Letting Nature Decide

Introduction Genetic diseases are inheritable diseases which can be passed from the parents to the offspring’s. Hereditary diseases are very harmful when allowed to run through generation. If there is history of a genetic disorder within their family, they should ensure that they take the necessary steps to minimize it without necessarily going for a DNA test. The most important way is to avoid marriage unions within the family institution.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Letting Nature Decide specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Secondly, the family should learn how to interact with people with such disorders to prevent further spreading. The paper is going to outlines some of the genetic disorders, what causes them and necessary measures of treatment. The paper will also discuss reasons as to why parents should not have their DNA tested, why those with higher chances of getting genetic disorders should not b e charged more by insurance companies and finally support the fact that people who refuse to have their DNA tested should not pay more to insurance companies. Genes Genes are molecular units that carry the hereditary material in an organism. They are segments of the DNA that determine the characteristics of individuals. For instance, physical characteristics like body size, height and color are determined by genes. Genetic disorders are also passed from the parent to the offspring. The individual inherits some of the characteristics from the mother and the rest is inherited from the father. Heredity plays a major role in determining whether an individual will be bright or a great athlete among other abilities. However, the environment in which an individual is exposed to may be of great influence to his/her interests and abilities. These include the kind of people an individual interacts with, foods and substances consumed and place of residence. Sometimes changes occur in the compo sition of genes in a process called mutation. Mutation occur when genes are growing old or due to exposure to chemicals and radiation. Mutations are however detected by cells and repaired. Gene mutations cause diseases if not repaired. Children inherit mutated genes from the sperm and egg cells of their parents (Lashley, 2005). Genetic Disorders Genetic disorders arise as a result of abnormal functioning of genes. Human body carries harmful genes. Some of these genes are recessive such that people may not realize that they carry them. Effects of the genes will be felt only after exposure to environmental changes. However, the effects of some genes are manifested before or from the birth of a child.Advertising Looking for essay on anthropology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More According to a study conducted by the Royal College of Physicians in the United Kingdom, about 3% of the total number of children is born with genetic dis orders. It is approximated that a population of about 13,000 births suffer from genetically related diseases in the United Kingdom. The condition may take some time before manifesting itself or it may manifest itself during the early stages of life (Swarts, 2009). Causes of genetic disorders Genetic disorders are caused by many factors. Genetic disorders may be passed from the parents to the offspring’s during the process of fertilization. If one of the parents has a genetic disorder, he/she may pass the disorder to the unborn child. The chances of getting the disorder are even higher when both parents have the disorder. Examples of inheritable diseases include sickle cell anemia and hemophilia. Secondly, the environment in which an individual lives increasing the chances of contracting genetic diseases. People living in mosquito breeding areas where malaria attacks are high are likely to contract sickle cell anemia. The disease is characterized by sticking together of the he moglobin producing blood cells in the shape of a sickle. The body does not have sufficient supply of oxygen because red blood cells are few. Some of the genetic diseases like tuberculosis are air-born. Living in poorly ventilated houses with such people increases the chances of getting the disease. Sharing personal items like clothing and utensils may also lead to attacks (Doak, 2011). Some people are allergic to some things like foods, smells and dust. Exposure to such things may lead to genetic disease. For instance some people get tuberculosis out of dust allergies. Climatic changes may influence individual health negatively. Movement of people to new areas increases the chances of getting some diseases. Finally, meiosis may contribute to genetic diseases. The process involves combination of genes during which exchange of genetic materials takes place. Problems occur when chromosomes undergo abnormal combination. For instance, some information may be lost (deletion), inverted (tr anslocation) or multiplied (duplication). Diseases related to abnormal combination of chromosomes include Cri du Chat syndrome and Down syndrome (Doak, 2011). Treatment of Genetic Disorder Genetic diseases cannot be cured but medical measures can be applied to minimize its effects. For example, Porphyria variegate is a genetic disease commonly found in South Africa. Victims find it hard to walk during the day because the effects of the sun make them develop rashes on their skin.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Letting Nature Decide specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More However, staying in shade is the solution to the problem. Staying in a shade does not mean that the person is cured because he/she is still carrying the gene (Swarts, 2009). Transfusion is a treatment measure towards sickle cell anemia victims, but the condition is not cured. Breast cancer is another disease which runs through generations. Patients are treated through the removal of the breast but this does not cure the person because she is still carrying the gene responsible for the disease and can as well pass it to her children. Genetic counseling is important so that individuals and families make wise decisions. Genetic counselors have knowledge of how genetic diseases are passed from parents to the offspring and therefore of great help to couples who would wish to get children. Depending on individual’s genetic composition, the counselor advice them on the probability of passing genetic disease to their offspring’s (Swarts, 2009). Effects of genetic diseases Genetic disorders cause anxiety and worry to the victims. Parents are worried that they may pass the disease to their children. People may react angrily to people for not telling their state in advance. This can cause divorce. The victims are always depressed. They do not know whether or not their children will get the disease. Termination off pregnancies due to attacks may also put the victim in a condition of stress. Parents have a feeling of guilt whenever they see their children suffering because they are the cause of the suffering. Some victims of genetic disorders live in isolation because the diseases are communicable. They suffer from loneliness. Lack of interaction with other people makes them feel that they are lesser beings. Lastly victims are always uncertain of whether they are at risk of genetic condition or they will test positive to the genetic disorder (Swarts, 2009). According to me, parents should not hesitate to go for the advice because it is a preventive measure. However, individuals should not go for the test to determine whether or not they have any genetic disorder. This is because they will have nothing to do after knowing their condition. Since it is in their genetic makeup, the condition will remain even after they are aware.Advertising Looking for essay on anthropology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In addition, some people get stressed up after getting to know that they suffer from diseases which cannot be cured. Stress and emotional discomfort may trigger other health related diseases. Some will think that they have limited days of living without knowing that they can live for many years in that condition. Why then should people want to know what will stress them for the rest of their lives? According to Milunsky Milunsky (2011) studies have shown that not all people diagnosed with gene carrying disorder contact the diseases. There are many people whose genes carry disorders but neither them nor any of their family members have been found with the disease. Since it’s not a must to get the disease, then why get tested.Many people discriminate against people with genetic disorders. Some may not want to interact with such people. Failure to undergo the test reduces stigmatization because none is aware of individual’s condition. Many people will never marry from su ch families once they are aware. Even if people are no0t diagnosed with the disease, the environment in which they live in may expose them to diseases. Lastly, treatment of genetic disorders is costly and the concerned may not be able to raise enough money if diagnosed with a genetic disorder. People should just wait for the signs of the disease to show. Parents whose probability of getting children with medical problems is high should not pay more premiums for their health insurance. The fact that they show great chances of having children with disorders is not a guarantee that they will bring up sickly children. Their children can also be normal. In addition, people suffering from other diseases may spend more in their treatments that those with genetic disorders. Since it’s difficult to predict how much an individual will spent, the insurance premium should be universal for people (Milunsky Milunsky, 2011). Moreover, people who refuse to undergo the test should equally pa y health insurance premium. Even if they went for the test, they will not change their condition. This is because whether they undergo the test or not, they will pay the premium which will cover their health insurance. Testing should be individual’s choice (Milunsky Milunsky, 2011). Conclusion The paper has outlined some of the diseases which are passed from parents to the parents to the offspring during the process of fertilization as well as other factors which put individual’s risk of contracting such diseases. The paper has also discussed treatment measures of some genetic diseases. Even though genetic diseases cannot be cured, there are solutions to such problems. The paper has outlined reasons as tp why parents should not go for a DNA test. Finally the paper argues against imposition of higher charges against people at greater risk of getting genetic diseases and those who refuse to undergo the test by health insurance companies. References Doak, R. (2011). Gene tic disorders. London: Benchmark Education Company. Lashley, R. (2005). Clinical genetics in nursing practice. New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company. Milunsky, A. Milunsky, J. (2011). Genetic disorders and the fetus: Diagnosis, prevention and treatment. New York: Springer Publishing Company. Swarts, K. (2009). Genetic disorders. New York, NY: Greenhaven Press. This essay on Letting Nature Decide was written and submitted by user Lauren D. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Inclusive Education Essay Example

Inclusive Education Essay Example Inclusive Education Essay Inclusive Education Essay Harmonizing to Verma A ; Bagley. Equality has long been a major end of instruction around the universe. Equally early as 1948. Article 26 of the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that. everyone has the right to education and education shall be free. at least at the simple and cardinal stages ( 2007. p. 3 ) . In relation to this statement. most authoritiess who are members of the United State have made significant attempts geared towards the realisation of this Universal Declaration of Human rights. There is a believable grounds to propose that educational investing on an person non merely profit the single personally ; in footings of their net incomes. but the society as a whole in both economic and societal countries ( Verma. A ; Bagley. 2007 ) . Inclusion is a doctrine that focuses on the procedure of seting the place. school and the larger society to suit individuals with diverse demands. All persons irrespective of their differences are accorded the chance to interact. drama. learn. work and see the feeling of belonging. Besides. they are besides allowed to develop in conformity with their possible and abilities. Inclusion hence. calls for assorted individuals to be to the full involved in all facets of life which include: instruction. employment. entree to information. determination doing procedure. community and domestic activities. recreational and societal activities. and entree to consumer goods and services such as electricity and clean H2O supply ( Hegarty. 1993 ) . Inclusion is about the followers: welcoming diverseness. profiting all ( scholars ) with or without particular demands. kids in or out of school who may experience excluded. supplying equal entree to instruction to all scholars. uninterrupted hunt to happening better ways of reacting to diverseness. designation and remotion of barriers to instruction. exciting creativeness and job resolution by all. scholars who risk marginalisation. exclusion and/or underachievement of all scholars. reforming schools and other establishments to guarantee that every kid receives quality and appropriate instruction within these schools. and holding a positive head set and get down seeing the possibilities instead than impossiblenesss. and eventually it is about bettering larning environment and supplying chances for all scholars to go successful in their acquisition experiences ( Hegarty. 1993 ) . Inclusive instruction is a doctrine that ensures that. schools. Centres of acquisition and other educatio nal scenes and systems are unfastened to all kids. This enables the scholars to be included in all facets of school-life. Harmonizing to UNESCO ( 2001 ) . Inclusive Education takes the Education For All docket preface. This is done by happening the ways of enabling schools to function all scholars in their communities as portion of an Inclusive Education. Therefore. an inclusive school includes scholars with assorted diversenesss and differentiates educational experiences to provide for the assorted diversenesss ( UNESCO. 2001 ) . The benefits of Inclusive Education include. all scholars learn and grow in the environment that they will finally populate and work. As engagement of those who are different takes root. all scholars and instructors gain the virtuousnesss of being suiting. accepting. patient and co-operative. Other kids gain some valuable virtuousnesss such as being considerate. patient and low as they support their equals with particular demands. It should besides be remembered that some kids with particular demands are every bit good gifted and hence other kids or scholars can every bit good profit organize them therefore. it is non merely the other manner unit of ammunition. Besides. Inclusive Education offers to the instructors. an chance to portion thoughts and cognition with each other. parent. and important others. therefore doing instruction a meaningful facet of mundane life. The besides develop their accomplishments and abilities when working as a squad to turn to the challenges. This may besides hike their position in the community. In add-on. Inclusive Education creates a school for all. where everybody benefits ensuing to an inclusive society. Further. the self-pride of kids who have particular demands in instruction is improved. Inclusive Education is cost effectual and gives equal chances to all kids. therefore advancing the right to all to instruction. Some of the concerns from the pedagogues about barrier to inclusion often include: the school factors which include schoolroom factors like hapless schoolroom agreement. pupil factors like negative attitudes of scholar with or without particular demands towards each other. teacher factor which might run from negative attitude towards scholars with particular demands to inadequate preparation on assorted facets of Inclusive Education. Harmonizing to Loreman. Deppeler A ; Harvey. Secondary instructors in Victoria. Australia. were found to miss the accomplishments required to modify course of study for kids with diverse abilities and were reported to be in pressing demand of preparation in this country in a survey conducted by Grbich and Sykes. ( 2005. p. 6 ) . Curriculum factor which. frequently. is largely stiff and some instructors lack the ability or knowhow to modify it ; hence. make non take into consideration the demands of the diverse scholars. There are sub- standard authorities schools. negative attitude on the portion of policy shapers towards instruction of kids with particular demands. particular instruction is at times planned on disablement degrees instead than on ability degrees. there is a correlativity between disablement and utmost poorness degrees ( Hegarty A ; Alur. 2002 ) . The other major concern is the support services and resource factors. Learners with particular demands require basic support servicers for larning to be effectual in an inclusive scene which are normally missing in most inclusive scene. Examples of support services that can be made available to these scholars include the undermentioned: resource suites which should be adequately resourced. itinerant services. proviso of educational resources relevant to their demands. parental support is besides really overriding. proficient support such as gestural linguistic communication translators and Braille translators. teacher-aides. peer support. physical therapy. counsel and guidance. occupational therapies. community support and eventually. proviso of needed equipment ( Daniels A ; Garner. 1999 ) . One of the major faltering blocks to inclusion prevarications in the fiscal agreement presently in topographic point. Funding agreements do non promote inclusion. and the job is non alone to England and Wales. The state of affairs is similar in USA ( Daniels A ; Garner 1999 p. 70 ) . Collaboration and community engagement is really of import. Lack of the same frequently hinders the procedure of inclusion. Collaboration and co mmunity engagement can be done through parental engagement. community engagement. partnership and networking. school direction engagement. synergistic relationships among the assorted stakeholders and place based programmes ( Hornby. 1995 ) . Some of the best patterns that might relieve the challenges faced in the pattern of Inclusive Education may be adopted from the rules of Inclusive Education. These are rules that govern the pattern of Inclusive Education. It calls for equalisation of chances for all scholars to see normal mainstream activities. while doing deliberate and appropriate steps to guarantee quality instruction for all. Besides. Inclusive Education calls for a kid centred course of study and the scholar to go to the school that he would of course travel to in his community if he had no particular demands. In add-on. it advocates for handiness to the acquisition procedure and course of study by all scholars by distinguishing the acquisition and appraisal procedure harmonizing to the learner’s demands ( Mitchell. 2007 ) . Furthermore. Inclusive Education addresses the demands of all scholars with seeable or unseeable larning troubles such as ocular. hearing. physical. rational. communicating. emotional and behavioral. mourning from HIV and AIDs. kid maltreatment. poorness. racism. undernourishment. emotional effects of war. divorce. household separation and life on streets. It besides recognises and caters for single differences in race. faith. abilities. disablements or fortunes are non seen as challenges but as resources. Inclusive Education besides plans for positive acquisition chances with support to scholars with particular demands as an built-in portion of the ordinary school. Even further. Inclusive Education requires alteration of negative attitude. negative behavior. learning methodological analysiss. course of study. and environments to run into the demands of all scholars. hence get the better ofing barriers to larning and development and eventually. Inclusive Education calls on particular demands instruction service suppliers to work closely with others within the community such as wellness and societal worker stressing bar and early intercession schemes to minimise the happening and the impact of disablements in the community. Decision In Inclusive Education. we endeavour to supply a comprehensive educational program that modifies the mainstream course of study to give maximal chance to kids with particular demands. kids who are marginalised. and kids who are vulnerable every bit good as those who are neglected ; in order for them to go productive members of the society. Developing positive attitude in parents. instructors. equals and the community at big towards the assorted classs of kids with particular demands ( Mitchell. 2007 ) . Supplying equal chances to all kids to portion cognition. resources and experiences. Proposing attacks and learning methodological analysiss to suit all kids in regular categories irrespective of their diversenesss or disablements. Developing and implementing a course of study that is all inclusive or flexible and accessible. Reaching the unapproachable kids and young persons within the regular instruction. Facilitating inclusion of kids in all facets of life. Identifying and minimising if non eliminating all barriers to larning and development. and eventually. minimising the effects of disablements on the kid ( Smith. 1998 ) .

Managing Data Assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Managing Data Assignment - Essay Example In the task, we listened to a short BBC Radio 4 programme segment entitled ‘More or Less’. The show is a series about statistics. It discusses the use and abuse of statistics in modern applications. In the show modern media of news communications like; TV news, radio news and newspapers, are looked at by people. It majorly tackles statistics involved in these news communication media and after listening to the segment we were required to carry out a number of tasks. First was to listen to the segment attentively and make notes on information we got from it. It had no particular area where we had to make notes on, but we were required to put down anything important that we retained from the show. This was important since questions from the subject being talked about in the show would be asked. Taking enough and accurate points from the show was, therefore, important since it would determine how one performed on the questions asked after the show. At the end of the show, the class was presented with a couple of questions based on the subject on the segment. One was required to answer in accordance to what we heard and put down notes on from the show. The topic was on low energy light bulbs, and we were required to answer questions on the subject: By the end of the workshop, the student was to be able to precisely describe the construction of the table in full. Also, to outline why the table’s author combined discrete pieces of data found in the table. The student was to be able to explain why data collection was done in the first place and what the hypothesis being tested (Ras, 2009).The first task of the workshop was that we were required to form two or three groups depending on the class size. Then, in each of groups formed we select one student who would work on describing the tabular data. The other members of the group would

Story outline of one minute film idea Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Story outline of one minute film idea - Essay Example The eagles respond that he is simply taking a walk through the forest. The rabbit then coyly asks the eagle for money. In the forth panel, the frame shifts to a close up of the eagle. He has just been asked by the rabbit for money and his face is shrieking in disgust and anger. He responds that the rabbit cannot have any money from him and that the rabbit should search somewhere else for the money. After rejecting the rabbit’s request, the frame shifts slightly and the viewer sees that there is another rabbit walking back from around a tree. This rabbit sees the two talking and shouts out, â€Å"Hey, don’t dawdle over there!† The film rapidly cuts again. This time to a behind the shoulder shot of a fourth rabbit. The rabbit is watching the eagle being surrounded by the earlier rabbits. The eagles’ face has suddenly shifted from his jovial laughing to a sudden and worrisome scowl. One of the rabbits is heard saying in a foreboding tone, â€Å"What are you laughing at?† The frame continues from the same perspective but follows the rabbit in slowly walking towards the eagle. This gives the effect of placing the viewer in the rabbit’s position and also gives the viewer of the impending worry and doom the eagle is facing in being surrounded by the rabbits. This time a different rabbit states, â€Å"You don’t take us seriously.† Suddenly, another rabbit appears and then another and another. The frame dissolves out from the infusion of rabbits into the

Coke vs Pepsi strategy Essay Example for Free

Coke vs Pepsi strategy Essay Coke v. Pepsi – 5 Forces Analysis Industry concentrate produces High intensity (depends on price/advertising cost/ high number of substitutes(low calorie drinks/no carb drinks/ not carbonated drinks like orange juice) Pepsi products /Coke products New Entrants (barriers/rivalry) High Intensity-Brand recognition dominant market/ patents on style and colors Network relationships high cost of entry established such as distribution, warehouse, bottlers, and shelf-location high marketing costs Coke dominance on international market makes it hard for Pepsi to enter international markets where Coke is dominant (Mexico) Suppliers (Bargaining Power of Supplier) Medium intensity- Coke and Pepsi can and do renegotiate contracts with bottlers on prices, marketing, distribution territories, and etc. High intensity- for new entrants because the bottlers determine price of product (price takers), shelf- place is determined by retailer and less price discount control. There is a small number of important suppliers since Coke and Pepsi supported suppliers to buy other smaller suppliers to keep up with their needs. Buyers (Bargaining Power of Buyers) High Intensity- due to the high number of substitutes, health concerns, and few key buyers (fountain outlets/vending machines) E.g.) Coke and Pepsi battled for the right to sign a contract with fast food restaurants like Burger King. Substitutes ( threat of substitutes) Medium Intensity- high number of substitutes(low calorie drinks/no carb drinks/ not carbonated drinks like Orange juice /ice tea/ flavored water/etc. Low intensity – competition among other pop drink because it’s based on brand recognition.

The Lost Generation :: essays papers

The Lost Generation During World War I, many of the men who fought were only about nineteen years young. These men experienced horrors beyond belief in a matter of years, which is ten times worse than a normal man experiences his whole life. This generation of men, from 1914-1918, who fought in a great war and lived in constant fear of their last breathe, while we enjoy parties, the freedom of being a teenager, and able just to kick back and enjoy life at its prime. This is the lost generation. As tensions grew in Europe during the early twentieth century young teenagers throughout were going to grade school and enjoying life to its fullest. Little do these children know that in a matter of years they will be fighting in one of the most gruesome wars in history. While they were in school the leaders of Europe were contemplating the thought of war and forming alliances. Many people thought that if they went to war, it would be over and done with before they knew it. The people who said this were the lucky ones; they didn't have to fight in it. The kids who did fight in it didn't know what to expect. They were taken from their sheltered homes and thrown into unimaginable chaos. World War I should never have been fought. It was because of a royal family feud that caused millions of deaths. How would one feel if one saw their best friend blown up right before their very own eyes? These kids saw their comrades choke to death because of the fatal mustard gas. They saw friends get shot in the stomach and die slowly of excruciating pain. The dead bodies were innumerable and they had to face their enemy eye to eye and then kill them. These men starved and had to fight off giant rats. Most of these men died of a cause they did not know. If you look at The Gulf War back in 1991, any intelligent person would say how easily we won. We decimated Iraq in a few weeks for two reasons; because of top grade equipment and because of excellently trained men. The men who fought in The Gulf War were between 26 and 27 years old. They were properly trained and had the audacity that younger soldiers lack. The older men also do not loose their youth. They had something that no one can take away, memories of their childhood and teenage years.

Factors Involved in the Tanker Contract Essay

Issues that relate to security are of key concern to all nations (Meyer, 2007). The national security and internal defense are some of the sectors that are allocated lump sums of resources in the budgetary allocation (Meyer, 2007). Such allocations are in line with the perceived importance that the area of defense has. The united states as a country is no stranger to conflict and is one of the country that has been involved in external conflict for long periods of time both in the 20th and 21st century (Meyer, 2007). The politics involved in the security are some of the most interesting and widely covered happenings in the US press. Financial power is seen to go in line with military power in that countries that have the financial ability tend to develop their military capabilities and the same can be said of countries that have military abilities. National security is an area of key concern and therefore there is lots of secrecy involved in its dealings (Meyer, 2007). The nature of the deals often require utmost confidentiality from the parties involved and therefore many transactions happen in well defined and approved channels. The military association are developed with time and may be extended to association in other areas since its better to develop good relations with persons with security details that could be detrimental to the country if leaked (Meyer, 2007). The military world has been developing with technological improvements and the military equipments currently being used are characterized by more accuracy and considerable throughput (Verkuil, 2007). These two factors are but a few of the considerations in choosing a partner or a contractor that will help in developing certain aspects of the security system (Verkuil, 2007). It therefore does not come as a surprise that military procurement procedures and processes have considerable controversy since people have varied views on efficiency and security implications (Verkuil, 2007). This research paper analyses the issues involved in the airforce contract tender to build tankers between Boeing and Northrop Grumman with the aim of highlighting key issues involved in addressing security critical details. Background Boeing KC-767 is one of the military aerial refueling strategy that had been developed by Boeing 767-200 (CBS News, 2008). The tanker was designated KC-767 after it was selected by the US airforce to replace the KC-135’s. However, in December of 2003, the contract was frozen after corruption allegation on the bidding process were forwarded. The development of the project is said to have cost Boeing over $ 1 Billion as the project was based on the assumption that the US airforce will be the chief consumer. Ever since the freezing of the project the Italian and the Chinese government have each ordered a number of these tankers. To address the KC-X competition the Boeing offered the 7627-200 Long range freighter which is based on the KC-767 (Online News Hour, 2008). However, the Department of defense selected KC-30 which was developed by Northrop Grumman (CBS News, 2008). The Boeing company on the 11th March 2008 submitted a protest on the decisions made by the airforce, the United States accountability office upheld their protests and in so doing the status of the KC-45A was placed in doubt and therefore the Boeing company was again in position to bid for the contract (CBS News, 2008). This was no to be since the US government in September 2008 terminated all bids on the KC-X (CBS News, 2008). In March 2002, the US airforce selected Boeing’s KC-767 on the grounds that it had clearly demonstrated the abilities to meet their requirements. The United States Airforce (USAF) in their acceptance statement brought out four points that they cited as being behind their decision (CBS News, 2008). The Boeing’s design was designated KC-767A and was included in DOD’s 2004 model designation report. Approximately 100 KC-767 tankers were leased from Boeing for the air refueling program. Even though the refueling program was in place in many countries in the US, many had questions about its effectiveness and cost implications especially the idea of leasing crafts which may never have any buyer once the lease period was over. This argument brought forward by senator McCain was however countered by the number of US allies who were more than willing to buy their used crafts (CBS News, 2008). The congressional budget office was next in line as they criticized the budget stressing on its fiscal irresponsibility (United States Government Accountability Office, 2008). This led to the striking of a deal where the state would buy 80 KC-767 and lease twenty (United States Government Accountability Office, 2008). However, in December of 2003, the pentagon announced that the project had to be frozen due to a corruption allegation brought against one of its former staffer (CBS News, 2008). Furthermore, documentations that proved that the A330 based tankers were more suited to the task specifications of the airforce were more cost effective relative to Boeing tankers were found (CBS News, 2008). The scandal led to the sentencing of the culprit who pleaded guilty to corruptions and led to the resignation of Boeing’s CEO. Donald Rumsfeld in 2006 announced the cancellation of the KC-767A leases as a measure aimed at cutting the costs and a redefinition of the USAF mission (United States Government Accountability Office, 2008). The defense secretary further stated that the move will not in any way affects the mission of the KC-767A as the upgrade of the KC-135’s fleets will help in moving towards the goals (United States Government Accountability Office, 2008). However, the development did no affect the relationships between Boeing and its other customers. The development were however short lived and Boeing and Northrop were soon back in the ring fighting for a big defense contract. The basis of Boeing’s arguments was that the KC-30 was more versatile and had a large furl capacity than the KC-135 that were being used by the airforce. The KC-135 was developed by Boeing who were bidding for an airforce contract against their nemesis Northrop Grumman . The latter won this round of battle as the departments of defense announced that it has won the tender to procure 179 new KC-45A tankers (Online News Hour, 2008). The Boeing company almost immediately took to the Government Accountability Office and filed a protests claiming the evaluation of its KC-30 was unfair (Online News Hour, 2008). Boeing further claimed that its refueling tanker could easily be reconverted to a passenger plane compared to Northrop’s version as shown in the Air force’s post decision briefing. According to Boeing’s vice president they had more strengths than their competitors was all he heard from the post decision briefing. Boeing’s protests led to a review of the selection process by the accountability office which forced Northrop to freeze the project which it had already allocated $ 35 billion (Online News Hour, 2008). Northrop Grumman executives are on the other hand highlighting the irresponsibility involved in freezing a critical project to the development of the military for expensive lobbying in the congress that will inevitably lead to a change of the decisions made by the airforce (Online News Hour, 2008). Northrop Grumman executives further claim the decision is ironic since they put their best efforts in ensuring that the airforce receives a products that they consider the best in consideration of the design (Online News Hour, 2008). They are pushing for the public knowledge of the facts of what they represents and what they are not. The congress was divided sharply on this issue and so was the general public. Boeing supporters claim that the Northrop Grumman design was a basic passenger airbus plane (Online News Hour, 2008). A Kansas congress man was cited claiming that the decisions made by the airforce was a bad one as the airforce as it has bend backwards to deal with a French company (Online News Hour, 2008). Boeing’s die hards near its main production facility claimed that it is the only true tanker manufacturers and a mistake had been made (Online News Hour, 2008). A Washington senator supported this point of view and claimed that offering a military contract to a foreign company was suicidal and would incapacitate America’s ability to develop their own fleet if they should ever pull out of the deal (Online News Hour, 2008). An Alabama state senators is of a different view and approached the subject from a resource allocations view point (Online News Hour, 2008). People near Northrop are bound to benefit more that those near the Boeing plants and therefore there senators have opinions that display their satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the resource allocations (Online News Hour, 2008). She further states that there have to be losers and winner either way (Online News Hour, 2008). The Boeing group further accuse the airforce of a change in parameter in order to accommodate the design put up by Northrop Grumman so as to ensure two bidders are present (Online News Hour, 2008). Even though many are of the view that the airforce was trying to lock out Boeing due to the scandals it previously had, Boeing executives were of the view that was not the case as the specifications that were asked by the airforce were changed considerably to ensure Northrop was in the race (Online News Hour, 2008). They further claim that the large sized tanker proposed by the Northrop was a liability and only countries not interested in their taxi ways would allow for such aircrafts. The Northrop group however counter this argument by stating that their design is more sophisticated and has advantages that are yet to be seen (Online News Hour, 2008). Issues Boeing is one of the world’s best known manufactures of aircrafts and so is Northrop Grumman who are the manufacturers of the airbus (Online News Hour, 2008). These are two top brands who are obviously competing in other areas of business and therefore any decision that involve them is bound to raise considerable heat. It should b noted that both are American companies though Northrop Grumman is partly owned by a French company. The nature of the contract which involves the security of America as a nation is a matter of national concern as it involves the development of structures that could ensure the growth of security systems. Boeing and Grumman being business structures, such a big contract will obviously attract the interest of stakeholders from both sides. There are a number of key issues that have been brought out by the airforce contracts which include: i. Politics Military contracts are a matter of public concern since it is in place to protect the public, the resources used in the military contracts are derived from taxpayers and therefore the failure of such projects will be a waste of taxpayers money (Meyer, 2007). When McCain questioned the cost effectiveness in leasing planes that would otherwise have no values when their lease period was over his motive as the senator of Alabama was to ensure that the taxpayers money is channeled to useful projects. Furthermore, it is quite clear that the politicians have the ability to shoot down potentially useful deals due to what Northrop Grumman executives refer to as expensive lobbying. Politics is not always objective for there are situations where the stakes involved are shielded from the public and though the politics and viewpoints will be developed to suit the public, the real reasons are often personal (Meyer, 2007). The inclusion of politics in such cases therefore has both advantages and disadvantages and should be weighed carefully. Military procurement just like any other public procurement scheme is prone to corruption, this was the case in the original contract that was brought to an end by Rumsfeld in 2006. Moreover, the big money involved in military procurement processes act as a natural catalysts for corruption, therefore there is need to come up with a robust self regulated systems that will ensure that such unethical practices are not in anyway included in the procurement process, the congress thus comes into the picture (Meyer, 2007). However, the political system is not known for its objectivity. In the cases, some of the reasons brought out against Northrop Grumman are flimsy and lack in objectivity. The fact that there will be lobbying is a clear sign that there will be loss in objectivity thus the decision will tend to favor groups that are be able to garner enough political support in the congress. Furthermore, the political system is one of the most corrupt system there is and the rationale in placing such a system to guard against corruption is questionable. ii. Security Military procurement is a security critical matter (Meyer, 2007). The military is in place to ensure that the US is protected against its external enemies (Meyer, 2007). The seriousness with which the equipment tendering process is treated and the keen eye that the media watches the unfolding of such events relay the importance placed on the military by the American people. The US is traditionally a ‘fighting nation’ and the effectiveness of its military and equipments is one of the factors that has cemented its place as a world power. Military activities require high levels of secrecy (Meyer, 2007). There is need to come up with effective equipments that can be used in varied situations. It should be noted that the arguments brought forward by the executives from both sides are centered around the superiority of their products or the weaknesses of their opposite. The need for accuracy and well developed products that have the required reputation are some of the considerations that led to the two big companies making it to the final stage. The two companies are multinationals that have developed their brands all over the globe. It is noteworthy that when the US defense secretary cancels Boeing’s leases other nations still seek their products and are continues seeking the products that have been labeled cost ineffective due to the reputation associated with their brand name. The importance of the security system is seen in the number of avenues and legislative systems that have been put in place to ensure that the process is done in a just manner (Krishnan, 2008). When the airforce declares that Northrop Grumman had won the bid for the airforce tankers, Boeing seeks redress through a different avenue: Public accountability office. The office looks at their complaints and decides to freeze the process. It should be noted that it was the same office that had early in the decades frozen a billion dollar Boeing contract due to corruption charges. Even though there are systems put in place to ensure proper procedures in procurement of services and services, they can be outdone easily (Krishnan, 2008). The corruption allegations made in the initial Boeing contracts are a clear case where the protocols were overridden and it only came to realization a couple of months after the contracts had been signed. Furthermore, the fact that is was later found out that a different design could meet the specifications made by the airforce with reduced costs clearly show that even though the guidelines are put in place they are rarely followed thus the need for a system or authority that will follow up on the recommendations and processes to ensure that they conform to the laid out guidelines. Some politicians have argued that the French affiliation of the airbus manufacturer is in itself a security risk and therefore a purely American company should be contracted. However, such a contracting systems will obviously lock out other capable companies and therefore bring about questions on the integrity of the bidding process. America has prided itself as being a liberalized nation, putting up measures that will lock out other qualified members on the basis of the compositions of its investors is contrary to the spirit of liberalization. Furthermore, being involved with a company that has partnered with a success story in Europe shields the tanker project from American economic downtimes though it effectively ensures that the project is affected by the happening in Europe. It is unrealistic to lobby for Boeing on the basis of confidentiality; a company that has already shown traces of corruption cannot be trusted and neither can a company that is yet to prove its worth in the military sector. Therefore, system should be put in place to ensure that the projects are monitored and compared to some given standards if either is to be awarded the contract. iii. Stability The US is the father of capitalism and is therefore a country that is characterized by intense competition between industry players who will always be on the look for additional finances that will ensure their development into the future (Verkuil, 2007). On the day it was reported that Northrop Grumman had won the military contracts its share prices rose by over 20 cents and Boeing’s shares fell by a couple of cents (CBS News, 2008). Note, the development in the contract procurement were being watched by investors who will then make their decisions on which company to invest in. Even though the large money involved in the transactions may be enough to lure investors into channeling their resources to a particular company, the reputation involved in being a company contracted with one of the world’s best airforce to develop its aircraft tankers is enough to cause significant changes in the company’s share index. Being a capitalistic economy where entities gain at the expense of others, Boeing is bound to feel the pinch. The situation is made worse by the consideration that Boeing has a well developed reputation and therefore failure to win a contract from a partner that it has associated with for a long time may be taken by the investors and its consumers in the wrong light. It may imply that the partner does not trust its capacity to develop superiors products or has doubts on its potential to remain productive. To bring the idea of reputation into perspective, many are of the notion that the corruptions charges brought against Boeing may have affected its chances of successfully bidding for the contract (Verkuil, 2007). This holds considerable weight in that the military is not all about facilities but also reputation. The American people and its enemies will always keep a keen eye on the military and any transactions conducted with a partner who is proved to be corrupt will dent on its integrity thus its reputation. Conclusion Awarding a contract to a company to deliver services that are of public interest is a complex process and will always involve the media and many other systems that have been put in place to ensure the safety of the public. Individual good and interest will always be central in the arguments brought forward by most people, this is more pronounced if the contract will significantly affect many people. It is therefore upon the government and the social systems to ensure that the systems put in place to ensure effectiveness of the bidding process are functioning properly and are robust enough to deal with the dynamism associated with such processes. If need be, changes must be instituted to ensure that the system are functioning. The products delivered must measure up to some predetermined standards to ensure quality and accountability. These measures and other quality management measures if well integrated into the bidding and implementation of contracts that are of public interest will ensure that the public benefits in the best possible way. Word Count: 3271 Reference List CBS News (2008). Boeing Spurned On Huge Air Force Contract. Retrieved 13 October 2008 from Krishnan, A. (2008). War as Business: Technological Change and Military Service Contracting. Aldershot: Ashgate Publishing, Ltd. Meyer, J. (2007). Working in a War Zone: Military Contractors. New York: The Rosen Publishing Group. Online News Hour (2008). Boeing, Northrop Grumman Clash Over Tanker Contract. Retrieved 13 October 2008 from United States Government Accountability Office (2008). Statement Regarding the Bid Protest Decision Resolving the Aerial Refueling Tanker Protest by The Boeing Company. Retrieved 13 October 2008 from Verkuil, R. (2007). Outsourcing Sovereignty: Why Privatization of Government Functions Threatens Democracy and what We Can Do about it. New York: Cambridge University Press.