The Concentration Of Poverty And Poverty - 1115 Words

Some problems associated with living in a neighborhood with a high percentage of the population living in poverty include increased crime rates, poor education, health problems and psychological distress. The concentration of people in high poverty neighborhoods magnifies the problems faced by the poor. This is because it leads to the concentration of the ills associated with poverty. Children in these neighborhood do not only lack basic needs but are also exposed to an hostile environment that holds numerous temptations and does not provide positive motivation (McConville Ong, 2003). In addition, because schools are distributed geographically, children from high poverty neighborhoods attend the same schools and this result in low performance. This concentration also intensify the shift of the middle and higher income families away from these neighborhoods thus creating a gap between social needs and the financial base necessary to address these issues. The concentration of poverty is important because it has an impact on the distribution of income which might undermines the social fabric and may restrict opportunities for others (Jargowsky, 2003). There are arguments that individuals may benefit from living in poor neighborhoods. This is because they are able to share coping strategies as well as well as benefit from geographically based networks that provide support to people living in poor neighborhoods. The coping strategies employed include reducing expenses,Show MoreRelatedWelfare Policy845 Words   |  4 PagesDescription According to the US Census Bureau, about 274,000 people, or 10 percent of the population in Chicago, Illinois are living in deep poverty (Emmanuel, 2015). Despite its high poverty rates, welfare in Chicago has always been small by any measure. At its peak in the 1990s, only 5 million families received assistance, averaging less than $400 a family (Piven, 2002). Frances Fox Piven believes that â€Å"changes in welfare were related to shifts that were occurring in a range of American socialRead MoreThe Structural Theory Of Poverty1031 Words   |  5 Pagespowerhouse. However, poverty is still a prevalent and pervasive social problem (Arneson, 2007). This paper will discuss the sociological concepts and theories surrounding this pertinent issue. In addition, it will point out the value of sociological research into this social ill. Lastly, it will present evidence to support the hypothesis that poverty is a structural failure. In contrast to the school of thought supported by a number of sociologists that claims that poverty is a personal failureRead MoreThe Problems of Poverty in Developing Countries Essay749 Words   |  3 PagesIntroduction When we talk about poverty, we always relate poverty to poor living conditions or low standard of living. Poverty is an issue that happens all over the world, especially developing countries. We know about poverty issues by reading newspaper and watching television. In general, poverty is known as lack of money, food and shelter. But the perception of different people towards poverty differently. Malaysia, as a developing country, poverty is an unavoidable problem. Poverty is increasing when theRead MorePoverty Of Poverty And Children1276 Words   |  6 PagesAmerica, poverty and children is an ongoing issue and is happening today more than ever. Poverty is affecting our children today by creating learning problems during school for them, it is also creating more health issues for children. Not only is poverty creating direct problems currently but it is also creating problems for the future by creating a poverty cycle. There are many reasons why a child would be in poverty, but the re are also many solutions to fix child poverty. Child poverty is a macroeconomicsRead MoreRacial Segregation Within The United States780 Words   |  4 Pagescontemporary debate regarding the distinctive patterns of poverty among African Americans revolves around the question, â€Å"is it class or race that causes (and perpetuates) such misfortune of African Americans?† Scholars have looked at patterns of residential segregation in their attempts to answer such a question. Massey and Denton explore racial residential segregation in the United States throughout the 20th century. They argue that the making and concentration of the (African American) underclass in innerRead MoreIncreasing Poverty Among African Americans957 Words   |  4 PagesIn his discussion on poverty among African Americans, William Wilson has identified several historical factors that have contributed to the increase in poverty levels in the recent years. Such factors included, first, shift in the Ameri can economy from industrial to informational economy, thus limited the labor poll to only highly specialized individuals; second, the historical flow of migrants, and what it bring with it from competition over limited amount of resources; third, change in the urbanRead MoreThe, Land Of Opportunities By James Truslow Adams1553 Words   |  7 Pagesliving in poverty without the necessary resources to put their abilities to use. It is even more difficult for a child in poverty to gain access to these resources, let alone express their abilities and talents with them. Poverty in America affects children under the age of 18 academically, mentally, and physically, in addition to how well they may do in the future in regards to their education and career aspects. The word â€Å"poverty† is an abstract noun. This being said, everyone views poverty differentlyRead MoreUrban Poverty And The Urban Underclass Essay939 Words   |  4 PagesAccording to Curley (2005), urban poverty has been a huge issue for hundreds of years. The people living in inner-city neighborhoods were the primary target for poverty. It had a tremendous effect on the black population; it increased by 164 percent in ten years alone. Finding a job became hardly impossible. Therefore, neighborhoods began to segregate, leaving the disadvantaged poor behind. The neighborhoods relied on welfare to make ends meets. This resulted in an increase in crime rates (pRead MoreDefinition Of Migration Of International Migration1246 Words   |  5 Pagesincrease of Bangladeshi migrants to Asian countries. A positive link between migration and poverty is triggered through the inflow and use of remittances received by the respective households. Estimates suggest that â€Å"a 10 percent increase in the share of remittances in a country’s GDP lead to a reduction of 1.6 percent of people living in poverty† (Adams and Page, 2005). Similarly â€Å"poverty head count and poverty gap indices would decline by 0.77 and 0.53 respectively with 10 percent increase in internationalRead MoreThe Discrimination Of The United States950 Words   |  4 Pagesfailure to begin with, especially when you add in poverty and poor living conditions. The school system, for example, is full of fail when it comes to giving equal education opportunities to minorities. Schools in neighborhoods with high poverty rates are shown to have lower test scores and graduation rates. Minority students don t only get less experienced teachers, they also get less effective ones. Students in schools with a high co ncentration of minorities are more than twice as likely to have

Who s Afraid Of The Big Bad Dragon - 1448 Words

In the book, Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Dragon? : Why China Has the Best (and Worst) Education System in the World, published by John Wiley Sons on August 14, 2014, the author, Yong Zhao, states that while China gets the highest test scores on the PISA exam, parents in China often send their children to western schools. In short Yong Zhao, a Chinese native who was born in Sichuan, claims that Western countries, Britain and America, should not try and adopt China’s education system for many reasons. I my opinion this book did not seem important to pre-service teachers, but after further thought and reading, I conclude that this book is valuable to not only pre-service teachers, but to anyone that is involved in education because it provides reasons why we should not try to adopt China’s education system. When the book began it discussed Chinese education. Their education system did not seem relevant because in America our education system is not as strict. There was mention of the long hours that children are in school, and the constant studying they do. Although we study in America we do not take it to the extent that the Chinese do, spending all day at school, and then all night studying, is not an everyday American trait. The only similarity we possess is the emphasis on standardized testing, which from previous studies, we have seen is not good. Zhao even recalls a protest that broke out about the testing and how it promotes cheating. He states, â€Å"in June 2013 in HubeiShow MoreRelatedThe Hero S Journey1352 Words   |  6 Pagesthe Journey begins. This step refers to the hero s normal life at the start of the story. Next, is the ‘Call to Adventure’ and the hero is faced with something that makes him start his adventure. This might be a problem or a challenge he needs to overcome. Following that step is ‘Refusal of the Call‘; when the hero attempts to refuse the adventure because he is afraid. After that is ‘Meeting the Mentor’ which is where the hero encounters someone who can give him advice and ready him for the journeyRead MoreThe Hunger Games By Suzanne Collins3246 Words   |  13 Pages and symbolism. Suzanne Collins and Steven Galloway use imagery and characterization to vividly describe the effects and outcomes of war and dictatorship. Suzanne Collins portrays, Katniss Everdeen, the protagonist, as a quiet, smart individual, who only hunts animals for survival. Later in the novel, Katniss makes her first kill. The â€Å"arrow drives deeply into the center of his neck†¦ then I [Katniss] realize†¦ he was my first kill.†(Collins, 233-4) The author’s imagery explicitly describes the harshRead MoreAnalysis Of The Book The Hobbit 2659 Words   |  11 Pages That means maybe doing things that have never been thought of before. I have read four fantasy books. The Hobbit, A Wrinkle In Time, City of Bones, and Shiver. The two movies I watched were The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button, and The Last Dragon/ A Fantasy Made Real. Fear is a common connection within all of the books. Fear though is nothing more than an obstacle, that stands in the way of the pr ogress. In overcoming our fears we can move forward: This makes us stronger and wiser withinRead MoreThe Ku Klux Klan During World War I1551 Words   |  7 Pageswere afraid that immigrants would bring communism or socialism to the country. Opponents to immigration were Protestants and nativists who resented the foreigners’ Catholic religion and their lack of Caucasian characteristics. Intraregional migration in the United States also became common yet, troublesome as more and more rural residents moved to urban areas for job opportunities. People living in rural areas were often Protestant and native-born, so they collided with Catholic immigrants who arrivedRead MoreWhat Society Think of Gamers1828 Words   |  7 Pagesgamer since plenty of people are too. Another stereotype would be the nerd. The nerd is often not social and goes unnoticed in life, being more of a background character than anything, he has glasses big as jars of jam and likes to spend his days playing single player games, Dungeons and Dragons or tinkering with his computer. Bias There is a ton of different biases/prejudices about gamers in society, the list below summarizes a few of them. -Overweight and Out of Shape SocietyRead More Defense of Tragedy1913 Words   |  8 Pagesor connect it to some other story. Sheila was always doing that. But the encounter with Michael’s mother left April a little stunned and she became engrossed in trying to understand it herself. It was natural for her to look for help from her friend who knew so much about everything. It was at that moment, the slight pause and dip of April’s head, the pursing of her lips for words she would not get the chance to say, that brought it all together in the narration Sheila was constructing for herselfRead MoreEssay on Sex and Drugs Have Always Been in the Music3495 Words   |  14 Pages It seems as if someone is always complaining about popular music on the market.   References to illegal drugs and sexual conduct are two of the most common complaints.   Adults claim that rock and roll stars are bad influences to children.   The lyrical content of songs and the examples set by musical idols are not suitable for minors.   Todays music, especially, tests the limits of good taste.   Objections to artists like Eminem, Lil Kim, and Fred Durst are everyday occurrences, but whatRead MoreSt. John s Wort Essay11098 Words   |  45 PagesIt s hard for most of us to avoid a certain amount of stress, anxiety, depression, and fatigue these days. The pace of modern life, and all its excessive stimulation, takes a toll on our bodies and minds. When we can t escape from it, many of us resort to harmful addictions or medications to help us through. In the last couple of decades, though, certain natural (plant-derived) substances have begun to garner reputations for helping to give people an overall feeling of well being. St John s WortRead MoreEnter Antigone and Ismene from the Palace10899 Words   |  44 PagesAntigone Enter ANTIGONE and Ismene from the palace. ANTIGONE: Ismene, my dear sister through common blood, do you know of any evil from Oedipus Zeus will not perform on us who still live? For I have seen nothing—nothing painful, nothing mad or shameful or dishonorable—(5) that is not among your or my sorrows. And now what do they say? The general has just put an edict over the whole city. Have you heard it? Or have you avoided learning how our friends suffer the fate of foes?(10) Read MoreAutobilography of Zlatan Ibrahimovic116934 Words   |  468 PagesDavid Lagercrantz --------------------------------------------------------------------------- This book is dedicated to my family and friends, to those who have stood by my side, on good days and bad. I also want to dedicate it to all the kids out there, those who feel different and don t fit in. Those who are seen for the wrong reasons. It s OK to be different. Continue being yourself. It worked out for me. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- CHAPTER

Situational Analysis of Caterpillar Company

Question: Discuss about the Situational Analysis of Caterpillar Company. Answer: Introduction: Caterpillar Company is specialised in the manufacture of construction and mining equipment and diesel engines. The company designs and manufactures machinery and diesel engines and sells them through different channels and agents that are located across the globe. Interbrand ranked the Caterpillar brand as number 72 with a brand value 5,976$m. The brand calculation methodology focuses on determining the role of the brand and the value that it brings to the organization (Interbrand 2015, pp6). This framework is used to carry out financial evaluation that determines the performance of the brand within the market. This method uses brand, financial information, competitor data and market information that can be used to asses a brand and the benefits that the organization can have in investing in the brand. Situational analysis of Caterpillar was based on PESTEL analysis of the company that sis is based on analysing and evaluating the macro environment of the company focussing on Political, Economical, Social, Technological, Environmental and Legal factors. The analysis revealed that the company is involved in the business line where few firms have saturated the market. The factors help in analysing the business environment and the factors that affect the way the company operates and shape the business operations of the company. Caterpillar owns a portfolio of brands that pray different roles in the growth of the company and achievement of enterprise goals (Caterpillar 2014, p3; Caterpillar 2016, p4). The brand is a communication tool that represents the companys investment in the community. Thus the brand is an umbrella that shelters and covers all other brands of the company. Caterpillar company business strategy is based on three areas that focus on superior results, best team and being a global leader. Superior results within the company are achieved through the business strategy of profit after capital charge that ensures constant cash flow within the organization. This is to ensure that the company is able to manage its business operations adequately. According to the company business strategy of renewing strengths and shaping the future ensures that the company provides a work environment that ensures the employees make effective and productive use of resources that enable the company achieve its vision. Gillet, Fink Bevington (2010, p2) argue that the company uses six Sigma strategies to execute its business strategy. Caterpillar CEO Glen Barton introduced the six sigma tool in the company that ensured every employee participates in supporting the strategy. From the factory worker to the group president, each employee is aware of the activities that take place in the organization using the six sigma tool and their role in the business strategy. With the tool the companys business strategy is pegged on recognising the employee as the most important pillar in the organization. The tool is further used in problem solving within the organization and different business units (Slater, Narver 1995, p 65). The organization has further taught its suppliers and dealers on how to use the tool to refine the business models that they run. Business strategy and brand strategy in an organization are key elements in ensuring the success of any organization. Caterpillar Company is a global brand that has seen the company succeeds in the business environment. Customers and other dealers recognise the CAT trademark as an element that is used to woo customers and compete in the market. To compete with other dealers within the market, the role of the business strategy is to ensure that the business is able to overcome the challenges that may be faced in the business environment. Caterpillar uses the six sigma tool to run its processes and ensuring that the standards of brand quality are met. According to Christopher (1996, p58) brand architecture is used for marketing purposes while the brand quality is used to satisfy the customer. There is a thin line between the business strategy and the brand since they all play a role in ensuring that the market position of the company is achieved. This is seen in the establishment of mi ssion, vision and values of the organization. This means that the brand is an intersection of the business strategy since it forms the formulation of the strategy. Businesses that have not aligned their brands with the business strategy face challenges and competing within the business environment. The business environment is challenging and thus businesses that are not able to integrate their brand and the business strategy will not be able to compete adequately in the market with other global competitors and new entrants (Kohli Jaworski, 1990, p11). Therefore the business strategy and the brand of the organization are interlinked concepts that ensure the organization is able to meet its business needs and the relevance of the existence of the organization. References Caterpillar 2016. Company Brands. Available at https://www.caterpillar.com/en/company/brands.html Caterpillar 2014. Pestel analysis of Caterpillar inc. Available at https://myblog410-no2.weebly.com/blog/pestel-analysis-of-caterpillar-inc Christopher, M., 1996. From brand values to customer value , Journal of Marketing practice: Applied Marketing Science, Vol. 2 No. 1, pp. 55-66. Gillet John, Fink Ross Bevington Nick April 2010. How Caterpillar uses six sigma to execute strategy, Strategic Finance. Kohli, A.K, and Jaworski, B.J, 1990. Market orientation: The construct, research Propositions and managerial implications. Journal of Marketing, 54, 118. Slater, S.F., Narver, J.C., 1995.Market Orientation and the Learning Organization. Journal of Marketing. 59, 63-74. Interbrand 2015, Rankings. Available at https://interbrand.com/best-brands/best-global-brands/2015/ranking/

Soft system and social technical approaches

Abstract Scientific research has been evolving at an increasingly alarming rate. This has been triggered by the requirement of research community to provide significant answers to what seems as complex and disorderly world problematic situations.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Soft System and Social Technical Approaches specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In this effect, scientists feel obligated to conduct an interdisciplinary research project aimed at increasing knowledge in all the disciplines (Bandura 2002). Such research projects are aimed at attending to the challenges the globalizations and advancement in technology present to the users and consumers of information. The accuracy, integrity, and accessibility of information have become one of the fundamental issues that such research aims at addressing. The issues of integrity of information usage and the security of information is becoming an essentiality. The design of the information system should be able to address the challenges such as the ethical issues that have become a major headache to the researchers in the information and technology field. The ability to present a system that addressed such challenges will be an enormous milestone in addressing the challenges of the time and age. Introduction With various factors contributing to any issues in the current world, such variations make the world more complex and disorganized. There is need for an amicable approach in addressing and resolving such issues. It is never straightforward the case of identifying the root cause of the problem or diagnosing the problem instantly. With so much confusion often-surrounding problems, it may seem impossible to determine an appropriate solution. In order to resolve such issues, a problem-solving approach is paramount. Moreover, the approaches should be able to take various dimensions of the issue into account. This may entail the clearly und erstanding what is happening and strategies or brainstorm of the possible mechanism of addressing the issue or improving the situation. Soft Systems Methodology (SSM) is one of the approaches (Bandura 2002). Soft system methodolgy Soft Systems Methodology is a product of the continuing Action Research of Prof Peter Checkland, Brian Wilson plus other researchers. It is a guideline tool to problem-solving. The effort was in recognition of the fact that not all problems are obvious and neither do they have a predictable solution.Advertising Looking for report on it? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Common misunderstandings have emerged where the method has been viewed as planned to solve soft problems such as problems involving the social and cultural aspects. On the contrary, the concept applies to both hard and soft problems. The methodology, however adopts a different approach in every problematic situation. The ‘hardness ’ or ‘softness’ is not n innate characteristic of the perceived problem, instead it relates to how the problem is viewed by those involved in seeking the solution (Checkland 1985). Each and every problematic situation comprise of both soft and hard aspects. A problem becomes a problem boy the virtue of being viewed as such by human beings. This can be equated to such a saying that â€Å"one man’s poison is another man’s meat†. Current explanations and issues relating to soft system Developed in 1970 by Peter Checkland with his colleagues, Soft systems methodology (SSM) was designed to provide interventions in the challenges experienced in management, organizational and policy contexts. The methodology comes in handy especially where neither the problems nor the answers are obvious. It is closely related to the engineering system approaches. However, unlike the engineering system, it recognizes the central importance of perspective or world-vi ew in social situations. The approach is different from the ‘systems science’ approaches that was advanced in the 1960s, and reflects more on action research in its philosophy and approach. SSM is different from approaches of hard systems through its mode of dealing with the system concept. According to hard system approach, a ‘system’ is regarded as ontological entity-entities or objects that exist in the real world. For instance, when one talks of objects such as computer system or transport system, they mean physical things which can be described officially as well as structured to meet a certain need. SSM, on the other hand, regards the concept of ‘system’ as an epistemological entity and not ontological entity- a construction of the mind that aids in human understanding. When we are looking at an organization as a system, for instance, the things that come in our minds include the activities that take place within that company. We think of the process of converting some raw materials into given finished products; we also think of the efforts to make profits; we also get a mental picture of a number of employees as holders of different positions within the organization. As for the case for the unemployed young graduates, they would look at the organization as a potential employer.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Soft System and Social Technical Approaches specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In essence, different people will have varied perceptions over a given organization. It is not possible for us to provide a given single instruction as either right or wrong while there are other different to understand what is going on in the environment. Therefore, it is imperative to understand the perceptions and values of different individuals to get a clear picture of what concerns them within a given system. While trying to understand a production company, as a system, for example, we are conscious of the process of conversion of raw materials into the product. The system would therefore be composed of such stakeholders as suppliers of raw material, sugar-cane farmers, for example. We would also have customers to purchase the manufactured products. When looking at an organization whose sole objective is to create jobs for the locals, the system would constitute a different set of elements. In this case we would be interested in the infrastructure such as improved market infrastructures to enable farmers sell their farm produce. Improved transport system would also be of importance to allow for easy movement of people and the goods. A reliable communication network to allow timely flow of information would also be of significance. Boundary lines that are different have been drawn basing on different perceptions of people on what they perceive as the system. The development of SSM was influenced by the need to find solutions to complex situations where the problem to be solved is not clear; and the affected group of people hold different understanding of what constitutes the problem and the possible solution. For instance how to improve farm productivity by intensifying the use of chemical fertilizers at the same time conserving the environment; also how to realize industrialization without adversely affecting the environment in terms of pollution. A society may also be faced with a challenge of how to deal with youth gangs, who pose a threat to the community or drug abusers. The approach to solving such challenges may take many dimensions. However, instead of solving the problem, some proposed option may actually worsen the situation. There is need to take a close look at the wider situation and the likely consequences of choosing any given approach.Advertising Looking for report on it? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This is so because, some situations are intertwined; changing one element may have knock-on effects on other aspects. A comprehensive understanding of the relationships that exist amongst situations is paramount. The role of SSM is to offer users with a guideline in developing an improved understanding of the complexity of situations’. Processes SSM is characterized by seven stages as follows: 1) Identification of the problematic situation that requires intervention. 2). Conducting a comprehensive research so to capture the bigger picture. 3) Perspective selection and a construction of root definitions (the major processes that need to occur within the desired system). 4) Conceptualization of a change system model. 5) Comparison of the model with the real-world situation. 6) Definitions of the changes to be made. Review of literature It is necessary to integrate our understanding and modeling over a wide range of spatial and temporal scales in order to address complex societa l and environmental Challenges. This calls for an increase in the level of societal meaningful Science (Lubchenco 2008). System based approaches have been critical in trying to understand humanity and our interactions with the external environment. Ludwig Von Bertalanffy is recognized for his major breakthrough in systems based approaches in the early twentieth century (Lubchenco 2008). Ludwig Von (Biologist) together with Kenneth Boulding (economist), Ralph Gerard (biologist), and Anatol Rapoport (mathematician) further developed a ‘General systems theory’ aimed at addressing the requirement for a more integrated approach to solving societal problems. This led to the birth of Society for General Systems Research in 1954 whose name later changed to the â€Å"International Society for Systems Science (Sage 1992). According to Checkland, in using a â€Å"Participative Approach† stakeholders are most likely to reach accommodations – a common understanding on how to address a given problematic situation. Through such approach, the company can adopt changes that are agreeable to all the stakeholders. The model of allowing all idea(accommodation) is not same as agreement. â€Å"Consensus involves a complete agreement among the stakeholders that the proposed changes best serve all of their needs. The notion of accommodation on the other hand, recognizes that this is an uncommon state of affairs† (Schlager 1956, p. 54), and consequently values that a lot of time different people requires can only be to some extent met by cooperative schemes. SSM Approach Vs CATWO Checkland proposed a 7-step learning methodology approach. However this was superseded by the CATWO model, developed by Action Research conducted at Lancaster. Despite this, the methodology is still widely used because of its step-wise approach which makes it easy to be taught. In addition, the model has a barrier which runs across it to draw a difference among the 3 stages i.e.between the Real World, above the line, and Systems Thinking. â€Å"CATWO, formulated by The Lancaster team proposes several criteria that should be specified to in order to provide a comprehensive and rigorous root definition† (Schlager 1956, p.54). Clients – Who are gainers or losers of this particular system? (Who would gain or lose as a result its operations?) Actors – all those staff members accountable for putting in practice the systems developed. Transformation – this is quantified based on advancement and changes that the implemented system brings in the organization(What are the contribution essentials and to which extend or in other words what sort of revolution do these input elements undergo before measureable output can be seen). Weltanschauung–also, know as worldview. What explicit worldview offers the rationalization to the being of this structure or system? Owner – Whose mandate is to change this system or review its ove rall performance Environmental constraints – what are the external constraints that should be considered? This type of analysis elucidates the objectives of the user of the methodology. By clearly recognizing these viewpoints, the client of the technique is required to mull over the effects of any anticipated transformations on the group concerned.† Following limitations of ‘hard’ systems including operations research and systems dynamics, Peter Checkland and colleagues developed ‘soft’ system approaches to counteract limitations associated with technical assessments† (Checkland 1985, p. 34). Advantages System approach allows participation by all the relevant actors take part in the problem situation and interact with the analyst. The approach teases out the problem situation, which offers a good ground for creative problem solving. Some problems in real life are not well defined and cannot be solved using scientific methods hence the sys tem approach helps in addressing them. The system approach allows for an iterative process, which allows the analyst to learn about the system and hence know how to go about it. Disadvantages The system approach often ignores power in the organization and this may create in the daily operations. The system relies too much on individuals’ perception and as such, it is fuzzy and cannot be easily applied in practice. Quite often, the system approach may neglect some of the forces that interact in society, such as Social constraints and group norms. The future of integrative systems based studies There is increasing pressure for scientists and policy makers to adopt more integrated and holistic approaches to understanding how we manage systems from the local to global scale. These include 1) advancement in Systems modeling approaches from systems biology to earth systems science. This involves qualitative network models as well as quantitative process/kinetics based approaches (B orgatti, 2009). It is the network models that have the potential to link systems biology, socio-ecological systems, and earth systems science. 2) There has been a continued improvement in data sharing between individual projects and disciplines. This has been easier by introduction of data and meta-data models To increase the sharing of data between individual projects and between disciplines. Examples of these advancements include markup languages e.g. system biology markup language ISO 27001 Current Explanation and Issues Relating to ISO 27001 IT Governance and information security Board corporate governance requirements have in the recent years become increasingly more defined and specific. With information technology becoming pervasive, underpinning and supporting almost every aspect of the organization, manipulation and storing of information on which the organization depends for its survival, the role of IT in corporate governance has become more clearly defined and IT governa nce getting to be more recognized as a crucial area for board and corporate attention. IT governance is specifically concerned with the protection of the information. protection of this information is critical as the organization’s decision is heavily pegged on its availability, confidentiality and integrity. As a result, parallel international standards related to information security have emerged and have become one of the cornerstones of an effective IT governance framework. The information security standards British standard Institution came up with BS7799 in 1995 as a standard to guide the development and implementation of an Information Security Management System (ISMS). On the outset, BS7799 was considered, as a technology-neutral, vendor-neutral management system. It was intended that, if accurately implemented, it would guarantee an organization’s management of effective information security measures (Hall 1962). Those rallying for the BS7799 measures aim at a ddressing the challenges associated with availability, the integrity aspect and also the confidentiality of the information in an organization.. Protection covers those threats that the organization considers relevant and only to the extent that is justified financially and commercially through a risk assessment. The Code of Practice (which uses words like ‘may’ and which deals with controls, not with Information Security Management Systems), is now recognized under the dual numbers of ISO17799 and BS7799-1 . The basis for certification schemes is specification and ISO 27001 mandates the use of ISO 17799 as the source of guidance for the selection and implementation of the controls mandated by ISO 27001. The most recent version of the Code of Practice, and the one which must be used, is ISO/IEC 17799:2005. BS7799-2:2002 has also undergone revision and internationalization, and was replaced in November 2005 by ISO/IEC 27001:2005. The best way to keep in touch with the ch anges to the standards is to subscribe to 24743, the free information security newsletter that provides regularly updated FAQs on the new standards, as well as other ISMS information. The information security and regulatory environments ISO 27001 refers to a standard containing requirements for a company to implement an information security management system. There are two main reasons explaining the growing interest in certification to ISO 2700. These are: 1) the proliferation of threats to information this is aimed at curbing the possibility of the information landing on the wrong place or unauthorized persons having access to such information. Such incidences can have elemental effects to the institutions or the organizational functions. In addition, 2) the growth in the lawful and constitutional needs that are associated with information authenticity and protection. This is mostly useful when dealing with secure information. Such applications are used in the security sector, ban ks and credit cards etc where the transfer of information is through the protected channels accessible to few authorized individuals. This is aimed at minimizing compromising situation s that may results when the public or unauthorized persons access the information. Information security and technology Securing data or protecting computers from threats is normally undertaken by people with IT knowledge. This is done by assigning the users with log in credentials that regulate the person accessing the information. The ability of regulating who accesses what information also enables the It team to monitor and regulate the information flow and also be able to audit the information access and distribution in the system (Bennett, 2009). The computer user makes decisions about which threats to be protect the system from and what trade-offs between security and flexibility he or she is prepared to accept. The usage of the computers vary and various experts do various tasks based on the [po wers that the computers or the specifications of the job to be done. The variations in the usage rights also enables only certified people to access some classified information. Some of the information in the system can be very confidential and only the qualified personnel should be allowed to have access and possibly distribute such information(Schlager 1956). Advantages of ISO 27001 The benefits of ISO 27001 emanates from its principles. These are confidentiality, integrity, accuracy, completeness, and availability. The confidentiality allows the clients to have faith in the system and trust using the system for their day-to-day business. The integrity concepts emanates from the fact that the system is able to carry out the specified instructions or transactions pertaining a given action or command instructed. The accuracy assures the users that they will not be overcharged or underpaid thus ensuring that the information validity is not compromised. The availability of the appropr iate information to the right person at the right time. ISO 27001 ensures confidentiality that is information may not be made availed or disclosed for people, entities, or processes without permission. ISO 27001 ensures integrity. The information is protected from unauthorized changes. Conclusions Advances in a wide range of systems focused disciplines have increased our ability understand and model socio-ecological systems from the sub-cellular to global scale. These can be classed as ‘hard’, ‘soft’ approaches, and both are required when you are studying systems across multiple spatial and organizational levels. Here I suggest that diagramming, network theory combined with markup languages based on data and metadata standards within an analytical-deliberative framework can lead to learning and greater integration across these disparate systems based approaches. I am not suggesting that one approach or framework will address all situations, but highlighting the commonalities that will enable us to integrate across situations. References Bandura, A 2002, Social Learning Theory, General Learning Press- New York, New York. Bennett, E, Peterson G Gordon, J 2009, ‘Understanding relationships among multiple ecosystem service,’ Ecology Letters, vol. 12, no.4, pp.1394-1404. Borgatti, P, Mehra, A, Brass, J, Labianca, G 2009, ‘Network analysis in the social sciences,’ Science, vol. 323, pp.892-895. Checkland, P1985, ‘From optimizing to learning – a development of systems thinking for the 1990s’, Journal of the Operational Research Society, vol. 36, no. 2,pp. 757-767. Hall, A1962, A methodology for systems engineering, Prentice Hall, New York. Lubchenco, J 2008,’Entering the century of the environment: A new social contract for science’, Science, vol.279, no.4, pp. 491-497. Sage, AP1992, Systems Engineering. Wiley IEEE, New York. Schlager, J1956, ‘Systems engineering key to mode rn development,’ IRE Transactions EM-3, vol. 2. No.2, pp. 64–66. This report on Soft System and Social Technical Approaches was written and submitted by user Edith G. 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.