This paper investigates the possible application of Frederick Taylor's "Theory of Scientific Management" to increase productivity in a telecommunications installation company.
Abstract This paper relates that, the division of labor suggested in Taylor's theory is still extant in American business; in fact, it is undeniably present in businesses, such as telecommunications, that have both inside and outside functions, both executive/managers and a large complement of workers. The author points out that, while Frederick Taylor's ideas, used in their pure form, might have worked well in a pre-human potential movement era of abundant factory work and climbing wages; in today's labor market, they are likely to be counterproductive, unless balanced with a large amount of input from modern labor relations. The paper concludes that Taylor's emphasis on measurement should be simply a tracking tool, not a management hammer; used as such, it can point to the areas in which human/labor relations might need to step in.
Table of Contents
Division of Labor along with Narrow Specialization
Centralized Decision-Making
Proposed Solution
From the Paper "Taylor was not the first, by any means, to develop a theory of production. Earlier minds, such as that of economist Adam Smith, were also concerned with the problem of increasing production. Indeed, "Economic theory of production had a promising start with Adam Smith's pin factory" in which Smith explained the benefit of the division of labor. Smith was a perfect precursor to Taylor: he observed "how allotting specialized tasks to pin factory workers led to greater dexterity by the workers and considerable saving of time from moving from task to task and allowed for output of pins to increase from a mere 20 pins to 4,800 pins per worker per day." "
Abstract This paper examines the political philosophy of
pacifism which holds that the use of violence by the state, under any circumstances is unethical and counterproductive. The paper assesses whether pacifism can be effective against Nazi-like dictatorships and includes a brief examination of nonviolence, the philosophy of Gandhi and King.
From the Paper ?If we had neither weapons nor soldiers, what would we do if an enemy tried to conquer us,? asks Liane Ellison Norman in her essay, Nonviolent Civilian Defense. "What would we do if our government suspended civil liberties, imprisoned, tortured and executed people like us"? (McCarthy, ed. 189). Advocating the pacifist principle, Norman goes on to contend that the modern state does not need a conventional army to protect itself. Nonviolent defense strategy, Norman goes on to argue, provides an effective defense mechanism that surpasses that of conventional armies, the cause of so much chaos and destruction throughout history. Relying on the principle that the ?conquer is meaningless unless the conqueror is able to govern,? and evoking the beliefs and practices of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Norman and other pacifists argue that the methods of nonviolent civil disobedience ? strikes, marches, sit-ins, etc. ? can replace modern warfare. It is therefore argued that the use of violence by the state, under any circumstances, is unethical and counterproductive."
Discusses creative protest vs. counterproductive violence; morality, love, resistance; demonstrations & sit-ins; impact of Thoreau & Gandhi and six points of non-violence.
1,575 words (approx. 6.3 pages), 7 sources, 1989, $ 55.95
From the Paper "While the concept of nonviolence is an ancient concept, it is only in the last few hundred years that scholars have attempted to develop a theory of nonviolent resistance. And it was not until the writings of Martin Luther King, Jr. that such a theory has fully matured into what is known as "compassionate nonviolent resistance." The purpose of this research is to document the evolution of nonviolent resistance from colonial America to its height with Reverend King.
Nonviolence in Early America
Political expressions of nonviolence originated in the United States as early as the 1650s with the establishment of the Quaker church by Margaret Fell and George Fox (Nagler, 1982:73). The Quaker church opposed the use of personal violence as well as participation in wars between states."
Abstract Albert Carr's article, "Is Business Bluffing Ethical?" argues that people do not have to be completely ethical when dealing in business, mainly because sometimes being unethical allows individuals to become successful in business. This paper analyzes Carr's thesis and looks at several of his points, such as being ethical is counterproductive to business. The author of the paper shows that Carr's article is objectionable, although admits that he makes a strong argument for doing business in an unethical manner.
From the Paper "Carr likens the ethics of business to the ethics that are part of poker. In poker, it is acceptable to be deceiving and cunning. The most successful poker players are able to outwit their opponents through deceit and cunning. Carr makes the point that the ethics that are a part of poker play a similar role to that of business. Carr even goes as far as saying that deception is an integral part of any businessmen's life. Whether it is negotiating with labor unions or customers, businesspeople are pressured to use deception and cunning on a daily basis. Those who do not subscribe to this ethical system, fail, according to Carr."
Abstract This paper examines the war on drugs. It begins by examining the origins of the war and its goals. It then assesses its consequences and 'success'. It concludes that the war on drugs is counterproductive as prohibition of alcohol was under the Volstead Act. It advocates other interventions to reduce drug addiction and its impacts.
Abstract This paper, while agreeing that the use of violence is often a more effective way for a movement to achieve its political or social objectives, contends that all peaceful methods should be exhausted before considering violent methods. It goes on to present several arguments to support this position and to reference events in the past where violent measures were counterproductive.
From the Paper "Leaders of the civil rights movement had a multitude of strategies to consider. These included classic civil disobedience, education campaigns, coalition building, threats of violence, and urban riots. Looking back, each option can be evaluated in terms of its ethics and effectiveness. Non-violent means are certainly the most ethical, while violent means are frequently more effective in attaining movement goals in the short-term. In order to determine what should be done, peace needs to be the guiding principle. Therefore, leaders of an ideal movement need to exhaust all of the conservative approaches first, leaving civil disobedience as a last resort. "
Abstract This paper examines how racial profiling has long been an issue of debate in America and has recently been given a shot in the arm due to due the terrorists? attacks on September 11th. Through a literature review, it attempts to show that, although many feel profiling is a warranted tool necessary to combat crime, a growing number of people have come to view it as not only unjust, but counterproductive to reducing crime.
From the Paper "Many who condone racial profiling assert that government policy affects not only resources, but, values and behavior as well. However, this is the same argument used concerning welfare policy (Foreman 2001). Policies makers argued that subsidizing unmarried and unemployed mothers created a culture of dependency and that citizens needed to take responsibility for their own lives or government would never be able to effectively combat poverty (Foreman 2001). If authorities believe that ?sending out welfare checks with no strings attached sends the wrong message,? they must understand that racial profiling does also (Foreman 2001). For if one is to believe that hard work and responsibility is the path to success, then one has to believe that with those equal responsibilities come equal rights."
Abstract In order to illustrate the ineffectiveness of the current U.S. effort at drug control, this paper compares the current laws prohibiting drug use to the laws regarding alcohol consumption that were in effect during Alcohol Prohibition from 1920 to 1933. The paper points out that, much as the laws during Prohibition were not only ineffective but eventually counterproductive as well, the current U.S. policy on drugs delivers similar consequences. The paper also looks at an alternative correctional program for drug crime and abuse known as harm reduction, and outlines its set of policy beliefs that guide its approach to solving the drug problem. The paper points out that, in spite of the success rate of harm reduction programs in this country and other countries, the U.S. continues with its present ineffective policy, which suggests that other countries place greater emphasis on public health benefits than does the U.S., where moralistic impulses and ideals tend to prevail.
From the Paper "Alcohol Prohibition from 1920 to 1933 did not work. There are many parallels from this failed effort and the current laws prohibiting drugs in the United States. Alcohol prohibition was undertaken to reduce crime and corruption, solve social problems, reduce the tax burden created by prisons and poorhouses, and improve the health of Americans. According to research, alcohol consumption of alcohol fell at the beginning of Prohibition, but then it subsequently increased. ?Alcohol became more dangerous to consume; crime increased and became "organized"; the court and prison systems were stretched to the breaking point; and corruption of public officials was rampant.? Instead of measurable gains in productivity or reduced absenteeism, Prohibition removed a significant source of tax revenue and greatly increased government spending. It led many drinkers to switch to more dangerous substances such as opium, marijuana, patent medicines and cocaine that they would have been unlikely to encounter in the absence of Prohibition."
Abstract This paper explains why most popular fad diets, particularly Atkins, are based on faulty, unproven theories. It also describes some of the health problems that may accompany such diet programs.
From the Paper "It has been commonly known for ages that the food we eat provides us with energy in the form of calories. We consume these calories in our bodies for our body functions - the amount of calories burnt depending mainly on the nature and duration of physical activity and to a lesser degree, on metabolic differences in individuals due to genetic reasons. If our calorie-intake is greater than our calorie-consumption, we put on weight; if our intake is less than our consumption we lose weight. Low carb diets such as Atkins' purport to circumvent this basic fact of nutrition and attribute the weight loss to factors such as insulin resistance, ketosis, and increased fat burning. On closer scrutiny, however, it becomes apparent that such claims have no scientific basis and the low carb fad diets carry significant health risks."
Abstract This paper explains that many research studies reveal a central problem facing medical science; within the ambit of objective and scientific methods of verifiability, the theory and praxis of spontaneous remission is both difficult to explain and to prove. The author points out that many studies suggest that accepted formal procedures may be counterproductive for remission especially relating to the important area of the correct type of treatment for specific individuals. The paper stresses that the belief that one can change oneself is influenced significantly by the societal conditions present in the subject's life, which implies that the lack of certain conditions, such as stability and social networks, will increase the likelihood of addiction and substance abase.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Methodological Problems
Formal and Non-Formal Approaches
The Informed Eclectic Approach
Conclusion
From the Paper "Advocates of the informed eclectic approach are aware that at present the natural remission approach is problematic, with existing treatment programs offering little in the way of treatment alternatives. One of the main obstacles lies in the full acceptance of alternative approaches. Researchers have found that in most instances formal and empirically based treatment programs still tend to dominate. "There is no tried and true, 'state-of-the-art' treatment of choice for alcohol problems. Rather, the state of the art is an array of empirically supported treatment options." Furthermore, there is also the realization that the matching of treatment to patients is an important aspect that needs to be developed."
This paper examines historic legal codes of past cultures to find an alternative to incarceration, which is the practice of the current U.S. justice system.
Abstract This paper explains that, by analyzing the legal codes in other historical contexts and cultures, it is evident that alternatives to incarceration have always existed, most of which were far more brutal than any punishment currently handed out by the U.S. justice system, excluding the death penalty. The author points out that, historically, society rarely used forced confinement as a means of punishing criminals; for example, the ancient Babylonian culture society felt that the punishment should fit the crime, resulting most often resulted in monetary restitution, bodily mutilations or even death. The paper relates that dungeons became commonplace in the Middle Ages and during the Spanish Inquisition; however, in these early prisons, incarceration was still a secondary form of punishment to more brutal methods such as torture.
From the Paper "The Hebrews, like the Babylonians, also felt that punishment should be harsh and fit the crime. The Biblical books of Exodus, Leviticus and Deuteronomy provided a strict moral and legal code that every Hebrew had to follow, with punishments prescribed for failing to adhere to each. This legal code also followed the same lines as the Babylonians, as it is stated in Deuteronomy 19: 21 "And thine eye shall not pity; but life shall go for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot". There are no direct references to incarceration in this legal code either; however forced slavery is sanctioned for some crimes."
Abstract This paper examines the use of creatine monohydrate as a dietary supplement, which dates back as far as the 1920s. The supplement was used by athletes in Europe before its recent debut in the U.S. which is aimed at athletes and body builders. Creatine monohydrate is an amino acid derivative that is formed in the liver, kidneys and pancreas from the amino acids arginine, glycine and methionine. Creatine monohydrate can also be obtained from food, particularly red meat. The musculature of the body has the ability to store more creatine than is used in a typical diet. Athletes take advantage of this ability by literally stuffing a muscle with creatine. This allows for expanded storage and the swifter conversion into adenosine triphosphate. Used over a protracted period of time, the result will be greater hypertrophy and the ability to sustain a longer and more intense workout. It is believed that creatine has a direct anabolic effect on the muscles by acting as a signal to increase protein synthesis during activity overload. This paper focuses on the controversy surrounding the use of the supplement. While supposed links between creatine and the deaths of several wrestlers have been disproved, studies have nonetheless shown that heavy loading is unnecessary and may be counterproductive, if not dangerous.
Table of Contents:
How Creatine Monohydrate Works
Why the Controversy?
Creatine and the Kidneys
The Best Way to Use Creatine
Creatine and Androstenedione
Scientific Studies of Creatine Use
Is It Good or Is It Bad?
Summary
Bibliography
From the Paper "There is a school of though that suggest a phased method of creatine use. A high dosage is used for five days, with the ingesting of as much as 20 grams per day in four doses. The dosage is then reduced to a level just high enough to keep the muscles loaded. Research has indicated that this regimen is not as effective as it was originally thought to be. Continuing to take his doses of creatine after the muscles are saturated will result in the elimination of creating the rough the urinary tract. The increased urinary excretion places stress on the kidneys and liver. Tests have shown that in a loading phase, creatine efficacy peaks at day six and its effects begin to decrease from that time. On the other hand a steady creatine uptake without loading lasts through day 15 and positive effects can last for up to 56 days."
Tags: body, builders, athletes, drugs, anabolic, steroids, risk, death
Abstract This paper argues that, although free trade as represented in the outsourcing question is by nature emotional, the truth is the artificial barrier to trade in labor is counterproductive in many senses because it keep prices high for consumers, wastes resources and perhaps stifles innovation. The author points out that outsourcing American jobs is a necessary component of inevitable economic free trade. The paper contends that many people feel that globalization, which is Adam Smith's "invisible hand" at work on a global scale, is inevitable regardless of its intentions.
Table of Contents
Introduction
American Popular Attitudes toward Globalization
Must the United States Participate in Free Trade?
The "Invisible Hand" in the Globalized World
Outsourcing: A Necessary Component of the Global Economy?
Conclusions
From the Paper "Consider, for example, that many generations of dairy farmers may have stayed on the family farm, raising cow after cow even if no one needed the milk. Further consider the possibility that those farmers may have better used their time to learn an "in demand" skill, or that even their land and financial resources could have helped to meet a real market demand in another area. By not offering an artificial incentive to stay in business (the subsidy), product would not have been over-produced and wasted (perhaps an environmental impact), new and in-demand skills would have been acquired, real demands would have been met, and the price for those demands would have fallen (helping the consumer). Thus, by removing the artificial barrier to real and free trade (perhaps influenced by political pressure), economic well-being is ensured for all parties."
Tags: free-trade, artificial-barrier, prices, waste, smith
Abstract This paper studies therapy for sex offenders. The paper examines human development issues associated with male sex offenders aged 18-40. The paper focuses on the effectiveness of therapeutic approaches for this population. The paper offers theories of sexual deviance and profiles of male sex offenders. The paper concludes that while these individual and group psycho- therapeutic approaches may be effective, they can also be counterproductive.
From the Paper "This paper examines human development issues associated with young male sex offenders aged and years as well as the effectiveness of therapeutic approaches for this population. In the first half of the paper the developmental issues of a typical population..."
Abstract The paper presents the argument that overwork-related affluence ruins a family. Instead of spending time together, even doing mundane tasks, that time is spent either working still more and making yet more money, or in individual pursuits. The paper maintains that the 'super-size' culture of the United States-a result of this affluence-is wrecking children and their families. The paper stresses the need to have a parent available to raise young children because children have developed the concepts of reward and punishment in the first year of life, so it is axiomatic that overworked parents 'buying children off' will be counterproductive within a generation.
From the Paper "When one is speaking about the effects of parental overwork and, in most cases perhaps, greater affluence (although one cannot discount the families in which parents are overworked and are barely able to keep the family financially afloat), the factor of community must necessarily be involved. Indeed, as Rubio points out, in affluent families-at least those in which the affluence is the result of career-focused, overworking parents-the concept of community shifts from sports and volunteer work to hired help; people to mow the lawn, clean the house and so on. In this sense, it is easy to see how the argument that overwork-related affluence saps the integrity of the family. Rather than spending any time even doing mundane tasks such as cleaning the swimming pool together, that time is arguably spent either working still more and making yet more money, or in individual pursuits. In any case, whether there is any excess time available to family members because of the hired help, the sense of community has changed from interactions between family and church or charitable organizations or sports teams to interactions (probably minimal at that) between family members (and probably not all of them) and hired help."
