Highlights from our 2019 Khan Academy Language Advocate Convention

Highlights from our 2019 Khan Academy Language Advocate Convention We recently hosted our fourth annual Khan Academy Language Advocate Convention, where we were joined by 23 language advocates representing 15 languagesâ€"and a whopping eight different alphabets! Our language advocates lead the effort to translate Khan Academy into dozens of different languages. Their work is crucial to achieving the anywhere part of our mission to provide a free, world-class education to anyone, anywhere.Khan Academy staff and language advocates exchanged best practices on everything from raising funds to raising awareness of Khan Academy through social media. Language advocates also shared translation tips and tools with each other and presented to the entire Khan Academy staff about their efforts to make Khan Academy available around the world. Last but certainly not least, each language advocate brought a tasty treat from their home country so everyone could share in a delicious, international buffet.Our language advocates work hard to make sure Khan Academy cont ent isn’t just translated into different languages but made applicable to each country’s local context. For example, an English math problem about Susie buying apples may turn into a problem about Hélène buying grapes in French or Fatima buying mangoes in Hindi. In 2019 we introduced functionality for language advocates to curate Khan Academy content to match their local curricula, and a focus of this year’s convention was sharing best practices for aligning Khan Academy to each country’s curricula and implementing Khan Academy in schools.Finally, language advocates met with Sal Khan, our founder and CEO, to discuss the future of Khan Academy as well as the similarity between their efforts to create and launch Khan Academy in new languages today and Sal’s effort to create and launch Khan Academy 10 years ago.Here’s to continuing to work together with translators around the world toward making a free, world-class education available to anyone, anywhere!

The Ethical Issues Of The Social Work Practice Essay

Position Paper #4 The ethical issues in the social work practice are very extensive. A social worker has to deal with many of these issues in every case they work on, especially when it comes to life or death cases. In the case given, Ava experiences ethical issues when working with his client, John, who lets her know about his terminal illness, the fact that he only has 6 months to live and his consideration about ending his life. Ava as a counselor and social worker must be prepared at a professional level for all types of cases she receives, and assisted suicide or death with dignity is not the exception. However, she shows concern about her knowledge on the topic and doubts that she has the full information needed in this case and even makes John know about it. As a professional in the field, Ava needs to show competence, the Code of Ethics states that â€Å"social workers should provide services and represent themselves as competent only within boundaries of their education, t raining, license, certification, consultation received [†¦]† (NASW, 2008, 1.04) apparently is something she is lacking of when she struggles with providing full and necessary information for John. There is also an ethical issue regarding John’s self-determination, Ava asks about his plan and if he is capable of taking his own decisions. Social workers always have to respect a client’s self-determination â€Å"and promote the right of clients to self-determination and assist clients in their efforts toShow MoreRelatedEthical Issues Of Social Work Practice1093 Words   |  5 PagesUnit 17: Topic: Ethical issues in Social Work Practice. Our everyday interactions are underpinned by ethics. Social work in its sectors deals with people in multiple and complex situations. Social workers largely work with people who are affected by different life aspects such as ethnicity, disabilities and culture. The fundamental concern for social work is to understand how these aspects affect the individuals. Applying normative ethical theory processes of ethical analysis Virtue ethics concernedRead MoreIndividual Rights and the Business Organization1543 Words   |  6 Pagesnumber of ethical issues which arise due to different internal and external environmental factors and impact the individuals within and outside the organizations. The ethical issues which negatively impact the privacy, morale, and societal values of individuals include fraudulent business practices and unethical tactics to grow business operations and profitability (Harbert, 2007). The major ethical considerations for organizations must be focused on implementing sound business practices in everyRead MoreThe Importance of Critical Thinking and Ethical Decision Making on Social Work1149 Words   |  5 Pagesfor someone in the social work profession to serve vulnerable populations it was intended to serve, it is imperative to use critical thinking and ethical decision making in tandem to achieve the optimal result. The balance is a delicate and often complex. It requires a close examination or critically thinking, of all the issues not just within yourself, but the community as a whole, the individuals within it, and the client population that the social work serves. The social work profession is builtRead MoreEthical Issues in Management Essay1199 Words   |  5 PagesEthical Issues in Management Charles Hall Axia Student Diversity in the workplace refers to the stark contrast of individuals within the same work environment. Many moral and ethical issues are faced by managers every day concerning diversity. Social Issues and ethically responsible management practices relate to workplace diversity in simple but important ways. Ethically it is irresponsible for managers to manage diversity in the workplace by acting insensitively towards employees. There areRead MoreUnderstanding Ethics Of Social Work1432 Words   |  6 PagesEthics in Social Work Brandy Whatley Troy University April 15, 2016 Abstract As a professional practitioner in the field of social work a great practice is to develop a foundation structured around the ethical standard set by the National Association of Social Workers. Dilemmas can arise, creating issues that could have a massive effect on clients, families, clinicians, communities, and the organization involved. In order to find a solution to the issue(s) models of ethical reasoningRead MoreExplain the ethical issues a business needs to consider in its operational activities689 Words   |  3 PagesExplain the ethical issues a business needs to consider in its operational activities. P2 Explain the implications for the business and stakeholders of a business operating ethically. P3 Describe the social implications of business ethics facing a selected business in its different areas of activity P4 Examine the ethical concerns of the communities in which a selected business operated M1 Assess how a selected business could improve the ethics of their operations M2 Assess the social implicationsRead MoreEthical Values in Social Work Essay example1381 Words   |  6 PagesSocial work values and ethical dilemmas What are values, ethics, ethical dilemmas and a code of ethics? Values relate to principles and attitudes that provide direction to everyday living. Values also refer to beliefs or standards considered desirable by a culture, group or individual (AASW). Similar to values, but slightly different, ethics means a system of beliefs held about what constitutes moral judgement and right conduct, they are moral principles (rules, guides) (AASW). So an ethicalRead MoreOrganizational Ethics697 Words   |  3 PagesETH/316 October 27, 2014 Mario Madrid Organizational Ethics Business policies and practices regarding potentially controversial issues are part of organizational ethics. These ethics are often guided by the law; most business uses ethics in order to be accepted by the public or to have a successful business. Ethical principles can address organizational issues which help the organization to follow good practices within their organization or company. I am part of the Parkland Health amp; HospitalRead MoreThe Codes Of Ethics Of The American Counseling Association1667 Words   |  7 PagesAmerican Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), and National Association of Social Workers (NASW). ACA Code of Ethics The ACA is an educational, scientific, and professional organization that works to accomplish improved mental health, wellness, awareness, and education. The ACA establishes a code of ethics to provide guidance on ethical practices for professional counselors. The code explains ethical responsibilities and expectations of counselors by creating a course of action to guideRead MoreMoral Ethics And Values Based Dilemmas871 Words   |  4 Pagesdilemmas are ethical principles that difficult to handle at a workplace when employees have to choose what is wrong and right according to their own ethics. An effective ethics program must complement the values of the organization along with the values in the law. Good ethical behavior for any business is always a fundamental to its success. The main key for business owners and managements is to ensure all employees understand all the ethics. This paper discusses how Bank of America ethical principles

The Pros And Cons Of Standardized Testing - 1177 Words

Standardized testing is a no Growing up in Chesapeake every student is forced to take a standardized test at the end of every class they take. Standardized testing has been a part of the educational system for so long that everyone is just accustomed to taking these tests or giving them out. Standardized testing does not just effect the students but it also effects the teachers. Chesapeake School Board should get rid of standardized testing in all grade levels because of different learning style, it limits the teachers to what they can teach and poor test scores. Even though Chesapeake School Board should get rid of standardized testing some people disagree, and believe that standardized testing is needed in the school system. Some†¦show more content†¦Teacher no longer have to worry about teaching all of the text book just what in the curriculum for the test. Chesapeake School board encourages standardized testing but, there are different types of learning styles that the test does not include. Standardized testing only tests the learning style of remembering what was read or heard in class and that is only one form of the many more that are at there in the world. Having Chesapeake schools get rid of standardized testing and replacing it with a test that testes all other learning styles will benefit all students. It will help students who do not do well on standardized multiply choice test score better. Beverly Hill the author of the article Learning Styles and Standardized test Scores: Is There a Connection states that â€Å"Approximately 20 -30 percent of the school-age population remember what is heard; 40 percent recall well visually the things that are seen or read; many must use their fingers in some manipulative way to help remember basic facts; and other people cannot internalize information or skills unless they use them in real -life activities† (28). The standardized test it mainly built on the things said in class or read in a test book; however, that is less than 50 percent of students. Making a test that could test include real life activities or visuals to help students better recall the information better would be more beneficial to students. An end of theShow MoreRelatedPros And Cons Of Standardized Testing801 Words   |  4 Pagescontroversial topic Since Middle School, I was not opposed to standardized testing. I thought of it as a way of testing us of what we have learned. Although, after reading some articles about standardized testing I am re-thinking the pros and cons. From personal experience, I thought of it as a challenge to pass them. But now that reminisce about it, I noticed some of the cons of standardized testing. I remember having a week or two dedicated for testing, and in case of students failing they had to take timeRead MorePros And Cons Of Standardized Testing1400 Words   |  6 PagesEven though there are many downsides to standardized testing there are still viable reasons why they are still being used today. One of the main reasons includes the easy and quick access of testing students. Standardized testing allows schools to quickly access a large amount of students at one time. This is also one of the cheapest ways to tests such a large crowd due to machinery that grades which results in low tests costs f or students. These tests also help by setting a national curriculum forRead MoreThe Pros and Cons of Standardized Testing1050 Words   |  5 Pageseducational world is standardized tests. All fifty states have their own standards following the common core curriculum. There are many positives and negatives that go with the standardized tests. A standardized test is any type of â€Å"examination thats administered and scored in a predetermined, standard manner† (Popham, 1999). These standardized tests are either aptitude tests or achievement tests. Schools use achievement tests to compare students. There are pros to standardized examinations as toolsRead MorePros And Cons Of Standardized Testing1025 Words   |  5 PagesWhat are standardized tests? Standardized tests are exams that are administered, scored, and interpreted in the same way for all students. Now there are many pros and cons of standardized testing however, I believe that public and private schools should just abolish standardized testing all together. These tests determine a student’s academic performance and each student is given the same test with the same questions and answers. These tests are designed to measure the students learning capabilitiesRead MorePros and Cons of Standardized Testing583 Words   |  2 PagesStandardized testing has its pros and cons I do not believe in it but I will give you proof for and against the testing. We will cover some the history and where the testing came from and why we do it. I will talk a little bit of how I feel about testing and how much we should focus on ho w the students do on the test. I have interviewed a few teachers that I had when I went to school and some personal friends that are teachers now and how it effects how they teach. Most historians trace the beginningRead MoreThe Pros and Cons of Standardized Testing Essay674 Words   |  3 PagesStandardized testing is a down fall to many students but also an opportunity for many others. Standardized testing has its pros and its cons. It can be the make it or break it factor into getting into colleges you are hoping to attend or the scholarships you want to earn. Some people may have their opinions about the test, whether they hate it or not but the fact is that it’s here to stay. What exactly is standardized testing you may ask, it is a test which measures the knowledge among differentRead MoreThe Pros And Cons Of Standardized Testing1491 Words   |  6 PagesStandardized testing was introduced by French psychologist Alfred Binet in 1905. The test originated because Binet was commissioned by the French government to create a tool to identify which students needed remedial studies. Over time, the standardized tests evolved into multiple different tests in multiple subjects for varying age groups of students. The tests were initially seen as a way to test a large sum of people with the same general questions to see an individual’s knowledge. Some peopleRead MoreThe Pros And Cons Of Standardized Testing1511 Words   |  7 PagesOver the years the educational system has faced various controversial issues, but the most recent one making a negative impact on students, is standardized testing. Standardized testing is a type of testing used to evaluate stud ents academic abilities . It is a way to measure if standards are being met but does not provide a variation in the type of administration based on the students needs (Sacks, 2000). In other words, all children are provided these test to track their learning progress basedRead MoreThe Pros And Cons Of Standardized Testing1100 Words   |  5 Pagesscience, history, and science. Then, every year, students typically take one big standardized test, or even more. These tests are claimed to give educators an objective that’s unbiased. Standardized testing supposedly helps identify the natural tendency of individual students, identifying skill development and progress. However, are these things what standardized testing really do for students? Standardized testing only measures a small portion of what makes education substantial. This means thatRead MorePros And Cons Of Standardized Testing1201 Words   |  5 Pages Standardized testing is all based on your performance as a student on a specific day, time and place. What it doesn’t show is how you perform on a day to day basis. These types of test can be given in any type of form that requires test takers to answer the same questions, and is then scored in a â€Å"standard† or consistent manner. Students should not have to take standardized test because of many reasons. As a human I have days where I’m tired and didn’t get enough sleep the night before or it is

An Essay on School Free Essays

An essay on school Issues surrounding school can never be over analysed. At first glance school may seem unenchanting, however its study is a necessity for any one wishing to intellectually advance beyond their childhood. While much has been written on its influence on contemporary living, school is featuring more and more in the ideals of the young and upwardly mobile. We will write a custom essay sample on An Essay on School or any similar topic only for you Order Now Inevitably feelings run deep amongst those most reliant on technology, obviously. Here begins my indepth analysis of the glourious subject of school. Social Factors Society is a human product. The immortal and indispensable phrase ‘honesty is the best policy’ [1] globalised an issue which had remained buried in the hearts of our ancestors for centuries. Both tyranny and democracy are tried and questioned. Yet school helps to provide some sort of equilibrium in this world of ever changing, always yearning chaos. Some analysts have been tempted to disregard school. I haven’t. To put it simply, people like school. Economic Factors Economics has been defined as ‘I’ll scratch your back if you scratch mine.’ To my learned ear that sounds like two people with itchy backs. We will study the Custard-Not-Mustard model. For those of you unfamiliar with this model it is derived from the Three-Amigos model but with greater emphasis on the outlying gross national product. Political Factors Politics, we all agree, is a fact of life. Comparing international relations since the end of the century can be like observing school and political feeling. In the words of the star of stage and screen Esperanza Woodpecker ‘People in  glass houses shouldn’t through parties.’ [2] He was first introduced to school by his mother. It is a well known ‘secret’ that what prompted many politicians to first strive for power was school. I wait anxiously. What will the next few years bring for school? Conclusion We can conclude that the school may not be the best thing since sliced bread, but it’s still important. It fills a hole, puts out ‘fires’, and most importantly it perseveres. Let’s finish with a thought from star Nicole Jackson: ‘Oooh yeah school shoo badaby dooo.’ [3] How to cite An Essay on School, Essays

The Mfecane free essay sample

This is a Nguni term which for forced migrations of various Nguni speaking communities. This took place in the South Eastern part of South Africa in the period between 1810-1860. The Nguni speaking communities include the following: Xhosa, Swazi, Zulu, and Ndebele etc. Many historians have found it difficult to explain the causes of these migrants however population and land pressure amongst these groups living between Drakensbura and Living Ocean was the single most important factors. However, this theory is baseless as it lacks statistical information. Reasons for the Mfecane: -Over population -Evolution of age-grade system. This systems evolved from being a single age grade system to age regiments from one area to another. This was dedicated to professional warfare as the reason for their existence. Shaka, for example was one of the many great Nguni leaders who exploited the age grade systems and turned them into powerful military forces used to conquer neighbouring states to form his own state. We will write a custom essay sample on The Mfecane or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Other leaders who used the age grade systems were: Zwide, Dingishwayo and Mosheshwe. Results of the Mfecane -Spread of zulu type military systems 1. The short stabbing spear (the assegai) was used instead of the long throwing spear. It was more effective. 2. New fighting tactics were also used such as the bullhorn formation. This was when the enemy was encircled before attack. 3. They also used nighttime surprise attacks. -There was an increase of strong central governments. The coming up of deposits (dictator) was proving to be a big problem. The use of age regiments, which cut across local loyalties, enhanced the growth of loyalty to the central government. The new kings appointed commoners to do important work and they also held positions such as would be incorrect to always quate this increased centralization with the growth of despotism. A few examples of deposits were: 1. Shaka Zulu 2. Mzilikazi However not all leaders were despots. For example Mosheshwe and Sobhuza who tended to govern by the rules of the traditional political systems of the Nguni and the Sotho Tswana. -A new social unity developed. People were absorbed in to various new societies. The new groups came to regard themselves as full members of the conquering people and therefore a unrited social as well as political government was created. There was also the use of a common language which helped to increase the feeling of unity e. g the Ndebele clan adopted the Khumalo dialect intermarriage was also an unifying factor. There were so many wars of aggression. There was a drastic increase in destruction of proper deaths and instability. There was an increase in slave-trading ativities. This was because the Nguni took prisoners as slaves. Later on the Swahili and the Yao practiced slave trade. Moshweshwe (Defensive Nation Builder). His career: The founder of Lesotho is in sharp contrast to those of the aggressive nation builders. Moshweshwe built a new state for defensive reasons. He also used the traditional sotho builders. He used the traditional political techniques to gather communities of Lesotho into one nation. He paid very little attention to war and only resorted to it for self-defense or under severe provocation. To him â€Å"peace is like rain which makes the grass grow while war is like the wind which dries it up. † He was born in 1786 near a mountain called mount Buthe-Buthe. It’s believed that a minor Kwiena chief called Motlumi taught him the lessons of wisdom and love for peace. During the period 1822-1836 when the Mfecane was ravaging the Sotho-Tswana land, he gathered a group of refugees on the Mountain fortress of Thaba Bosiu therefore he created the Southern Sotho kingdom in Lesotho. As a general, he successfully defeated assaults on Thaba Bosiu by Matiwane Ngwane (1827), Tlokwa* (1829) and Ndebele (1831). He also carried out a military revolution but he did not imitate Shaka. The heavy broad bladed stabbing spear and the large oval Nguni shield were ill adapted to the mountainous conditions. These weapons needed to be re-adapted for the new needs of the soldiers. He also replaced the knobkerrie (a rungu-like weapon) with a battle- axe. He developed a cavalry armed with guns. He was able to loan out his cattle to other chiefs under the systems called Mafisa. This helped build loyalty to him amongst his neighbouring communities. He formed diplomatic alliances with other rulers who became his vassals. Some of these vassals were Moletsane of Tauna and Moorosi of Phutti. He also used the polygamy to unite his nation. He had more than one hundred wives carefully chosen to represent all communities and regions. The refugee communities who settled among theses people were allowed to maintain their existing leaders and governments. However, he still remained in control by placing his brothers and senior in charge of districts. His state was a federation held together by consensus. His regularly resorted to Sotho-Pitso in settling disputes in matters of policy (these were public assemblies) He relied more on moral influences, personal charisma and powers of arguments rather than institution and force to hold the state together. To large extent by his enemies to create this kingdom through the Mfecane as refugees sought asylum. By 1840, there was constant was between him and Sikonyela of the Tlokwa (who was very cruel and war loving). In 1853, Moshweshwe as a result of a surprise dawn attack that led to the capture of the Tlokwa mountain. This forced Sikonyela to flee to permanent exile and a majority of the people accepted Moshweshwe authority. His people had to keep together and remain loyal if they were to resist a new and a more serious threat from the Europeans. He defended Thaba Bosiu against assault from the British (1852) and the Boers (1858-1866). In the long run, he acknowledged the disparity in the firepower would be significant as a protectorate in 1868 and therefore preserved the identity of the nation but not its independent. Samori Toure: â€Å"The greatest son of Africa who came to power at the wrong time. † Mandinka is a linguistic term that is used to describe the people who speak the language, Malinke (Manding). They form one of the largest groups of well-known and widespread Mande speaking people of Western Sudan. They occupy a vast area and they were the founders and principal people of the famous kingdom of Mali. One branch of the Malinke people called the Dyula had for centuries been famous for their great love of trade especially long distance trade, which made them familiar figures in many parts of both the grasslands and forest regions of West Africa. They travelled far West and East and deep down into the forests of the South buying and selling. At the beginning of the 9th century they were still well known as shrewd traders and skillful craftsmen.

Lawsuit of Mattel Inc. Products Liability

Lawsuit of Mattel Inc. Products Liability Description of the Company and the Product Safety Issue That Led To the Lawsuit Business organizations may fall prey to diverse lawsuits. In such instances, the fate of the company depends on its capacity to handle the lawsuit. This paper analyzes the legal issues around the renowned Mattel Inc. The foundation of the company dates back to 1945 (McDougall Popat, 2010).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Lawsuit of Mattel Inc. Products Liability specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The products history of the company depicts remarkable evolution. For instance, it is notable that the company began by operating on the wood products. Some of the prominent wood and creative musical toys during the 1950’s were from this company. The development of the â€Å"barbie† toy in the late 1950 enabled the company to establish a powerful brand. Observably, this was evident within the household level. The company por trayed an eminent application of strategic advertisement and product promotion initiatives. These led to the development of high level of product awareness. The use of the media in the promotion initiatives became notable. Presently, the company enjoys a relatively wide range of products. Indicatively, these are specifically toys. The company remains publicly traded, with an evident trading of the stock within the â€Å"New York Stock Exchange,† NYSE (Twomey, Jennings, Fox Anderson, 2011). The headquarters of Mattel Inc. is at the Hawthorne, California. Notably, the company enjoys a wider market reach. It is evident that the company has a remarkable global market presence. Mattel Inc. recently faced a powerful lawsuit. This severe lawsuit emanated from the discovery of unhealthy quantities of the dangerous lead paint. These were discovered in the products of Mattel Inc. These include the products that already occupied store shelves (McDougall Popat, 2010). The important dis covery took place in the period between 2006 and 20007. The high level of lead in these products posed great health dangers to the user groups. Particularly, this relates to the children who heavily rely on the use of toy products. The Legal Theories Used By the Plaintiff to Recover In This Lawsuit The important discovery had potential legal impacts on the operations and product image of Mattel Inc. The â€Å"Consumer Product Safety Commission† (CPSC) engaged in serious legal tussle with the company. As indicated by the CPSC, approximately 100 different items became important. Consequently, all of them became involved in the process of this lawsuit. Indicatively, these selected items had important representations.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In fact, it is evident that they represented many millions of the individual pieces. The legal process en abled Mattel to provide a massive recall of most of its products. These recall processes embodied some of the very popular brands. The U.S CPSC managed to fine the company, Mattel Inc., approximately $2.3 million (Twomey, Jennings, Fox Anderson, 2011). The fine emanated from a clear legal basis. Generally, the charge was because Mattel’s deviant practices. It is because Mattel engaged in importation of toys that undermined federal regulations that ban the presence of lead paint within specific consumer products. Notable resolutions emerged from this important lawsuit. For instance, Mattel Inc. had to a significant fine to the tune of $2.3 million. These were definitely due to the violations on the quantities of lead in these toys. Another resolution was to make the company to recall a significant percentage of its goods ready in the market. In pressing for these critical charges, the CPSC emphasized and reiterated the importance of the violation of the renowned 1978 statute. Accordingly, the 1978 federal regulations prohibited the all toys from harboring an exceeding composition of.06 percent lead. The revealing experiments indicated the massive presence of the in the paint or surface coatings. There are many forms of malignant cancer associated to constant exposure to carcinogenic material. Lead is one of the most stable heavy metals. Organizations must also trade on sustainable systems and products. It is not ethically correct for renowned corporations to spread goods that might have destructive side effects. This is because the organizations are bound to make significant profits from such important sales. Lastly, the heavy metals such as lead found within the toys materials have diverse environmental degradation impacts. By initiating or launching a product, the organization must respect the pertinent customer welfare and protection.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Lawsuit of Mattel Inc. Products Liability specific ally for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More My other reason for agreeing with this initiative is that the corporation debased the â€Å"Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act by importing† (McDougall Popat, 2010). These include some of the important highlights on the significance of consideration of high product quality and increased care provision of customer care. Changes in the Company to Ensure Greater Safety of This Product or Its Products Mattel Inc. presently employs diverse robust strategies towards observation of high quality of products. Various top officials of the corporation appear in the media emphasizing on the company’s focus on â€Å"rigorous standards† (Twomey, Jennings, Fox Anderson, 2011). The company practices management systems. In this process, it enhances the level of performance of various quality assurance and control units. These increase the level of awareness and compliance to safety standards by all workers . Other than these, production processes rely on quality and monitoring systems. These have positive implications on the level of performance and output within various departments. The company recognizes the need for persistent customer engagement. Particularly, these relate to the level of safety of the various products (McDougall Popat, 2010). The customers must provide adequate feedback on their perceptions and convictions on the level of quality performance and safety of the various company products. These are vital in the engagement or improvement initiatives and processes within the organization. The company also increasingly relies on critical control standards from external regulatory agencies. There is an increased need to comply with external policies and guidelines within the regulatory environment. The initiation of the extensive recalls was critical. This relates to the products that proved to contain toxic lead material. The fundamental aim of the recall process was t o assist in the development and manufacture of safer products. The company initiated all of these processes within its potential market zones. The aim was to rebuild its broken identity. Furthermore, the company also sought to gain fresh confidence on its customers. The organization’s hazard analysis is vital (McDougall Popat, 2010). This is because the adopted approach enables a system that encourages product safety.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Apart from this, it also enhances the level of product conformity to legal and market standards. The evaluation and monitoring of product safety and manufacturing procedures are critical. These are some of the critical processes adopted by the organization to increase the level of the quality of some of its major products within the marketplace. Discussion of the Regulatory Agency That Oversees the Particular Industry the Company Is In The United States CPSC has the fundamental role of safeguarding the public from unwarranted risks. These may include the potential risks of harm and death that may emanate from diverse consumer products. However, this applies specifically to goods that fall under the authority of this organization. The agency has a sincere dedication to guard all consumers from potentially harmful products. Toys include some of the products that the CPSC has close interests (Ferrell, Fraedrich Ferrell, 2011). The regulatory agency uses various mechanisms in the ident ification and initiation of awareness about specific product dangers. The use of legal process is one of the most critical approaches applicable by the CPSC. This is mostly achievable through the engagement and active collaboration with the legal system within the U.S. The agency maintains a list of the recalled toys from the general American society. It is upon the parents to review the updated list regularly. This process helps in the elimination of harmful or dangerous toys. Recommendations to the Company about Avoiding Future Lawsuits Stringent observation of quality standards is important in the elimination of lawsuits in the future. The company also needs to consider both the internal and external regulatory environments. Quality control is a strategic management tool that is applicable in the elimination of low quality products. Apart from these, the organization must consider engaging the services of qualified and experienced personnel. Lastly, Mattel Inc. must also consider the integration of continuous process evaluation systems. Such initiatives help to minimize manufacturing errors that may compromise product quality. References Ferrell, O. C., Fraedrich, J. Ferrell, L. (2011). Business ethics: Ethical decision making and cases. Mason, OH: South-Western Cengage Learning. McDougall, A. Popat, P. (2010). International product law manual. Alphen aan den Rijn: Kluwer Law International. Twomey, D. P., Jennings, M., Fox, I. Anderson, R. A. (2011). Andersons business law and the legal environment. Mason, OH: South-Western Cengage Learning.

Biography of Robert McNamara, Vietnam War Architect

Biography of Robert McNamara, Vietnam War Architect Robert S. McNamara (June 9, 1916–July 6, 2009) was a secretary of the U.S. Department of Defense in the 1960s and the chief architect and most vocal defender of the Vietnam War. He spent his later years as an elder statesman, apologizing for an escalation of the conflict that became known as McNamaras War. He strove to redeem himself by helping the worlds poorest nations. Before his death in 2009, McNamara wrote about the failures that would became his legacy: Looking back, I clearly erred by not forcing - then or later, in Saigon or Washington - a knock-down, drag-out debate over the loose assumptions, unasked questions and thin analyses underlying our military strategy in Vietnam. Fast Facts: Robert McNamara Known For: U.S. Secretary of Defense during the Vietnam WarBorn: June 9, 1916 in San Francisco, CaliforniaDied: July 6, 2009 in Washington, D.C.Parents Names: Robert and Clara Nell McNamaraEducation: University of California at Berkeley, Harvard Business SchoolSpouses Names: Margaret Craig (m. 1940–1981), Diana Masieri Byfield (m. 2004)Childrens Names: Robert, Margaret, Kathleen Early Years and Education Robert Strange McNamara was born on June 9, 1916 to Robert, the son of Irish immigrants, and Clara Nell McNamara. His father managed a shoe company in their hometown of San Francisco. The young McNamara was raised during the Great Depression, an experience that helped shape his liberal political philosophy. Later, he honed this philosophy at the University of California at Berkeley, where he studied economics. Next, he studied business administration at Harvard University, then went on to work for Ford Motor Company. He served as Fords president for a month until being tapped by President John F. Kennedys administration in 1960 to lead the Pentagon. Defending the Vietnam War McNamara was vilified by opponents of the Vietnam War for his seemingly unflinching support of the conflict in public, distorting the reality of the war and misleading the president. He used the statistical analysis techniques he learned at Harvard to try to measure success on the battlefield. According to the Vietnam Center and Archive at Texas Tech University, McNamara switched to using enemy body counts instead of territory or land based objectives to measure the American’s success in the war...[which] led to a war of attrition, a policy of inflicting massive casualties on the enemy. In private, McNamaras doubts about the mission grew along with the body count, and he questioned whether the war was actually winnable. Eventually, he raised such concerns with President Lyndon B. Johnson, with no success. McNamara resigned as secretary of Defense in 1968 following his failed attempt to both negotiate a settlement in the Vietnam War and convince Johnson to freeze troop levels and stop bombings. Clark Clifford, an adviser to Johnson, succeeded McNamara. McNamara went on to become president of the World Bank. Famous Quotes I deeply regret that I did not force a probing debate about whether it would ever be possible to forge a winning military effort on a foundation of political quicksand. It became clear then, and I believe it is clear today, that military force - especially when wielded by an outside power - cannot bring order in a country that cannot govern itself. We burned to death 100,000 Japanese civilians in Tokyo - men, women and children. LeMay recognized that what he was doing would be thought immoral if his side had lost. But what makes it immoral if you lose and not immoral if you win? We of the Kennedy and Johnson administrations acted according to what we thought were the principles and traditions of our country. But we were wrong. We were terribly wrong. You dont ... correct a wrong by apologizing. You can correct a wrong only if you understand how it occurred and you take steps to ensure it wont happen again. Later Career McNamara served as the World Bank president for 12 years. He tripled its loans to developing countries and changed its emphasis from grandiose industrial projects to rural development.After retiring in 1981, McNamara championed the causes of nuclear disarmament and aid for the worlds poorest nations. He fought what he described as the â€Å"absolute poverty - utter degradation† in  Africa, Asia and Latin America. Legacy McNamara died on July 6, 2009, in Washington, D.C. His legacy will forever be intertwined with the Vietnam War and tainted by his loyalty to the presidents he served rather than the American people. The New York Times condemned McNamara in a devastating editorial, writing: â€Å"Mr. McNamara must not escape the lasting moral condemnation of his countrymen. Surely he must in every quiet and prosperous moment hear the ceaseless whispers of those poor boys in the infantry, dying in the tall grass, platoon by platoon, for no purpose. What he took from them cannot be repaid by prime-time apology and stale tears, three decades late.†