Approaches to Ethics

Approaches to Ethics Utilitarianism is an ethical theory which focuses on the outcome of an action. It weighs the value of an action over its consequences. The rule of utilitarianism focuses on the result regardless of the nature of the action. It points out that, if the outcome is in line with the expected benefits, then the action can be undertaken. It should not only apply to the agent, but also satisfy everyone affected by the action.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on Approaches to Ethics specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The action should put forth maximum happiness to everyone involved. Utilitarianism provides a morally upright approach in making decisions about a certain action. It foresees the possible outcome of the action and calculates the benefits and the costs. From these calculations, the best approach is chosen which ensures that benefits are maximized while costs are minimized. The major drawback of the utilitarianism i s justice. For instance, a situation where a certain act yields more benefits but is still deemed unjust affects decision making. This is because; one has to choose the principle to be used, which is either justice or utilitarianism. The utilitarian standard focuses on the happiness for all those concerned and not oneself. The kind of decisions we make should not only bring happiness to the agent of the action, but to everyone involved. The spirit and purpose of utilitarianism is ‘the greatest happiness for the majority’. Utilitarianism is being used by business analysts, scientists and legislators to make decisions on; whether to invest certain resources to carry out specific projects, whether to approve a certain drug, or whether to ban a certain chemical. The most important formal principle studied in formal ethics is the golden rule which involves principles such as; ‘treat others the way you want them to treat you’ ‘be logically consistent in you r beliefs’ ‘practice what you preach’ and ‘follow your conscience’. These principles can be ambiguous if they are taken literally, for instance the principle of treating others the way you want them to treat you, might not be applicable in some situations, for example in a case where a doctor wants to replace your kidney, then you ought not to replace his in order for him to replace yours. This ambiguity becomes a challenge when establishing these rules since it is hard to come up with situations that satisfy the rule and those that do not.Advertising Looking for case study on ethics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The question of right or wrong is generally dealt with in ethics. If one has a justified claim, then he has a right. For instance, every human being has a right to be educated, and hence entitled to some form of education. Moral rights are then justified by the moral stand ards that are agreed upon by the majority but not necessarily those coded by the law. An act is said to be wrong where it does not respect the rights of the persons involved. A right has a major role on ethics, but it should not be the only factor to be considered in ethical decision making. This is for the reason that, when we consider a right as the sole approach to ethics, then the focus shifts to an individual not to a community. Thus morality calls us to respect one’s dignity and uniqueness, so as to achieve desirable results for the effective living of the community. According to Aristotle, every individual has his own opinion in what is best for human beings. This brings diverse views raising disagreements. These disagreements need to be resolved so as to achieve a common ground that suits everyone. He states that, the moral value is the greatest way to the effective action. He points out that if one imagines, desires and thinks of an idea, then works towards achieving it; he is considered beautiful because he has taken a systematic procedure, and the end result thereof must be of importance because it involves critical thinking. To come up with a common ground for every individual involved is challenging, it involves consideration of many factors.

Using Visual Basic VBA with HTTPS and SSL

Using Visual Basic VBA with HTTPS and SSL Is it possible to access web pages with HTTPS and that require login/password using Excel? Well, yes and no. Heres the deal and why its not so straight forward. First, Lets  Define Terms HTTPS is by convention the identifier for what is called SSL (Secure Sockets Layer). That doesnt really have anything to do with passwords or logins as such. What SSL does is set up an encrypted connection between a web client and server so that no information is sent between the two in the clear using unencrypted transmissions. If the information includes login and password information, encrypting the transmission protects them from prying eyes...but encrypting passwords isnt a requirement. I used the phrase by convention because the real security technology is SSL. HTTPS only signals to the server that the client plans on using that protocol. SSL can be used in a variety of other ways. So...if your computer sends a URL to a server that uses SSL and that URL starts with HTTPS, your computer is saying to the server: Hey Mr. Server, lets shake hands over this encryption thing so that whatever we say from now on wont get intercepted by some bad guy. And when thats done, go ahead and send me the page addressed by the URL. The server will send back the key information for setting up an SSL connection. Its up to your computer to actually do something with it. Thats key (pun...well, sorta intended) to understanding the role of VBA in Excel. The programming in VBA would have to actually take the next step and implement the SSL on the client side. Real web browsers do that automatically and show you a little lock symbol in the status line to show you that it has been done. But if the VBA just opens the web page as a file and reads the information in it into cells in a spreadsheet (a very common example), Excel wont do that without some additional programming. The servers gracious offer to shake hands and set up secure SSL communication just gets ignored by Excel. But You Can Read the Page You Requested in Exactly the Same Way To prove it, lets use the SSL connection that is used by Googles Gmail service (which starts with https) and code a call to open that connection just like it was a file. This reads the web page like it was a simple file. Since recent versions of Excel will import HTML automatically, after the Open statement is executed, the Gmail page (minus the Dynamic HTML objects) is imported into a spreadsheet. The goal of SSL connections is to exchange information, not just read a web page, so this is normally not going to get you very far. To do more, you have to have some way, in your Excel VBA program, to support both the SSL protocol and maybe to support DHTML too. Youre probably better off starting with the full Visual Basic rather than Excel VBA. Then use controls like the Internet Transfer API WinInet and call Excel objects as needed. But it is possible to use WinInet directly from an Excel VBA program. WinInet is an API - Application Programming Interface - to WinInet.dll. Its mainly used as one of the major components of Internet Explorer, but you can use it directly from your code as well and you can use it for HTTPS. Writing the code to use WinInet is at least a medium difficulty task. In general, the steps involved are: Connect to the HTTPS server and send an HTTPS requestIf the server asks for a signed client certificate, resend the request after attaching the certificate contextIf the server is satisfied, the session is authenticated There are two major differences in writing the WinInet code to use https rather than the regular HTTP: You should also keep in mind that the function of exchanging a login/password is logically independent of encrypting the session using https and SSL. You can do one or the other, or both. In many cases, they do go together, but not always. And implementing the WinInet requirements doesnt do anything to respond automatically to a login/password request. If, for example, the login and password are part of a web form, then you might have to figure out the names of the fields and update the fields from Excel VBA before posting the login string to the server. Responding correctly to a web servers security is a big part of what a web browser does. On the other hand, if SSL authentication is required, you might consider using the InternetExplorer object to log in from within VBA... The bottom line is that using https and logging into a server from an Excel VBA program is possible, but dont expect to write the code that does it in just a few minutes.

Human Trafficking Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Human Trafficking - Coursework Example People from third world countries are made to believe that there are a lot of employment opportunities in developed countries. They see it as a chance to live the dream. There are other pull factors that have led to human trafficking. They include; demand for workers and the possibility of living better lives. People have been made to believe that better opportunities can be found abroad and in large cities. The above factors explain why human trafficking has been on the rise since 1980 (Shelley, 2010) . Globalization, rise of illicit trade and the existence of a free market has also contributed to the rise of trafficking. Due to globalization, people and goods can be transported easily. The world has become a global village and even the most remote part of the world is now part of the global village. Developed countries have put in place tough measures that aim of phasing out the problem of illegal immigrants and human trafficking. Human traffickers use various methods to lure their victims. They target poor people from third world countries by posting advertisements and billboards that advertise various high paying jobs in developed countries with good pay. They are encouraged to apply for such positions. Once the unsuspecting people apply for the jobs, they are informed that the company would take them abroad only if they pay around $4000 to cover for plane tickets and other expenses that the company is likely to incur. However, most people from third world countries cannot be able to raise such a huge amount. The company offers to pay the amount for the people who are interested on condition that they would pay the amount from their earnings once they reach the foreign country. This deal is too sweet, and many people end up falling for the trap. Once the plane lands in a foreign country, the people are not taken to the jobs they were promised. Many are taken to brothels,

Measures To Put Under Control the Cases Performance Deficiency among Assignment - 1

Measures To Put Under Control the Cases Performance Deficiency among Employees - Assignment Example It is evidently clear from the discussion that the leader should avoid being biased about the situation. He should make his conclusions about what led to the action. He should, rather be willing to listen to the person, and have a clear understanding of the cause of his inadequate performance. This helps to show the individual that he has a chance to be heard, without being judged. Providing the corrective feedback promptly, within the time the problem is noticed is necessary. This is because it will help guide the employee in performing his activities, and avoid a recurrence. According to Yukl, when an employee demonstrates inadequate performance, it is necessary for the leader to explain to the person the effects of his behavior. He makes the person understand that his behavior has a significant effect, not only to the company but also to his coworkers. When facing an incident of inadequate performance, the leader should stay calm, and exhibit professionalism. This means that he sh ould avoid accusations or insults to the person. By doing this, the employee understands the magnitude of his actions and works to improve his performance. To be a quality follower who is indispensable, it is necessary to have a clear knowledge and understanding of what the company requires you to do. According to Yukl, by understanding your roles and how they should be performed, you can deliver positive results that will impress the leader. This helps to ensure that work is completed as per the leader’s expectation. If the role is not clear, the person should request for clarification, and this will help improve the performance of the individual. When performing duties for a company, one should ensure constant communication with the leader is maintained. The leader should be updated on every activity that takes place. Regular communication allows for the leader to know how the person is conducting his activities and correct him if need be. This helps in the growth of an org anization. Feedback is important in the day to day performance of roles in a company.

Poverty in Black America Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Poverty in Black America - Research Paper Example Out of 40 million, 10.7 million blacks live in poverty (27.4%). A total of 54.6 % of all blacks live in single mother homes. (Black Poverty).1 2. American Black community is not only poor by American standards; rather many amongst them touch â€Å"third world† poor status. In USA official unemployment rate is 4.4% whereas official unemployment rate for blacks is 10% .Approximately a million black children in USA are living below poverty line. (Phillip).2 3. Poverty brings other associated problems. Either poverty causes these problems or these problems cause poverty. The problems include poor education standards, broken family structure, violence, high crime rate, mass unemployment, poor living standards and housing, poor health, friction in communities and low contribution towards economy etc. 4. Higher education is considered essential in upgrading the standard of life. However with poor economic status, black families are unable to afford college education and postgraduate studies. The frustrated youth is therefore divulged towards depression, uncertainty, frustration, drugs and crime. 5. Consistently black students in schools have not performed well. According to Carter (Carter) â€Å"so many decades have passed since 1954 Brown decision however many people are still intrigued by the (under) performance of Black Students in Americas schools†3 . In schools these students remain in groups. These groups often fight each other to gain dominance. Masculine image amongst black boys is a very dominant concept. The past association with slavery also haunts quite a few black youngsters. There is another impression amongst black students according to which a student involved in studies is not received well amongst the peers. When impact of all these factors is combined it results into distraction from studies and poor results and failure in life later on. 6. There has been a factor of racism as well in few schools where black students have been labeled naturally â€Å"dumb†. There has been a feedback from teachers according to which white teachers did not feel comfortable in the company of black students. Unfortunately negative indicators in school life do not point towards bright future of black students. 7. Lack of role models is often cited as a reason for blacks not doing well in many fields specially education. There is a general impression that blacks are not good at studies however they are good in sports and music. However it is considered a wrong argument. Black sportsmen and music celebrities are very few in number. The lifestyles and wealth these celebrities enjoy create a false impression amongst blacks, due to which, black youngsters dream of becoming music or sports stars, through some sort of shortcut in life. The results in real life are far different than dreams. 8. Thirteenth amendment to US constitution was passed in December 1865, according to which slavery was abolished in USA. The country was not stabl e in that era and southern states continued with practices similar to slavery however union army was limited and could not protect ex-slaves. Few states passed â€Å"black codes† according to which unemployed blacks could be arrested and fined .Prisoners that were unable to pay fines could be used as slaves. Blacks were not allowed to buy land and were denied fair wages for work. 9. After the civil war

Self-Expression Project (VOICE) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Self-Expression Project (VOICE) - Essay Example Many scholars argue that the easiest way to solve a conflict is to understand what kind of conflict the organization is being faced with and to understand the motivations behind those conflicts (Jack, LaFrance, & Ginter, 2003). Once this has been established, it is easy to prescribe s a solution for the problem by addressing the root cause of that problem. In today’s world, there are a lot of innovative ways in which conflicts could be solved but the choosing of the most appropriate method is the prerogative of the concerned organization y examining the issues at hand and identifying the most effective way to deal with the situation. Creative solutions are usually the nest in solving conflicts although many are not used because of a lack of precedence (Keyton, 2011). The problem in this situation therefore is persistent conflicts between the employees and the management from tasks and processes. The employees argue that the organization does not understand their needs while th e organization claims that the employees do not understand its policies and processes. This has created conflicts in the organization leading to increased employee turnover and absenteeism. The creative idea leading to the innovation Research has shown that it is only through critical thinking and careful analysis of a situation that individuals will be able to bring a situation into perspective and thus find a solution for it. It is not possible to craft a solution to a problem without a careful analysis of the problem in order to understand the root cause of the issue (Miner, 2007). However, when such issues arise, there are always creative ways to solve them and this can only be achieved through brainstorming and coming up with an idea that will help in solving the problem (Mullins, 2005). Much of what people think of are as a result of their interpretation of the issue and thus may think that contemporary approaches to solving the problem would easily work without hitches. In th is situation, the idea therefore is to enable the management and the employee to reach a consensus and avoid the constant wrangles that exist between the management and the employees. The idea is to make them meet and discuss what is going on in the organization and how they can contribute to alleviating or solving the conflicts that have engulfed them. Therefore, the reasoning here is that when these two groups sit together in a free environment they will be in a better position to air out their views freely and each one of them will contribute to the problem and explain what each party is doing and what they think is aggrieving the other party so that they can come up with solutions on how to solve future problems. Once the people have met, a conducive environment is created, on which is free from retribution and one that supports free expression of ideas from all the parties concerned. The idea is that each party will listen to the other and be able to understand where the proble m is coming from and how they can help one another in sorting out the problem. It is widely accepted that lack of effective communication is what leads to conflicts (West, 2004). This innovative idea is thus meant to bring the conflicting sides together to a table, on a weekly basis, with the management and the employees being there to talk about any issue they feel is affecting them. Expected value of the innovation

Assessing Learning and Achievement Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Assessing Learning and Achievement - Essay Example For college students I based mostly on observations, presentations and project work. The complete opposite is for work based learners where the most appropriate methods are witness testimonies, products of work and accreditation for prior learning. With regards to the issues I intend to address are as follow: The advantages and disadvantages of criterion-referenced assessment, the assessment of validity and reliability (where demand from the government to meet targets forces from the colleges, to employ assessors lacking in competence, making assessment value to be questioned). Also I would like to address the current issues in assessment policy bureaucracy, the measuring and recording of assessment results reduces time spent with the learner, 'bums on seats' model forces colleges to accumulate quantitative achievement rather than qualitative ones. As result this makes the value of qualifications and achievement questionable. In the initial assessment, computer tests are used to identify the literacy and numercacy level of potential applicants, At the diagnostic assessment, the applicants are again tested on the computer, yet compared to previous ones, the applicants are to diagnose; going into the details to diagnose which are the areas that need to be addressed and then identify the support. For formative assessment, it is on going throughout the year both whether it be in lessons or at visits for WBL. Finally for summative assessment was used at the end of the unit or the whole course. It is also at the end of the unit, learners have to complete the underpinning knowledge test to prove their knowledge competence, norm referenced, criterion reference or ipsative assessment; Identify and discuss range of concepts, definitions and principles covered in learning and assessment within your professional practice In the initial assessment, computer tests are used to identify the literacy and numercacy level of potential applicants, At the diagnostic assessment, the applicants are again tested on the computer, yet compared to previous ones, the applicants are to diagnose; going into the details to diagnose which are the areas that need to be addressed and then identify support . For formative assessment, it is on going throughout the year both whether it be in lessons or at visits for WBL. Finally for summative assessment was used at the end of the unit or the whole course. It is also at the end of the unit, learners have to complete the underpinning knowledge test to prove their knowledge competence,norm referenced, criterion reference or ipsative assessment; Formal and informal assessment. I encounter informal assessment throughout the course by means ofinformal discussions and feedback; Self assessment and peer assessment Peer assessment is used more in college environment, and self assessmentis used at the end of the lessons or in tutorials Analysis of your assessment