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NASA Disasters and Policy, 2005.
A discussion about how NASA space disasters have been a result of flawed decision-making policies.
1,192 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 40.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how, in order to keep the shuttle program an effective vehicle for space exploration, safety of the astronauts must always be the first concern. It explains how deadlines must always be flexible and based on the ability of NASA to make a launch that is as safe as possible. It also discusses how final votes on decisions must be made anonymously to eliminate the influence of group pressure for a goal inappropriate for such a risky endeavor.
From the Paper
"The Rodgers Commission, in addition to making numerous suggestions about how to improve the structure of shuttles and ways to increase safety for the astronauts, noted the management decisions that contributed so significantly to the disaster. They particularly noted that decision makers were under considerable pressure to maintain ambitious flight schedules (Harwood, 1986). This pressure stemmed from both political and economic forces. NASA will have to decide whether its goals are one of scientific inquiry or of making money through space exploration. When it is recognized that these two goals are incompatible, they will have to be prioritized. Given the inherently danger to space exploration, it will be clear that safety, based on the best science available, will have to be the overriding concern. In decision meetings, the structural dynamic must support real inquiry, not simply support a predetermined and preferred outcome."
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The NASA Challenger Disaster.
This paper discusses the problems and organizational dysfunction that contributed to the NASA Challenger Disaster.
1,710 words (approx. 6.8 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 55.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that organizational behavior focuses on the study of behavior within the organizational construct, concentrating on how an individual, group, and structure affect the behavior within the organization. The author points outs that learning from the Challenger Disaster required the NASA organization to look carefully at (1) forces contributing to the flawed decision, (2) reasons for the decisions and behavior that contributed to them, and (3) organizational shortcomings that affected the outcome. The paper stresses that communication can lead to misunderstanding, but so does lack of action; people within the chain of command at NASA did not act upon information that may have changed the outcome.
Table of Contents
Introduction
The NASA Challenger Disaster
Recommendations
Conclusion
From the Paper
"In exploring the history behind the Challenger disaster, one discovers, as the Presidential Commission did, that information threatened the "can-do" ideology of the space agency was routinely suppressed by managers at the agency's Marshall Space Flight Center. When Thiokol's engineers raised their concerns a full six months before the disaster, the information they provided was distorted as it made its way up the organizational chain of command, primarily to suit the career interests of Center managers eager to please NASA headquarters. Bosses were told what they wanted to hear and not what they needed to know. Ultimately, Thiokol's engineers were told, in effect, to "sit down and shut up" the night before the launch because the final decision would be made by management."
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Environmental Disasters and Risk Assessment, 2005.
This research study identifies and evaluates how various environmental disasters occur and impact the environment and the populace residing in the area of different environmental calamities.
23,555 words (approx. 94.2 pages), 49 sources, APA, $ 249.95
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Abstract
This study explains that natural as well as man-made disasters have the potential to impact life on earth; the best defenses against natural disasters, such as earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, hurricanes and storm, are public awareness and offering the public sufficient time for evacuation. The author points out that the world's developed countries consider insurance an essential aspect of their lives, but this dependency on insurance is not shared by citizens of developing countries who might not be able to avail themselves of this facility. The paper relates that, when compared to natural disasters, many of the man-made disasters could have been prevented; understanding the risks involved in any situation is the first step to developing a successful plan to manage the risks involved.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of this Study
Importance of the Study
Scope of the Study
Rationale of the Study
Definition of Terms
Limitations of this Study
Overview of the Study
Literature Review
Natural Disasters and their Consequences
Man-Made Disaster and the Risks Associated
Life Expectancy and Risk Evaluation
Disaster Response Planning and Insurance Requirements
Methodology
Approach Used
Validity of the Study
Discussion
Summary and Conclusions
From the Paper
"Petroleum exploration, for example, has the ability to impact regions that are geographically very far apart. Environmental issues are becoming increasingly important for the petroleum industry, which has the potential to impact the global economy on a major scale. The three sharp spikes (early 70s, late 70s and 1991) in oil prices observed over time-period of this industry have indicated just how dependent the world economy is on petroleum products. It is easy to correlate these price increases to the recessions that occurred in the U.S. and many world economies during these times. Countries therefore, in addition to investing heavily in the scouring of new petroleum reserves, are also looking for new ways to optimize the processes in their refineries. Increasing storage capacities is a major concern and a potential endeavor. This implies that countries have to build refineries to process the crude oil, support tank farms to store the crude oil before it is processed. Lastly, they have to store the finished products as well as develop shipping and land transportation (rails and roadways) to transport the oil from the supply point to the demand point. Issues such as global warming, fresh water pollution and spills on the high seas are however, forcing countries to reevaluate their strategies when dealing with the environmental issues related to this industry."
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Trauma and Disasters, 2008.
This paper discusses post traumatic stress disorder, focusing on children and disasters.
1,244 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 7 sources, APA, $ 42.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that disasters in modern society have traumatized a great many people. The writer explains that one of the great difficulties of such disasters is the recurrence of the severe, debilitating, and sustained condition known as post-traumatic stress disorder. The writer also points out that however grim the scenario is of studying the lives of the people who have suffered through traumatic events, such studies are extremely important because they allow us to gauge the effects of disasters and the effects of efforts to assist the victims of those disasters. The writer concludes that although it is a tragedy that children have their lives destroyed in events such as hurricanes, floods and the like, out of these disasters have come studies on post-traumatic stress disorder in children. It is a small ray of light in an otherwise dark experience.
From the Paper
"One of the prime problems with post-traumatic stress disorder is that it often manifests itself long after the actual event. While post-traumatic stress disorder is relatively common after major crises, it is hardly universal. Given the fact that resources for addressing severe cases of post-traumatic stress disorder are in short supply, particularly in the wake of a major disaster, it is critical to determine who has suffered major trauma and who has not. However, there have been remarkably few studies examining how to diagnose post-traumatic stress disorder among children. There are also several critical questions about post-traumatic stress disorder among children. Much is known about post-traumatic stress disorder in adults, but we do not know what factors carry over to children also."
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Natural Disasters, 2002.
This paper examines human responses to natural disasters.
1,900 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 10 sources, $ 71.95
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Abstract
This paper examines human responses to natural disasters. Natural disasters were traditionally and common sense assumed to generate pathology. Recent research has indicated that, in fact, natural disasters inspire a range of individual responses from psychopathology to heroism.
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Technological Disasters, 2002.
A discussion of how people are likely to react to disasters caused by human technology.
2,387 words (approx. 9.5 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 73.95
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Abstract
This paper attempts to understand how people respond to technological disasters as opposed to natural disasters such as hurricanes and earthquakes. It examines two specific instances of such a catastrophe, the Exxon Valdez wreck and the Chernobyl nuclear reactor meltdown. It evaluates the psychological aspect of the way in which people prepare for catastrophes since technological disasters are human created and we understand when faced with them that we are (at least as a species if not as individuals) responsible for their occurrence. It looks at how these two specific incidents were chosen because they were thoroughly witnessed and documented, allowing us to examine how individuals, communities and social institutions - including governments - have responded in the case of such accidents. It evaluates how both of these disasters were embedded in political, social and economic contexts and how they would not have occurred if the historical events leading up to them had been different.
From the Paper
"Susan Cutter, in her book Living with Risk, suggests that public response to technological hazards is often ambiguous, resulting in over-reaction, under-reaction, and often no reaction at all. People have learned to prepare for and how to respond to tornadoes (for example). They know where tornadoes may be expected to occur, during what time of the year, what kind of weather produces them, how they sound when they are approaching. People have learned what an individual can do to increase his or her chances of survival, including having access to an underground shelter and seek that shelter rapidly when bad weather threatens."
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Natural Disasters and the Elderly, 2007.
This paper discusses the psychological and emotional stress experienced by older adults as a result of natural disasters.
831 words (approx. 3.3 pages), 11 sources, APA, $ 29.95
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Abstract
This paper explores many of the emotional issues the elderly encounter when faced with a natural disaster. The author addresses feelings of vulnerability and isolation that are particular to the senior population. The writer also discusses how problems the elderly already experiences, such as mental health issues and dementia, may be compounded by a natural disaster. A natural disaster may also bring out previous traumas from the senior's life. The author concludes that natural disasters can increase and exacerbate stress and anxiety in the elderly and possibly lead to serious psychological issues.
From the Paper
"Studies have also focused on the fact that the elderly experience certain identifiable and particular stress factors and vulnerabilities in the face of natural disasters. "We must acknowledge that certain vulnerabilities exist among many elders and that these vulnerabilities are likely to intensify at times of disaster and during the often lengthy recovery process" (Oriol W.) The realization of the vulnerability of older people to disaster is evidenced by the collaboration between Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) and The National Council on the Aging (NCOA), in bringing an important resource to communities to improve crisis counseling for the elderly. (Oriol W.) Therefore there is a growing body of research which mirrors the concern about the effects of emotional and psychological stress on the elderly in times of natural disaster."
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Natural Disasters, 2005.
A look at what can be done to protect ourselves from natural disasters.
1,470 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
This paper describes several historical disasters in U.S. history and looks at what could have been done to protect the public from the harm done by these disasters. The paper points out that, while there is nothing that can be done to stop the environmental forces that cause such disasters, there are definitely measures humans can take to avoid them or, at the very least, protect themselves.
From the Paper
"The dam had originally been built some decades later to support a canal that provided transportation between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. The dam that caused the Johnstown flood suffered numerous leaks and at one partial collapse (in 1862) prior to its total failure in 1889. It was repaired and rebuilt several times. The dam was eventually abandoned as rail traffic supplanted the canal. Then in 1879, Benjamin Ruff realized that the dam could create an artificial lake around which a resort could be built. The first time the dam was rebuilt it was done so with shoddy materials and workmanship. Important parts had been removed and sold for scrap, so an important safety valve for releasing excess water was no longer present. The dam could not be satisfactorily repaired when it developed leaks. In addition a bridge was built in the spillway area, with metal screens to keep the fish stock from escaping, which added significant extra stresses."
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Locus of Control and its Application to Disasters, 2002.
An overview of psychological study of disaster with an emphasis on the internal locus of control and the human capacity to successfully prepare forand cope with disaster.
1,900 words (approx. 7.6 pages), 7 sources, $ 71.95
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Abstract
This paper will focus upon one particular element of the psychological study of disaster - the measure locus of control - and how it impacts upon human coping with disasters of different varieties. It will be argued that, while the some of the scholarly studies remain inconclusive - given the understandable problems in conducting studies in the context of disasters - it appears that there exists a strong correlation between an internal locus of control and the human capacity to successfully prepare for, and cope with, disaster.
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Natural Disasters of 2001, 2002.
An overview of the ten worst natural disasters of 2001.
2,150 words (approx. 8.6 pages), 17 sources, $ 80.95
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Abstract
This paper identifies and analyzes the 10 worst natural disasters of 2001. The first section of the paper identifies and ranks the ten worst natural disasters of 2001. The second portion of the paper presents a series of figures and tables.
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Renaissance Christianity, Natural Disasters and Witchcraft, 2008.
A look at how Christians throughout Europe responded to natural disasters and the ways in which they contributed to certain widespread notions of eschatology.
1,965 words (approx. 7.9 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 62.95
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Abstract
This paper argues that Christians, during the late medieval period and the proto-modern period before the advent of the Enlightenment, responded to disasters by seeking out scapegoats and attributing them to something they had done to incur the wrath of God. The paper points out that the determination to find scapegoats for pestilence or crop failure invariably led to the witch hunts that extended over a period encompassing roughly seven centuries, from about the thirteenth century until well into the nineteenth century. To better understand this phenomenon, the paper examines the eschatological assumptions of the age. The paper concludes that Christian eschatology had the effect, for many centuries, of convincing large numbers of Europeans that the return of the Almighty was near and that righteous Christians would fortify their souls by rooting out those who were heretical, unfaithful, and responsible for unnatural natural disasters.
From the Paper
"Between the thirteenth and nineteenth centuries, it is estimated that one million people in Europe were executed for witchcraft. Additionally, those witchcraft trials which have survived the passage of time appear to have frequently been conducted by ecclesiastical (Christian) courts. In the earliest trials, the institution of the Church took the lead role; by the end of the aforementioned period, it appears as though the Church was rarely, if ever, involved. In any case, whatever the amount of blame one wishes to affix to the European Christian Church, it would be inaccurate to suggest that only religious factors - however important - determined the actions of Europeans when confronted with a meteorological crisis they could not understand."
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Cultural Differences and Disasters, 2004.
A comprehensive examination of how different cultures around the world react to man-made and natural disasters
3,034 words (approx. 12.1 pages), 16 sources, APA, $ 89.95
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Abstract
This paper identifies cultural differences in disaster response and how these differences affect the outcomes of such responses. A background and overview of the topic are followed by an examination of the cultural factors that serve to influence disaster response. An assessment of how these factors play out in terms of disaster preparedness and the propensity of people to live near hazardous areas are followed by a summary of the research in the conclusion.
From the Paper
"Disaster research is a relatively new area of interest among psychologists and other social scientists (Eranen & Liebkind, 1993). Instead of using well-specified conceptual and methodological approaches, early research on the effects of disaster was generally descriptive in nature (Green, 1982). The more recent trend has been to treat disasters as a social phenomena and to identify the underlying social and psychological aspects (Eranen & Liebkind, 1993). To this end, research over the past several decades has focused on studying the psychological impact of disasters, with particular emphasis on psychopathology. The greatest advances have thus involved identifying the prevalence of psychological symptoms and/or disorders following disaster (Rubonis & Bickman, 1991). According to Sheila Jasanoff (1994), accounts of disasters are usually written in a retrospective mode. "The tragic event becomes the occasion for looking backward to a prior, more fortunate time, when foresight, prudence, good behavior, or divine grace might have unscrolled history toward a happier conclusion" (Jasanoff, 1994, p. 2). Today, disasters that involve technology in particular have tended to assume the form of morality plays about the impact of human endeavors on marginalized peoples. While recent technological and natural disasters have increased public and official consciousness of real and potential hazards and the need to prepare for possible disasters, that attention to disaster preparedness may be fleeting, however, despite the magnitudes of the tragedies. In his essay, "The Problem: Preparing for Uncertain Events," William L. Waugh Jr. paraphrases Joseph Stalin, and suggests that "large numbers of deaths are mere statistics; public and media attention seldom lingers when events are distant and the statistics are not easy to translate into human lives. It is also uncertain that the events will stimulate significant and effective policy initiatives. The lessons, then, may be lost" (in Comfort, 1998, p. 111). As a result, in order to develop appropriate policies and procedures that can best serve to mitigate the impact of future disasters, a better understanding of the cultural factors that serve to affect disaster response is required."
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Technological Disasters: The De-Havilland Comet, 2001.
This paper is an overview of the effects of a technological disaster on society. In particular, the Comet jet airplane accidents of the 1950's.
2,355 words (approx. 9.4 pages), 8 sources, $ 72.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the Comet jet airplane accidents of the early 1950's, and the profound effects they had on certain aspects of our society. The author examines the various effects a technological disaster has on our lives and the world around us, as well as how our views towards the technology may be altered after a technological disaster.
From the Paper:
"By examining the jet aircraft industry, but in particular the British jet aircraft industry after the accidents, we are able to gain insight into what people's conceptions were, and why certain events unfolded as they did. With any technological disaster, trust in the product is often lost very quickly, and various actions are often taken to try and restore this trust. By examining these actions we can better understand how many people felt about the technology after the disasters. Lastly, not all technological disasters have purely negative connotations. Much can be learned from technological accidents that eventually lead to important improvements in the technology. By examining one major technological failure and its various effects we can gain a better understanding of how we are affected by technology as well as how our views towards the technology may be altered."
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Sherman's "Disasters And Fairy Tales" Collection, 2004.
A look at a selection of photographs from Sherman's "Disasters and Fairy Tales" collection.
678 words (approx. 2.7 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 23.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at a selection of photographs from Sherman's "Disasters and Fairy Tales" collection of work, through Kristeva's theory of abjection.
From the Paper
"As Kristeva describes it in "Powers of Horror," abjection preserves what existed in the archaism of pre-objectal relationship in the immemorial violence with which a body becomes separated from another body in order to be (Powers). While this may seem like a complex idea, the makeup of it is actually quite simple to grasp. The pre-objectal relationship that Kristeva speaks of is the time in youth and adolescence prior to the female's realization that she is not a subject and..."
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Technological Disasters - The De-Havilland Comet, 2001.
This paper is an examination of the effects a technological disaster such as an airplane accidents has on our lives and the world around us.
2,355 words (approx. 9.4 pages), 8 sources, $ 72.95
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Abstract
This paper examines technological disasters in the airline industry. In particular it looks at the British jet aircraft industry after the accidents. It allows us to gain insight into what people's conceptions were, and why certain events unfolded as they did. It shows us how people can learn from technological disasters, and even though they seem catastrophic at the time, they give us the necessary tools to insure that such disasters do not happen again.
From the paper:
"The Comet planes, operated predominantly by BOAC had established Britain as both a successful pioneer and leader in civil jet aviation. However, several American companies, including Boeing, were in hot pursuit of de-Havilland, fighting for their share of the new civil jet market. "The Comets symbolized to Britons their nation's pre-eminence in jet aviation," 5 and so the accidents came as a devastating blow, both in the short and long term. In the aftermath of the accidents, all Comets were grounded pending investigation, causing huge problems and losses."
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