Engineering ethics Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Engineering ethics - Assignment Example The National Society of Professional Engineers that is based in the United States of America put forward guidelines to do with Professional Behavior and Standards of Ethics to be upheld by Engineers in 1946. These Rules involving Professional Conduct and Canons of Ethics that were supposed to be followed by Engineers evolved to the current Code of Ethics, implemented in 1964. These appeals eventually resulted to the formation of the Board of Ethical Review in 1954. Cases in engineering that involve ethics are very hard to solve due to the fact that they lack appropriate answers, but the 500 professional engineering consultants and advisors from the Board of Ethical Review have assisted in passing judgment on such cases and also shedding some light to the ethical matters engineers face in a day to day basis. Presently, subornation and administrative dishonesty is being dealt with by a number of professional organizations and commercial groups all over the world.  Nevertheless, different matters have come up, they include:  offshoring,  viable progress, and environmental conservation, that the engineering business is required to deliberate on and look into. When looking into engineering ethics one ethical predicament is the fact that an engineer is required to put forward the name of any engineer going against the engineering Code of Ethics to the proper authority. This is due to the fact that this engineer going against the engineering Code of Ethics or standards may pose a conceivable risk to civilians from a customer or business not adhering to the engineers instructions. Looking at the first ethical standards required by the engineering Code of Ethics, this responsibility supersedes the obligation to a customer and/or employer. An engineer could get into trouble by having their license annulled, even in the case that refusal to report that kind of a threat to the relevant authorities does not lead to any loss of human life or injuries. In most instances, this

Imperialist Policy Essay Example for Free

Imperialist Policy Essay To What Extent can it be argued that America Had an Imperialist Policy, Which Contradicted the Ideals Set down, By the Declaration of Independence? Annexation of the Philippines, the anti-imperialists protested over and over again, violated the very principles of independence and self determination on which the country (America) was founded. The above quotation summarises the key themes of this essay and the issues that will be explored. To examine the extent to which America had an imperialist policy, which contradicted the ideals, set down by the declaration of independence we must first analyse the terms used within the question and look at the ideals specified in the declaration of independence. Examples of when America showed this imperialist policy must then be examined to find to what extent they had one. Finally it must be investigated into reasons why America may have taken a turn towards imperialism which they were so strongly against when they broke from Britains rule in 1776. After thoroughly investigating and analysing the mentioned areas I will draw my conclusions as to the extent that America had an imperialist policy which contradicted the ideals set down by the declaration of independence. To begin with I shall explore the meaning of imperialism so that the question can be fully interpreted and answered fully. There are two meanings for the word imperialism below is the dictionary definition, which I will explain shortly. 1.The policy or principle of having and extending control over the territory of other nations, of creating or maintaining an empire, or extending ones countrys influence through trade and diplomacy. 2.An attempt by a developed country to interfere in the affairs of an underdeveloped country or countries. The first meaning is that imperialism is the expanding of one country into another countrys territory making them colonies and thus creating an empire, such as that of Britain in the 19th century controlling its colonies overseas. The second meaning of the word imperialism is that of a developed country influencing other countries by trade and diplomacy. It is this meaning that is often associated with Lenins view of imperialism as he felt that it was not necessarily about colonies but imposing control over another country through influence and tariffs. Using these interpretations it will be easier to analyse the actions taken by America and to find to what extent America had an imperialist policy. Now I have explored the meaning of imperialism I will go on to examine the ideals that were set down in the declaration of independence on 4th July 1776. For the purpose of this essay not all the issues raised in the declaration of independence are required so I will highlight the points that I feel are needed to answer the question best. Firstly the declaration refers to He meaning the King of Great Britain describing the injustices he has subjected the American colonies to. The first part I feel will highlight the issues within this essay talks about some of the injustices: He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws, giving his assent to their pretended legislation: For cutting off our trade with all parts of the world; For imposing taxes on us without our consent; For depriving us, in many cases of the benefits of trial by jury; The above speaks of some of the things that the American people felt were wrong criticising British imperialism. The second piece continues to describe what they feel is wrong condemning British actions: For abolishing the free system of English laws in a neighbouring province, establishing therein an arbitrary government, and enlarging its boundaries, so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introduction the same absolute rule into these colonies; For taking away our charters abolishing our most valuable laws, and altering governments; For suspending our own legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us all in cases whatsoever. He has abdicated government here by, declaring us out of protection and waging war against us. He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burned our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people. By declaring what they feel strongly against the American people are revealing their ideals of government and rule within a country. The final part of the declaration describes how America will continue once broken from British rule: We therefore the representatives of the United States of America, in general congress assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the name and by the authority of the good people of these colonies, solemnly publish and declare, that these united colonies are, and of right ought to be, FREE AND INDEPENDENT STATES; that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British crown, and that all political connection between them and the state of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved; and that as free and independent states, they have full power to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and do all other acts and things which independent states may of right do. This section of the declaration of independence concludes the intentions of the American people and how they will continue as a state. Looking at the excerpts I have taken I will refer back to these during the essay to point out contradictions in the American policy to prove the argument that America had an imperialist policy. Having looked at the question and analysing the terms used within it I shall now explore reasons as to why American policy took a turn towards imperialism. America had been expanding since after the first landings in Jamestown and Plymouth with settlers moving west and further south rapidly consuming the great expanse of the American continent. This early expansion within the continent was purely for the settlement of the American people however; the movements of the 1890s took a different path. Overseas expansion into already populated areas not so much for settlement but for the purpose of tactical naval bases, trading outposts or commercial centers on major trade routes. One view of this new policy was from Walter LaFeber: The United States did not set out on an expansionist path in the late 1890s in a sudden, spur-of-the-moment fashion. The overseas empire that Americans controlled in 1900 was not a break in their history, but a natural culmination. The above view expresses that imperialism and expanding is simply natural progression for any country and it was Americas time to expand. In America at the time few people liked the idea of imperialism, expanding had shown them benefits such as those of California and Oregon but imperialism meant control over other peoples by military conquest or economic domination which they did not want to be a part of. These attitudes however began to change as the end of the frontier was reached, as John A Kasson, a diplomat said in the North American Review: We are rapidly utilising the whole of our continental territory. We must turn our eyes abroad, or they will soon look inward upon discontent. Again this view explored that expanding was something that came naturally once all a nations land was occupied. Now that the question has been explained and reasons for imperialism explored I shall continue to discuss examples to show to what extent America had an imperialist policy. The first example of America advancing towards an imperialist policy can be seen as the introduction of the Monroe Doctrine, which was expressed during President James Monroes seventh annual message to congress in December 1823. Within this doctrine it was expressed that America felt that European powers no longer had the right to interfere in matters involving the Western Hemisphere and the American continent. as a principle in which the right and interests of the United States are involved, that the American continents, by the free and independent condition which they have assumed and maintain, are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for future colonisation by any European powers This speech showed that America had interests in lands outside their own territory and were declaring that they saw the Western Hemisphere as their sphere of influence. It had long been hoped that America would one-day annex Canada or Mexico for extensive trade and greater unity against the European powers, the Monroe Doctrine supported this idea. In 1867 Secretary of State William Henry Seward finished negotiations with Russia for the purchase of Alaska with the aim of sandwiching in Canada ready for its annexation. The discussion of the Monroe Doctrine and the purchase of Alaska have shown that America did have an imperialist policy and contradicts the ideals that they set down: For imposing taxes on us without our consent; For taking away our charters abolishing our most valuable laws, and altering governments; For suspending our own legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us all in cases whatsoever. They themselves condemned the actions of the British for doing the above and now although they had purchased Alaska were subjecting its people to very similar events. The next example of Americas imperialist policy I shall explore will be Hawaii and Americas long hopes of annexing the islands. Hawaii was seen to be a key way-station in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and control of these islands would provide great military and commercial trade advantages. In 1875 a reciprocity treaty with Hawaii bound the Hawaiians to make no territorial or economic concessions to other nations as well as allowing sugar to enter the United States free of duty. This treaty increased Hawaiis economic dependence on America, this supports the Lenin view of imperialism discussed earlier as it shows America having domination over Hawaii via economic constraints. In 1891 King Kalakaua died and nationalist Queen Liliuokalani came to power. The new Queen disliked being ruled by a white minority and made way for a new constitution to give native Hawaiians more power. This caused trouble in Hawaii with the White Hawaiians revolting and America becoming involved militarily. The revolt was over in three days and the Queen surrendered. On 14th February 1893, the secretary of state John W Foster and officials from the new Hawaiian government signed a treaty annexing Hawaii to the United States. However only two weeks were left in president Harrisons term and the senate refused to approve the treaty. President Cleveland who came to power shortly later started an investigation into Americas involvement and found it to have been wrong. Cleveland decided to restore the queen to her throne but the provisional government established in Hawaii instead created the Republic of Hawaii. This backing down on America or Clevelands behalf shows that the pursuit of an empire was perhaps not so great or that Cleveland simply felt more strongly about the ideals of the declaration of independence. However in 1898 the issue of annexing Hawaii arose again this time with concerns over Japans interests in the islands. President McKinley sought an annexation treaty but this required a two-thirds majority vote in the senate. It was decided that a joint resolution be obtained rather than a treaty requiring a majority in both houses. With the new approach the annexation plans passed quickly through congress and McKinley signed it on 7th July 1898 annexing Hawaii which had been an American goal since the 1860s. Now despite the actions of President Cleveland the annexation of Hawaii was eventually achieved again showing Americas imperialist policy and how they contradicted their own ideals of not imposing power over another country or subjecting other peoples to laws or government foreign to their own. I will now go on to discuss part of Americas involvement in the Philippines during the war with Spain. On 1st May 1898 after the war had only been going on one week Commodore George Dewey crushed the Spanish fleet at Manila Bay. With this significant victory the Philippines were now within Americas grasp and by the 13th August after raising an expeditionary force they took Manila Bay and gained control of the Philippines. This expansion of America territory by military conquest shows Americas imperialist policy and as one of those against it at the time said: Dewey took Manila with the loss of one man and all our institutions. So it was obvious at the time to some people that Americas policy contradicted the ideals set down by the declaration of independence on which their country was founded. The Final example I shall explore focuses on the early 1900s and the events surrounding the Panama Canal. Great Britain had controlled the region in Central America, but while otherwise concerned had withdrawn troops from the area to allow for American plans of building an isthmian canal linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. President Roosevelt began selecting a route which would run through the Panama region of Colombia being 6 miles wide, he offered Colombia $10million and $250,000 annual rental for the land and permission. Colombia rejected his offer and he considered seizing the area but instead hinted to the inhabitants of the Panama region to revolt. Within a short time they did so and the new Republic of Panama was created with American support. A new deal was struck and the canal commissioned with Panama relying on America and America now controlling an extremely important trade route. This example again shows America putting themselves in positions to be in an advantage over other nations highlighting another aspect of their imperialist policy. I have now looked at the reasons why America may follow an imperialist policy, how the term imperialism can be interpreted and, have shown a number of examples when America showed this imperialist policy. I shall now conclude my finding to answer to what extent America had an imperialist policy, which contradicted the ideals set down by the declaration of independence. I have not shown all the examples of when America showed signs of imperialism that I discovered my research but I have highlighted those that I felt were most important. All of the examples used have proved that America did have an imperialist policy to some extent or another they have also shown that at times some Americans felt that this policy did go against the ideals on which their nation was founded. So I conclude that America did have to a large extent an imperialist policy which contradicted the ideals set down by the declaration of independence whether they themselves recognised this policy or not as going against their own beliefs. Dewey took Manila with the loss of one man and all our institutions.

The Characteristics of Retroviruses

The Characteristics of Retroviruses Retroviruses have various characteristics that make them unique as gene delivery vehicles. Their life cycle includes an integrated state in the DNA of the host chromosome. Retroviruses are the only animal viruses that integrate into the host cells genome during the normal growth cycle. They use an integrase that acts in a site-specific manner to join the ends of the viral cDNA to target sequences in host cell DNA. The linear ds cDNA made in the cytoplasm is transported to the nucleus where it is also found as circles and as integrated DNA. Two forms of circular DNA are generally found: one having a single Long Terminal Repeat (LTR) and one having two LTRs. It is now thought that the original integrated proviruses were linear molecules with two LTRs. The retroviral promoter can direct high-level, efficient expression of genes encoded within the viral capsid of its genome using chromatin. The retroviral genomes can accommodate changes to its configuration. Retroviruses offer gene therapy researchers aid for delivering genes to target cells at high efficiency that allows for long-term, stable expression of introduced genetic elements The retroviral life cycle begins in the nucleus of an infected cell. At the beginning of the life cycle the retroviral genome is a DNA element integrated into and covalently attached to the DNA of the host cell. Full-length genomic mRNA is made starting at the beginning of the repeat at the 5 LTR (Long Terminal Repeat). The free particle can infect new cells by binding to a cell surface receptor. The specificity of the virus-cell interaction is determined most commonly by the envelope proteins of the retrovirus. Infection leads to injection of the virus nucleoprotein core (consisting of many gag-derived proteins, full-length genomic RNA, and the reverse transcriptase protein). Once inside the cell, the nucleoprotein complex accesses intracellular DNA nucleotide triphosphate pools, where the reverse transcriptase protein initiates and creation of a double-stranded DNA copy of the genome of the virus is prepared for integration into the host cell chromosome. When reverse transcription is completed, the viral enzyme integrase looks for an appropriate storage place for the DNA, which the integrase clips the host DNA to and binds the double-stranded DNA into the host DNA. The virus is the able to initiate a new round of replication again. 3 major proteins encoded in a retroviral genome Gag is a polyprotein and is an acronym for Group Antigens (ag). Pol is the reverse transcriptase. Env is the envelope protein. The group antigens form the viral core structure and are the major proteins which comprise the nucleoprotein core particles. Reverse transcriptase is the essential enzyme that carries out the reverse transcription process that take the RNA genome to a double-stranded DNA preintegrate form. General transcription and proteins are encoded from spliced mRNA of retroviruses. Transcription proceeds through the genome and mRNA is polyadenylated and processed using signals in transcribed regions from the 3 LTR at the end of the transcribed R (repeat). The full-length message can be spliced to lead to production of envelope proteins (or other proteins depending upon retroviral class). Unspliced full-length mRNA can give rise to gag-pol proteins. Gag and Pol are made as either Gag protein or a Gag-Pol precursor. Translated proteins assemble a retroviral particle at the cell surface. Full-length genomic unspliced mRNA is bound by gag-derived proteins and incorporated into the budding particle. Virion structures In retroviruses particle shapes can be divided into distinct categories: A-type particles are immature intracellular forms derived from endogenous retrovirus-like elements and the immature form of MMTV. B-type particles correspond to the extracellular form of MMTV and are characterised by prominent surface protein spikes and a dense asentric nucleocapsid. C-type particles form at the surface of the cell at the site of budding. Lentiviruses bud like C type particles but have a distinctive blunted cone shaped core. D-type particles are the MMPV related viruses of sub-human primates, and differ from B-type particles by a lack of surface spikes. The gag (group specific antigen) gene encodes the viral matrix, capsid and nucleoproteins The protease encodes a product that cleaves the gag polyprotein precursor. It can be encoded as part of Gag or a Gag-Pro-Pol polyprotein The major read-through product is derived from the pol gene which encodes the reverse transcriptase and an integrase which is involved in provirus integration. The envelope gene encodes the surface glycoprotein (SU) transmembrane (TM) polyprotein. Viral entry Retroviruses enter by at least two different manners, dependent upon the retroviral subclass. The viral envelope is critical in each case for recognising appropriate surface receptors to initiate viral fusion to the host target cells. The RNA genome in the free retrovirus is arranged as a diploid genome with identical sequences. The mRNA associates with a tRNA primer (pro, trp, or lys) that is bound by complementary base pairing to 18 base pairs to the U5 region. The integrated form (proviral) of all retroviruses contain transcription regulatory sequences primarily in Long Terminal Repeats (LTR). LTR sequences are derived from sequences unique to the 5 end of viral RNA (U5), from sequences unique to the 3 end of viral RNA (U3), and from sequences repeated at both ends of the viral RNA. The integrated provirus is larger than the viral genome but its complexity is the same because of duplication of U3 and U5 during synthesis. Replication of retroviruses is sensitive to the transcription inhibitors Actinomycin D, alpha-amanitin nucleoside and analogues like 5-bromodioxyuridine and cytosine arabinoside. 5 bromodioxyuridine and cytosine arabinoside are thought to inhibit DNA replication.

Workplace Ethics Essay -- essays research papers

I can describe ethics in the workplace as the right way to act on the job, whether you are the manager or the employee. You can use ethics positively the right way or negative and possibly get yourself and or others fired. I worked at Target for two and a half years and I only have experienced one negative ethical situation.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I was hired at Target to be an overnight stocker during Target’s remodeling. There was a team of us five guys and three girls. One night our supervisor called in and said that she was not going to be able to come until the morning. To everyone expect for me, since I was new, this was normal. Our supervisor left a list of instructions for us to follow that night and told us that if anyone had any problems or questions to ask Mike, one of the team members that had...

What Are The Circumstances Of The Chinese Occupation Of Tibet? :: essays research papers fc

â€Å"The only way to settle questions of an ideological nature of controversial issues among the people is by the democratic method, the method of discussion, or criticism, of persuasion and education and not by the method of coercion or repression.† This statement was made by Mao Tse Tung, the Communist leader of China, in February of 1957. Seven years earlier, Chinese forces had invaded and begun the destruction of Tibet and Tibetan Buddhism. The Plateau of Tibet comprises nearly the entire southeastern portion of China. Wedged between the Kunlun and Himalayan Mountain Ranges it is a beautiful plateau with breathtaking views all around it. The territory itself promotes a feeling of peace, meditation, and spirituality. The plateau is also the source of five of Asia’s greatest rivers, making it vital to the environment. Centuries ago, a very unique religion, Tibetan Buddhism, grew from the settlers of this region. This religion was based on soul-searching and meditation and highly discouraged war, violence, and any forms of negativity in thought, word, or action. The religion thrived in the region and soon became the political force of the nation of Tibet. The religion was the state; therefore there was no military until the early 20th Century, but then there was just a small, fairly ineffective army. This made the area highly vulnerable to any who wanted it. China, in 1949, became the communist People’s Republic of China. In less than one year, military forces marched into the peaceful territory of Tibet claiming that it belonged to China. This was the beginning of over 50 years of the needless slaughter and destruction of a people and religion that posed no threat to the people of China or its government. â€Å"Since that time, over 1.2 million Tibetans have been killed, 6,000 monasteries have been destroyed, and thousands of Tibetans have been imprisoned.† Nine years after the invasion by China the Dalai Lama, Tibet’s spiritual and political leader, fled the country in an attempt to save his life. He went to Dharmsala, India, a small town that lies approximately 150 miles to the East of the Tibet-India border. It is in this town that the Dalai Lama, along with over 100,000 Tibetan refugees, has set up the Tibetan government in exile. Here they continue their non-violent protest of the atrocious acts of violence committed against the followers of Buddhism that have remained in Tibet or China. The forced

Male View of Hysteria Presented in The Yellow Wallpaper -- Charlotte P

Male View of Hysteria Presented in The Yellow Wallpaper      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Charlotte Perkins Gilman's short story "The Yellow Wallpaper" has been viewed as either a work of supernatural horror or as a feminist treatise regarding the role of women in society. A close analysis of Gilman's use of symbols reveals "The Yellow Wallpaper" as her response to the male view of hysteria from ancient times through the nineteenth century. " In "The Yellow Wallpaper" Gilman questions the validity of Hippocrates's theory of the wandering uterus and Weir Mitchell's "rest cure". As she wrote in her essay "Why I Wrote the Yellow Wallpaper?", "[the story] was not intended to drive people crazy, but to save people from being driven crazy†¦" (107). By her own account, Gilman's purpose in writing "The Yellow Wallpaper" was to educate and inform the public of the misinterpretation of hysterical symptoms. The origin of the word hysteria expresses the belief in the inferiority of women. As James Palis writes in The Hippocratic Concept of Hysteria: A Translation of the Original Texts: "Etymologically, the term usteria (hysteria) derives from ustera (hystera), the Greek word for uterus, which means an inferior position. Thus, usteria denotes suffering of the uterus, the most inferior organ in the female" (226). The fact that the literal translation of hystera is "inferior position" reinforces the fact that from ancient times women were viewed as physically inferior to men. Since the one major physical difference between women and men is the presence of the uterus, psychological problems that were considered to be strictly female were attributed to some malfunction of the uterus. Hippocrates first proposed in his work "The Art of Healing"that hysteria wa... .... ---. "The Yellow Wallpaper". American Realism Reader. Ed. James Nagel and Tom Quirk. New York: Penguin Books, 1997. 254-269. Hothersall, David. History of Psychology. 3rd Ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Inc., 1995. Meyer, Cheryl L. The Wandering Uterus: Politics and the Reproductive Rights of Women. New York: New York University Press, 1997. Mitchell, S. Weir. "Fat and Blood": The Yellow Wallpaper. Women Writers: Texts and Contexts. Ed. Thomas L. Erskine and Connie L. Richards. New Jersey: Rutgers University Press, 1993. 105-109. ---. "Wear and Tear". The Yellow Wallpaper. Women Writers: Texts and Contexts. Ed. Thomas L Erksine and Connie L. Richards. New Jersey: Rutgers University Press, 1993. 109-111. Palis, James., et al. "The Hippocratic Concept of Hysteria: A Translation of the Original Texts." Integrative Psychiatry 3.3 (1985): 226-228.    Male View of Hysteria Presented in The Yellow Wallpaper -- Charlotte P Male View of Hysteria Presented in The Yellow Wallpaper      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Charlotte Perkins Gilman's short story "The Yellow Wallpaper" has been viewed as either a work of supernatural horror or as a feminist treatise regarding the role of women in society. A close analysis of Gilman's use of symbols reveals "The Yellow Wallpaper" as her response to the male view of hysteria from ancient times through the nineteenth century. " In "The Yellow Wallpaper" Gilman questions the validity of Hippocrates's theory of the wandering uterus and Weir Mitchell's "rest cure". As she wrote in her essay "Why I Wrote the Yellow Wallpaper?", "[the story] was not intended to drive people crazy, but to save people from being driven crazy†¦" (107). By her own account, Gilman's purpose in writing "The Yellow Wallpaper" was to educate and inform the public of the misinterpretation of hysterical symptoms. The origin of the word hysteria expresses the belief in the inferiority of women. As James Palis writes in The Hippocratic Concept of Hysteria: A Translation of the Original Texts: "Etymologically, the term usteria (hysteria) derives from ustera (hystera), the Greek word for uterus, which means an inferior position. Thus, usteria denotes suffering of the uterus, the most inferior organ in the female" (226). The fact that the literal translation of hystera is "inferior position" reinforces the fact that from ancient times women were viewed as physically inferior to men. Since the one major physical difference between women and men is the presence of the uterus, psychological problems that were considered to be strictly female were attributed to some malfunction of the uterus. Hippocrates first proposed in his work "The Art of Healing"that hysteria wa... .... ---. "The Yellow Wallpaper". American Realism Reader. Ed. James Nagel and Tom Quirk. New York: Penguin Books, 1997. 254-269. Hothersall, David. History of Psychology. 3rd Ed. New York: McGraw-Hill Inc., 1995. Meyer, Cheryl L. The Wandering Uterus: Politics and the Reproductive Rights of Women. New York: New York University Press, 1997. Mitchell, S. Weir. "Fat and Blood": The Yellow Wallpaper. Women Writers: Texts and Contexts. Ed. Thomas L. Erskine and Connie L. Richards. New Jersey: Rutgers University Press, 1993. 105-109. ---. "Wear and Tear". The Yellow Wallpaper. Women Writers: Texts and Contexts. Ed. Thomas L Erksine and Connie L. Richards. New Jersey: Rutgers University Press, 1993. 109-111. Palis, James., et al. "The Hippocratic Concept of Hysteria: A Translation of the Original Texts." Integrative Psychiatry 3.3 (1985): 226-228.   

An Example of Successful Change Essay

Introduction Why is Wal-Mart so Successful? Is it Good Strategy or Good Strategy Implementation? In 1962, when Sam Walton opened the first Wal-Mart store in Rogers, Arkansas, no one could have ever predicted the enormous success this small-town merchant would have. Sam Walton’s talent for discount retailing not only made Wal-Mart the world’s largest retailer, but also the world’s number one retailer in sales. Sam Walton has made certain changes that help Wal-Mart to achieve its success today. His change techniques involve changing people, technology, and product. Indeed, Wal-Mart was named â€Å"Retailer of the Decade† by Discount Store News in 1989, and on several occasions has been included in Fortune’s list of the â€Å"10 most admired corporations.† Changing People Wal-Mart is successful not only because it makes sound strategic management decisions, but also for its innovative implementation of those strategic decisions. In order to become a superstore, Wal-Mart decided to change the skill level of its workforce. Walton’s greatest accomplishment was his ability to empower, enrich, and train his employees. He believed in listening to employees and challenging them to come up with ideas and suggestions to make the company better. At each of the Wal-Mart stores, signs are displayed which read, â€Å"Our People Make the Difference.† Associates regularly make suggestions for cutting costs through their â€Å"Yes We Can Sam† program. The sum of the savings generated by the associates actually paid for the construction of a new store in Texas. One of Wal-Mart’s goals was to provide its employees with the appropriate tools to do their jobs efficiently. The technology was not used as a means of replacing existing employees, but to provide them with a means to succeed in the retail market (Thompson and Strickland 93). Changing Product Wal-Mart stores operate according to their â€Å"Everyday Low Price† philosophy. They provide customers access to quality goods, to make these goods available when and where customers want them, to develop a cost structure that enables competitive pricing, and to build and maintain a reputation for absolute trustworthiness (Evan, Shulman, and Stalk, 55). Through Sam Walton’s â€Å"Buy America† policy, Wal-Mart encourages its buyers and merchandise managers to stock stores with American-made products. In a 1993 annual report management stated the â€Å"program demonstrates a long-standing Wal-Mart commitment to our customers that we will buy American-made products whenever we can if those products deliver the same quality and affordability as their foreign-made counterparts† (Thompson & Strickland 68). With a variety of product and low cost, Wal-Mart has attracted more consumers. Changing Technology Wal-Mart has invested heavily in its unique cross-docking inventory system. Cross docking has enabled Wal-Mart to achieve economies of scale which reduces its costs of sales. With this system, goods are continuously delivered to stores within 48 hours and often without having to inventory them. Lower prices also eliminate the expense of frequent sales promotions and sales are more predictable. Cross docking gives the individual managers more control at the store level. A company owned transportation system also assists Wal-Mart in shipping goods from warehouse to store in less than 48 hours. This allows Wal-Mart to replenish the shelves 4 times faster than its competition. Wal-Mart owns the largest and most sophisticated computer system in the private sector. It uses a massively parallel processor computer system to track stock and movement which keeps it abreast of fast changes in the market (Daugherty 24). Information related to sales and inventory is disseminated via its advanced satellite communications system. Conclusion Sam Walton, a leader with an innovative vision, started his own company and made it into the leader in discount retailing that it is today. Through his savvy, and sometimes unusual, business practices, he and his associates led the company forward for thirty years. Today the company is still growing steadily. Wal-Mart executives continue to rely on many of the traditional goals and philosophies that Sam’s legacy left behind, while simultaneously keeping one step ahead of the ever-changing technology and methods of today’s fast-paced business environment. The future also looks bright for Wal-Mart, especially if it is able to continue its customer-driven culture, it should remain a retail industry leader well into the next century.