Evaluating Effectiveness of Performance Management System

Evaluating Effectiveness of Performance Management System INTRODUCTION Performance management can be explained as the measures or systems put in place to ensure that the organization and all its subsystems i.e. departments, processes, teams, employees, etc. are working together in an optimum way towards achieving their goals and the results desired by the organization (Jackson, 1999:143). This field can be broken down into two components; one looks at the performance of a company as a whole evaluating the effectiveness of top management in reaching company goals while the other is a system of evaluating employees to help them reach goals that help them develop and ensure the company performs better. This paper will look at the later type of performance management. Performance management of individual employees involves setting of goals, planning work, giving feedbacks and reviews, providing opportunities for improvement and appraisal systems for well performing employees (Scullen, Bergey. Smith, 2005:28). This paper will focus on the case study, Perfor mance management at Network Solutions Inc. to give an informed review of performance management systems and their effectiveness. This will be achieved by providing detailed responses to four critical thinking questions emanating from the case study. It will begin by giving a review of the case study and proceed to evaluate the questions presented. REVIEW OF THE CASE STUDY The necessity of performance management system Network Solutions Inc. had been using more that 50 different systems of performance measurement in the company. Despite this huge number of systems, it was found that many employees did not receive a review, fewer than 5% of all employees received the lowest category of rating, and there was no recognition program in place to reward high achievers (Aguinis, 2009: 19). There was clear indication that the employee performance management systems that were coming at a high cost were ineffective in addressing the required issues. Being in the business of computer hardware and software, the company found that quality initiatives were driving change in a wide area of the company. It was therefore decided that such quality initiatives could be applied to improve people quality. Further, it was seen that linking each employees goal to the organizational goals would greatly help the company in achieving its objectives (Aguinis, 2009: 21). How the system works Due to the above mentioned needs, the company decided to adopt a forced distribution management system in which each employee would be classified into a category depending on comparative performance e.g. a rating of 1 to the top 20% of performers; a rating of 2 to the middle 70% of performers; and a rating of 3 to the bottom 10% of performers (Aguinis, 2009: 24). This system would be implemented by a global cross-divisional Human Resource team. Their plan was to begin by showing that business goals would be easily met by carrying down organizational strategy to team contributions which are translated to individual goals. This system would raise the bar on the companys performance management by focusing on the development of all employees. This would result into raised performance for all employees, talent identification and retention, and improvement of performance expectations for all employees. Company support To effectively manage this system, the team sought support from the companies top managers who were required to remain committed to the plan. They were required to stop using any other system of performance management and ensure that top leaders understood and accepted it. They were required to engage employees in talent management training in line with the new system. The result of the plan is a performance management system that revolves around a joint year round responsibility of employees and managers developing the planning phase of the system (Aguinis, 2009: 21). Managers schedule meetings which are prepared and finalized by the employees. Lowly rated employees are given time for performance improvement after which depending on their performance they could leave the company or continue with the plan. Average and best performers are given appraisals in form of salary increases, stock options and bonuses depending on the level of performance. The next part will use four questions to evaluate how the system at Network Solutions. compares with the ideal performance management system and give an assessment of its advantages, disadvantages and expected outcomes. OVERLAP BETWEEN NETWORK SOLUTIONS SYSTEM AND AN IDEAL SYSTEM Question 1: Overall, what is the overlap between Network Solutions system and an ideal system? To answer this question, this section will look at the extent to which the performance management system at Network Solutions corresponds with the ideal system. It will look at the process that it follows in terms of phases. Phase 1 Â ­- Performance planning. This is the stage where managers in the firm meet with the employees for discussion on the planning of the performance appraisal process. They define the behaviours and competencies expected of the employees and there is statement on what the person will achieve in the next twelve months. These goals are closely linked to the individuals development plans. As such, the manager automatically earns the right to hold the employees accountable at the end of the year (Simmons, 2002:86). Network Solutions have exhibited this phase by calling on all the senior managers to implement such measures. Phase 2 Employee Performance Execution This is the phase where employees display the actual performance that is subject to evaluation at the end of the year (Winstanley Stuart-Smith, 1996:66). Network Solutions displays this phase which is in accordance to the ideal system where there is a performance period of one year. In this period there are regular meetings to assess progress like they do at the company. The meetings are planned by the managers in conjunction with the employers who carry out the actual execution of the developments. In the meetings there is seeking of guidance and feedback in various issues (Rector Kleiner, 2002: 43). Phase 3 Employee Performance Assessment Senior managers assess how the employees in their departments have undertaken their duties and how much of their objectives they have fulfilled. They fill the various forms and paperwork intended for these purpose and forward them to the relevant team in readiness for individual appraisals based on performance (Molleman Timmerman, 2003: 95). At Network Solutions, the assessment is comparative with the rating being based on the performance level, e.g. a rating of 1 for the top 20% of performers, 2 for the middle 70% and 3 for the bottom 10% Phase 4 Employee Performance Review In this stage, the employee performers appraisal form that was prepared by the manager is reviewed together with the individuals self appraisal (Lawler McDermott, 2003:56). There is an honest assessment of the strengths, weaknesses, successes and areas needing improvement in the past twelve months. It is at this stage that the course of action to be taken in the next year is decided. In the case of Network Solutions, a low performer would consult with the managers to decide on the modalities of the performance improvement plan. From this assessment, it is clear that the performance management system at network Solutions overlap with the ideal system as has been demonstrated in the timeline approach taken. FEATURES IN THE SYSTEM Question 2: What are the features of the system implemented at Network Solutions that correspond to what was described in the chapter as ideal characteristics? Which of the ideal characteristics are missing? For which of the ideal characteristics do we need additional information to evaluate whether they are part of the system at Network Solutions? To supply an answer to this question, the paper will identify the aspects that are characteristic of the ideal performance system and for each identify if it is present or lacking in the Network Solutions system. Standardization: The ideal performance management system requires that the aspects of performance measured are uniform and there is a constant level of strictness (Scullen, Bergey and Smith, 2005: 27). This is meant to ensure that employees do not lack faith in their mangers and the system that might result from variations. The system at Network Solutions exhibits this aspect when the team ensures that the managers drop the previous systems and they offer training so that they can understand and apply it uniformly. Validity and conciseness: this means that the performance management system only measures what is valid at hand. The evaluation criterion therefore makes sure that employees are evaluated only in issue that regard their line of work (DeCenzo and Robbins, 2010: 214). In this case, the team of performance managers ensures that this is done by asking senior leaders to tailor new programmes applicable in their divisions. Hence the evaluation procedure in say the HR department is not the same as that in a technical field. Due process: this means that there are set guidelines that determine how measures are taken after the evaluation. In the case of network solutions, employees who are lowly rated are a given a specified time period to improve their performance (Fisher, 1995:55). If they do not improve, they can choose to leave the company with a severance package or take up a performance improvement plan. If this does not improve their performance they leave without a severance package. There is also set guidelines that dictate the appraisal of good performers with high salary increases, stock options and bonuses. ANTICIPATED RESULTS FROM IMPLIMENTATION OF THE SYSTEM Question 3: Based on the description of the system at Network Solutions, what do you anticipate will be some advantages and positive outcomes resulting from the implementation of the system? The real value purpose of employee performance appraisal in the organization is not only to transform the management of employee performance from an annual event to an ongoing cycle but also to harmonize the organizational goals with those of member employees (Cardy, 2004:128). The performance management system that the company adopts is fully geared to achieve this end. The systems will therefore yield immense advantages and positive outcomes. These will include the following: Goal setting: the system helps employees understand the link between their responsibilities and the overall objectives of the organization. The habit of goal setting is inculcated in both the managers and employees. This results into greater efficiency and provides a good tool of analysis (Luecke Hall, 2005:100). Communication: the system that the company adopts will encourage good communication between managers and employees. The communication about work performance creates a sense of security for the employees and helps the company in retention efforts. It provides ample time for all employees to learn and grow throughout the year. This fosters an organizational culture (). Motivation: the appraisal system acts as tool of motivation since employee rewards are tied directly to performance. This enhances the companys productivity and efficiency. Employees who know that their presence and contribution is valued may feel more committed to the job and the organization as a whole (Pulakos, 2009: 212). POSSIBLE DISADVANTAGES AND NEGATIVE OUTCOMES Question 4: Based on the description of the system at Network Solutions, what doe you anticipate will be some disadvantages and negative outcomes resulting from the implementation of the system? The following are the possible disadvantages associated with this system of management performance: Risk of Internal Competition: this system might encourage employees to compete with each other for job status, position and pay (Molleman Timmerman, 2003: 101). Teams might be broken down by backstabbing and misleading employee communication due to strong rivalry which would result to dysfunction and underperformance within the team. Expenses and time: this system requires that employees are given rigorous training to equip employees with skills as required by the plan. This requires the use of extra resources and time in the extensive training, retraining and career development workshop for every division and employee division (Scullen, Bergey and Smith, 2005: 34) Favoritism: due to the rating of employees, there emerges individuals who are viewed as key and they are increasingly entrusted with new job roles and duties as team leaders. This creates dissent and distrust among the team members which might adversely affect the morale and satisfaction ((Luecke Hall, 2005:108).

Challenges to Sri Lankas Economic Growth

Challenges to Sri Lankas Economic Growth SRI LANKA’S MAIN CONSTRAINTS TO BE AN â€Å"ECONOMIC MIRACLE OF ASIA† WITHIN NEXT FEW YEARS Normally economic growth of a country is measured by Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in one year. GDP is the total amount of final goods and services produced in one year within the country. When we consider Sri Lanka GDP, it is as follows. The largest contribution to this GDP is from the service sector. In 2013, it contributed by 58% for total GDP. In this service sector wholesale and retail trade, transport, communication, banking, insurance and real state are the segments of this service sector. The next sector is industry. It contributed by 30% of total GDP with manufacturing, mining and construction. Agriculture, livestock, forestry and fishing contributed by the remaining 12%. When we comparing these values with the previous year(2012) values, there is no a big difference between them. After the end of three decades of civil conflict, Sri Lanka is trying to main aim of this be the â€Å"Economic Miracle of Asia†. A main aim of this target is, reaching per capita income around US $ 4000 and achieving US $ 18 billion exports by 2016. To achieve such an income, the GDP per capita should be double as the current value. For that the growth rate of GDP should be double. But when we consider the growth rate of GDP of Sri Lanka it seems the growth rate is nothing of the sort of doubling by 2016. In 2012 DGP growth rate was 6.35%. In 2013 it showed a 7.2 % GDP growth. In the first quarter of 2014 there was a 7.6% of growth rate according to the Department of Census and Statistics. By these values we can see there is increment of growth rate by one digit when it comes to 2013 from 2012. But this increment is no sufficient to get the required income level. As well as it seems, that Sri Lanka is not going to achieve her target of being the â€Å"Economic Miracle of Asia† within next few years. A main reason of this failure is lack of technology. Sri Lanka has to invest on technological inventions and productions much more than now. Sri Lanka has more natural resources as well as human capital to gain such a high technology. Currently what happens, most of natural resources are exported and import the finished goods made using that resources. And since there are no suitable occupations for the skilled, mindful people they try to go for foreign jobs or satisfy with a low quality job. Since of this brain drain, Sri Lanka falls more down. By exporting natural goods such as graphite, ore iron and importing finished goods of them make a huge loss to the country. We find foreign exchange by exporting them, but we need more than that income to import the finished goods of them. If we can invest money for new technologies and production ways we can save that money within our country and get a good income by exporting the finished goods. We know the developed countries such as USA, UK even Japan has no much of natural resources. They import those resources and using their technologies manufacture products with high qualities and export them for high values. This is the time for Sri Lanka to increase the power of technology to become the â€Å"Economic Miracle of Asia†. Another important factor is most of people tend to get imported goods because they are low price than the locals. By this tendency our money easily goes to other countries. In the past Sri Lanka was self-sufficient with foods since the high agriculture. But now most of foods items such as onion, dhal, sugar even sometimes rice are imported instead of planting them. Because of these reasons we loss lot of our money. We can see some huge manufacturing plants in Sri Lanka. But we should be careful to check whether they actually give a high profit to us, because they may be only established on our land and may give the profit to another country. As an example there was a glass company owned to Sri Lanka, Ceylon Glass Company and now it is converted to Piramal Glass owned by an Indian company. So a high portion of profit goes to that company. If it is owned by Sri Lanka it will give the full profit us. Currently Sri Lankan main exporting income is produced by migrant workers. Over 250 000 migrant workers have been employed overseas, most of them are housemaids. They supported to GDP in 2012 by 10%. In US dollars it is 6.1 billion. Apart from that now the only product which Sri Lanka is famous for, is cinnamon. But from exporting cinnamon it can achieve only an annual income around 100 million of US dollars. Then it comes to apparel, tea, diamonds, gem and jewelries. But these are not sufficient to achieve the aim of US dollars 18 billion exports by 2016. So to be the â€Å"Economic Miracle of Asia†, Sri Lanka has to differentiate its exporting items using new technologies as mentioned above. Lack of entrepreneurs is another constraint of being the â€Å"Economic Miracle of Asia†. Entrepreneurs should have the ability to take a risk of their own money and time to start and operate a business with the belief of that their business idea will make a profit. For that they should have a basic idea about the real economic level of country and the real direction country going on. Without knowing that, people cannot help for the country with their best. Currently we can see many politicians try to protect their power and do not recover the truth of the economy of the country and do not say the real duty of people have to do on behalf of our country. So without a better guidance people don’t like to become entrepreneurs and as well as they do not compel to contribute their maximum for the betterment of the country. As an example we all know in the government sector most of people do their works in a lazy manner. In the final hour of the working time they do almost no thing profitable. Till stopping this time wasting and giving a true feeling about the country to the hearts of its people we cannot make this country as the â€Å"Economic Miracle of Asia†. In Singapore even a taxi driver knows the current direction of their country going on and their targets. So they contribute hardly to the development of their country. In Sri Lanka we can’t see such situation. So lack of the feelings and lack of awareness of the direction of the country going on is a major constraint to Sri Lanka of being the â€Å"Economic Miracle of Asia† within next few years. Tourism is another source of income in Sri Lanka. The government is more targeting on this side and getting profits. But some people bother the tourists and try to earn some money from them. So the prestige of our country faces a problem. It can lead for the reduction of income due to tourism. Then it will cause to the reduction of economic of the country. The population of a country can cause its economic level. When considering Sri Lankan population we can see a gradual growth up to January 2012 and suddenly it is decreased when it comes to January 2013. We cannot say a high population gives more income to the country; it depends on the GDP level. But on the other hand low population gives a low contribution to the labour force of the country. As well as current young generation tends work in an air conditioned area. They will work in a shop even for a lower payment. They do not like to work hard. This is a bad situation for the industries which have a good willing to contribute to the development of the country. A main reason for that is, most of them are suffering from lack of technological education. So the government has a responsibility to upgrade skills of the work force, by that building a productive and competitive work force, capable of working with the changing dynamics of the world economy. Then they can really work for the country with their maximum. Those are the Sri Lanka’s main constraints to be an â€Å"Economic Miracle of Asia† within next few years: http://www.tradingeconomics.com/sri-lanka/gdp-growth-annual http://investineast.lk/sri-lankan-economy/# http://www.ips.lk/talkingeconomics/2011/06/16/accelerating-economic-growth-in-sri-lanka/ http://www.therepublicsquare.com/business/2013/11/25/sri-lanka-expects-over-7-bn-income-from-migrant-workers-for-2013/ http://www.ft.lk/2013/07/10/govt-says-new-standards-for-ceylon-cinnamon-to-boost-sri-lankas-exports/ http://www.slideshare.net/HeatherP/four-factors-of-economic-growth-10375773 http://island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-detailspage=article-detailscode_title=37059 http://www.ceylontoday.lk/22-23116-news-detail-sri-lankas-momento-magico.html Clues for conclusions Sri Lanka cannot achieve its target of being the economic miracle of asia within the next few years. Lack of usnig technology, people’s low attitude about the country and lack of their awareness bout the real economic situation of the country, less entrepreneurships, less no of exporting items, importing most of goods, less nvesting on the industrial productions are the main constraints.

Moses as an Inspiational Figure Essay -- essays research papers

I think Moses was a very inspirational character and in this essay I am going to talk a bit on the message of Moses and why by the world's major religions he is seen as an inspirational figure and one of the best leaders and prophets. He was born in Egypt to a Jewish mother, Yochevet. When Moses was born the Hebrew?s were slaves in Egypt. Pharaoh was afraid of them because he thought they might take over his country. He ordered that all Hebrew baby boys be killed at birth so that they would not grow up and fight against him. To save Moses his mother made a plan. She hid him in a basket by the side of the River Nile. Moses' sister Miriam watched over him until Pharaoh's daughter came to the river to wash. She found Moses in his basket. Miriam told her she knew a woman who could be a nurse for the baby. It was his mother. Pharaoh's daughter took him back to live with her as though he were her son. Moses grew up as an Egyptian prince, but he never forgot he was a Hebrew. One day Moses lost his temper and killed an Egyptian who had beaten a Hebrew slave to death. This proves he...

The Role of Women in The Canterbery Tales :: Canterbury Tales Essays

The Role of Women in The Canterbery Tales Chaucer, in his female pilgrimage thought of women as having an evil-like quality that they always tempt and take from men. They were depicted as untrustworthy, selfish and vain and often like caricatures not like real people at all. Through the faults of both men and women, Chaucer showed what is right and wrong and how one should live. Under the surface, however, lies a jaded look of women in the form that in his writings he seems to crate them as caricatures and show how they cause the downfall of men by sometimes appealing to their desires and other times their fears. Chaucer obviously had very opinionated views of the manners and behaviours of women and expressed it strongly in The Canterbury Tales. In his collection of tales, he portrayed two extremes in his prospect of women. The Wife of Bath represented the extravagant and lusty woman where as the Prioress represented the admirable and devoted followers of church. Chaucer delineated the two characters contrastingl y in their appearances, general manners, education and most evidently in their behaviour towards men. Yet, in the midst of disparities, both tales left its readers with an unsolved enigma. The Wife of Bath represents the "liberal" extreme in regards to female stereotypes of the Middle Ages. Unlike most women being anonymous during the Middle Ages, she has a mind of her own and voices herself. Furthermore, she thinks extremely highly of herself and enjoys showing off her Sunday clothes whenever the opportunity arises. She intimidates men and women alike due to the power she possesses. Because of her obnoxious attitude Chaucer makes her toothless, fat and large. Doubtlessly, she is very ugly, almost to the point of "not-presentable. This to me shows how Chaucer depicts what men don't want. The Prioress, on the other hand, serves as a foil to the Wife of Bath. Chaucer describes her as "tender-hearted" who cannot bear the sight of pain or physical suffering. She will cry at the thought of a dog dying. It could represent that she has a frail soul with low tolerance for pain and suffering. The latter description carries over into the modern stereotypes about wome n as skittish and afraid members of society who need to be cared for. The Role of Women in The Canterbery Tales :: Canterbury Tales Essays The Role of Women in The Canterbery Tales Chaucer, in his female pilgrimage thought of women as having an evil-like quality that they always tempt and take from men. They were depicted as untrustworthy, selfish and vain and often like caricatures not like real people at all. Through the faults of both men and women, Chaucer showed what is right and wrong and how one should live. Under the surface, however, lies a jaded look of women in the form that in his writings he seems to crate them as caricatures and show how they cause the downfall of men by sometimes appealing to their desires and other times their fears. Chaucer obviously had very opinionated views of the manners and behaviours of women and expressed it strongly in The Canterbury Tales. In his collection of tales, he portrayed two extremes in his prospect of women. The Wife of Bath represented the extravagant and lusty woman where as the Prioress represented the admirable and devoted followers of church. Chaucer delineated the two characters contrastingl y in their appearances, general manners, education and most evidently in their behaviour towards men. Yet, in the midst of disparities, both tales left its readers with an unsolved enigma. The Wife of Bath represents the "liberal" extreme in regards to female stereotypes of the Middle Ages. Unlike most women being anonymous during the Middle Ages, she has a mind of her own and voices herself. Furthermore, she thinks extremely highly of herself and enjoys showing off her Sunday clothes whenever the opportunity arises. She intimidates men and women alike due to the power she possesses. Because of her obnoxious attitude Chaucer makes her toothless, fat and large. Doubtlessly, she is very ugly, almost to the point of "not-presentable. This to me shows how Chaucer depicts what men don't want. The Prioress, on the other hand, serves as a foil to the Wife of Bath. Chaucer describes her as "tender-hearted" who cannot bear the sight of pain or physical suffering. She will cry at the thought of a dog dying. It could represent that she has a frail soul with low tolerance for pain and suffering. The latter description carries over into the modern stereotypes about wome n as skittish and afraid members of society who need to be cared for.

The Nurses Role in Child Maltreatment Prevention :: Child Abuse Prevention

Nurses who regularly see children in their practice are currently treating victims of child abuse, including sexual abuse and neglect, whether they know it or not. The causes of child abuse and neglect are complex and varied, and occur in all types of families and settings. Nurses must always remain alert to the possibility that abuse may be occurring in any family, regardless of their socioeconomic status. Nationally, in 1993, averages of 42.9 children per 1,000 were reported to authorities as victims of alleged abuse or neglect. A 1995 Gallop Poll of 1,000 parents yielded the estimate that 3 million U.S. children were victims of physical abuse by their parents, or about 44 per 1,000 children (The future of children, 1998). Child characteristics may include, the child was prematurely born, the child has disabilities, either mentally or physically, the child exhibits certain behaviors of infancy and childhood, such as persistent crying, the child is chronically ill, and the child has already been victimized. Family characteristics may include, there is other violence in the home, substances, including alcohol, are abused by the parents or caretakers, the parents of caretakers lack necessary maturity, skills or knowledge to care for the child, parental expectations are inconsistent with the child’s developmental abilities, the caretaker is socially isolated, the family is experiencing high levels of stress from events such as loss of a job, increased financial burdens, serious illness, death in the family, separation or divorce, adult members of the family have themselves been abused as children (Ohio State Medical Association, 1992). Definitions of the major forms of maltreatment are as follows: Physical Abuse- An act of commission by a caregiver that results or is likely to result in physical harm, including death of a child. Examples of physical abuse acts include kicking, biting, shaking, stabbing, or punching of a child. Sexual Abuse- An act of commission, including intrusion or penetration, molestation with genital contact, or other forms of sexual acts in which children are used to provide sexual gratification for the perpetrator. This type of abuse also includes acts such as sexual exploitation and child pornography. Neglect- An act of omission by a parent or caretaker that involves refusal or delay in providing health care, failure to provide basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing, affection, and attention, inadequate supervision or abandonment. Emotional Abuse- An act of commission or omission that includes rejecting, isolating, terrorizing, ignoring, or corrupting a child.

Religious Worldviews

Part One: Hindu Worldview (Pantheistic) 1. The Question of Origin – In a Hindu Worldview the question of origin would be pantheistic in nature. A Hindu would believe that they have always been in existence and everything is a part of god. God is seen as an impersonal force of nature and this force is in everything and surrounds everything. One can only escape this force through the process of reincarnation and to become one with everything. 2. The Question of Identity – In a Hindu Worldview life is seen as a sacred part of nature. Man’s soul is seen as eternal until he eventually reaches a state of Nirvana. At that time they will become one with Brahman. The goal is to do enough good deeds so that when you die you will return in a higher life form until you reach Nirvana. 3. The Question of Meaning/Purpose – In a Hindu Worldview life is to be viewed as an illusion as though one was living in a dream and life around them does not really exist. The goal is to understand this so that you may end the cycle of reincarnation and ascend to a state of Nirvana. 4. The Question of Morality – In a Hindu Worldview god is in everything and everything is in god. This belief will govern how man treats everything and everyone around them. It is ultimately one’s own decision to determine what is right and what is wrong. 5. The Question of Destiny – In a Hindu Worldview one would believe that one’s karma determines how you will return in the next life. If a person has good Karma they will reach a higher level upon rebirth. If one has bad Karma they will return to a lower level, or as an animal upon rebirth. The goal is to reach Nirvana. Part Two: Christian Worldview (Theistic) . The Question of Origin – A Christian believes that God exists and that God always has been and always will be. With this presupposition a Christian believes that he was created by God and that everything that exists was created by God. Whereas a Hindu believes that everything has always existed and is a part of god. 2. The Question of Identity – A Christian believes that because he was created by a Sovereign God he is a special creation of God. God created humans only lower than angels and in His image. God placed the responsibility of caring for His creation in the hands of humans. Hindus believe they are a part of everything in nature and the goal is to become one with Brahman. 3. The Question of Meaning/Purpose – A Christian believes that their purpose is to know God. A Christian is to have a meaningful relationship with the one true God. A Hindu believes that their purpose is to end the cycle of reincarnation and reach a state of Nirvana. 4. The Question of Morality – A Christian believes that the guide for moral living is the Bible. Right and wrong are based upon God’s holy standard and not on man’s own perspective. A Hindu believes that they govern what is right and wrong. 5. The Question of Destiny – A Christian believes that by accepting or not accepting Jesus Christ as their savor determines where one will spend life after death. By accepting Jesus Christ as ones savior they will spend eternity in Heaven where they will be in the presence of God forever. If one denies Jesus Christ they will spend eternity in hell forever separated from God. A Hindu believes in reincarnation and Karma. Good or bad karma will determine in what form they will return upon rebirth. The goal is to reach Nirvana.

Not Your Grandfather’s Farm

Imagine a world where the food you ate was secretly replace with a factory created artificial replica. In this world the imitation food looks, smells and tastes like the original, sometimes even better. Most of this fake food including the meat was made up of only a few plant-based materials and a gang of chemicals. Also, imagine it would slowly kill you trough a range of horrible dieses. We currently live in this bizarre world. America's food industry is one of its deepest, darkest, best-kept secrets. When we think of a farm we picture scenes from Charlotte's Web. Not warehouses with ten thousand chickens, or dairy cows ankle-deep in ordure, huddled together under tin sheds in blistering heat. We picture the cows grazing on grass. Not eating formulas made of poultry waste and orange peels. The way food is produced is so over looked that it takes an outbreak of some sort to focus our eyes on problems beyond the grocery store shelves. Naturally, capitalism produces a natural pressure toward efficiency. In the meat industry this has led to the factory farm. Every effort is bent toward maximizing the output of meat and minimizing the cost. As a result, â€Å"The U. S. agricultural industry can now produce un- limited quantities of meat and grains at remarkably cheap prices† (32). The food that factory farms produced is cheap in terms of monetary value. However, it comes at a high cost. The mass production of farm animals effects the environment, economy, and human health. Inevitably, intensive animal agriculture depletes valuable natural resources. Instead of being eaten by people, the vast majority of grain harvested in the U. S. is fed to farm animals. This wasteful and inefficient practice has forced agribusiness to exploit vast stretches of land. Forests, wetlands, and other natural ecosystems and wildlife habitats have been decimated and turned into crop and grazing land. Scarce fossil fuels, groundwater, and topsoil resources that took millenniums to develop are now disappearing. In addition, industrialized farms are threatening the well being of rural communities throughout the U. S. , and citizens are increasingly working to block their construction in order to prevent pollution and protect the quality of life. Family farms have been the core of agrarian culture for thousands of years, providing the opportunity to connect with the land and to live in tune with the seasons and the weather. Traditional farmers don't produce more than the carrying capacity of the land. They understand the condition of the soil and its ability to sustain various crops from season to season. They commonly produce and save their own seeds, a practice that has helped small farms maintain the integrity of crops, and allow hardier, diverse strains of plants to prosper. Contrasting this, industrial farms use a few strains of high yielding crops, an approach that threatens genetic diversity and often leads to chemical dependency. Short-term efficiency and profitability, rather than long-term sustainability drives the factory farming model. It externalizes costs, such as pollution clean up and health care services, onto others in the community. Neighbors of industrial operations have experienced health problems ranging from chronic asthma to neurological damage. Furthermore, the meat, poultry, dairy and egg industries employ technological short cuts to maximize production. Under these conditions, virulent pathogens that are resistant to antibiotics are emerging. These new super germs, whose evolution is traced directly to the overuse of antibiotics in factory farming, have the potential to cause yet unknown human suffering. Millions of Americans are infected, and thousands die every year from contaminated animal food products. Despite repeated warnings from consumer advocates, the United States Department of Agriculture's meat inspection system remains grossly inadequate, and consumers are now being told to expect animal products to be tainted. Meanwhile, the agribusiness industry, rather than advising consumers to curb their intake of animal products, has devised extreme measures of overcooking and antibiotics. This helps consumers avoid the dangers of animal products and maintain their gross over-consumption of meat and dairy In conclusion, it seems like some appalling conspiracy straight from the pages of a George Orwell novel. Yet factory farming is not plot to manipulate the masses. It's not only of our making, but it also made us. Cheap food accounts for American prosperity. We spend less of our annual incomes on food than any other nation. According to Walsh, â€Å"Americans spend less than 10% of their incomes on food† (33). There are various hazards that stem from our cost efficient food. Consequently, they are the price of the American way of life. Maybe they are telling us that it is time to change.