Contractors in the Military Essay Example for Free

Contractors in the Military Essay Going back in time to the Civil War, private contractors can be found, providing support, logistics, and supplies to the military forces. If you think about today’s military bases and approaching the front gate that do you see? Well the first person you see is a private security guard standing there waiting to welcome you to fort whatever. Why don’t you see a Military Police Officer standing there? Simple question right, well it isn’t because the Military is going more and more towards a civilian work force. What does going to basically civilian work force do for those men and women that serve in the United States Military today? Is the government really making the right choice by continuing to use private contractors back home and abroad in war zones today? That is where this paper is going to search out the causes and effects of the use of private contractors or civilian work force in today’s Military. Today’s Military bases are flooded with civilian workforce working for the government as private contractors. The Government today is looking for anyway to cut Military budget and save money. But is using the civilian workforce saving money? Well let’s talk about those security guards at the front gate, let’s say the guard is between a GS 1-3 the average salary for them are seventeen thousand to twenty eight thousand a year. Now look at an Army Military Police Officer e-1 through e-3 which is equivalent to the GS 1-3 the salary for that e-1 through e-3 is between seventeen thousand to twenty thousand dollars a year. So from that little comparison using a private workforce really isn’t saving anyone any money. Let me remind you that doesn’t include years in service. Because more time in the GS ranks you make more money faster. But for that enlisted soldier his money caps after so many years. But everywhere you go you see more and more civilian workforce so there must be a positive side to having civilians work alongside with the Military agencies. Having private contractors work alongside with the Military can take some stress off of units that are deployed down range in combat zones. Those units can focus on their missions at hand and can rely on logistical support and personnel support from basically private security forces downrange. â€Å"For the State Department, armed contractors likewise perform a variety of security tasks†(Isenberg 2009). In comparison to past conflicts the United States was involved in like Gulf War one in which the ratio was one contractor to fifty eight service men. Now let’s jump to the Bosnia conflict where the ration jumped to one to fifth teen. Then you look at Iraq War which the ratio dropped to one to six. So the use of the contractor is becoming more evident in armed conflict zones. So many jobs that the Military gives to the private sector are specific jobs or a â€Å"valuable skill† that is a specific task. So by giving those specific jobs to contractors in war zones al lows the military to provide sustainment abilities on forward bases. â€Å"Then you have to look at the bad side of those private contractors, with the likes of Black Water, and Triple Canopy†(Cotton 2010). Those two companies have been involved in many altercations that put a bad taste in people’s mouth about private companies working in war zones. Each company did many things that caused a lot of crisis for fellow service members while they were deployed in hostile places. These companies go to do a job get paid more by our United States Government then goes and does hostile acts against the other country, that puts many other people not just service members in harm way. So why should the DOD pay people like this? Well that is just the great debate. So with the government in war still in Afghanistan, why do we continue to rely on so many private companies, well that is because of those vital assets those people offer. So if the government would put a little more faith in the Military Services we have and train. We could start working on the costs of what is spent while we are at war. Even though it would be great to limit the use of contractors, the use of the contractors just needs to be limited in certain ways. Keep using the ones that are needed to assist in logistical support and aid in missions to assist. Try and stop the use of the ones in war zones running missions could improve on the government spending, let those people that serve in the Military keep running those missions, because that is what enlisted do serve our country. Works Cited ISENBERG, DAVID. Shadow Force. Westport, CT: Praeger Publishers, 2009. Praeger Security International Online. 1 Jan 2013.

The New York Crystal Palace :: Architecture History

An Ode for the Inauguration of the American Crystal Palace: The nations meet, not in war, but in peace, beneath this dome. They meet to bring glory to God on high and goodwill to men. The Crystal Palace is a symbol of the might of Man. Look on, ye Nations, and vow eternal peace and justice. -William R. Wallace (New York Times, July 14, 1853) When the first major international exhibition of arts and industries was held in London in 1851, the London Crystal Palace epitomized the achievements of the entire world at a time when progress was racing forward at a speed never before known to mankind. The Great Exhibition marked the beginning of a tradition of world's fairs, which would be held in major cities all across the globe. Following the success of the London fair, it was inevitable that other nations would soon try their hand at organizing their own exhibitions. In fact, the next international fair was held only two years later, in 1853, in New York City. This fair would have its own Crystal Palace to symbolize not only the achievements of the world, but also the nationalistic pride of a relatively young nation and all that she stood for. Walt Whitman, the great American poet, wrote in "The Song of the Exposition": ... a Palace, Lofter, fairer, ampler than any yet, Earth's modern wonder, History's Seven out stripping, High rising tier on tier, with glass and iron facades, Gladdening the sun and sky - enhued in the cheerfulest hues, Bronze, lilac, robin's-egg, marine and crimson Over whose golden roof shall flaunt, beneath thy banner, Freedom. The plan for an American Crystal Palace originated with Edward Riddle, a Boston auctioneer and carriage-maker. He assembled a group of New York bankers who had either visited or heard marvelous stories about the London exhibition and were more than willing to invest in a similar project in the United States. Riddle tried but failed to interest the famed entrepreneur, P.T. Barnum, in the project. The group of investors soon petitioned the Board of Aldermen in New York City for use of Madison Square, located in lower Manhattan where Broadway and Fifth Avenue meet at 23rd Street, to build a "house of iron and steel for an Industrial Exhibition.

Costco History

The History of Costco Wholesale DeAna Castro Wilmington University MGT 6501 Abstract Costco is a members only, international retail chain discount warehouse Club. They combine high quality merchandise with low prices. Costco began in 1976 as Price Club and restructured in 1997 as Costco Wholesales. Costco’s passion, mission, and ethics have been the key to the leading membership warehouse retail giant to supply their customers with low prices. Their low cost business strategies and dedication to their employees, suppliers and shareholders have proven success. The History of CostcoThe history of Costco began in July, 1976, in San Diego, California, and its name was Price Club. It was cofounded by Sol and Robert Price. The newly designed business was the first ‘warehouse’ business of it’s kind. This retail business originally targeted other business owners, but blended retail and wholesale. Price Club had unbeatable low prices and sold bulk items. Three years later, 1979, Price Club expanded two new locations. They acquired 200,000 members and profited 1 million dollars. Price Cub showed a loss of profits the first year, but the expansion proved profitable.Jim Sinegal is a key player to the success of Costco because he started his career being mentored by Sol Price. He worked in the warehouse business at Price Club and another warehouse business called Fedmart, both owned by Sol Price. (Cardon). In 1983, Jim Sinegal and Jeff Brottman would open their own warehouse club near Seattle Washington, and it was called Costco (Daft, 2012 pp. 605). One year later, Costco expanded to nine warehouses in five states. It was not long before Price Club realized they could achieve larger cliental if they served a selected audience of ‘non-business’ members.This payed off by the year 1984, Price Club sales would be greater than one billion dollars and is the first company to achieve this mark in a six year period. Almost ten years later, 1 993, Costco and Price Club, would merge and become PriceCostco. This merge was nicely matched because they were very similar in business model and size. The combined companies included 206 locations and generated $16 billion in annual sales. Jim Sinegal would also become Costco’s President and chief executive (Priceviewer). The merger only lasted about four years and, in 1997, PriceCostco became Costco.Jim Sinegal remained President and chief executer (Carden, 2011). Costco’s Mission statement: To continually provide our members with quality goods and services at the lowest possible prices in order to achieve our mission we will conduct our business with the following Code of Ethics in mind: Obey the law, Take care of our members and our employees, and respect our vendors/suppliers. â€Å"If we do these four things throughout our organization, then we will realize our ultimate goal, which is to reward our shareholders. † Jim Sinegal. (Costco, 2011)Costco’ s operating philosophy is to keep costs down, and pass the savings on to their customers. To offer high quality brand name merchandise at prices below any other avenue of retail. They accomplish this several ways. They buy high volumes of merchandise directly from manufactures and not distributers. The merchandise is shipped directly to a selling warehouse and not a storage area, and this also reduces freight costs. Costco warehouses are located on sites where property costs are minimum not on high real estate locations. Merchandise, or stock, is placed directly on a selling floor and on the pallets that they are delivered on.By doing this, labor and handling, costs are reduced to save the customer money. Sales and service employees are kept at a minimal to also reduce overhead costs. Last, because Costco’s has such an incredibly large membership base they have influence and power to haggle prices with their manufacturers and suppliers. â€Å"Costco is able to offer lower pr ices and better values by eliminating virtually all the frills and costs historically associated with conventional wholesalers and retailers, including salespeople, fancy buildings, delivery, billing and accounts receivable.We run a tight operation with extremely low overhead which enables us to pass on dramatic savings to our members. † Jim Sinegal (corporate, 2012). Costco pride’s themselves as a leading warehouse/big box retailer. Sales volume exceeds that of their competition and they use a â€Å"consumer first† business model. This business model is a creative way that has expanded sales. Costco has developed additional ways to continue to save money for their customers. They did this by creating their own brand. Costco’s personal brand is ‘Kirkland Signature. Kirkland, Washington's the root of Costco and is where their headquarters is located. Kirkland Signature brand was introduced to Costco stores in 1995. It was designed to be equal or bette r quality than national brands. Kirkland Signature products include diapers, coffee, tires, clothing, film, housewares and more. (Priceviewer). Often, national brands are co- brands with Kirkland Signature products. Some manufactures realize the success and power of Costco and have agreed to manufacture products with the Kirkland Signature label. Some companies include Hanes and Whirlpool. Branch, 1999). â€Å"Costco continues to prove their â€Å"consumer first† business model, through the creation of new and unique business concepts, included Costco Pharmacy (1986) Produce and Bakery (1987), Optical labs (1987), 1-Hour Photo (1989), Hearing Aid Centers (1994), Costco Gas stations (1995), Costco business Centers (1996), Costco Travel (2000), Costco Home (2003), and Car Washes (2006)† (Walker, 2011). Costco’s structure and culture, meets customer needs further than low prices. Costco focuses on value of it’s products but also focuses on value of itâ€℠¢s employees.They believe that achieving a long term objectives of reducing employee turnover and enhancing employee satisfaction is beneficial. To accomplish this they hire employees at an above average hourly rate, they train and promote from within. Doing this, their employees feel loyalty and valued. Costco Continues to be financially successful today and has expanded internationally. Their mission and ethics have proved to be successful and beneficial to all that the organization is involved with to include, customers employees, suppliers/vendors and stockholders.What does organizational design truly mean? Have you considered how it can work best? If yes, how? If no, why not? Organizational design is a formal process for integrating people, information, and technology. Organizations are people that have a declaration of purpose, vision and strategy. This structure matches people to the purpose it seeks to achieve a common goal or purpose. It is designed to enhance communication , information, and resources to optimize human achievement. The end product is an integrated system of people and resources tailored to the specific direction of the organization.Organizational design basically is an execution of an administrative plan guided by a leader/leaders. The design of the organization can work best if the people work together as a team. It will also work best, if the mission, vision, strategy, purpose and needs of the organization are identified and the goals are achievable. Organizations also work best if it’s leader understands, guides and assures the process is followed and encourages creative thinking. If their is not an effective leader who does not have a mission, vision, strategy and followers, the organization can and will fail.Costco has proven to have a successful organizational design. Describe the â€Å"Trap of favored ways of thinking†? How did it impact your thinking? In Organizations ‘traps’ can be hazardous to thei r success. These traps can prohibit and restrict creativity, limits capabilities and limits ability to progress into the future. Some common traps are: Group Thinking- Productive conflict is critical if common traits are shared in a group because it prevents bad ideas from being implemented without discussion or consideration. Non productive conflict is not productive and can become a hostile situation.Group thinking is pervasive. â€Å"We have never done it like this before† If you always do what you do, you always get what you got. Be courages and attempt change. Make sure to make meaning changes. â€Å"You’re Gooder† syndrome- Respect is over emphasized to their authorities and lacks candor, honesty and courage. Inbred Culture When hiring employees is based on time, ore years of service and loyalty rather than exceptional performance. Problems will arise. The leadership chain of command will be incompetent and will breed more incompetence. Arbitrary Directive s and policies are determined by top management.If decisions and policies are made with randomness and for unknown reason then those are signs that indicates that the leader is disconnected and out of touch. This truly impacted my thinking because I was not aware and I learned many things! It made so much since why organizations struggle, fail and succeed. It caused many flashbacks to my military career, and also, my teachers, mentors and friends. When I think about this, in reference to Costco, any of these trapped ways of thinking could have jeopardized their success. â€Å"The Ugly Face† often stifles an organizations growth. How? Did you position to circumvent it in your design?The ugly face refers to organizations that exploit employees, the global economy, or the natural environment as instruments of domination that furthers selfish needs and dominance. Taking what they need and throwing or destroying what isn’t needed. â€Å"Whether by design or default, organi zations often have a large negative impact on our world. † (Morgan,1998 pp. 261). Pollutants, poisons and other cancer causing hazards are ingested or promoted by food and tobacco companies. Similar threats are caused from environmental pollutions that are legally and illegally dumped in water and land.Contaminated air, land and water hurt people causing cancer or other health problems and big corporations that cause these hazards are sometimes not penalized. These organizations place profits before human welfare. Foreign countries are easily manipulated by employment with hazards, disease, and degradation. Costco has circumvented many of the â€Å"ugly face† views by taking care or rewarding their customers, employees, and suppliers. They take care of their employees by giving them a substantially higher pay than other companies, they promote from within and they are rewarded and valued as people.Globally, Costco has expanded to foreign countries and has provided emplo yment and opportunities for others by creating employment, giving them higher above average salaries and valuing them as people with respect and appreciation. References Branch, S. (1999, 09 06). Inside the cult of costco. Fortune, 140(5), Retrieved from http://web. ebscohost. com/ehost/detail? [email  protected] Cardon, B. (n. d. ). Costco company history. Retrieved from http://goarticles. com/article/Costco-Company-History/4651134 Costco Wholesale Corporation SWOT Analysis. 2011) Costco Wholesale Corporation SWOT Analysis. Daft, R. (2013). Organizational theory & design. (11 ed. , pp. 54-61). Canada: South-Western, Cengage Learning. Walker, S. (2011, 05 16). The history of costco. Retrieved from http://www. vendor. com/_blog/VENDORCO_BLOG/post/The_Hisory_of_Costco Retrieved from http://www. costco. co. jp/eng/costco. htm Retrieved from http://phx. corporate-ir. net/phoenix. zhtml? c=83830=irol-homeprofile Retrieved from http://priceviewer. com/costco/costco. htm Retrieved from h ttp://www. referenceforbusiness. com/history2/91/Costco-Wholesale-Corporation. html

Lending a Helping Hand Essay - 1304 Words

Lending a Helping Hand There have always been organizations that provide help for the needy. Now the economy is going through a downward spiral giving these institutions a greater importance in helping the lives of those who need it. Miami County residents have seen firsthand that some people who live in this area really need the help. The statistical evidence shows that Miami County, Indiana is being affected by the economy. The average salary of a resident in Peru, Indiana ends up being $28,487. (Indiana) That number may not seem profound, but when you have a family to support, the budget gets tight. The normal wage annually for a resident in the state of Indiana is $45,434. (Indiana) That makes it roughly 38% more money than what Miami†¦show more content†¦Yet, hunger only makes up for a small part of the complications that poverty brings. Without enough money, how does someone suppose to afford to live in a house? Though most Miami County residents do not see homeless people, does not hide the fact we have people living without a home. Peru is not a big city like New York, or Los Angeles, but no matter where you are at in America, there will always be those who cannot afford to rent or own any type of housing. Even if everyone could afford some type of housing to live in, it does not mean they can afford all the necessary utilities. Air conditioning is not a necessity, but someone might not have enough money to provide a fan. The cost for utilities such as electricity for a fan to keep the cool in the summer heat, or simply having running water might be a problem for someone with little to no income. With winter approaching even some people will have to go without heat in the Miami County area. Helping Hands is a Non-Government and Non-Profit organization in Miami County. Hershel Manhart was a volunteer at St. Vincent DePaul in Peru when he began to do research to determine if there was a need for a food pantry. He started his research in 2000 and within two years determined there was definitely a need for one. Helping Hands was founded in 2002 by Hershel. (Manhart) It is run by volunteers from the area and provides many solutions to the dilemmas of poverty. Some of the services they provide are feeding theShow MoreRelatedLending a Helping Hand Essay902 Words   |  4 PagesWhile riding down the street do you ever see homeless people? Do you stop and stare or act as if they don’t exist? If you’re the type of person who acts as if they were not there; well the fact is that they do and there are many homeless people worldwide. Often a homeless person is suffering from starvation or they are mentally ill. Some of these homeless people do not have the choice of being homeless or if not it may be the governments fault. That’s because they constantly raise the prices of thingsRead MoreRole And Functions Of International Lending Institutions842 Words   |  4 Pagesinternational lending organizations such as World Bank and the IMF. On the other hand, this research paper will also represent specific and innovative substantive ways in which a healthy population strengthens the economy of the country. Finally, this research paper will also discuss the degree to which the leadership of your chosen country has used foreign aid to improve its health care system. Moreover, in the context of this research paper, USA is selected. Role of International Lending InstitutionsRead MoreThe Crisis Of The United States1305 Words   |  6 Pages(Schwarcz, 1114) Bank’s debt structures and amount of loans reported on balance sheets post crisis had changed due to short-term creditors and borrowers. Banks with more deposit inflows reduced their lending amounts on short-term debt. The failure of Lehman Brothers caused banks to reduce their lending because they were greatly affected by the credit line cuts that came with the failure. Another finding on balance sheets was that there was an increase in commercial and industrial loans. However, thatRead MoreGender Norms Stipulate Different Traits And Forms Of Helping Behavior Essay1567 Words   |  7 PagesSabrina Gornisiewicz Dr. Samuel Sommers Psy 13 2nd November 2016 Gender and Helping Behavior Introduction Gender norms stipulate different traits and forms of helping behavior. The male sex is more likely to participate in helping behavior that entitles an act of chivalry and heroism, whereas, the female sex indulges in a more nurturing, long- term commitment of helping behavior (as cited in Aronson, Wilson, Akert, Sommers, 2015). In a social context, men are more likely to attribute to assistingRead MoreAnalysis Of The Speech Of Muhummad Yunas ( A Microfinancier )1242 Words   |  5 Pageswhere they earn a rate of return and get back their principal amount. KIVA’s small-scale informal business model makes it easier manage and helps to foster a more personal relationship for lenders to feel a greater connection to the person they are helping, with a direct person to person impact encouraging more lenders and a greater success rate. A major advantage to being a non-for-profit are the significant cost savings enjoyed through the use of volunteers as opposed to paid labor, which allows KIVARead MoreWeb Based Assignment : Micro Financing1369 Words   |  6 PagesKiva.org, which has been lending money to people since 2005 and has witnessed great success in doing so. The website has made the process of lending money to individual extremely simple and it is something that any individual can partake in. For example, If I wanted to lend some money to any of the numerous entrepreneurs on the website than I would first begin by choosing the lend category. After this, the website will list some of the most popular buyers on the right hand s ide and as of now, EmperatrizRead MoreSmall Business Credit1589 Words   |  7 Pagesthe period of our regime. In 2007, when we took over sovereign debt crisis were knocking at our doorsteps. We needed to introduce new banking reforms to kick back that double dip financial recession and to retrieve our economy. We have changed our lending pattern to save taxpayers money to boost our economy. Key reforms are as follows 2) Provision of small business credit. a) Department of business innovation skills We realize that SME’s are crucial for UK economy, In first quarter of 2013 thereRead MoreEvaluation Of A Technical Assistance886 Words   |  4 Pagesresults of these audits are given to the government, and also released to the public. I can’t imagine that it’s comfortable for the dependant country to have its fiscal dirty laundry aired, especially when it comes in the form of the opinion of its lending authority. Technical Assistance is deployed to help the governing body enact the changes required in order to receive a loan. This technical assistance seems to be a sort of project management team that aides the responsible departments to implementRead MoreTypes Of Business Loans : An Article On A Business And The Best Type Of Loan1289 Words   |  6 Pagesbusiness and the best type of loan for its situation. Different types of business financing are offered by different lenders and structured to meet different financing needs. Understanding the main types of business loans will go a long way toward helping you decide the best place you should start your search for financing. Banks vs. Asset-Based Lenders A bank is usually the first place business owners go when they need to borrow money. After all, that s mainly what banks do - loan money and provideRead MoreThe Case Of China s Credit Policy1552 Words   |  7 PagesChinese monetary regime despite the fact that there is a negative correlation between the growth of foreign exchange reserves and money supply. ‘Compensation Theory’ proposed by Lavoie and Wang can chip in as a better substitution for the problem at hand. According to this view, a central bank is able to offset a rise in the money supply by different operations on its balance sheet other than inverted open market operations. Thus a direct consequence of this can be inability to increase money supply