The Suicide Attacks on September 11, 2001 Essay

The Suicide Attacks on September 11, 2001 - Essay Example By the end of the day, close to 3000 people had lost their lives and the government had declared a war on the terrorist groups, in what could be termed as a paradigm shifting moment in US history (David, 2007). This paper is a critical evaluation of the events which occurred on this day and the aftermath. The suicide attacks on September 11, 2001 September 11 attacks, also known as 911 attacks, will always linger in the minds of Americans, who were the direct victims of 4 coordinated suicide assaults, which took place in two cities i.e. New York and Washington, in the morning of September 11, 2001 (David, 2007). At first, there were beliefs that the attacks were orchestrated by the al-Qaeda terrorist network but these were later confirmed by the then leader of this network, Osama bin Laden, who had denied those allegations at first. This was a unique occurrence based on the fact that they defied the norm with regard to the manner in which the network carried it out. The most common s uicide attacks involved individuals delivering explosives and detonating them once they were at the enclosure of their target. In this case, they opted to utilize hijacked air planes as their weapon of destruction. 4 planes were hijacked by the terrorists meaning that they had already identified 4 possible targets and as it later turned out, they included the Pentagon, the world trade center which had twin towers i.e. the north and south towers, and another target, which was alleged to be the white house (David, 2007). The hijacked airplanes comprised of; American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175, which were traveling from Boston to Los Angeles, American Airlines Flight 77, which was travelling from Dulles to Los Angeles and United Airlines Flight 93 from Newark to San Francisco (Lee, 2002). According to reports, these air planes combined had a total of approximately 246 passengers, 19 hijackers and approximately 33 crew members, figures which are said to be extreme ly low based on the fact that the planes had a total carrying capacity of approximately 694 passengers. Some reports tend to suggest that there was a possibility that the booking process had been manipulated allegedly to reduce the number of casualties (Spiegel, 2002). At approximately 08.46 hrs local time, flight 11 was crashed into the 96th floor of the north tower, killing all those on board while flight 175 was crashed into the south tower at around 9:30 am, which was about 44 minutes after the first crash. Flight 77 on the other hand was crashed into pentagon at around 9:37 am while flight 93 clashed in Pennsylvania at around 10:30 am. Apparently, passengers aboard flight 93 wrestled with the hijackers in an attempt to seize the control of the flight as they had become aware of the crashes that took place earlier during the day but on realizing their mission had been compromised, the terrorists decided to crash the plane so to avoid losing its control and probably get arrested by the US government (Lee, 2002). The north tower of the world trade center succumbed to the crash and collapsed after approximately 1hour 20 min from the time of impact, while the south tower burned for approximately 1 hour before giving in and collapsing. The result of these attacks was that 2996 people lost

Buy American Act for Government contracts Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Buy American Act for Government contracts - Essay Example Particular materials under regulations include â€Å"iron, steel, and manufactured goods† (Zirkelbach, 2009, p. 7). The regulations only allows for use of non domestic materials if either the materials are not â€Å"produced in America† in the required quantity or quality, application of domestic materials will be up to at least twenty five percent more expensive and if application of domestic products will contravene public interest. Any waiver on the mentioned grounds must however be reported in writing. BAA regulations however exempt some countries, countries with trade ties to the United States. These countries enjoy the benefits as though their products were manufactured in the United States. The Buy America act rules have further put more restriction over allowance on construction materials that are products of ‘non-domestic’ raw materials. The raw materials, under BAA, must be at least fifty percent domestic (Zirkelbach, 2009). The provisions of Buy American Requirements are unfair to other countries whose materials are restricted from being used in constructing the United States’ public facilities. The act discriminates against these countries and their enterprises. The regulations specifically undermines developing countries, and their enterprises, that might not be in a position to produce the materials in large quantities, as large as could not be produced by the United States domestic market (Lipsey and Chrystal, 2007). A free market economy is identified by influence of buyers and sellers only, as opposed to government imposed regulatory measures for controlling the economy. Application of the Buy American requirements act, together with its aim of facilitating the ARRA’s goals of strengthening the United States’ economy therefore contradicts the the spirit of capitalism. Policies for a capitalistic economy would for example be aimed at liberating regulations that limits

System analyst Career Managment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

System analyst Career Managment - Essay Example This would be my short term goal. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities are fundamental skills needed for Systems Analysts (Fisher, 2007). Good communication skills are likewise important, because analysts need to explain complex technological concepts and models to management or clients (Fisher 2007). Working with clients requires good people skills. Most systems analysts possess an I.T. related bachelor’s degree such as computer science or information technology. Two years ago, I was able to secure a job as a Sales/Repair in an Internet Cafe in South London. My work included working with different equipments including computers. The experience enhanced my knowledge of computers. I have also worked as a teacher of students of all ages in summer school (2003). The experience exposed me to dealing with people from different backgrounds. In addition, I was chairman for a youth organisation in Stockholm Sweden for a year (2005-2006). This youth organisation, run by the youth themselves, chose me as a chairman because, according to them, they believed I have the right skills for the job. This experience developed my leadership skills because it gave me the self-confidence and determination. My personal assessment is that I am a good listener and I take criticisms constructively. Listening is an important trait of a good leader. My listening skills were developed through active participation in group projects in school. I believe this experience is important to my future career as a systems analyst as it has developed my ability to work with other people. Furthermore, the ability to listen and communicate well with other people is one key trait that a successful systems analyst possesses (Morn 2005). As far as my weaknesses are concerned, I feel that my written communication skills could be improved. Written communication will be important in the attainment of my career goals. For example, it will be useful

Development of Total Quality Management in Higher Education Dissertation

Development of Total Quality Management in Higher Education - Dissertation Example The result of administrative developments is one which then begins to change the level of quality which takes place, specifically with the roles of teachers that are within the institution. Developing an understanding of the administrative roles and how this affects the total quality management within a school system also develops a deeper understanding of what is needed within an educational program to create the correct responses among teachers. The way in which administrators define and approach their role has a direct effect on teachers, specifically with the approach to different needs and development within the educational system. The importance is based on the administrative standards creating a sense of sustainability for teachers and with the overall platform of education (Lozano, 2011). By understanding the role of administrators for total quality management, there is also the ability to have a deeper understanding of the changes which this creates with teaching and needs f or teachers. The understanding of total quality management and the effects which this holds with teachers from the administration is the main aim that will be defined in this research study. The research question will ask what the effect of total quality management from administration creates among teachers.... ociated with total quality management among administration Defining ways in which total quality management effects teachers both positively and negatively Understanding how total quality management can be altered to change the effects on teachers The association with this research study will be to define and understand the main difficulties which are associated with total quality management as well as what the effects are on teachers that are expected to work with administrators for various needs. By defining the gaps that are created, there is the ability to understand and relate to the total quality management within the higher educational system for improvements with both the administrative duties and the expectations which are often not met by teachers. 1.2 Background Information Higher education is one which is now considered an institution which one is able to be a part of to move toward a career and other factors that are associated with society. The importance of the institut ion is one which is based on the ability for students to receive the correct level of education while developing a stronger association with the educational system. The nature of the institution is one which demands specific levels of quality to be reached, specifically through monitoring and changes with policies and procedures that take place among administrators and teachers. It is noted that the particular association with total quality management has a direct effect on the teaching levels that are associated with the institution as well as the type of learning which occurs among students in the classroom (Law, 2010). Creating the correct foundation then becomes essential to developing the right environment for both learning and teaching. The concept of total quality management is one

William F. Baker Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

William F. Baker - Essay Example This is because both of his late grandfathers were also engineers though their fame did not equal that of Baker as a skyscraper designer. In his early schooling, Baker used to excel in Maths, Physics and History though before his graduation he had no idea of what he wanted to study while in University (Baker, 2010). Baker’s strong desire to pursue engineering as a career started after undergoing aptitude test confirmation where he proceeded to the University of Missouri and graduated in 1975 (Baker, 2010). Equipped with a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering, Baker worked for various oil companies in 1970s though he decided to quit within a very short time to pursue Masters Degre (Wallace, 2011). To his peers, Baker seemed to have made a wrong decision but in he knew better than they did (Wallace, 2011). This is by going back to school to study Masters in Structural Engineering at the University of Illinois (Wallace, 2011). Baker’s Masters Degree was extremely deman ding due to the course’s many subjects supposed to equip him with right knowledge concerning how to tackle varied tasks that characterized his field of specialization. After graduating, Baker joined Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, LLP (SOM) firm whose staff comprised of talented experts from his former school (Baker, 2010). Here he worked under the supervision of Fazlur Khan who also mentored him on how to design and evaluate tallest buildings besides other structures. Consequently, this was revelation to the young Baker who by then he hardly knew that experience acted as a preparation for great, complex and fascinating projects in future, for instance, Burj Dubai Tower (Baker, Pawlikowski & Young, 2009). Throughout his career, Baker has always collaborated with other numerous and different experts like architects while undertaking extremely involving design projects (Baker, Pawlikowski & Young, 2009). 2. Problem / Issue identification Baker was a structural engineer, but most of his works required architects’ intervention, especially when he was drawing certain figures that entailed refined details. The two fields’ core role encompasses producing effective structural designs that will support and ensure safety to all people. This is by ensuring the load of every designed structure can adequately withstand varied inevitable natural forces, for instance, wind and gravity (Baker, 2010). This study seeks to relay Baker’s experience, expertise and career achievements that have prompted him to the most renowned structural engineer in the world (Baker, Pawlikowski & Young, 2009). Literature Review Mainly, Baker’s major role in every designing project encompasses coming up with a strong and effective plan that will not only meet client’s aesthetic value, but also ensure evenly distribution of the entire structure’s weight. The designing of the entire structure that will be free from adverse effects resulting from gravity a nd wind is the task that cannot be complete without the intervention of architects. This is evident in the recent completed Burj Dubai Tower which, according to Baker and his team, comprises one of the current famed breakthroughs. According to Baker, for a skyscraper to meet client’s specifications, it ought to fulfill key inevitable engineering principles. These are insignificant for the client, but experts must employ them while erecting the required structure as per the stated specifications. For instance, Burj’s design had to be efficient, considerable wide base to support the expected load but narrow enough such that the building is economically viable (Baker, 2010). Therefore, the building despite designed to meet all the client’

Development of Total Quality Management in Higher Education Dissertation

Development of Total Quality Management in Higher Education - Dissertation Example The result of administrative developments is one which then begins to change the level of quality which takes place, specifically with the roles of teachers that are within the institution. Developing an understanding of the administrative roles and how this affects the total quality management within a school system also develops a deeper understanding of what is needed within an educational program to create the correct responses among teachers. The way in which administrators define and approach their role has a direct effect on teachers, specifically with the approach to different needs and development within the educational system. The importance is based on the administrative standards creating a sense of sustainability for teachers and with the overall platform of education (Lozano, 2011). By understanding the role of administrators for total quality management, there is also the ability to have a deeper understanding of the changes which this creates with teaching and needs f or teachers. The understanding of total quality management and the effects which this holds with teachers from the administration is the main aim that will be defined in this research study. The research question will ask what the effect of total quality management from administration creates among teachers.... ociated with total quality management among administration Defining ways in which total quality management effects teachers both positively and negatively Understanding how total quality management can be altered to change the effects on teachers The association with this research study will be to define and understand the main difficulties which are associated with total quality management as well as what the effects are on teachers that are expected to work with administrators for various needs. By defining the gaps that are created, there is the ability to understand and relate to the total quality management within the higher educational system for improvements with both the administrative duties and the expectations which are often not met by teachers. 1.2 Background Information Higher education is one which is now considered an institution which one is able to be a part of to move toward a career and other factors that are associated with society. The importance of the institut ion is one which is based on the ability for students to receive the correct level of education while developing a stronger association with the educational system. The nature of the institution is one which demands specific levels of quality to be reached, specifically through monitoring and changes with policies and procedures that take place among administrators and teachers. It is noted that the particular association with total quality management has a direct effect on the teaching levels that are associated with the institution as well as the type of learning which occurs among students in the classroom (Law, 2010). Creating the correct foundation then becomes essential to developing the right environment for both learning and teaching. The concept of total quality management is one

The buying back of shares is a dangerous financial strategy as it Essay

The buying back of shares is a dangerous financial strategy as it increases the company's capital gearing. Evaluate this - Essay Example There are different motives that would attract the companies to buy back the shares and there are different techniques that can be used to go through the process of stock repurchase. Different techniques that can are used by the companies for their stock buy-back are as follow: Company offers to purchase the shares from their shareholders at a premium price thus it gives value to them and extra return over price they actually had paid for the shares when they were bought. Companies often buy back their shares from the open market like an ordinary investor purchasing shares and making investment. It is often seen that the market and shareholders perceive the decision of the company to buy back the shares as a positive move and shareholders expecting higher returns stimulates stock price of the company (Larry, 1981). Motives for stock buyback Different circumstances and requirements of business conditions can influence management of share repurchase. Such motivating factors along with their reasons are discussed below: Market perception It is the perception of the shareholders and potential investors that exists in the market matters for future of company. Company is believed to use capital or extra finance available to them to buy back its shares thus giving the perception in market that there shareholders would be valued as they are provided the opportunity to trade possessed shares at the premium price (Udo & Richard, 2003). Thus removing any negative market perceptions that the stock price of the company has fallen and they have low future expectancy that what effects dealing of shares in market. It is often due to low earnings reported by the company in past some period, its operations effected by some scandal or lawsuit thus the share buyback is used as an option to remove any negative perceptions that are prevailing regarding the company in the market (David, et al., 1995). It is becomes necessary for the company to make the share buyback as market due to such instances and incidents might value the share price way low and shares are being traded at value that is below the expectancy of company thus in order to keep a standard for their shares in market and keeping value for their shareholders alive however it is believed that hike in share prices through this approach is of nominal period (Mansor, et al., 2011). Financial Ratios It is a usual practice in the market adopted by the investors before making any investment they make decisions on the basis of research and evaluation of the companies that are seem potential for the investment. Financial ratios of the company are most basic and foremost results that are used for the evaluation of the company. It is part of rational decision making of the investor as they evaluate their choice of investment before making the final decision (Amy, 2000). Thus share buyback can be the part of an accounting technique to get the desired results for the company as however it is the personal financ e of the company that they utilize to buy-back the shares thus it is confidence that the companies have on their abilities that makes them repurchase the outstanding shares that are either absorbed or turned to treasury stock. Thus the purchase reduces assets of company as it is the cash that is being paid for purchase of the shares therefore one of most important