12dovs - 749 Words

Siemens Bribery Scandal In December 2008 Siemens, the large German electronics firm, agreed to pay $1.6 billion in fines to settle legal suits bought by the U.S. and German governments. The governments asserted that Siemens had used bribes to win business in countries around the world. These were the largest fines ever levied against a company for bribes, reflecting the scale of the problem at Siemens. Since 1999, the company had apparently paid some $1.4 billion in bribes. In Bangladesh, Siemens paid $5 million to the son of the prime minister to win a mobile phone contract. In Nigeria, it paid $12.7 million to various officials to win government telecommunications contracts. In Argentina, Siemens paid at least $40 million in bribes†¦show more content†¦In justifying this behavior, one former Siemens employee stated, â€Å"It was about keeping the business alive and not jeopardizing thousands of jobs overnight.† But the practice left behind angry competitors who were shut out of contract s and local residents in poor countries who paid too much for government services because of rigged deals. Also, by engaging in bribery, Siemens helped to foster a culture of corruption in those countries where it made illegal payouts. During this time period, in a cynical move, Siemens put in place a formal process for monitoring payments to make sure that no illegal payments were made. Senior executives even made some of the individuals responsible for managing the bribery funds sign compliance forms stating that they had not engaged in any such activity, while knowing full well that this was not the case. This scheme began to collapse at Siemens when investigators in several countries began to examine suspicious transactions. Prosecutors in Italy, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland sent requests for help to counterparts in Germany, providing a list of Siemens employees who were implicated in making illegal payments. In late 2006 the German police acted, raiding the company, seizing d ata, and arresting several executives. Shortly afterward, the United States started to look into these charges. Since Siemens had a listing on the New

Human Immunodeficiency Virus ( Hiv ) - 2524 Words

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the cause of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) (Lamptey et al 2002). The transmission of this virus occurs through contact with blood, semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk (Lamptey et al 2002). Sexual intercourse with a HIV infected partner is the most common cause of transmission. HIV can also spread through contact with contaminated syringes or needles and also be passed from mother to child through pregnancy, birth and breast feeding (Lamptey et al 2002). There is a general consensus that the HIV/AIDS epidemic may by the most destructive health crisis that we have faced (Lamptey et al 2006). Furthermore there is evidence that this epidemic has and will continue to cause havoc in relation to global health. This is especially true for countries in the developing world (Vii. Impact On The Health Sector). This article will the discuss the major health implications caused by the spread of HIV/AIDS focusing mainly on sub-Saharan Africa , while touching on a few other locations. Furthermore this paper aims to explore the actions taken towards the treatment and prevention of this disease. Finally future outcomes for HIV sufferers will be evaluated. Goal Six of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) puts forth the motion to combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria and other diseases (UN MDGs n.d.). Furthermore Target 6.A and Target 6.B respectively state the aims to have halted by 2015 and begun to reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS and achieve, byShow MoreRelatedHuman Immunodeficiency Virus ( Hiv )1359 Words   |  6 PagesThis paper explores the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as well as the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). The virus has infected two million adults and children by the year 2005 already. The virus continues to race around the world, and new HIV infections are at 50,000 per year (Martine Peeters, Matthieu Jung, Ahidjo Ayouba) (2013). The final outcome of the HIV infection is Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). There are many treatments that have developed to help the large numberRead MoreHiv And Human Immunodeficiency Virus Essay1208 Words   |  5 PagesHIV has been a pandemic that has affected the world rele ntlessly for many years in a never-ending circle. HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is the virus that is spread through certain bodily fluids and can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). HIV attacks the immune system by destroying CD4+ T cells, which leaves the person infected with HIV vulnerable to other infections, diseases, and other complications.1 Once this virus is acquired, the human can never fully rid itself of thisRead MoreHuman Immunodeficiency Virus ( Hiv )884 Words   |  4 Pages(2010), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that affects the human immune system, leading to a chronic, progressive sickness that leaves people susceptible to opportunistic infections. When the body no longer can fight or resist infections, the condition is at this point referred to as AIDS, which means Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. Averagely, it has been found to take more than ten years to develop from initial infection of HIV to AIDS. Though simple in descr iption, HIV and AIDSRead MoreThe Human Immunodeficiency Virus ( Hiv )862 Words   |  4 Pagesshown that the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the cause of AIDS. More than 33.4 million people worldwide are infected with the HIV virus today. HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency virus. HIV is a virus similar to that of the flu or common cold. The differentiating factor is that with the flu and cold, your body will eventually clear the virus out of your system, but with the HIV virus, the immune system cannot clear it. Getting HIV means you have it for life. The virus immediately beginsRead MoreThe Human Immunodeficiency Virus ( Hiv )948 Words   |  4 PagesThe Uses of Blood by the HIV Virus Blood-borne diseases have contributed greatly to poor health outcomes among individuals and communities. Though blood fulfills various functions to ensure our survival, it can also act as the mechanism through which we become diseased. Understanding the characteristics of such infectious diseases is essential to preventing further cases. In this paper I will discuss how the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) uses blood to cause illness within the infected individualRead MoreHuman Immunodeficiency Virus ( Hiv )1261 Words   |  6 PagesHuman Immunodeficiency Virus Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has become more commonly seen in the world. It is important to show compassion rather than judging that patient based on a virus. The hygienist plays an important role in making the patient feel comfortable and in a judgment free environment. The patient should not feel as if the disease or virus defines the overall character of the patient. Standards precautions are still the same when treating all patients with or without a compromisingRead MoreHiv And Human Immunodeficiency Virus1205 Words   |  5 PagesWhat is HIV? HIV is a fatal disease which stands for â€Å"Human Immunodeficiency Virus† it is a failure to the immune system to protect the body from any infections. This virus causes a condition called acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. When HIV is left untreated it leads to another disease called â€Å"AIDS†. It can occur in any age, race, sex or sexual orientation. The highest risk of contracting HIV is having unprotected sex and sharing needles with others. Another factor are people that have STI’s andRead MoreThe Human Immunodeficiency Virus ( Hiv )980 Words   |  4 Pages The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is an immune system disorder that can be contracted through sexual activity as well as other types of contact. (Healthy Living, pg. 79) If left untreated this virus can turn into AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). AIDS is the final stage of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). (aids.gov) AIDS is an incurable progressive disease that causes gradual destruction of CD4 T cells by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). (Diseases, pg. 431) A healthyRead MoreHiv, Or Human Immunodeficiency Virus998 Words   |  4 PagesQuestion 1 HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, attacks the human immune system and greatly weakens the body’s ability to fight foreign invaders and infection. HIV first demanded notice in the early 1980s in the United States in homosexual men displaying illnesses like Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia and Kaposi’s sarcoma. The disease was soon observed in IV drug users, hemophiliacs, and blood transfusion recipients, but became publicized as a â€Å"gay disease,† nicknamed by the media as GRID, or Gay-RelatedRead MoreHuman Immunodeficiency Virus ( Hiv )1349 Words   |  6 Pages Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a retro virus that causes AIDs by infecting the T Helper cells of the body’s immune system. The AIDS virus is the final stages of the HIV virus. HIV is a lentivirus genus, which is a subgroup of the retrovirus that causes the AIDS virus. Even with proper treatment, an infected person has a life expectancy of less than ten years.As the virus weakens t he human immune systems, this effectleaves the patient compromised and at risk to opportunistic infections

Doctors’ Arguments Free Essays

This paper seeks to examine several arguments presented by three doctors concerning the presence of mental states in a non-human brain and posit the writer’s own reasoning and conclusion. The three arguments will be presented along with the writer’s commentary on each. After careful examination of the arguments and reading various sources, the writer has come to a conclusion that non-human brains are capable of mental states albeit extremely limited ones. We will write a custom essay sample on Doctors’ Arguments or any similar topic only for you Order Now In the matter of mental states, it would be useful for the writer of this essay to first define the mental state. For purposes of this essay, a mental state will include conditions or processes that are performed exclusively by thinking and feeling organisms. Therefore, in examination of the arguments, the capacities of thinking and feeling are key to the presence of mental states. It is imperative that the brain in examination should be able to induce emotion and thought. It must be noted that the patient in question could be the writer herself. The first doctor posits that the patient in question is not capable of thinking and feeling, because of the absence of the soul. Thus it is established that the patient in question does not have a soul and is not perhaps human. Personally, the writer finds it even more difficult to explain the concept of the soul than that of mental states. Mental states may be recognized and even documented, however, in the field of evidence, souls have not been documented or recognized. Perhaps the doctor in this argument would equate the soul to the mind, an entity which is hidden and whose inner workings in the capacity of the human body are mysterious and unexplainable but are thought to function fundamentally for human existence. In Gilbert Ryle’s examination of Descartes’ position on the matter (1949), the separation of mind and body are presented to give way for the understanding of mental states in a separate fashion. However, Ryle mentions the difficulty in examining the mind because of the mystery of its powers and processes (Ryle, 1949). If we were to follow Ryle’s work, the mind presents a consciousness or entity separate from physical space and intangible to the senses. The processes which it undertakes are not witnessed at all and it is sometimes even perceived that these processes may not exist. The fact that these processes cannot be monitored give venue to its questionability. For the writer, explaining the presence of mental states through the soul which can be similar to the mind is insufficient because of the difficulty in verification. Also, Ryle explains the difficulty in seeking to explain the causality of the mind’s processes (Ryle, 1949). If such a mysterious and invisible entity exists, how can it directly cause so many actions? Also, the congruence of such actions is questionable, such as how a will can cause a perception to scratch his nose (Ryle, 1949)? The second doctor’s argument posits that only organic brains alike to those of humans are possible of having mental states. It is thus established that the patient in question (who is most probably the writer) does not have an organic brain and the brain itself is not akin to a human brain. This presumes that the doctor believes in the existence of brains that are inorganic and not human, and explains the difference as well. Inorganic brains are not capable of mental states and processes.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   What then, are the capacities of an inorganic brain? Searle (1980) posits the ‘strong AI’ or strong artificial intelligence in this case, which is capable of outputting actions and responses similar to that of humans when presented with certain stimuli (Searle, 1980). This strong AI has its own structure or physical materials and to function, it is programmed with a set of rules to follow and guidelines in which the responses of humans are thought to be replicated. Perhaps the doctor thinks that artificial brains that are programmed are not entirely possible of replicating human thought. After all, the set of rules that the AI is governed by dictates its responses and in the end, it will only follow those rules. The doctor may be looking for responses that are unique to humans and that vary greatly. Indeed, even the strongest AI is still governed by only a larger and more intricate set of rules which the human programming it inputted. It would only go as far as the human who created it could consider. The last doctor then rejected the formers’ conclusions and reasoning by virtue of the outputs that the patient presented. The similarity to human actions made the doctor believe that though the patient has an artificial brain, the brain could produce mental states. Bertrand Russel posits the capacity of the mind to react to stimuli in unique ways depending perhaps on the mental state in which the person is in (Russel, 2001). The last doctor may see that the patient reacts in unique ways, and similarly to a human, due to the fact that the patient had lead a normal life up to the moment her brain was examined. After examining all the doctors’ arguments the writer would like to concentrate on the second argument. The most probable form of artificial brain would be that of an AI and its strength determines how much of a mental state it can produce. However, once the program is inputted, the AI can still only perform what the program tells it to, and most probably, be in whatever mental state the program also tells it to. A human brain, on the other hand, can change responses depending on the mental state, which no program induces. It is then that the writer posits that the patient does have mental states, but because of the lack of information from the prompt, the mental states cannot be examined. However, if an artificial brain is in place within the patient’s brain, then the mental states are dictated by the program as well. The writer also says that no matter how numerous the responses are that are programmed into the patient’s artificial brain, these responses can never be changed and can never differ from what they are programmed to do. The AI can perhaps learn but cannot exhibit the changing responses of a human. If the question would be solely based on mental states then the position of this writer would be that the patient is capable of producing and being in mental states, but these are all borne from programming. The validity of the programming is not in question in this essay but only that of the mental states. In going further, these mental states of the artificial brain can only produce set and programmed outputs. True, the patient may indeed feel pain and pleasure, but the responses are set. They may be numerous, but always set. The new factor that would come in when considering the mental states of human brains and that of artificial brains is that of the concept of choice. A human can feel a mental state and choose to respond to it. She may respond in different ways and it would be depending on her choice. An artificial brain on the other hand would need only look to the rules programmed into it and evaluate several factors and produce a response that would follow the said rules. Indeed, the mental states that the patient goes through may even be the programmed response as well, accompanying the outside response as well, to make the patient herself unaware of her own artificial brain. What then of the human brain, is it programmed as well? Could socialization and other life processes have acted as the programmers for our brains? This question would depend on how the human makes her choices. After all, a human can change on her own but an artificial brain can only do what it does again and again. Bibliography Russel, B. (2001). The Argument from Analogy of Other Minds. Retrieved July 10, 2008, from TCU Philosophy Department: http://www.phil.tcu.edu/readings/Russell.doc Ryle, G. (1949). Descartes’ Myth. In G. Ryle, The Concept of Mind. Searle, J. (1980). Minds, Brains and Programs. Behvioral and Brain Sciences Vol. 3 , 417- 457. How to cite Doctors’ Arguments, Papers

Corporate Responsibility and Ethics Sustainability and Public Relatio

Question: Discuss about theCorporate Responsibility and Ethicsfor Sustainability and Public Relations. Answer: Introduction Corporate Responsibility and Ethics means to integrate corporate self-regulation into a business model. It is a self regulatory mechanism so that the business can monitor its activeness to ensure the compliance related to law and ethical standards. It aims at increasing long term profit of the organization, building shareholders trust by maintaining positive relations and high ethical standards with the public to avoid legal risk and business harm. Many consumers believe that business should not only focus on making profit but should also take social implications of the business activities into consideration. It is the obligation of the corporate to maximize positivity and minimize negativity of its business impact on the society. The laws; and rules and regulations that basically encourages corporate to maintain high ethical standard, attitude and values are the basic ethical conduct (Mermod, A and Idowu, S, 2013). It is the duty of the corporate managers to maintain these ethical codes of conduct in an organization. The conflicts and problems that take place in a corporate can be avoided if the managers work accordingly to the ethical values and conduct prescribed by the company. There are good reasons for maintaining ethical values in an organization. Maintaining ethical conduct will ensure higher profits. It will increase the reputation of the business (Rajko, A, 2013). Ethical behaviour will be helpful in enhancing leadership (Woodstock Theological Centre, 1990). When ethical choices are taken, it will minimize the stress of the managers as well as of other employees. The Advantages of Business Ethics Business ethics means to realise the difference between the wrong and right business practices in a corporate (Hill, B, 2016). When the principles of honesty and fairness are applied in a business it will develop the relationship of the workers and employees in a positive way. The advantages are as follows: Build Customer Loyalty Consumers can let a company take a negative advantage of them only once, when they realise that they have been treated in an unfair manner like if the customers are over charged or defective product is offered, they will not become a repetitive customer of the company. (Ferrell, O and Fraedrich, J, 2016). Therefore it is very important for a company to maintain ethical values to build customer loyalty and to attract more customers. Positive Work Environment The employees of the company should be honest and fair since the very beginning, from the interview itself (Stanwick, P and Stanwick, S, 2015). Ethical employees will help in maintaining sustainability in a corporate. Trust factor will be developed between the employees and the employers (Giacalone, R, Jurkiewicz, C and Dunn, C, 2005). Ethical Issues Faced by Shell in Nigeria The multinational Corporations are usually been accused of indulging in conflicts related to human rights and many environmental issues relating to operations, and due to this they have become the targets of many social activists. Shell group of companies normally operates in the region of Nigeria. It is a multinational oil corporation which is generally being accused of irresponsibility in their operations that are seriously injustice, creates unhappiness and pain, and violates the basic human rights and hindrance to promote flourishing lives to the society. Shell is engaged in polluting the environment by producing harmful substances that are detrimental to the health and live. The Government has highlighted the unethical conduct of Shell in Niger Delta that is against the human rights. The parent company of Shell, Royal Dutch Shell is denying its responsibility to control the pollution of its subsidiary. Due to this Shell Nigeria has been challenged by the Dutch Court, for violating the human rights and the non compliance of environment laws (Williams, C, 2009). Shell should ethically start working with the Nigerian Government and other Foreign Government to eliminate the negative impact of its operations which are responsible in causing great environmental damages in Nigeria and other local communities by making excessive release of Carbon dioxide that causes global warming. Role of Government in Business Ethics The Government plays a vital role in encouraging the business to maintain ethical values and standards in their activities. We cannot assume that a corporate can follow the ethical values perfectly without the strict governance of the government (Pompper, D, 2015). The enforcement of various laws and policies concerning corporate social responsibility and ethical code by the government is mandatory to bring sustainability in social values. The Government has the following role: Legislating Role To ensure the compliances of corporate to follow ethical obligations, legislation is necessary so that the public do not suffer because of unethical and dishonest business practices (Breslin, C, 2016). The legislature rules helps in preventing the business practices related to bribery and dishonesty. It was developed that those business which do not have legislature rules imposed by the government tends to engage in more of unethical business practices (Morrison, J, 2015). Supervisory Role In the context of business ethics, Government has plays a supervisory role. When organizations merges or are taken over by another business it results in anti- competitive behaviour, as a result that organization becomes a monopoly in the market thus engaging itself in the act of unethical business practices (Brink, A, 2011). These practices are detrimental to the interest of the general public. To avoid unfair practices in such acquisition and merger, Government tends to play a supervisory role. Incentivizing Role The government has introduced the system of providing incentives to those corporate who complies with the ethical code prescribed by the government (Sullivan, P, Smith, M and Esposito, M, 2012). The companies having environmentally friendly practices are often awarded because of its effective environmental policies concerning ethical standards. Those companies that are wasting energy and cannot maintain proper waste disposal system are not entitled for such incentives (Fleming, P, Jones, M, 2012). The Impact of Corporate Responsibility on Organizational Sustainability According to the local communities, Shells operation is regarded as ethically unacceptable due to lack of environmental protection and degradation of their own operations (Burger, A. (2011). Shell is a partner and a participant of National Society of that country where it operates. Therefore it is the moral obligation of the company to maintain all the rights and obligation for the aid of local government and communities; and to help them in establishing policies; rules and regulations to protect the environment by using the resource and knowledge that is available to Shell. As we know that the Government has started to take actions against companies that are causing harm to the environment by the explosion of harmful substances and creating pollution (Cross, F and Miller, R. (2008); Shell has a moral obligation to promote and ensure a clean environment to live in for the future generations. Shell no longer keep interest only in making profit but also works for the betterment of the community and promote the basic rights of the society by providing a safe and clean environment to live. It has made progress in this context, but is a little away from making it fully accomplished. Many underdeveloped countries lack the existing rules and regulations which are related to environmental concern and social issues. So it becomes the duty of the corporate community to maintain adequate standards and not to be accused of immoral and unethical policies. Currently Shell Oil not only works to increase production but also makes sure that the company is not engaged in creating pollution that becomes harmful in maintaining sustainability. Other industries should implement plans and policies like Shell and promote sustainability by maintaining standards and ethical values in their corporate strategy planning. Shell has begun to maintain this and hence it should be continued. Initiative Taken to Stop the Unethical Practices of Shell in Nigeria Various social active groups have been formed to stop the harmful activities performed by Shell in Nigeria. These groups are working by conducting research and imparting education related to the environmental issues and social values of the oil industry. A few of these social group includes- Environmental Rights Action and Niger Delta Human and Environmental Rescue Organization. These groups along with other social group aims at bringing a positive change in the ethical standards and values that Shell should follow. Various efforts have been taken by Shell to avoid such issues. Shell now takes initiative to clean the oil spills, and reduced the gas flaring. Shell is now showing self determination to comply with the ethical standards imposed by the government and other social activists. Conclusion Corporate Responsibility and Ethics plays a very important role in maintaining sustainability and stability in business activities. A good business ethical code of conduct will help the company to have competitive advantage over their competitors. Customers will be attracted and will show interest in making investment in shares by establishing long term relations with the concerned company. If a company is not maintaining good ethical policies the company will have a bad reputation in the market, it can also cause into a scandal related to fall in stock price, low morale among employees and can also lead shut down of business activities. Local communities in Nigeria are highly disappointed by the unethical practices followed by Shell. Shell is engaged in polluting and degrading the environment; and makes it a harmful place for future generation to live in. Due to the strict action imposed by the Government of Nigeria on Shell, it is now showing helpful hands in resolving this environmental problem. Shell along with many other social activists in Nigeria cleans the oil spills, and also aims at reducing air flaring. Self realisation is very important to maintain ethical standards and value in an organization, by creating social corporate responsibility Shell has been successful in creating a feeling of morale and dedication among the workers. Employees are willing to work together to achieve the predetermined goals of Shell. References Breslin, C. (2016). Role of Government in Business Ethics, Viewed 27 September 2016 from https://smallbusiness.chron.com/role-government-business-ethics-65128.html done Hill, B. (2016). The Advantages of Ethical Behaviour in business, Viewed 27 September 2016 from https://smallbusiness.chron.com/advantages-ethical-behavior-business-21067.html done Pompper, D. (2015). Corporate Social Responsibility, Sustainability and Public Relations: Negotiating Multiple Complex Challenges. Routledge. Fleming, P, Jones, M. (2012). The End of Corporate Social Responsibility: Crisis and Critique. SAGE. Stanwick, P and Stanwick, S. (2015). Understanding Business Ethics. SAGE Publications. Giacalone, R, Jurkiewicz, C and Dunn, C. (2005). Positive Psychology in Business Ethics and Corporate Responsibility. IAP. Morrison, J. (2015). Business Ethics: New Challenges in a Globalised World. Palgrave Macmillan. Brink, A. (2011). Corporate Governance and Business Ethics. Springer Science Business Media. Sullivan, P, Smith, M and Esposito, M. (2012). Business Ethics: A Critical Approach: Integrating Ethics Across the Business World. Routledge. Ferrell, O and Fraedrich, J. (2016). Business Ethics: Ethical Decision Making Cases. Cengage Learning. Burger, A. (2011). Shell in Nigeria: Oil, Gas, Development Corporate Social Responsibility, Viewed 27 September 2016 from https://www.triplepundit.com/2011/07/shell-nigeria-csr-corporate-social-responsibility Cross, F and Miller, R. (2008). The Legal Environment of Business: Text and Cases- Ethical Regulatory, Global and E-Commerce Issues. Cengage Learning. Mermod, A and Idowu, S. (2013). Corporate Social Responsibility in the Global Business World. Springer Science Business Media. Williams, C. (2009). Shell must clean up its act in Nigeria, Viewed 27 September 2016 from https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/cif-green/2009/dec/04/shell-nigeria-oil-spills Woodstock Theological Centre (1990). Creating and Maintaining an Ethical Corporate Climate. Georgetown University Press. Rajko, A. (2013). Behavioural Economics and Business Ethics: Interrelations and Applications. Routledge.