Procedures Involved in IT Resource Contingency Planning

Abstract IT resource planning contingency is key to curbing disruptions that result from various issues. Many firms are spending a lot of money to ensure that their computer systems are protected from interruptions. With regard to IT resource contingency plans, organizations should prepare adequately to deal with emergencies.  Seven steps are involved in IT contingency planning. It is important to note that each stage plays unique roles.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Procedures Involved in IT Resource Contingency Planning specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Introduction Information technology (IT) is a vital element in the running of business establishments. IT provides computerized systems that are essential for efficient and effective management of organizations’ affairs without interruptions (Cerullo Cerullo, 2004). According to Cerullo and Cerullo (2004), contingency planning entails putting in place plans, methods, and technical measures that would help a system to work efficiently, especially when there is a disaster or an interruption. It focuses on increasing performance outcomes. However, IT systems are vulnerable to many disruptions, which can be reduced or eliminated. Such a plan is essential in exploring and preparing for emergencies. This is for the reason that it has procedures that should be followed in the event that disasters occur (Cerullo Cerullo, 2004). It is vital in assisting IT systems to be effective when storing and retrieving data. In fact, changing the location of IT systems and retrieving IT functions that utilize substituted tools are short-term measures that would be important in promoting the effectiveness of firms (Swanson, 2011). Therefore, with an increased number of cases that requires adequate preparation in the IT world, contingency planning becomes vital. This paper focuses on discussing issues and procedures that are involved in IT r esource contingency planning. In addition, it highlights the recommendations of planning in relation to IT resources. Statement of the problem High-quality goods and services are not only essential for improving health outcomes, but also a right for every citizen in a country. High-quality goods and services will only be provided if organizations utilize IT, which is key to the success of a business in a competitive business world (Swanson, 2011). This is because many activities can be performed digitally using modern technological platforms. Organizations focus on emerging technologies as the best solutions with regard to the provision of better services and production of high-quality goods (Swanson, 2011). To achieve these objectives, many companies utilize IT systems to assist them in data storage and retrieval (Swanson, 2011).Advertising Looking for research paper on communications media? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More M any firms employ IT for the efficient and effective performance of tasks. In addition, IT helps organizations to save time and reduce costs in relation to labor. Swanson (2011) argues that in the modern world, IT is considered instrumental in administration of firms, but for it to be effective, there must be preparations for contingencies in IT resources. It is evident that IT employment has made firms quality-oriented, making them produce excellent outcomes in the business environment (Swanson, 2011). Therefore, IT system contingencies should be planned to facilitate improvement in firms. Notably, IT systems have experienced failures due to power shortages and defects, rendering them unreliable (Stoneburner, Goguen Feringa, 2002). In view of this, there is an urgent need to plan for IT resource contingencies. Issues in IT resource contingency planning For effective and efficient application of IT in companies, there is a need to plan adequately to prepare IT resources to mitigate errors that could result from emergencies, such as power losses and other defects (Stoneburner et al., 2002). Moreover, it is important to understand that it would require adequate preparation. The first issue that would require planning is the disruption that would be caused by power losses (Stoneburner et al., 2002). Notably, when using IT devices, electricity is essential. In cases of losses, data are lost, especially when they have not been saved. Thus, it is prudent to prepare in order to reduce data losses in cases where power is disrupted. Another issue with regard to IT resource contingency planning is risk assessment (Stoneburner et al., 2002). This involves examining a threat that would affect performance outcomes of an organization before it negatively impacts it (Stoneburner et al., 2002). This measure aims at protecting an IT system from natural, human, and environmental problems. According Stoneburner and colleagues (2002), poor motivation is an issue that impacts cont ingency planning negatively in the IT sector. It is clear that this type of preparation is considered as plan B (an alternative) and, in most cases, priorities are given to plan A, which offers the required outcomes immediately (Stoneburner et al., 2002). Moreover, personnel within a firm, including managers, system administrators, information system security officers, system engineers, and architects, are vital in preparing when utilizing IT resources (Stoneburner et al., 2002). They are the ones who give commands to computers to perform their expected tasks.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Procedures Involved in IT Resource Contingency Planning specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More They should be equipped with relevant skills for operating IT devices (Stoneburner et al., 2002). This would result in the reduction of errors or losses of information. Another concern is the quality of IT supplies. Their durabi lity and portability are crucial (Stoneburner et al., 2002). This is for the reason that a durable resource works effectively, and a portable item can be moved to a new location in case of an emergency.  Nonetheless, critical resources, such as local area networks server (LAN), wide area networks access (WAN), emails, and mainframe access, play important roles in designing a plan for IT components (Pollard Hotho, 2006). In addition, time is an important issue. The rate at which components of IT systems perform their tasks is determined by their initial programs, and would determine the time that would be spent (Pollard Hotho, 2006). Procedures involved in IT resource contingency planning As aforementioned, it is important to plan for any disaster that would arise in any organization. There are certain factors that should be considered before any plan is developed. It is critical to indicate that this research paper would focus on desktop computers and portable systems, servers, websites, LANs, WANs, distributed systems, and mainframes (Pollard Hotho, 2006). It concentrates on ordinary technologies and would play significant roles in supporting contingency potentials (Pollard Hotho, 2006). It is worth to note that when designing and maintaining an effective IT contingency plan, business managers should adopt the approach is discussed below. Development of contingency planning statement policy obligations This statement is indispensable in making stakeholders understand planning obligations. It is usually based on a well-stated policy and should state the overall objectives. Its roles and structure should be developed by all stakeholders (Nelson, Phillips Steuart, 2010).  The roles played by chief information officers are crucial in the success of the plan. They should be engaged when developing the framework, aims, functions and roles of the plan. It is vital to point out that the contingency plan should be in line with guidelines outlined in NIST 800- 34 (Nelson et al., 2010). Some of the features include the scope, preparation requirements, tasks and responsibilities, program of testing and exercise, how to maintain the plan, and how frequent backup would be.Advertising Looking for research paper on communications media? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Business Impact Analysis (BIA) This is a critical step, and it enables the planning directors to categorize the system needs, development processes, and interrelationships (Nelson et al., 2010). The information obtained is used to identify priorities. This step is useful because it compares particular elements, studying the services that they provide using the obtained data. Moreover, it helps to investigate the effects of interferences on other parts of the system. It engages other steps, such as outlining IT resources, recognizing the consequences of interrupted part, allowing outage period and prioritizing recovery approaches (Nelson et al., 2010). Identification of preventive measures This step aims at mitigating or eliminating impacts, which were identified in the second step (Lentzos Rose, 2009). Arguably, personnel that would be involved in effecting control measures should be well trained in the methods of controlling and when to apply control measures (Lentzos Rose, 2009) . In addition, the type of design of the system should be applied to determine preventive methods. One of the preventive measures is the application of an uninterrupted power supply. This would offer a short-term remedy to all system elements (Lentzos Rose, 2009). Alternative power sources, such as the use of gasoline, would provide long-term backups. Protecting IT equipment from water damage by using plastic tarps and utilizing technical security controls is another preventive measure (Lentzos Rose, 2009). Developing recuperation strategic approaches According to Allen (2005), strategic approaches offer ways of restoring IT operations successfully in case there is service interruption. The methods are expected to focus on addressing the effects identified in the BIA. There should be a variety of strategies to be analyzed before the development of a strategic approach (Allen, 2005). These factors include cost, time, and security (Allen, 2005). The chosen strategy should tackle pos sible effects that would be discovered in the BIA, which should be incorporated into the system during development and executing phases of the life cycle. Methods, such as the service level agreement (SLAs), reductant arrays of independent disks (RAID), UPS, and mirrored systems, among other strategies (Lentzos Rose, 2009). Creating a contingency plan This is the most crucial stage in the process of executing an all-inclusive contingency plan program. It contains duties, responsibilities, teams, and steps in relation to IT system restoration (Allen, 2005). It should outline technical potentials, which would be supportive in the implementation of contingency operations. It should be modified to achieve a firm’s objectives and needs. It is supposed to be balanced and flexible, and be in line with NIST SP 800-34 (Allen, 2005). It is imperative to point out that the IT resource plan in this research consists of five elements, which are supporting information, notification, recov ery, reconstitution, and plan appendices (Allen, 2005). The initiative of the effective operations offers a framework of information, which simplifies the plan, leading to easier ways of understanding, executing, and sustaining the plan (Allen, 2005). Allen (2005) contends that most details that are found in this section help to understand how guidelines and decisions about the plan are adopted. The notification stage is involved in describing the original actions, especially when a system interruption has been detected. Notification of recovery personnel, assessment of system breakdowns, and implementation of the plan are the main activities that take place at this stage (Allen, 2005). At the recovery stage, the focus should be on the measures to implement provisional IT processes, renovating damages of the system, and restoring operational potentials of the original system (Allen, 2005). This will enable it to perform its intended functions. Many activities take place at this leve l, such as provisional manual processing, recuperation, and operation on an alternate system. The activities help IT system to function as it is expected (Allen, 2005). A computer system starts to function normally at the reconstitution stage. However, if it becomes hard to recover the system, most actions at this level would target preparing new facilities that would be important in supporting the system (Allen, 2005). This should be done until the system is tested to find out if it has reverted to normal. Appendices have particular technical, operational, and administrative contingency requirements of the system (Allen, 2005). Personnel contact information and vendor contact information are indicated in the appendices. Plan testing, training, and trying it out This vital feature aims at achieving workable contingency competencies. Testing facilitates identification of plan deficiencies and addressing (Swanson, 2011). Nonetheless, it is helpful in evaluating the ability of improvin g staff for the plan to be executed effectively. Most of the tested areas are coordination among recovery teams, connectivity, and restoration of normal operations, notification methods, and system recovery strategies (Swanson, 2011). Personnel should be trained in relation to their roles. For example, the purpose of teams, the importance of team coordination, methods of reporting, security requirements, and team specifics should be highlighted clearly. Plan maintenance It is worth to note that for a plan to be effective, it must be maintained in a state that reveals its requirements, methods, frameworks, and policies (Nelson et al., 2010). This is due to the fact that IT is dynamic due to transfer of business needs, technology upgrades, and rules in companies. Hence, it is important to review and upgrade computer systems on a regular basis. This should be done as â€Å"part of a firm’s change management process, and it is aimed at ensuring that new data are documented and control measures are adjusted† (Nelson et al., 2010, p. 76 ). There are specific elements that require frequent reviews, such as lists of contacts and personnel. The management should inform all staff about the plan and their roles in implementing it. Revised plans should be distributed, but their copies should be maintained off-sites (Nelson et al., 2010). Recommendations Due to losses incurred during disruption of IT systems, it is important to develop control measures that would mitigate risks that would be involved. In the context of vulnerabilities of computer systems, service providers are required to review their contingency preparedness. First, the management of a company should integrate IT recovery capabilities. As a result, this would recover the data that could be lost if the system would be interrupted. Market participants in the IT sector should make sure that IT continuity preparations are incorporated with continuity arrangements. They should ensure that contin uity arrangements are adopted to ensure effective IT systems during crises.  It is important for IT management teams to retain emergency contact information for their primary corresponding companies. The information contained in files should indicate preparedness strategies, site telephone numbers, and the main administrators’ contacts. It is advisable that IT personnel should occasionally review contact information that is availed to the management. During IT interruptions, staff should concentrate on applying the rules outlined by various groups. Agency management teams should create their contingency policy and planning processes and utilize the features of the preparation cycle. These include preliminary planning, IT impact analysis, an alternative site selection, and recovery strategic approaches. Moreover, the IT management team should conduct risk analysis. This would be vital in understanding the possible causes of interruptions and their effects. Surveys on the ava ilability of alternative sites for the purpose preparedness should be conducted. The focus should on the development of the right goals in relation to emergency preparedness. This would facilitate responses to IT problems. The planning process should be aimed at bringing changes in the IT industry. In addition, all stakeholders should be encouraged to understand the roles played by preparedness and contingency plans and tools applied in the process. Attention should be given to the utilization of the process of contingency, enhancing the quality of the plan. All stakeholders should be accountable and responsible for managing funds that are essential in maintaining the contingency planning process. Planning and emergency responses should be linked. Contingency plans should be adopted, but without preparedness actions, they become less useful. Prioritization of IT resources should be considered. As a result, improved mechanisms should be adopted to support effective planning and prepa redness. Collaboration between the government and private sector would play key roles in implementing contingency planning and preparation. Conclusion In conclusion, IT systems are vulnerable to disruptions, which range from minor to complex interruptions from different sources. However, some of the interruptions can be mitigated, but not eliminated. This is possible through risk assessment and operational solutions. The short-term measures adopted in this paper include changing the location of IT systems to preferred sites. Various steps are involved in the planning process. Each step is characterized by different activities that enhance the effectiveness in the management. The IT resource contingency planning focuses on improving performance outcomes since IT is a basic tool in the management of companies. Firms have increased their output and reduced costs through the application of computer systems. Therefore, key issues should be evaluated before developing the IT resource cont ingency plan. Risk assessment, staff available, software, and hardware are among factors that should be considered. These factors play vital roles in mitigating issues in relation to disruption that could arise in organizations. Despite the challenges of interruptions, companies are encouraged to continue using IT systems in order to thrive in a competitive business world. References Allen, W. H. (2005). Computer forensics. IEEE security privacy, 3(4), 59-62. Cerullo, V., Cerullo, M. J. (2004). Business continuity planning: a comprehensive  approach. Information Systems Management, 21(3), 70-78. Lentzos, F., Rose, N. (2009). Governing insecurity: contingency planning, protection,  resilience. Economy and Society, 38(2), 230-254. Nelson, B., Phillips, A., Steuart, C. (2010). Guide to computer forensics and investigations. Cambridge, MA: Cengage Learning. Pollard, D., Hotho, S. (2006). Crises, scenarios and the strategic  management process. Management Decision, 44(6), 721- 736. Stoneburner, G., Goguen, A., Feringa, A. (2002). Risk management guide for  information technology systems. Nist special publication, 800(30), 800-30. Swanson, M. (2011). Contingency Planning Guide for Federal Information Systems.  New York, NY: DIANE Publishing. This research paper on Procedures Involved in IT Resource Contingency Planning was written and submitted by user Ezra Burch 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.

How to Convert Fahrenheit to Celsius

How to Convert Fahrenheit to Celsius Fahrenheit and Celsius are the scales most often used for reporting room, weather, and water temperatures. The Fahrenheit scale is used in the United States, while the Celsius scale is used worldwide. Indeed, most countries around the world measure their weather and temperatures using the relatively simple Celsius scale. But the United States is one of just a few remaining countries that use Fahrenheit, so its important for Americans to know  how to convert one to the other, especially when traveling or doing scientific research. How to Convert Temperatures First, you need the formula for converting Fahrenheit (F) to Celsius (C): C 5/9 x (F-32) The notation C represents the temperature in Celsius, and F is the temperature in Fahrenheit. After you know the formula, it is easy to convert  Fahrenheit to Celsius with these three steps. Subtract 32 from the Fahrenheit temperature.Multiply this number by five.Divide the result by nine. For example, suppose the temperature is 80 degrees Fahrenheit and you want to know what the figure would be in Celsius. Use the above three steps: 80 F – 32 485 x 48 240240 / 9 26.7 C So the temperature in Celsius is 26.7 C. Fahrenheit to Celsius Example If you want to convert a normal human body temperature (98.6 F) to Celsius, plug the Fahrenheit temperature into the formula: C 5/9 x (F - 32) As noted, your starting temperature is 98.6 F. So you would have: C 5/9 x (F - 32)C 5/9 x (98.6 - 32)C 5/9 x (66.6)C 37 C Check your answer to ensure it makes sense. At ordinary temperatures, a Celsius value is always lower than the corresponding Fahrenheit value. Also, its helpful to keep in mind that the Celsius scale is based on the freezing and boiling points of water, where 0 C is the freezing point and 100 C is the boiling point. On the Fahrenheit scale, water freezes at 32 F and boils at 212 F. Conversion Shortcut You often dont need an exact conversion. If youre traveling to Europe, for example, and you know the temperature is 74 F, you might want to know the approximate temperature in Celsius. The website Lifehacker  offers this tip on making an approximate conversion: Fahrenheit to Celsius:  Subtract 30 from the Fahrenheit temperature and then divide by two. So, using the approximation formula: 74 F – 30 4444 / 2 22 C (If you go through the previous formulas calculations for the exact temperature, you arrive at 23.3.) Celsius to Fahrenheit:  To reverse the approximation and convert from 22 C to Fahrenheit, multiply by two and add 30. So: 22 C x 2 4444 30 74 C Quick Conversion Table You can save even more time by using predetermined conversions.  The Old Farmers Almanac  offers this table for making quick conversions from Fahrenheit to Celsius. Fahrenheit Celsius -40 F -40 C -30 F -34 C -20 F -29 C -10 F -23 C 0 F -18 C 10 F -12 C 20 F -7 C 32 F 0 C 40 F 4 C 50 F 10 C 60 F 16 C 70 F 21 C 80 F 27 C 90 F 32 C 100 F 38 C Note how the Fahrenheit and Celsius scales read the same temperature at -40. Invention of Fahrenheit While youre mastering these conversions, it might be interesting to learn how the Fahrenheit temperature scale came into existence. The first mercury thermometer was invented by German scientist Daniel Fahrenheit in 1714. His scale divides the freezing and boiling points of water into 180 degrees, with 32 degrees as waters freezing point, and 212 as its boiling point. On Fahrenheits scale, zero degrees was determined as the temperature of a temperature-stable brine solution of ice, water, and ammonium chloride. He based the scale on the average temperature of the human body, which he originally calculated at 100 degrees. (As noted, its since been adjusted to 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit.) Fahrenheit was the standard unit of measure in most countries until the 1960s and 1970s when it was replaced with the Celsius scale in a widespread conversion to the more useful metric system. In addition to the United States and its territories,  Fahrenheit is still used in  the Bahamas, Belize, and the Cayman Islands for most temperature measurements.

Ground invetigation in South Florida and Hong Kong Dissertation

Ground invetigation in South Florida and Hong Kong - Dissertation Example This research is the best example of comparison between the two processes of ground investigations in the two countries Hong Kong and the South Florida state in USA. It shows that majority of ground investigation procedures in Hong Kong are involved with minerals and rocks contained on the subsurface. In Florida the process involves looking at the density and structures of soil types; this is to establish permeability to erosion. Geotechnical problems are similar with large parts having the same type of deposit. For example, the droughts occurring in the South Florida during the summers of 1947 and 1976 led to frequent observations of structural distress in houses founded on fatty clays such as the Clearly, when small structures are to be placed on such soils, their foundations will almost certainly need to go to greater depths this is dictated solely by the strength of the soil. This kind of problem is not the solitary example of its kind; Hong Kong clay regularly contains excessive amounts of soluble sulphates, this necessitates the use of sulphate battling cement. Additional instance chalk and limestone outcrops frequently contain filled dissolution features which may become unbalanced and collapse if erected upon. Another collection of problems that may be perceived from the geological map relays to the mixture of geological and topographical features. Cambering, valley protruding, gulls and dip/fault schedules are often connected to the margins of valleys wherever hard rock overlie clay. Gulls take the method of splits, often successively parallel to the deepest valley. ... There are three geographical areas: Atlantic coastal plain, Florida uplands and the East Gulf coastal plain, these make the geographical land areas of the Floridian landscape. They are structured as follows: The Atlantic coastal plain contains a landscape which is low; it also contains strips of sand bars, barrier islands and a number of coral reefs. Majority of lands are saturated with water during the rainy seasons. The east gulf coastal plan is land containing a barrier island and swamplands covering nearly the entire land. In the Florida uplands, the land is characterized by low rolling hills with red clay types of soils. Forests are majorly located in the upper South Floridian areas where water bodies are dominant. Geographical Features of Hong Kong Hong Kong is a country located in East Asia; with land approximately 1054 km3 and 500 m2 islands. The geographical areas of Hong Kong contain 3 main features which include: Hong Kong Island, New territories and the Kowloon peninsula. The land scape of the country is graded as fairly hilly, with other places having mountainous hilly steep slopes. With a territory of about 1092 square kilometers, only 25% of this is developed the others are localities for parks and other reserves. The soil in Hong Kong has a number of mineral deposits, with igneous activities primary responsible for this. Faulting has also been discovered as the other cause of mineral concentrations, this is as a result of hydro-thermal activity. The land use consists of 5% arable land, 1.01% permanent crops like forests and 93.94% being land for other uses. The countries lowest point is the South China Sea, while the highest point is the Tai Mo Shan (Rahman & Mushtoque, 2006, pp. 50). Another factor that influences soil

The Superiority Complex Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The Superiority Complex - Essay Example The article is a good one and is not biased in any way. It explains why people succeed in life and give reasons as to why others do not. The writer is precise in putting across her message to the audience on the required traits needed for anyone who wishes to succeed. This is a sign to show that anyone with a mission to succeed will achieve his goal if only he is determined.America has been in the forefront to fight racial prejudice and the writer joins hands by way of placing her audience in a single platform informing them of her advice to them despite of the difference in culture or origin. It is a high time that people look beyond their skin colour and base their personality on their ability in the society. Blame games based on racial grounds has no place in the modern society. She gives examples of people from other races that were despised on racial grounds, but have since leant in overcoming the inferiority within them, developed self control and have no more feeling of insecu rity.Suketu Mehta is said to have made a significant impact in the social life of Americans. She is a US citizen but has her origin in India. She is among the discriminated individuals, but one thing she has done is to surpass the challenges and leads a successful life. The history of America has cases of racial prejudice and the government is fighting to eliminate the menace. Her impact in helping hand towards the progress is a matter that will be appreciated by generations to come. Her article clearly illustrates her role in the fight.

College Learning Experience Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

College Learning Experience - Essay Example Having spent a couple of months in the university, I am confident to say that the experience has already altered my outlook in life and has somehow enriched my maturity. Through my interaction with my classmates and professors, I am now more receptive of the various ideas presented in the classroom and have also learned to distinguish those which are helpful and those which are of less significance. Armed with the little knowledge and skill I have learned so far, I am more determined to finish college and pursue a degree in nursing. The decision to take up nursing is based on my assessment of strength in biological sciences and my desire of sharing my innate passion of enlightening and caring for people. With a higher level of maturity, interest in learning, and time management skill, the first semester proves to be fruitful indicated not only be the higher grades that I am earning but by my social and moral growth.

The public policy

The public policy The success of public administrators is intertwined with both their skills and their applied approaches to varying issues. While the capability of addressing problems and concerns are among the determinants of an effective public administrator, the success of his/her endeavors rely on several factors some of which includes the philosophy in elitism, the tactical and strategic use of the bureaucratic processes, the influence of interest groups and a combination of any of the said approaches. Among the approaches that can be applied in public policy is the elitist viewpoint. Elitism is defined as a selective group of individuals which possess unique and distinct personal abilities, intelligence, affluence and influence. Individuals characterized as elitist are perceived to possess particular ideas on issues that hold the most significance ideal. In a public administrators work, the elitist perspective may provide limitations to his/her circle of interests primarily because the elite are among the minorities in a democratic society. Since the introduction of the concept, elitism has been iinterrelated with the concept of democratic concepts. Aristotles view of the democratic concept as a thought that divided political systems into three forms the rule by one, rule by a few and rule by the many, were dismissed by primary elitist theorists Gaetano Mosca and Robert Michels. The theorists also criticized Karl Marx emphasis on the class struggle and the eventual success of the working class will lead to a classless society, arguing that no such society will exist and the struggle will never end. The classical elitist theory possesses several weaknesses. The said theory did not merely argued that the socially recognizable people in a country made its important decisions, it also asserts that the common man regardless of their number does not provide such decisions. While the societys elite is generally perceived as a stable and constant entity, the individuals in office changes thus reflecting the necessity to view the elites as an encompassing term that includes the individuals with the influence over the government and individuals which are in the position to govern. Another approach in public policy is based on the institutional theory. The said theory focuses on the government structure, in particular its formal and legal aspects particularly its structural arrangements, policies on decision making and its legal powers and authority. The institutional theory emphasizes the significance and role of structures and rules in the policy process including the level of influence of policy makers within the process. Public policy can be influenced by a number of institutions. Among these institutions are the national, state and local government, corporations and interest groups. The markets are also an influential entity in public policy as well as foreign political regimes. Institutional approach in public policy provides more complex circumstances because of the formal government structure and the procedural rules and process are used as a means to hinder or empower political interests. Among the cases in which the institutional theory can be applied is the legislation of the Farm Bill of 2002 which indicates the power play within the Senate. The constitution mandates that each state shall have two senators therefore granting a larger voting power for less populous states than the more populous states of New York and California. The third approach in public policy is the Group theory. The theory views the public policy as a result of a continuing struggle among interest groups. Supporters of this theory are often referred to as pluralists. Such individuals believe that interest groups possess a share of power within the country, emphasizing that the power particularly in policy making is pluralistic rather than being controlled by the elites. A practical example of the Group theory is the case of labor unions against the interests of the private sector. Labor unions organizes lobbying campaigns to executive and legislative officials and calls on the general public through formulating and applying advocacy campaign plans. Such efforts is undertaken as a means to ensure the balance of the policy making process. However, there are several existing arguments against the Group theory. The theory has been criticized for undermining the leadership capacity of the public officials and exaggerating the role of interest groups in policy making. Interest groups have often been used by public officials to promote and publicize their own interests while attracting support for policy initiatives. Another approach is the Plurality or Rational Choice Theory which is often referred to as the Public Chose and Formal Theory. The said theory has been applied to questions regarding public policy. A working assumption of the Rational theory is that individuals are rational actors which possess tendencies to maximize their self-interests. Using this theory, analysts study the values of individual, perceptions on a specific issue, information related to the case, as well as expectations on other individuals. Applied in the public policy process, the individuals include the voters, the lobbyists, legislators and government officials. Using the theory, individuals can critically assess and identify motivations of public officials, their interests i.e. re-elections and other personal interests which often translates to their attitude towards public policy. Similar to the previous theories, the Rational Choice Theory contains its set of weaknesses. Critics have argued that in reality, individuals are not single minded creatures which pursue only their self-interests. The theory is also said to provide minimal emphasis on the individuals willingness to engage in collective pursuits i.e. participating in public interest groups or community organizations.

The Calling Of Isaiah Essay -- essays research papers

The Calling of the Prophet Isaiah, Chapter 6:1-13   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The prophet Isaiah lived during a very troublesome era during the years 742-701B.C.E. He preached during the reigns of four kings of Judah: Uzziah (783-742), Jotham (742-735), Ahaz (735-715), and Hezekiah (715-687). Judah faced many challenges and crises throughout those years primarily at the hands of the Assyrian Empire. Isaih interpreted the events as part of the Lord's will, and he encourages the people to trust in the Lord rather than relying on political alliances.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Isaiah is thought to be one of the greatest poets of the Bible, and his book a classic of the Hebrew language. His writing has a very concise style, effective imagery, and an equilibrium between form and content which classify the type of poetry as classical. From the theological aspect, Isaiah moves in the religious tradition influenced by David's dynasty and the election of Sion, and also contributed to the shape and expression of the messianic hopes (Obstat, p.278).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The book Isaiah contains mostly oracles from various authors, however the authentic oracles of Isaiah are found in the first part of the book. Chapters 6-12 are considered the oldest collection in the book. It includes the account of the vocation and mission of the prophet, the oracles concerning the Syro-Ephraimite War, oracles referring to the crisis of 701B.C.E., and other salvation passages (Obstat, p.278).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Isaiah chapter 6 versus 1-13 stand apart from the rest of the Bible as a unique record of how God called on and reached out to a man, and in doing so a prophet was born. Interpreting this chapter is of vital importance for the understanding of Isaiah's teaching as a whole. In it he describes a real experience which effects him both psychologically and spiritually. Through the passage it can be perceived that his ministry was initiated by a soul shaking experience of the reality of God, and it's authenticity validated by it's results and influence on the prophet's life and work (Berrtrick, p 205).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  One of the main purposes of any prophet's call narrative is to justify his right to speak in the name of God. Oftentimes a prophet's message isn't accepted of very popular with the people he is preaching to, and in the face of t... ...en to Judah and Jerusalem, which at the threat of judgment would suffer greatly. But Isaiah must have certainly seen the Northern Kingdom included as well. Verse twelve is thought to be an addition made by a later editor to show how the judgment would result in the deportation of many from the land. This situation could possible relate to after 721B.C.E. when many citizens of the Northern Kingdom were carried off to Assryia, or to Judah when many of its inhabitants were carried off to Babylon (Kaiser, p.78)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Book of Isaiah is a book full of oracles such as the one narrating Isaiah's calling to be a prophet for the Lord God. In accordance with his classical poetic style the passage is full of imagery and sensual descriptions. Concerned with the fall of the nation, Isaiah has God himself warning the people of what is to come for a stronger impact on the Israelites. As a man who lived through the reins of four kings whom throughout the book are of great importance, Isaiah sees God as a functioning king and ruler. Much of what is said and seen in Isaiah 6:1-13 relate to other events in the rest of the book and surely influence Isaiah's life completely.