Abstract In this article, Heaton's work, the United Nation's IraqiOil-For-Food program and its suspected illicit dealings, are investigated. The writer points out that over a 6 1/2 year period, beginning in 1996, more than 1,300 oilcontracts were issued, with the intended purpose of humanitarian relief for the Iraqi people. However, the writer shows that many have questioned whether all of the money transferred during contract issuance through oil extraction went to the humanitarian aid for which it was originally intended. The writer discusses that Heaton looks to answer the economic question of whether or not Saddam Hussein utilized these contracts to line his personal coffers, as well for the purchase of weapons.
From the Paper "This is an important question that needs to be answered for two reasons. First, the United Nations needs to understand not only where their Oil-For-Food program went right, but also where it went wrong. The idea behind the program is a sound one. It allows the U.N. to economically sanction a country, punishing its leaders, but still be compassionate to the general populace that have little to no choice in their country's matters. However, as this work demonstrates, if there are loopholes in the program, and the details are not sufficiently considered, the punishments, meant by the economic sanctions, will barely be felt by those in power. And, in fact, despite rules to the contrary, sanctioned countries cannot only acquire the hard currency they desire, but also weapons as well, circumventing restrictions. The article implies that Hussein was able to offer oil contracts significantly below market value, in exchange for kickbacks, which were given when the contracts were resold to other individuals or organizations, to actually extract the oil, closer to market price."
Abstract The paper relates that oil and gas suppliers have been accused of misconduct with regards to ethical accountability and moral decision-making. The paper explores these issues by using Imperial Oil, a fictitious company, as a framework for identifying the terms of the social contract held by petroleum companies. The paper provides three specific policy recommendations for Imperial Oil on which to base their future transactions. The paper concludes that the ability to wield power due to increased reliance on the resources of oil and natural gas does not absolve the company of its role within the social contract.
Outline:
Introduction
Controversy Over Business Practices Within Petroleum Companies
Stated Morality and Ethics Versus Active Business Decisions
The Demand For Accountability
Three Recommendations for Imperial Oil Summary
From the Paper "Petroleum companies have historically been recognized as entities that are not subject to the same processes of supply and demand as denote other industries. Wherein it can be argued that suppliers of housing and food products are suppliers of resources necessary to sustain the lifestyles of the average citizen active in the industrialized world, petroleum companies tend to be separate entities altogether. These companies form a dominant controlling force that establishes certain and undeniable limitations on how buyers are able to maintain a status of equilibrium within their respective business and lifestyle practices; without access to petroleum, affected persons and businesses are unable to participate in the same petroleum-dependent environment experienced by the rest of the population."
Abstract This paper explains that Halliburton, its subsidiaries, and subcontractors play a prominent role in Iraq by providing a wide range of services, including fighting oil fires, pumping oil, supplying soldiers with hot meals, shelters and beds, and transporting materials across dangerous stretches of road. The author points out that, while the company offers incentives for employees to work in Iraq, it is experiencing a high rate of employment turnover due to the dangers many employees face on a daily basis. The paper relates that, although the company has come under scrutiny in recent years due to its involvement with Vice-President Cheney and its accounting practices, it has still managed to win billion-dollar military contracts due to its expertise in the oil service industry.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Halliburton Oil Providing Services
Kellogg, Brown, and Root
Private Over Military
Fighting Fires
Improving Oil Production
A Year of Hard Work
The Price of Danger
The Most Dangerous Job
High Turnover
Code of Business Conduct
Chow Billing
Overcharging for Oil War for Profit?
Conclusion
From the Paper "Halliburton Oil is a "service firm for the oil and gas industry that currently has more than 24,000 employees and subcontractors in Iraq." The company, which was established in 1919, is based in Houston, Texas and "describes itself as one of the world's largest providers of products and services to the petroleum and energy industries."
The company was "headed by Vice President Richard Cheney before he accepted Bush's invitation to be his running mate in the 2000 presidential election. Cheney is credited with dramatically expanding Halliburton's operations by bringing in billions of dollars in new contracts, but has repeatedly denied any role in company operations after his departure."
Abstract This paper notes that examining the impact of media reports about the abuse of Iraqi prisoners by American soldiers in Abu Ghraib prison reveals the powerful emotional impact of photographs and video. The author points out that only minor attention was paid to the story until shocking visual evidence of abuse became available. The paper contends that the media controversy generated by Abu Ghraib demonstrated that reality itself has become a prisoner in America, bound and chained by political ideology and vulnerable to the whims of those in authority.
From the Paper "In examining the impact of media reports about the abuse of Iraqi prisoners by American military personnel in Baghdad's Abu Ghraib prison, it is significant that only minor attention was paid to the story until shocking photographs and videos became available. Visual proof of prisoner abuse (Kick) altered the American public's perceptions of reality in a fundamental way and revealed the shallow and superficial knowledge many Americans have of what is happening in the world. The Abu Ghraib debacle and the controversy it generated exposed the manipulative nature of the Bush Administration and the mainstream media establishment, which both benefit from portraying American military operations as idealistic crusades against "evil.""
Abstract Federal contracts for construction, while similar in many respects to other types of federal contracts, have some unique aspects that have caused the federal government to create a system of rules within the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) specific to construction contracts. The federal government has been justified in creating these rules separate from those that apply specifically to supply and service contracts. This paper focuses on some of the unique rules and regulations that apply to federal construction contracts, including those related to contract types, labor laws, specifications, payments, delays, and differing site conditions.
Abstract
Overview
Contract Types
Federal Construction Contracting Laws
Contract Performance and Specifications
Payment Financing
Delays
Differing Site Conditions
References
From the Paper "The federal government is the largest owner of real property in the world (Bastianelli, et. al., 1998), so it stands to reason that they spend an enormous amount of money on construction and maintenance of that property. It is difficult to gauge exactly how much the federal government spends on construction annually, but it is noteworthy that the Department of Defense alone planned to award over $10 billion on construction contracts in 2002 (Bush, 2001). Because of this significant amount of construction outsourcing, and the intricacies that go along with construction contracting, the federal government has been justified in developing unique regulations and rules for construction contracts. The federal government, in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), defines construction as, ?"construction, alteration, or repair (including dredging, excavating, and painting) of buildings, structures, or other real property"? (FAR 2.101). Determining whether or not something is considered a building or a structure is general straightforward, although there are always exceptions. However, the line defining whether or not something is real property can, at times, be somewhat unclear. The FAR does not provide a definition for real property, but in federal contracts the common legal definition is used, that real property is, ?"land and all things that are attached to it"? (Lectric Law Library, 2003). Though many of the clauses, terms and conditions, and rules applicable to federal construction contracts are the same, or similar, to those that are used on federal contracts for supplies, there are a number of differences in the nature of contracting for construction that have caused the federal government to create separate laws that deal specifically with federal construction contracts. One of the major differences is that construction contracts are performed on Government property. Because of this, construction contractors are subject to a great deal more in the area of inspections and general surveillance on their contracts (Abernathy and Kelleher, 1976). Construction contracts typically have much more paperwork than federal supply contracts. On construction contracts, a contractor is required to file daily reports showing that they complied with all the unique construction regulations, including safety, schedules, and submittals of material samples (Arnavas, 2001, ?? 27.4.a.). Construction contracts are subject to much greater scrutiny on performance than supply contracts, as detailed analysis and explanation of any deficiencies are reported to contractors and contractors have the right to respond. Past performance information is also kept on construction contracts for six years, where the norm on supply contracts is three years (Arnavas, 2001, ?? 27.4.a). Other differences that will be the focus of this paper include contract types, labor laws, specifications, payments, delays, and differing site conditions."
Abstract This paper attempts to explore the capacity of minors in the United States to form contracts, to break contracts and their legal liabilities for doing so. The paper touches on issues including the rights of other parties to such a contract and the concept of emancipation of minors. The paper defines minors and age of majority and also presents a historical context.
From the Paper "The law of contracts is concerned with the rules governing legal agreements. Contractual capacity is the minimum competence required by law for a party who enters into a contract to be bound by it. Certain persons are not considered to have sufficient capacity to be bound to or by contracts they may sign. A minor is normally deemed not to have such capacity. A minor is a person who does not have the legal rights of an adult."
Abstract This paper describes the stalemate America faces in trying to find a solution to being dependent on oil from the Arab world. The author traces the history and background of this problem, and cites the end of the 1973 oil embargo as the reason that no serious research has continued in this field. The paper additionally shows how oil pricing is high and further outlines the causes of Western dependency on oil. Also analyzed is the connection between oil dependency, the increased energy needs of emerging nations and the environment. The author concludes with a call for more research and public awareness of the issue of oil dependency.
Outline:
Introduction and Background
Genesis, Continuation and Increasing of Problem
Attempted Solutions
Evidence for the Problems of High Oil Price
Causes
Effects
Solutions
Conclusion
Table "U.S. Retail Gasoline Prices"
From the Paper "Solutions to the ongoing and continually-increasing problem of oil dependency could still be reached; if the political will and commitment were to truly exist (and in the opinion of this author, it currently does not). No real solution is viable without that. Oil lobbies would need to lose their grip on Washington politicians, which would even conceivably happen only if a groundswell of citizenry were to threaten to "un-elect" the career politicians supported, politically and sometimes, at least to an extent, personally (trips; favors) by various big oil interests."
Tags:oil, OPEC, United, States, Arab, world, petroleum, dependency, alternative, energy, sources
Abstract This paper discusses the article 'China's Rising Demand for Oil and Pipelines Has Worldwide Implications?'by Gordon Feller. It applies macroeconomic theory to oil as a commodity product in China where oil and other petroleum products, as well as coal, have become a major source of energy production. The paper discusses the opinion expressed in the article that this development in terms of world oil markets, the petroleum industry and the fact that China has great potential to affect the world oil industry either positively or negatively.
From the Paper "In the article "China's Rising Demand for Oil and Pipelines Has Worldwide Implications," Gordon Feller discusses the unexpected negative impact that the ascendancy of China's economy into a major global economy has had on international markets. For years companies all over the globe and especially in the West have viewed China as an emerging market with vast potential for increasing sales for many years to come. Yet, most analysts seemed to overlook the fact that China's economy was expanding for a reason and that its emerging modern infrastructure and middle-class population with greater income levels would have the same energy demands as any other developed nation: China's rapid economic expansion makes it one of the largest energy-consuming nations with demand growth continuing to surge."
Abstract The paper explains how contracts serve as private agreements that have the purpose of ensuring that promises between two parties are carried out. Individuals enter into legal contracts willingly as a means of protecting their interests in whatever ventures the contract relates to. Furthermore, the paper explains that when contracts are signed, the parties traditionally believe that the agreement, if broken, will be enforced through the judicial system.
Abstract This paper takes a look at the oil industry. The paper reports that the history of the oil industry dates back to the earliest civilizations of the Middle East. According to the paper, there are inscriptions, that originated from Mesopotamia, describing the use of oil from as far back as 4000 B.C.E. The paper also reports that in the United States, the invention of the kerosene lamp led to the formation of the first American oil company, Pennsylvania Rock Oil Company, founded in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1854.
From the Paper "The development of the oil industry also took place in many countries outside of the United States. For example, Canada's first oil boom occurred in Ontario in 1867 and in 1947, the great Leduc field near Edmonton, Alberta, was discovered which soon led to Canada becoming an important contributor to the oil industry. In Mexico, oil production began on a commercial scale around 1918 which made Mexico the second-largest oil producer of the early 20th century. Of course, in 1901, one of the first concessions for oil production was granted in Iran and when huge oil reserves were discovered in 1908, the Anglo-Persian Oil Company came into existence and was soon replaced by the Anglo-Iranian Oil Company in 1914. "
Abstract This case study aims to provide advice concerning the contractual issues around the JCT IBC 2005 contract. The author creates a scenario where a university is the client who has requested some advice and further clarification concerning the contractual difficulties that have been encountered. The paper relates the background of the situation - the client had deferred possession of the site to the contractor under the terms and conditions as set out the JCT IBC (2005) contract which resulted in the contractor's request to claim for direct loss and expense. The author addresses the issues of direct loss and expense, and adjustment of the completion date as related to the terms stipulated in the JCT IBC 2005 contract. The author explains the roles of parties that might be involved in such a scenario such as architects and sub-contractors. The paper also includes recommendations for better practices for future projects for the client.
Contents:
Introduction
Current Situation
Claims for Direct Loss and expense
Claims for Extension of Time and LADs
Role of the Architect
Procurement Considerations and Implications of Sub Contractors
Conclusion
Bibliography
References
From the Paper "This report has been produced to provide practical advice to the University (herein 'the Client') on the contractual issues around the JCT IBC 2005 contract. The client proposes to refurbish a Police Authority Building opposite the main campus. The contractor was appointed under a Traditional building contract using the terms and conditions as set out the aforementioned standard form of contract, and has just started on site. The client has already experienced some difficulties and has requested some advice and further clarification concerning the contractual difficulties that have been encountered."
Abstract This paper examines the "The Social Contract" by Jean-Jacques Rousseau which argues that we are all born free and equal, yet do not live either freely or equally. It discusses the argument that the construction of the General Will is the means by which people can achieve freedom. The General Will is the social contract where all members of society agree to obey the General Will to be part of society. Rousseau argues that by this General Will, the separate wills of each member of society converge into one and that freedom is achieved because every citizen is equal, each being a single unit of the General Will and having the same amount of influence over it. It considers the implications of the General Will and the social contract and how Rousseau's version of freedom and equality may never be truly attained, however this may be a reality of a society, rather than a downfall in the theory.
From the Paper "Rousseau differentiates between two types of freedom, personal freedom and social freedom. Personal freedom is an individual's own selfish choices, where an individual will carry out only those actions that are of benefit to them. Social freedom is the freedom achieved when an individual carries out those actions that the General Will requires. Rousseau argues that social freedom must be achieved at the expense of personal freedom. This is the cost of being part of a society. Thus while an individual is born free, their freedom in society cannot exist until they give up their personal freedom. Giving up their personal freedom for social freedom, means all individuals act in accordance with what is best for society as a whole, not their own needs and wants. It is true in this, that individuals do give up freedom."
Tags: general, will, social, contract, individual, freedom, society
Abstract This paper reviews the relationships between OPEC crude oil production levels, Canadian crude oil prices, and Canadian crude oil consumption. The paper includes a regression analyses applied to relevant data to assess the effects of OPEC production.
From the Paper "Poor discipline among the member states of OPEC together with increased production in non-OPEC oil exporting states compromised OPEC's ability to dictate world crude oil prices. The organization, however, continues to play a highly important role in the world crude oil market..."
Abstract This paper looks at every aspect of the oil industry in the Persian Gulf, using United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the specific case study to examine the affects of oil production and its transportation on the environment in the UAE.
The Table of Contents:
Introduction
Nature of Drilling in the United Arab Emirates
The Political and Social Organization of the United Arab Emirates
History of the UAE as a Nation-State
The Geography of the Persian Gulf as a Whole
Temperature, Climate, and Topography of the Land
The Ecological History of the Persian Gulf
Pollution Related to Oil Production and Transportation
Strategies for Improvement
Steps Being Taken
Steps to Take
Conclusions
From the Paper "This does not mean that accidents are not of any concern of the UAE. There is a recognition significant future potential for oil-related accidents. The danger from oil spills is a worldwide problem and the Gulf presents a uniquely challenging environmental situation. There is a high level of traffic through the waters of the UAE by oil tankers and other shipping rigs. Since the Gulf War of 1991, the waters of the UAE have suffered from a number of significant oil spills within the country's recent historical, collective memory. Most of these spills were accidental but the intentional release of Kuwaiti oil by the Iraqis at the end of the War raised serious concerns within the borders of the UAE as to the potential for spilling oil as a war-related tactic. This act gained the attention of all of the Gulf States, convincing them that they should take immediate steps to prevent damage from oil spills in the future. In this case, the political instability of the region acted as a "wake up" call to all of the Gulf nations. (Zeitoun and Goudsouzian, 2001: 150) The most recent spill occurred when an Iraqi tanker called the Zainab, a container ship smuggling Iraqi crude, sank in April of 2001. It was carrying over one million gallons of Iraqi fuel and 300 tons of fuel oil when it sank off the port of Jebel Ali, south of Dubai. (Zeitoun and Goudsouzian, 2001: 150) The spill spread oil along the Sharjah, Dubai, and Ajam coast. Beaches were fouled, and local Ajmani authorities closed the emirate's main desalination water plant as a precaution against pollution. This caused significant water shortages. (Zeitoun and Goudsouzian, 2001: 150; "Gulf Tanker Spill Under Control": MSNBC.COM)"
This paper examines the ongoing debate between those who support the oil industry and those who wish to protect the Alaskan coastal plains from being drilled in search of oil.
Abstract This paper summarizes the argument against drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge on the basis of damage that would be caused to the environment and the wildlife inhabiting the region. The topic is connected to the events of September 11th which nearly allowed the Republicans to push through an emergency Energy Security Bill, allowing for the extraction of oil from the ANWR.
From the Paper "In the past 10 months many people have claimed that the world as we knew it a year ago has been profoundly and irreversibly transformed with the events of September 11th, 2001. Others have attacked these claims as being yet another example of American ethnocentrism and egocentricity: the world has not changed, the USA simply got a taste of reality. However, whether the United States was living in a sheltered state of denial in which true poverty, destruction and war never found a home on its shores, or whether the world truly has changed entirely, is a subject for a different debate and a different paper."
