This paper discusses the concept, history and application of ?Checks and Balances?, the system that gives constitutional controls of the separate branches of government in a way that one branch will not have more power over the others.
Abstract This paper states that, although the Federal Constitution of the United States with its ?Checks and Balances? makes it the best-known and most democratic system in the world today, most governments, even dictatorial ones, have a similar mechanism to balance the exercise of power among its branches. The author feels that the U.S. Constitution was and will be a reaction piece to events that happen to the people. This paper concludes that power must be controlled and accounted for: It is not only a right and a privilege but also, more so, a responsibility.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Checks and Balances in the Legislative Branch
The System and the People's Rights
The System and the Judiciary
A Brilliant System in Present Times
From the Paper "The system has been tested by actual situations. After the Civil War, President Andrew Johnson vetoed 20 bills (Anonymous), after which Congress overrode more than 20 bills vetoed by the President. In 1918, Congress turned down the Treaty of Versailles, which then President Woodrow Wilson worked hard for. The Treaty was to end World War I. In 1935 to 1936, Supreme Court declared that the NIRA and the AAA, New Deal programs passed by the Roosevelt Administration, were unconstitutional. Likewise, former President Ronald Regan appointed Judge Robert Bork to the Supreme Court, but his appointment or nomination was rejected by Congress."
Abstract The pressures of modern society have made achieving personal balance between work and home life increasingly difficult. This paper defines balance and shows how lack of it increases stress leading to personal problems and health risks. It also examines external and self-imposed obstacles to achieving balance and shows how well defined personal goals can be used to overcome them.
Abstract This report introduces the issues of fiscal balance in terms of problems faced by the Clinton administration and identifies alternative solutions. The paper also looks at existing literature on the subject and related issues, such as Clinton's financial advice to Japanese leaders and various interpretations of political occurrences of the time. The methodology of the report concentrates on financial data derived from existing literature, with an eye on the reduction of bias through a balanced report. Additionally, the paper analyzes data and discusses questions of how balance was achieved and provides recommendations for the future in terms of fiscal policy that can be derived from extant data.
From the Paper "The reduction of deficit and fiscal balance was particularly highlighted in the later years of the Clinton administration, but it may have had roots in the beginning of the administration in terms of the background of the policies which went into effect regarding government spending and tax revenue. When Clinton came into office, he had ideas about overhauling spending which were soon put into practice so that spending could be increased and tax cuts for the wealthy would not be a big part of the program. There was significant dissonance between this vision, which also included extensive healthcare and welfare reform, and the vision of the mostly-Republican Congress which was in office for most of Clinton's years in office, and this also adds substantially to the
background of fiscal policy. For example, Clinton's programs were more likely to be slowed down in Congress by this type of system."
Abstract A discussion of the balanced scorecard and how it benefits organizations. The paper details how the balanced scorecard works and includes examples of how it has been implemented in several companies. It details the benefits for the managers, employees, human resource department, process control, flow of information and more. The scorecard data gives the upper management level enough reasons to endorse "longer cycle time", where the human resource department could find more appropriate methods to find qualified candidate for each position. This certainly gains more productivity of the employees.
From the Paper "Balanced Scorecard is a system that combines traditional financial measures and non-financial measures to make the most of information and research result to fill the information gap between departments in an organization. The system also enables managers to design and monitor series of effective processes in the whole organization to increase the business performance. At first, there was an immediate need for a new integrated system that facilitates managers to build short and long term company progress plan. The existing system either leaned on a sole system approach on one variable or failed to incorporate feedback to the performance improvement. It triggered the development of a system that differs from the traditional measurement. Robert Kaplan and David Norton started the project in the early 1990s. "
Abstract This paper presents a case analysis of the implementation of the Human Resources Balanced Scorecard at Verizon communications. It analyzes its development, implementation and success. The paper looks at the strategic objectives of Verizon within the telecommunications industry and the HR Balanced Scoreboard as part of the company's response to the changed regulatory environment for the telecommunications industry.
Abstract An essay that describes market liberalism (otherwise known as libertarian economics) from the point of view of Al Gore. It is supposed to be part of an imaginary "new edition" of his extensive treatise on ecology and government, Earth in the Balance. It can also stand on its own as an opinion paper about environmental abuses by modern industry, and the worth of government regulation.
Abstract This paper provides a review of the Balanced Scorecard model. It considers the situation in which the system is implemented, as well as factors related to its application in organizations. The paper presents a situational analysis.
From the Paper "When the globalization of the business environment began to become a reality for most corporations in ..."
Abstract This paper discusses Morgenthau's feelings about how politicians and/or leaders must be viewed based on their decisions; Waltz's ideas on the ever changing outlook of the balance of power and Kissinger's ideas that history must be viewed in order to learn about countries and their ability to gain power.
From the Paper "David Hume said "It is a question, whether the idea of the balance of power be owing entirely to modern policy, or whether the phrase only has been invented in the later ages?" (Thompson & Morgenthau 1952, 105). Yet, as history has evolved it is evident that the theory of "balance of power" began to be constructed in ancient societies when there was a concern that one entity would become greater, or more prominent, than another. In early Greece, researchers contend, there is the first evidence of a concern for nations to achieve a balance of power within the world. Yet, this concern gained greater significance during the reign of Louis XIV in France, and developed further in Europe during WWI (Thompson & Morgenthau 1952, 105). "
Abstract This paper discusses the modern day issue of time management. According to the paper, most people struggle to create a balance between work time, other commitments and personal time. The paper then reviews the "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" by well-known business-consultant guru Stephen Covey. The paper concludes with a look at telecommuting via the Internet.
From the Paper "The hypotheses, tested by researchers Jeffrey Hill, Alan Hawkins, Maria Ferris and Michelle Weitzman, were: "Given the same workload, those with perceived job flexibility will have less difficulty with work-life conflicts, and will be able to work longer hours before having problems with work-family balance." Both hypotheses were found true. Of those working 40 to 50 hours per week, the 46 percent who were not allowed to either change their starting or ending times, work a compressed workweek or work from home had difficulty balancing work and personal life. This compared to only 28 percent of those working the same hours with flexibility."
This paper discusses and analyzes the United States balance of payments, an overall statement of all economic transactions between the U.S. and all other countries over a year's time.
Abstract This paper analyzes line-by-line the tables that represent the Balance of Payments and show the amount of money received from other parts of the world and the amount spent abroad. The author concludes that the recession of 2001 had only a marginal impact on the trade deficit, mostly because the rest of the world had weakened along with the U.S..
Table of Content
Introduction
Item Analysis
Current Account
Capital Account
What the Balance of Payments Says About the Economy
Balance of Payments in 2000 and 2001
Year 2000
Balance of Payments Data -- 2000 and 2001($millions)
Comparison of U.S. Balance of Payments Current Account Data Line 18-38
Comparison of U.S. Balance of Payments Data Capital Account
Analysis
From the Paper "Basically, the first section of the balance of payments is made up of a current balance, which summarizes imports and exports; net income on investments, such as payments of profits and interest on debt; and transfers between individuals. The second section represents a capital balance of payments that records investments and loans, including those made by multinationals and banks. U.S. Exports include all goods or services produced in the U.S. and sold to other countries in the international market. U.S. Imports are goods or services produced in other countries and sold in the United States. An increase in U.S. receipts (such as an increase in U.S. exports) will lead to increased demand for dollars and an increased supply of foreign currency on foreign exchange markets."
Abstract This paper presents a brief explanation of what a country's balance of payments is and the main elements of the balance of payments. The paper discusses the links between a country's balance of payments and its rate of economic growth, as well as the links between a country's balance of payments and the exchange rate of its currency. The paper analyzes the main reasons for the United States' balance of payments deficits over the past five years and examines the effects of these deficits upon the economy.
From the Paper "Currently, the U.S. in 2004 maintains a deficit in merchandise trade and the absence of strong net investment income inflows, a current account deficit. This has occurred for some time, but before these deficits were of not much concern, as they were theoretically and comfortably offset by the current account surpluses, such as the purchase of U.S. assets by foreign individuals and institutions. The result was such that net flow of receipts and payments was in balance, allowing for statistical discrepancy, without the need to any type of official transfers. (Ruby, 1999) But concern in light of the continuation of this state of affairs, combined with a weakened U.S. dollar has grown and the widening deficit reveals US continued and more sustained reliance on foreign cash than previously thought. (J Hughes, Financial Times, 15 September 2004) "
This paper analyzes the issue of the U.S. trade balance and its significant impact on the exchange rate in America due to the burgeoning trade deficit and declining value of the dollar against other major world currencies.
Abstract This paper examines the relationship between the trade balance and the exchange rate. The writer details the general rule of economics that states a negative trade deficit normally leads to a weaker currency while trade surplus results in enhanced value of currency, although there are exceptions to the rule, which are detailed in this paper. This paper discusses the issue of the U.S. trade balance and its effect on the exchange rate of the country's currency which is currently in the limelight due to the burgeoning U.S. trade deficit and the declining value of the dollar against other major world currencies. The writer of this paper delves into America's economy against that of China's and questions whether the U.S. dollar will retain its status of the reserve currency in the long run. This paper touches on the opinions and views of economists and U.S. treasury officials who contend that the current trade deficit is nothing to be alarmed about as the country's economy and the U.S. dollar survived a similar slide in the late 1980s. This paper also discusses the opinion of the U.S. administration that believes the alleged under-valuation of the Chinese Yen is a prime source for the deficit problems since there is a huge and growing trade imbalance between the U.S. exports and imports to China. The well-researched and well-written paper clearly define the terms: Trade balance, exchange rate and reserve currency.
Table of Contents:
What is Trade Balance?
What is Exchange Rate?
The Extent of Trade Balance Deficit in the U.S.
What is a Reserve Currency?
Can the U.S. Dollar Retain its 'Reserve Currency' Status for Long?
Is the U.S. Trade Deficit Sustainable?
Is China the Source of the Deficit Problem?
Possible Solutions to the Trade Deficit Problem
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "The key question is, can the US dollar retain its status of the resrve currency for long? History suggests that it may not. Before the advent of the dollar as the world's reserve currency, the British Pound had enjoyed such a status. Between the two World Wars and the post-World War II period saw the weakeing of the British economy. As a result, the British Pound was devalued by 30% in 1949, effectively ending its run as the world's reserve currency and the start of the dollar's reign. Dollar has been able to retain its status as the reserve currency since it was relatively stable, was backed up by the formidable economy of the US, low interest rates and the absence of an alternative currency."
Abstract This paper discusses performance appraisals with a specific focus on the balanced scorecard method. The paper explains that a local firm (Smith & Sons) was approached and indicated that the firm utilized the balanced scorecard employee performance appraisal methodology. The paper suggests that the balanced scorecard performance appraisal method serves an important function regarding productivity and performance, but is also largely a form of negative reinforcement that results in a drag on performance and quality. The paper then points out that the performance appraisal persists as a stalwart of corporate management device simply because there is a lack of appropriate strategies to replace it. In conclusion, the paper shows that the balanced scorecard appraisal concept and process is not entirely a negative device but it is inherently flawed by the conflict between its process and its procedure or its objective intent but subjective methodology.
Outline:
Abstract
Performance Measurement System
Advantages and Best Practices
Disadvantages
Impact on Employees
Impact on Departmental Performance
Conclusions and Recommendations
From the Paper "Human resources (HR) strategies are what all Smith & Sons and other similar organizations to excel in their line of business with minimal revenues dedicated to the internal business processes of the organization. These organizations are organizations functioning within a spectrum of industries and as such rely on an extensive network of managerial staff to manage and delegate responsibilities. Research has indicated that more than 81% of executive level officers believe that HR capital and its management is vital to the success of any organization and perhaps more so in a charitable organization that relies on volunteers (Questions, 2006)."
Abstract The paper focuses on the balanced scorecard that was developed to help organizations achieve an efficient synergy between vision and strategy. The paper uses the case of a port facility that has problems related to motivation, leadership, customer service and operational issues and shows how the balanced scorecard can alleviate some of these inefficiencies. The paper analyzes the major facets of the balanced scorecard as a management tool that will improve the port operations.
Outline:
Introduction
Implementing the Balanced Scorecard
Performance Measure #1: Financial Perspective
Performance Measure #2: Customer Perspective
Performance Measure #3: Internal Business Processes
Performance Measure #4: Innovation and Learning Perspective
From the Paper "The balanced scorecard is not a new concept however, its design is ideal for an organization such as the port facility that can use key performance indicators or measurements to monitor the activities of the organization. The key performance indicators suggested by Kaplan et al are: financial, customer, internal business processes, innovation and learning perspective. The idea behind the methodology is to link goals and measures so as to connect individual units to the overall strategic development of the port by helping individuals to focus on specific measures and goals, (Kaplan et al 133).
"This particular methodology is useful to a port that is losing money, has a poor workflow, a disengaged staff, ineffective leadership, undocumented work instructions, poor shipment clearance times; and is essential to the overall success of the company since it allows management to focus on it own measures rather than a generic and ad hoc set of procedures that would not be applicable to the port."
Abstract The Constitution of a democratic government provides for the control of powers through a system of Checks and Balances. The paper explains that this system refers to constitutional controls of the separate branches of government, i.e., executive, legislative and judicial, over one another to insure that not one will have more power over the two others. The paper shows that it is commonly believed that the policy provided by the checks and balances of the Federal Constitution of the United States makes it the best-known and most democratic system in the world today.
Paper Outline:
Checks and Balances in the Legislative Branch
The System and the People's Rights
The System and the Judiciary
A Brilliant System in Present Times
From the Paper "The system has been tested by actual situations. After the Civil War, President Andrew Johnson vetoed 20 bills (Anonymous), after which Congress overrode more than 20 bills vetoed by the President. In 1918, Congress turned down the Treaty of Versailles, which then President Woodrow Wilson worked hard for. The Treaty was to end World War I. In 1935 to 1936, Supreme Court declared that the NIRA and the AAA, New Deal programs passed by the Roosevelt Administration, were unconstitutional. Likewise, former President Ronald Regan appointed Judge Robert Bork to the Supreme Court, but his appointment or nomination was rejected by Congress."
