. French rulers brought the European beliefs and customs. And during the war between the North and the South Vietnam, Americans also introduced their way of life to the Vietnamese. The official name for Vietnam is The Socialist Republic of Vietnam; witch consists of 40 provinces and three municipalities. Vietnam is a communist Country. The judicial system in Vietnam is based on the French Civil Code but modified to fit the Communist legal theory. Vietnams economy is predominantly agriculture. Rice cultivation alone accounts for 45% of the Gross National Product and 72% of the labour force. Vietnam has 71 million people (1995) and 85% are Vietnamese, only 2% of the population are Chinese. There are 60 different ethnic groups that make up the rest of Vietnams population. Vietnam is among the most densely populated country in the worl...

Environmental Compliance and Safety Research Paper

Environmental Compliance and Safety - Research Paper Example This was evidenced by lack of coordination between the various agencies and companies involved in oil drilling operations during the disaster. This paper examines corrective mechanisms employed to control the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and agencies involved in the exercise. In addition, the paper explores the compliance regulations violated during the exercise. The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico was triggered by an explosion in the British Petroleum (BP) operated Macondo well on April 20, 2010. The explosion killed eleven crewmembers of the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig and several others suffered various levels of injuries (Ramseur, 2011). The blowout destroyed the drilling platform and it sunk two days later. Following the explosion, oil leakage was discovered on the sea floor and it continued discharging crude oil until its containment on July 15, 2010 (Uhlmann, 2011). According to Ramseur and Hargety (2011), over 4.9 million barrels were discharged into the water during the period. However, the exact volume of crude oil discharged remains unknown. The oil discharge was so voluminous that it contaminated the beaches of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Florida (Ramseur, 2011). The oil spill caused significant environmental and economic damage to the region. Commercial activities in the Gulf of Mexico especially commercial fishing and tourism were disrupted. Consequently, livelihoods of many people depending on these sectors were adversely affected. The impact on aquatic life was equally disastrous, killing numerous animals and plants in addition to polluting their habitats. The exact environmental, economic and social effects of the oil spill remain unknown up to date. However, the adverse environmental effects are expected to continue being felt in the affected region for many years, as demonstrated by the earlier Exxon Valdez oil discharge in 1989 (Uhlmann, 2011).

The Rookie Chief Information Security Officer Term Paper

The Rookie Chief Information Security Officer - Term Paper Example The human resource management department, finance department and operation department should present the security challenges faced (Cullen, 2011). IT Compliance Officer, Security Officer, Privacy Security Personnel and IT Security Engineer should also present the problem faced in their daily duties. The report from each office and department should be presented to the Chief Information Security officer for evaluation. Security manager and CISO will use the report to implement policies and procedures, which will ensure sufficient security in the organizations. After evaluation of the report, they will recommend the applicable points and do away with points which will not lead to improvement of the security. They will apply professional ethics and come up with other policies left by the departments. After completion, they will forward the draft to the General Manger. The GM will forward to the Board of Directors who will hold a meeting with the Security Manger and CISO to evaluate each policy and procedure. After evaluation, the board of directors will sign the draft for approval. Then the security department will ensure that each employee in every department has a copy or is aware of the policies. Security department will also ensure sufficient training to all departments to create awareness of security policies to each employee. The employees will help in reinforcing the policies (Neil, 2009). ii. Reporting Structure Chain of command will ensure smooth running of the organization. Each employee will be reporting to the person next in command. The organizational chart above represents the reporting channel. Security guarding and escort services will be provided by a contracted guard force. Guard will provide physical security services, public relationship services and patrol and escort services. Guards will ensure sufficient security for the organization’s asset and employees. They will provide assistant to customers visiting the organization by showing t hem location of offices. The guards will be managed by their supervisor who will report directly to the Security Officer. Security Officer will be responsible for maintenance of physical security. He/she will ensure that the contracted guard force maintains discipline and ethics (Mark, 2007). He will also check and record the available assets each day and carry out investigation in case of theft. Security officer will report direct to the CISO. The IT Security Engineer and the IT Security Compliance Officer will work to ensure that the information technology devices are maintained. They will ensure the hardware and software are maintained. They will evaluate the effectiveness of each device. They will provide a report in case of damage, loss and change of devices. They will report direct to the CISO. The Privacy Security Professional or the Investigation Officers will investigate theft, fraud and employee dishonest. They will carry out investigation in case of asset theft, cash thef t by employees and misconduct of the employee (Neil, 2009). In case of conflict between the employees, the investigation officer will carry out an inquiry to establish the source of the problem. Privacy Security Professionals will report direct to the CISO. The CISO will report to the Security Manager. The Security manager will be respons