Thursday, December 26, 2019

Bp s Risk Management Practices - 3099 Words

Executive Summary The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010 resulted in considerable damage to the environment, economy and human livelihoods. While BP, as one of the parties involved in the operation of the oil drilling on Deepwater Horizon rig, suffered huge financial loss and reputation loss, it was found to be the one to be mostly blamed due to its lack of risk management. As poor risk management can lead to an astonishing disaster like this, it appears to be necessary for every business to learn from BP’s mistakes and try the best to prevent such disaster from happening again. This report studies this case, focusing on two issues identified in BP’s risk management practices, namely its sloppy preparation for risks and its inappropriate communication strategy after the crisis happened. No evidence showed that BP had a sufficient emergency plan for the worst-case deep-water oil spill although the depth of the oil drilling was one of the deepest. BP’s unseriousness towards saf ety was also indicated in their attempt to shift blames to its contractors and the unaccountability shown by the words of BP’s executives during interviews. Based on the examination of BP’s deficiency in risk management, the lessons that can be learned from it are discussed. In brief, firstly, accurate risk assessment and appropriate emergency plan should be available before the operation is started. Secondly, post-crisis communication should show the world that the company cares and is accountableShow MoreRelatedBp s Ethical Culture And Corporate Social Responsibility Procedures1305 Words   |  6 Pagesas it is now known as BP, has grown into one of the four major Oil and energy multi-nationals on the planet. Their success can be attributed to their innovative prowess and their ability to stay one step ahead of their competitors, by investing in places no one has before. The common perception of BP by the general public over the past decade has been quite positive , with people aligning environmental values’ with their new brand positioning. All of this changed after BP was blamed for one of theRead MoreThe Root Of Beyond Petroleum1213 Words   |  5 PagesThe Root of Beyond Petroleum s Issues in the face of Environmental Disasters, (Mis) Management and their Public Image. Drilling for oil is risky business and what makes it worthwhile is the payoff. To put it simply fossil fuels, oil and its distillates remain to be the lifeblood flowing through the veins of a highly industrialized and demanding modern industry. Transportation, Power Generation, Manufacturing, Motorsport, our very lives depend on oil. Arguments can be made that the most recentRead MoreBp Ethical Issues1630 Words   |  7 Pagesof the company guidance towards ethical issues in BP’s company.  Just like to set up a communication consistent standard for all the employees of BP for different location, culture and language.  Originally, this is a good way to guide the company staff to maintain company standard and reputation. But the code did not effectively address specific high-risk activities for the scope of daily operations.  It was quite reasonable because at the very beginning stage of drafting the related guidelines, notRead MoreThe Effects Of Stress And Behavioral Interventions1258 Words   |  6 PagesCardiology Practice. vol.7,N °32 - 27 May 2009. 72. O Brien E, Sheridan J, O Malley K. Dippers non-dippers. Lancet 1998; 88: II: 397. 73. Fagard RH, Staessen JA, Thijs L. Optimal definition of day-time night-time BP. Blood Press Monit 1997; 2: 315-21. 74. Kario K, Matsuo T, Kobayashi H et ., al. Nocturnal fall of BP silent CV damage in elderly hypertensive patients. Advanced silent CV damage in extreme dippers. Hypertension 1996; 27: 130-5. 75. Fumo M, Teeger S, Lang R et., al. Diurnal BP variationRead MoreThe Population Of Interest Used By Charles Georges County Maryland1669 Words   |  7 Pageswas educated about health care outcomes for high blood pressure; diabetes and obesity. Majority of the populace who attended the fair were either low income residents or uninsured. Diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure is known to have increased risk of stroke and heart disease (Sowers, Epstein, Frohlich, 2001). Hypertension in African American population is considered to be highest across the globe as compared to white population. 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Some regulations are proactive, such as Bill 198 (Better known as CSOX, the Canadian version of the Sarbanes and Oxley Act) which places additional expectations on the reporting and auditing of company financials (PriceWaterhouseCoopers, 2004). Other regulations are reactive; such as bill C45 that passedRead MoreAn Audit Of Beyond Petroleum s Ethical Practices1500 Words   |  6 PagesPetroleum’s ethical practices. This report will identify three main breaches of ethics, explain why they are unethical and make recommendations of what could be done to rectify the issues identified. Introduction Beyond Petroleum (BP) is one of the world’s largest energy industries, ‘operating in all activities which are connected with the oil and gas industry’. This includes ‘exploring, producing, refining, distributing and marketing of these products to a global market’. BP operates in over 80Read MoreEthics Report And Recommendations For Bp1497 Words   |  6 PagesEthics Report and Recommendations for BP Executive Summary The focus of this report will be to perform an audit of Beyond Petroleum’s ethical practices. This report will identify three main breaches of ethics, explain why they are unethical and make recommendations of what could be done to rectify the issues identified. Introduction Beyond Petroleum (BP) is one of the world’s largest energy industries, involved in all activities which are associated with the oil and gas industry. This includesRead MoreDear Ceo And Board Of Trustees Essay1289 Words   |  6 PagesMexico sinking the Deepwater Horizon oil rig and tragically killed 11 people This oil spill is now considered the worst oil spill in United States history. During the search and rescue, an underwater camera was discovered which revealed a leak in the BP pipeline. Because the well is located approximately 5,000 feet beneath the deep, dark sea with temperatures just above freezing and extremely high pressure, it made it almost impossible to repair the leak. It wasn’t until July 15, 2010, that divers

Wednesday, December 18, 2019

Assessment Of Leadership, Strengths And Weaknesses

Assessment of Leadership, Strengths and Weaknesses I signed up for Professor Sandra Deacon’s OB460 Leadership Challenge class hoping to identify weaknesses in my leadership style and to possess the pivotal tools and knowledge to become a better leader. Based on my SLPI results as shown in Exhibit 1, my strengths include inspiring a shared vision and encouraging the heart, which was present within my team experience throughout the semester. With my team, I assisted in thoroughly establishing value congruence amongst team members. I wanted to ensure in the beginning of the semester that there is mutual accountability and interdependency as we diligently worked on making a difference within the Boston community. In team meetings, I always find myself asking â€Å"What can we accomplish within the week, given everyone’s extracurricular and work commitments?† to ensure that everyone is diligently working towards the team’s objectives. In addition, I consistently made an effort to create an environment where ind ividual contributions both academic and personal based are recognized. Throughout various check-in points while working on our project with Haley House, I made a conscious effort to be involved in my team’s lives. For example, my teammate Paige recently tried out for a cooking competition, which we later learned was one of her passions. After our Professional Development Workshop, we cheered her on as she left to prepare for the competition. However, based on my SLPI, I could doShow MoreRelatedLeadership Assessment : Strengths And Weaknesses1086 Words   |  5 PagesLeadership Assessment Activity Introduction: The following paper will propose strengths and weaknesses in my leadership skills, by reviewing two assessment tools to detail the results. I will then present the survey results used in the appendix. Survey one: The first leadership activity titled Leadership Self-Assessment Activity, I scored eighty seven. A score of fifty or higher indicates a desire to become a leader and perceived ability to perform the tasks of a required leader ( Clark. 2010 ,Read MoreThe Leadership Self Assessment At The Workplace875 Words   |  4 PagesAnalysis of the Findings The leadership self-assessment above indicates own leadership strengths, specifically interpersonal skills. These skills include verbal and non-verbal communication, negotiation, problem-solving, and assertiveness. As a matter of point, interpersonal skills build strong working relationship among employees, hence, improving efficiency in management. Besides, political skills help to manage the organizational politics and reduce workplace conflicts (Hersey, Ken, and DeweyRead MoreMy Leadership Strengths And Weaknesses857 Words   |  4 Pagesof his or her own strengths and weaknesses in order for intellectual growth to occur. Hence, the purpose of this disquisition is to discuss and analyze my own leadership strengths and weaknesses that were brought forth by various self-assessment questionnaires. I completed three questionnaires with the purpose of becoming more familiarized with the type of coach I am. The questionnaires included a Leadership Scale for Sports (LSS), a Team Leadership Self-Evaluation Assessment, and the CulturalRead MoreLeadership Qualities Of A Leader1375 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction Leadership, as u can easily know the meaning from the word. It is basically a process where a person influences others to ensure that they reach their goals, directs the organization towards success. However, it also depends on how effective the leader is and on the followers’ interests. It can basically be termed as teamwork, where an individual (a leader) influences a group of people to make sure that they achieve the goal. 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The results of the Strengths Finder assessment show that I prefer to accomplish goals and tasks with people, I enjoy deep relationships, empathizing with others, including individualsRead MoreThe Leader Theory And The Servant Leadership Theory1055 Words   |  5 PagesLeadership Self-Assessment The two theories that I chose to do my self-assessment by are the authentic leadership theory and the servant leadership theory. The authentic leadership theory was chosen due to my desire to stay true to who I am and what I stand for. However, the servant leadership theory was chosen because of my desire to meet the needs of others while doing what I can to help others succeed as well as meet their set goals. 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As a leader it is imperative to improve your leadership ability on an everyday basis.

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Database End-User and Developer Collaboration

Question: Discuss about the Database End-User and Developer Collaboration ? Answer: Introduction A database environment consists of various components such as hardware components, software components, database users, etc. Based on the required skill set and functionalities of database users, they can be broadly classified into many categories. The user roles of a database can be represented in a hierarchy. System administrators being at the top of the list, they oversee and supervise the overall operation of the system as a whole. Those who are more closely involved with the typical functions of a database include Database Administrators, Database Architects or Database Designers, Database Programmer and Database Analysts and last but not the least Database End-users (Wade and Chamberlin, 2012). End-users are the people who use the application i.e. the software program is designed keeping in mind that the end-users will use it. The role of the end-users is different from that of the database developers or designers and installers. The database end-users require going through a preliminary training to utilize the functionalities of the database application. Lack of familiarity with the database design and inadequate knowledge about the database prevent the end-users from effectively operating the database systems packages. End-user training involves data entry, data processing, querying the database, creation and preparation of forms and reports. Workshops and on-site classes are provided to the users on the subjects of database query languages, maintenance, and configuration. Data Abstraction and End-User Roles Data abstraction hides the minute detail about the physical structure and storage details and the complexities associated with them. Data abstraction helps to perceive the database as a series of layers. The database abstraction layers are formed at the beginning of database designing (Nicolaos and Katerina, 2015). The first model of data abstraction is the physical model. The physical model of a database includes the structural details such as indexing, clustering, and storage, etc. Physical layer hides these details for the logical structure model that includes the conceptual design of the database such as the relational model, table definitions, and entity relationship diagrams, etc. The function of the logical layer is to provide user abstraction from the highest layer that is the user layer. The end-user describes it with the help database views. Views originally do not have any physical existence; instead they are logically created virtual tables within the database. Managing Data On the basis of managing the database, end-users can be of two kinds. Some end-users interact directly with the database using the application programs and query language to get desired results or output. They need skills to run the various query languages such DML (Data Manipulation Language), DCL (Data Control Language) or TCL (Transaction Control Language). The causal types of end users such as high-level managers use sophisticated query languages. Native end users can run frequent standard queries on the database to access or update the data stored in the database. Stand-alone users need to establish a direct connection to the database via online terminals. Typically, the database developers need to go through a series of steps to build complete database application software. The first factor to consider is the end-user requirements. It is the reason end user's involvement in the early database design phase is so much required. It helps to eliminate any misunderstandings between the developer and end-users regarding the database requirements (Edwards, Mayernik, Batcheller, Bowker and Borgman, 2011). Then the developer needs to perform the task related to designing of the database that includes ER diagrams, relational model normalization, etc. Designing the application involves implementation of integrity constraints, database triggers, packages and procedures, transaction locking and sequences, enforcing security constraints, writing DDL and DMLs. Then there comes maintaining and updating the database. Accessing Data Database access tools are designed for end-users which mean these are end-user oriented tools specifically designed for accessing the data stored in the database to retrieve relevant information. These tools permit the end-users to build SQLs by without typing the whole query although a basic knowledge and training are required. Some of the database software tools include XML, SQL, JDBC, ODBC and few of the RDBMS tools. Most of the modern IT companies maintain a cross-platform database system; as a result the task of managing multiple databases becomes more complex. A sophisticated user with sufficient knowledge about the database architecture can have a more smart and efficient utilization of the database. End-users are the main focus for building a DBMS as they are the ones who will be using, accessing, managing, updating and maintaining it (Cooper, 2012). Occasional pieces of training are organized for the users to give them a full understanding of the working of the entire system so that they can operate on it effectively. Some workshops and seminars are conducted to provide relevant knowledge and environment for the users to explore and get involved. End-user queries the database using general query tools such as Microsoft SQL Server. Working with the database involves different types and varieties of tasks and the end-users, in this context, needs to be familiar with the working methodologies and environment of database activities. Manipulating and Querying Data Stand-alone database users need to be trained in a specific software application that they are going to operate on a daily basis. These types of applications involve ready-made packages and graphic-based menus and options to interact and work with the particular database system. Sophisticated end-users are the engineers and scientists who require thoroughly going through all the features and functionalities of the database application so as to develop their project that demands the complex requirements. These end-users learn and familiarize with the DBMS facilities to closely work with the environment. The database developers manuals including the operation recovery and maintenance section should be thoroughly grasped and learned by the end-users of this type (Childs, 2013). Parametric end-users interact with the database constantly by running queries to retrieve information as well as updating and populating the database with new information, generating reports, etc. Data manipulation language (DML) consists of SQL queries such as Insert,' Update,' Merge,' Truncate,' Delete etc. Data manipulation statements allow users to communicate with the database through the interface also known as the term front-end. The abstraction layers help to move the details further way from machine understandable language and closer to the human understandable language. The non-technical people i.e. the end-users use the terms front end to refer to the user interface or the application and back end to refer to the DBMS or the server. The traditional end-user training sets its focus on the internal structure of the database and SQL syntax as s learning tool for retrieval of relevant information (Rajbhandari, Shah and Agarwal, 2012). Conclusion The end-user training program employs mentors and instructors who come from database developer background. They can provide valuable insight to the practical knowledge and application of the database tools and techniques. The developers mentor the end-user trainees regarding the principles. It is the responsibility of the mentor to guide the end-users and make them familiar with the syntax of SQL as end-users cannot devote their time to learning the core operations and languages of database but they need to communicate with the database to perform their business related tasks (Chaudhuri, Narasayya and Symala, 2012). SQL is a mandatory tool for Database Management and almost all types of end-users who require operating with a database system need to be familiar with the semantics and syntaxes of SQL. It is their target as well as a challenge is to provide them with this knowledge in a user-friendly and comprehensible approach. The requirement is to form a sequence of query expressions in ad-hoc basis. The ad-hoc approach essentially involves end-users. The end-users are interviewed about the requirements and problem domain at the early stage of database designing, and the solution is developed according to the requirements. Reference List Chaudhuri, S., Narasayya, V. R., Symala, M. A. (2012).U.S. Patent No. 8,307,343. Washington, DC: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Childs, H. (2013). VisIt: An end-user tool for visualizing and analyzing very large data. Cooper, R. (Ed.). (2012).Interfaces to Database Systems (IDS92): Proceedings of the First International Workshop on Interfaces to Database Systems, Glasgow, 13 July 1992. Springer Science Business Media. Edwards, P., Mayernik, M. S., Batcheller, A., Bowker, G., Borgman, C. (2011). Science friction: Data, metadata, and collaboration.Social Studies of Science, 0306312711413314. Hietala, P., Nummenmaa, J. (2012, December). Supporting User Learning and User. InInterfaces to Database Systems (IDS92): Proceedings of the First International Workshop on Interfaces to Database Systems, Glasgow, 13 July 1992(p. 392). Springer Science Business Media. Marshall, R., Cook, S., Mitchell, V., Summerskill, S., Haines, V., Maguire, M., ... Case, K. (2015). Design and evaluation: End users, user datasets and personas.Applied ergonomics,46, 311-317. Mccormack, M. J., Kenney, A. R., Bryant, C. W., Covington, C. D., Dickinson, R. L., Coggins, R. E., ... Hough, D. J. (2014).U.S. Patent No. 8,689,137. Washington, DC: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Nicolaos, P., Katerina, T. (2015). Simple-talking database development: Let the end-user design a relational schema by using simple words.Computers in Human Behavior,48, 273-289. Rajbhandari, P., Shah, R. C., Agarwal, S. (2012). Graph Database Model for Querying, Searching and Updating. InInternational Conference on Software and Computer Applications (ICSCA). Wade, B. W., Chamberlin, D. D. (2012). IBM Relational Database Systems: The Early Years.IEEE Annals of the History of Computing,34(4), 38-48.

Tuesday, December 3, 2019

Macbeth And Sypernatural Essays - Characters In Macbeth,

Macbeth And Sypernatural In Shakespeare's "Macbeth" supernatural forces create a suspenseful atmosphere. The use of the supernatural in the witches, the visions, the ghost and the apparitions provides the backbone of the climax and "excuses" for Macbeth's change of character. Because conscience plays such a central role in Macbeth's tragic struggle, many critics use spiritual and supernatural theories to illuminate the drama's character development. The play opens with the use of the supernatural when three witches encounter Macbeth on his way home from a battle and proceed to predict his fate. This gives the audience a glimpse of the path the play will follow. The witches plan to meet again, "When the battles (battle is) lost and won..." (I. I. 1-4). This theme becomes recurring throughout the play. It can be noted that the witches meet after every battle is lost and won, and every battle, whether man against man, man against nature or man against himself it will always be lost by one side and won by another. Eventually Macbeth will lose the battle for his soul. Literary critic, Charles Lamb quotes, "When we read the incantations of the Witches in Macbeth, though some of the ingredients of their hellish composition savour of the grotesque, yet is the effect upon us other than the most serious and appalling that can be imagined? Do we not feel spell-bound as Macbeth was?" (Lamb). After the witches reveal the fate of Macbeth becoming king, he begins to develop an immoral plan to carry out the prophecy. The only way for Macbeth to have the throne will be to wait or to kill King Duncan. Macbeth already knew of his future as king due to the witches' forecast of his future, so how he went about getting there did not concern Macbeth. Had the three sisters not confronted Macbeth with the news of his possible future would he have thought of a deviant plan to murder King Duncan, and better yet, would he have had a future as a king at all? Another critic of Shakespearean Literature believes "Their (the witches) two appearances divide the tragedy in two movements, the one of which unfolds the crime, and other as punishment." (Snider 289) If you refer back to the text you will find just as the witches appear before Macbeth the first time, the plot to murder King Duncan begins and immediately after the second visitation, the events leading to Macbeth's death take place. Had the three witches not encountered Macbeth that day, would Duncan still be alive? The three sisters held the power of motivating Macbeth to kill Duncan by planting the idea in his head that he could be king. The "ghostly" dagger, which led Macbeth to Duncan's chamber, also represents the supernatural forces that cause the fall of Macbeth. "His benumbed isolation before, during and right after Duncan's murder is one of the most vivid memories, and we can see him in the same abstraction again among the mourners after Duncan is found." (Manyard 62) Macbeth's memories of the murder of King Duncan were too cloudy for him to remember because the disillusionment and distraction of the knife influenced him to go through with killing Duncan. Macbeth followed the bloody dagger to Duncan's room and even thought twice about murdering the king. Manyard also states "Shakespeare emphasizes the visibility of the dagger, partly, I suppose, because it is an instrument of powers that will repeatedly - with blood, daggers, ghosts, and every insidious form of apparition- work on Macbeth's sight and partly too because its appearance at this moment defines with characteristic ambiguity the complex kinds of sources of experience to which Macbeth as a tragic hero is sensitive." (Manyard 70) Macbeth exhibits sensitivity towards what he does not understand or comprehend. These strange occurrences bring forth Macbeth's uncertainty of the unnatural, causing his character to have two paths to travel down: the right one or the wrong one. The floating dagger along with emotions and adrenaline coaxed Macbeth to the murder. Had he not encountered dagger, he wouldn't have ever traveled up the stairs to Duncan's chamber. Banquo's ghost is yet another paranormal experience Macbeth encounters, and also the one that sent Macbeth over the edge. Author Ludwig Jekels felt that "the poet dramatizes, with wonderful clarity, the fear of the son (Banquo) now the father, upon confronting, in his own son (Macbeth), the same hostility that he (Macbeth) had harbored on his own father (Duncan)." (Jekels 227) Banquo's ghost returned to torture Macbeth indefinitely. Eventually, the ghost drives Macbeth to