The Golden Age of Spain Period Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The Golden Age of Spain Period - Research Paper Example This was within the period roughly between the tenth and twelve century, a time when Iberian Peninsula was under the Islamic command. The Jewish people marked this as their period that they had expansive participation in the economic and public life as well as their flourishing Hebrew culture. This Jews living in this era were very educated and cosmopolitan too (Lasker 80). Moreover, they engaged themselves in philosophy, science, literature and art though they remained committed to their religious traditions. It is important to note that the Jewish community living in Spain experienced a lengthy and extremely rich history that revolves back about 2000 years to roman rule. The roman period is a time when the Jewish left their territory Jerusalem and dispersed around the globe. The land of sepharad or sefarad thus Spain in Jewish language, is one of the largest contingents of Jewish settlement. The Sephardic community existed in times of peace and lots of prosperity for centuries though it endured some spells of oppression including prosecution (Lasker, 85). In the present day, the rediscovery of a lot of vibrant Jewish heritage of the ancient Iberian Peninsula has been noted and seen. A revival is underway on the Sephardic surroundings on various cultural events and the medieval synagogues in the vast lands of Spain. It has been noted that the confluence of Jewish culture in this particular area provides an interesting journey in studying the past. Cities such as Barcelona, Palma, Oviedo, Seville, Girona, Jean, Cardoba, Leon, Avila, Toledo, Segovia and Caceres found in this region still pose as Spanish Jewish sites (Lasker, 89). The discovery of other Jewish importance’s in Spain is still made up to date in cities such as Lorca where there is a well preserved synagogue that is visible when one is positioned at the Lorca Parador hotel. This is made even though there are cities existing notably possessing very rich Jewish heritage. This synagogue has more than 50 rare glass including oil amps that have been unearthed. Guests from a ll over flock in Spain to witness the overwhelming rich Jewish culture that is evidently characterized by vibrant architecture, grand hotels, art and to some extends some Jewish festivals (Hill, 55). Jewish religious authority was centered back in Babylonia a place where the Jewish Muslim counterparts held great Jewish leadership in great esteem. Hasdai ibn shaprut a Jewish physician through his efforts enabled the Jewish living in Spain to learn from the Jewish scholarly books. They no longer had to rely on the on the Babylonian academies religious authorities. The golden age was a time of partial Jewish autonomy. Especially as a dhimmis thus a protected non-Muslim living in the Islam world had to pay jizya which is different from zakat which is administered and paid separately by the Muslims. The jizya is similar to a head tax also a payment to non-conscription in the military. It was structured in the Muslim empire for non-Muslims not to precipitate in military activities includi ng bearing arms or receiving any basic martial art. So as attribute, the Jewish society had their own legal system including social services (Hill, 60).In that time, monotheist religions were tolerated thus of the people of the book. The activities that were not allowed were conscious displays of religious faith. This includes bells and processions that were heavily opposed and discouraged. In the Islamic world, identified Jewish including Christians were allowed to practice more freely than the Islam’

Hong Kong Government dealing with Pollution problems Essay

Hong Kong Government dealing with Pollution problems - Essay Example In this paper, we particularly look at Hong Kong’s strategy of limiting emission of chlorofluorocarbons and analyze its effectiveness. As one of the most important export hubs of Asia, Hong Kong is beset with pollution problems which are regarded as the inevitable and necessary consequences of development (Ibid.). The amount of air pollution in Hong Kong, primarily come from the city’s dense population, from the factories and power stations that emit smoke, from the seemingly endless construction activities as well as the increasing number of vehicles which all have contributed to the very dangerous levels of air pollutants like particulate matter or the so-called RSP and the greenhouse gas nitrogen dioxide or NO₂ (Lou, 2007). In fact, the situation has been so bad that the visibility level in the area has been recorded at less than eighty kilometers for about thirty percent of a year (Ibid.). One of the most felt effects of Hong Kong’s high level of air pollution have been mostly on the residents’ health, which range from allergies like rhinitis, bronchial ailments, and asthma, among others. However, such are not the only effects of air pollution, as researches have reported many others as well as other causes and related issues, which will be tackled in further details in this paper. This paper intends to take a further look at Hong Kong’s pollution problem that has been very alarming even among the international institutions and companies who have stakes in the city, in relation to how the Hong Kong government responds to the situation. In the attempt to carefully analyze the government’s mechanisms and programs that have been put in place to resolve the issue at hand, as well as the milestones and failures of the government’s efforts, this paper will first take a look at the whole scenario to provide better understanding of the responses to it. The Government’s Strategies. The Hong Kong government, as a

The Negative Impacts Of Cell Phones English Language Essay

The Negative Impacts Of Cell Phones English Language Essay I drive with my knees. Otherwise, how can I put on my lipstick and talk on my phone? Sharon Stone. In 1973, the first cell phone was demonstrated by Martin Cooper in the United States of America. By the mid of 2009, the cell phone usage exploited to almost all-around the world. Today, mobile phone is a necessary device which allows user to make phone calls from any coverage distance. In addition, it provide many services including, SMS or text messages, e-mail, Internet access, gaming, Bluetooth, infrared, camera, MP3 player, radio, TV, and GPS. For many years it has been widely acknowledged that while cell phones make our life convenient, it has many disadvantages. However, still many people continue to ignore the negative consequences of cell phone, and they excessively enjoy the benefits. Teenagers are group of high subscriptions of mobile users. According to Disney Mobile survey cell phones usage among 10-17 year-olds jumps by more than an hour a day to more than three hours and 45 minutes. The polling of more than 1,500 teens and pre-teens found that 44 percent use text messages and phone call as their primary form of communication (Diaz). A cell phone can tend to change relationships negative and can lead to some dangerous liaisons. The parents should recommend teenagers from over use of cell phone because it wastes their time, it spans their attention, and it facilitates private communication for them. Teenagers involvement to mobile phone: wasting teenagers time Mobile or cellular phone is a huge time wasting machine for teenagers. If we look at some teenagers, they are often keeping busy on cell phones. Some of them are text messaging and making phone calls, and some others are using advanced features of mobile phone, including Bluetooth, IMs and GPRS. Phone calls among teenagers are a usual case. They spend an extensive time talking to their peers. Many mobile phone users claim that one of the main advantages of mobile ownership is the ability to contact friend or family in case of emergency. I would say this is the main reason we keeps the cell phones with us. However, in Afghanistan and some other countries, teenagers use mobile phone not just because of emergency cases, but they using it because of entertainment. A large number of Afghan teenagers made a social network who keep connect via radio program. For example, a teenage boy call to particular radio program, after receiving a warm greeting by the radio operator; he call his name a nd leaves his message to his group members. Finally, he FARMAISH his favorite song to his one and more group members. Most of the times, the contact number of the radio channel is busy by a lot of phone calls of teens. A large number of teens keep trying in order to get connected to the station. Text messaging is another form of time wasting among teenagers. Nowadays, text messaging is dominant form of communication among teenagers. In Afghanistan, viewers of TVs are able to vote for their favorite performance through text messaging. Moreover, a large group of Afghan teens are daily massaging to TV channels for FARMISH their favorite song to become broadcast on the TV. Mobile phones have changed dramatically over the past years. The new advanced feature of WAP and GPRS in the handset allows the user to connect to the internet. A large number of teens are using different types of IMs- Skype, Yahoo, MSN, and Google talk in their handsets. Moreover, teens using internet browser in their mobile phone so they can get access to social network sites, and download their favorite pictures and music. In Afghanistan, the Afghan Wireless Communication Company (AWCC) is providing internet connection in the blackberry handsets. The latest technology, blackberry handsets, allow user to send and receives e-mails from any part of the country where there antenna coverage is exist. Additionally, the mobile applications itself is getting teenagers attention. For example, Bluetooth, video game, MP3 player, camera, radio, and even T.V in cellular phones is attracts teenagers attention, and keeps them activity involved in cell phone. Cell phones causes span attention in adolescence Span attention in teenagers, is another major problem which results over use of cell phones. Cell phone is a tool which keeps teenagers from social contact with their family and peers. Parents once found children simpler to over passed hours at a desktop computer. Now, so much of that happens on a slim electronic device with a very small screen. They are engaged with both oral uses (phoning) and text-based uses (text messaging). Therefore, most of teens lost their social contact with family members, and some other reduces the opportunities to develop their social interaction with peers. Today, as result of cell phone involvement, a large number of teens feel anxiety and isolated among the people. For most teenagers it is difficult to concentrate on studies, because their interest is more to cell phone than to their school works. Obviously, being a student needs a lot of effort to get done with assignments and quizzes, but once a student receives a phone call or text message while he or she is studying at home, the student get involve to mobile phone, resulting losing concentration. Today, junior and senior at high school are involve in mobile phones. A number of teens-cell phone users are likely to be woken at night by incoming text messages or calls, and are therefore more likely to be tired and less able to focus on their study throughout the day. According to a report released by the Pew Internet and American Life Project, a great number of adolescents have slept with their cellphone in or near their bed. Some keep it under the pillow, to awaken for late-night texts. Others use the built-in alarm to wake up (Large, Andrew). Cell phone can prevent students for being discipl ine, and resulting low grades at their tests. Strongly involvement in pornography at mobile devices is another span attention among teenagers. Nowadays, most cell phones having Bluetooth option which enables teens to transfer porn movie clips to each other handsets and watch them DAR YAGAN GOSHA. The sexting phenomenon the taking and sending of intimate photos of oneself on a cellphone has made headlines overseas and it is representing teens involvement in mobile phone. A lot of youths dont realize that it is a permanent record if it gets on the internet, said Steve OBrien, of the Department of Internal Affairs censorship compliance unit. At their age they think theyre bulletproof [. . .] But, these are things that will possibly come back to haunt their concentration (qtd. In New Zealand Herald). Cell phones help teens in private communication Besides time wasting and spans teens attention, mobile phone is also a tool for facilitating private communication among teenagers. Nowadays, cell phone is one of the major issues in Afghanistan. Since Afghanistan is an Islamic country and there is less right for teens to go outside of home, a great number of them are using cell phone as a suitable device for keeping connect to outside. As a customer service advisor at AWCC, a mobile company in Afghanistan, I have experienced the strong connection among afghan teenagers and the thumb-typed keypad. The cellphone is a much more private way of interacting, and I think thats one thing that teens love about it said Amir Zia Sangin, Afghan Minister of Communication and Information Technology (Rahmani). We have experienced a large number of teens talking on the phone for almost 70-100 minutes each night. Even the customer service advisors who majority of them were under age 20, were actively involved in talking to girls on the phone. Roshan Telecommunication Company, another mobile company in Afghanistan, launched a marketing campaign this week for its phone calls. Basta Yaraan, friends package, is a pear of sim cards which enable friends to talk for 10 Afs at first dial. Once connected, they can talk for free till 6 hours. This feature is enabling only after 12 p.m. every night. Hence, this is a good opportunity for adolescents who can keep their emotional contact almost for free. Since phone industries are trying to sell their products, they do not mind whether it is used in proper way or just miss use out of it. They facilitate communication among teenagers rather than destroying it. It doesnt make them avoid people; they use it to meet up (Hartevelt). Text massaging is another form of private communication among teens. It is much easy and private way of maintain communication with friends and lovers. For example, if your parent is next to you, you might have use text messaging to keep contact with your boyfriend or girl friend. Vodafone spokeswoman Libby Hay said, about 470 million text messages were sent by under 19 years old boys and girls on its network last month (Clapperton, Guy). Mobile phone is a harmful process among teenagers, and it possible for the government to limit mobile use among teenager who has using it for recreational. The question might have raised that why it is impossible when a government have attempted to discourage people from smoking by banning all cigarette advertising. This strategy could be applied to mobile phones as well that rule out mobile phone companies from targeting the younger generation. In conclusion, the cell phone has not only wasting teenagers time, but it also destroy them mentally and physically. It is parents responsibility to recommend their children for not over wasting their time on the phone. It is parents responsibility to stay in touch with their children to keep them track that they should only use mobile phones for essential calls, not for overuse which results drives children attention. It is also parents responsibility to establish rules on cell phone use. They can keep track children call history and require them to turn cell phones off at night. Moreover, parent can keep teens in a common area rather than allowing them to take mobile into their rooms, where they can talk or text message late at the night. While teens love cell phones, moms and dads can get burned by buying for them. So it has been left to parents to decide whether they want their children to be more productive or let them over use their valuable time on mobile, destruct their mind, and let them maintain their private communications. Lets hope the parents understand thisà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦

The Last Interview of Napoleon Bonaparte by Erica M. Historian Essay

For this interview, I went to visit the St. Helena home of Napoleon Bonaparte. He was the former Emperor of France before he was exiled to this small island. He was to spend the rest of his life here. I was lucky enough to get this interview just a few days before his passing on May 5th, 1821. Erica M. Historian: Hello, Mr. Bonaparte. It is a pleasure to meet you. How are you this evening? Napoleon Bonaparte: Hello. I am doing very well, thank you. Erica M. Historian: May I call you Napoleon? Napoleon Bonaparte: You may, but I rather you call me Emperor. Erica M. Historian: Of course. So, what got you interested in a military career? Napoleon Bonaparte: Around the age of nine, my father had sent me to a military academy in Brienne, France (The Dublin Penny Journal 394). That experience lead me to a career in military and I then became an officer around 1785 (Encyclopedia 2001). Erica M. Historian: I know that you were promoted to a general rank in 1793. You were only twenty- four correct? That is a very young age to become a general. How did you achieve that? Napoleon Bonaparte: That is correct. I became a general by proving I was made to be a leader. I had a countless amount of energy and ambition. I learned how to make the best with what I had and take advantage of opportunities. I successfully defeated the British at the siege of Toulon. After that I even had a few astonishing victories as commander in chief for the army of Italy. This was one of my many achievements (Encyclopedia, 2001). Erica M. Historian: Some refer to you as a military genius. What do you think your most successful battle was? Napoleon Bonaparte: I would have to say the siege of Toulon because this battle really showed my military expertise. If I did no... ...ee cents an acre or even leading my troops into a Russian winter. If I dwelled on my mistakes I made, I would never have time to reminisce about my great accomplishments. Erica M. I was lucky to get this interview when I did. Napoleon, once the Great Emperor of France, passed away just three days after this interview. He passed away on May 5, 1821 of stomach cancer but some believe it was arsenic poising. Most historians do not believe this theory. It was said his last wish was for his son to become emperor (Thompson 436). Works Cited "Napoleon Bonaparte." The Dublin Penny Journal 3.154 (1835): 393-94.JSTOR. Web. 03 May 2014. "Napoleon, Bonaparte." Encyclopedia of Nationalism: Leaders, Movements, and Concepts. Oxford: Elsevier Science & Technology, 2000. Credo Reference. Web. 4 May 2014. Thompson, J. M. Napoleon Bonaparte. New York: Oxford UP, 1952. Print.

My Fathers Enduring Love

The people that get to know us best, from our virtues to flaws, are our parents. They sacrifice many luxuries in order to give their children the best life possible. My father has had a huge impact on my life and it is because of him that I am the person I am today. A lot of people say that I am a lot like my dad, because we both have the same personality and thinking process. From observing my dad's behavior and listening to his lectures over the years, he has definitely had a great influence in my life choices overall. My father, went through so much in his life to get to where he is today. My dad is a strong confident man who left his hometown in California when he was eighteen years old and moved to Texas alone. He didn't know anyone, had little money in his pocket and worked in the most demeaning jobs, some I would never even imagine working in myself. Nonetheless, he had no other choice. With so many obstacles in his way he never stopped looking at the bright side of his journey with ambition as his only friend and motivator towards a better and more successful life. On April 5th 1990, The day I opened my eyes to the world and the day my father started giving me unconditional love. My father was and always will be my number one idol. His journey as a teenager made me realize how easy mine is compared to his. I am so grateful to have him. The things he taught me have influenced my life in different ways. For example, I learned to always be honest and tell the truth no matter what happens, to never try to be someone whom I'm not and to respect people no matter what. All these examples along with other things that he has taught me during my life helped me to start working towards my goal and to achieve it. As he has always told me and continues to tell me, ‘Nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it'. He proved that to me. My father always placed his family as his number one priority. Since the day he and my mother got married twenty five years ago, he has been working nonstop, seven days a week at times. So he could guarantee a better future for his wife and children, which he did. My dad has a very special place in my life and always will not just because he is my dad, but because he is a special and strong person in my eyes. Dad has always told me no matter what happens to you in life pick yourself up and keep going strong as you were. So even though my dad has chronic Arthritis in his hands and feet, he still worked hard until the point of retiring. I admire and respect my father for everything he does and has done. I work hard at everything I do for the greatest reward of all. Knowing that my accomplishments are making my father proud. To conclude, I could not have asked for a better father. My dad has always been there for me, and I will always be there for him. I respect and admire my father because he has earned it. I believe my father is the best at everything he does. He has been through so much in his life and still is a happy wonderful man. He never looks behind he always looks at the bright side in every problem, he always says the past is the past â€Å"Always remember it but do not dwell on it† you should dwell on the future that is the important thing.

English Poetry

Emersonâ€Å"The Echoing Green† and â€Å"The Eolian Harp† â€Å"The Echoing Green† is a poem written by William Blake. It was taken from Blake’s Songs of Innocence, and is also a pictorial poem of Blake’s. In this poem, the poet describes a happy country side view where the arrival of spring is welcomed by sunny skies, and ringing bells. It takes place on an ideal day in the British Isles. Blake uses the theme of innocence and peace throughout the poem. The theme plays out here when Blake states that the skies are happy, the children are playing, and the ’old folk’ who reminisce about their own childhood.This poem is a symbolic and draws a contrast between youth and old age. The spring symbolizes the youth and the children. Morning is the beginning of life and dark evening is the end. The poet symbolizes the innocence of children with birds. The birds are happy and they sing; mocking the children. ’Nest of birds’ symboli zes peace. The poem could be attributed to the life of a person-birth, life, death. Birth being the morning, life being the kids playing, the routines throughout the day, and men reminiscing, and lastly death being the end of the day when all goes dark, and quiet smothers the earth. The Eolian Harp†, is a poem written by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Inspired by the peaceful music being played by wind this poem was written for his wife, Sara, while visiting a house of his in Clevedon, Somersetshire. The theme in this poem is also peace, as well as innoncence. Peace comes to him while he ponders on the beauty of nature, and the wonder of God giving him everything around him including Sara. Coleridge personifies nature by comparing it to abstract nouns. For example, the white flower represents innocence.This abstract noun does exactly this: it gives life and character to nature. Coleridge uses unperceived nature to appeal to the human senses. Each are introduce in turn starting with sight through the watching of the clouds and the evening star. The introduction of God towards the end is another vision. ; a vision to the soul. It is now that the audience visualizes the peace that Coleridge feels. The allusion to sight and vision in these poems are significant because of the dept of imagination needed for physical and emotional imagery. It’s full of emotional feelings, as well as physical sight.The audience is needed to picture, and feel what the poet did to understand the poem. For example, both Coleridge and Blake set the poem outside, in nature to show the peace and innocence. These two poems also have central connectedness. They both have vision and sight. Not only emotionally and mentally, but physical as well. There are many times where both poets use deep feelings and thoughts. Hiding meaning behind words, and using polsemes. Blake hides meanings behind his entire poem. Such as: morning being the beginning of life, and evening being the end. English Poetry In ‘Bayonet charge’ and ‘Belfast confetti’ the consequences of war are presented as inhumane, devastating and confusing by the poets. In both poems a range of semantic fields are used to display the confusion of the soldier in ‘Bayonet charge’ and the civilian in ‘Belfast confetti’. For example in ‘Belfast confetti’: â€Å"Nuts, bolts, nails, car-keys. A fount of broken type. And the explosion. Itself – an asterisk on the map. This hyphenated line, a burst of rapid fire†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Several semantic fields are used at once.For instance â€Å"nuts, bolts, nails and car keys† belong to a semantic field of household objects, whilst â€Å"asterisk† and â€Å"hyphenated line† would fit in to a semantic field of punctuation and â€Å"explosion† and â€Å"rapid fire† are part of wars semantic field. This use of variation in semantic fields creates a sense of confusion as the words do not fit in with the scene Carson is trying to paint, much like the civilian does not fit in with the war that is raging on around him. Similarly Hughes also uses the semantic field of nature as metaphors to create confusion: Stumbling across a field of clods towards a green hedge† â€Å"Clods† are something used to describe mud or soil in a field. Here Hughes are using them as a metaphor for the people who had fallen during the charge. This metaphor shows how disorientated the soldier is, â€Å"stumbling† around the field oblivious to what he was walking through. However the poet makes the soldiers ignorance sound as if it was forced, that in order to make it through the battle he had to ignore what was happening to his comrades.The metaphor â€Å"field of clods† also shows the inhumanity applied to warfare, making the soldiers appear as nothing more than pieces of earth not human beings who had lives and families. It also shows how devastating the battle s were, as an entire field has been covered with the remains of those fighting. â€Å"Green hedge†, another metaphor used in the quotation I have chosen, used to describe the end of the soldiers time on the battlefield. I felt that this was particularly powerful as the colour green and nature, in general, are used to represent life and hope, something which would seem out f place in a battlefield meaning that the metaphor also serves as an oxymoron. Both poems consist of many enjambments. Structuring the poem in such a way causes the poems to gain a stop, start rhythm. I felt that this made them sound like the train of thought coming from the subject of each poem. Often cutting off and continuing or switching points completely much like a person in a state of confusion unable to focus solely on one thing before finding more questions to ask to attempt to ease their confused state.By setting the poems out this way both Carson and Hughes allow the reader to be enveloped in the same state of confusion creating empathy between the reader and the subject. Hughes uses mechanical imagery in order to show the inhumane consequences of war: â€Å"Sweating like molten iron from the centre of his chest† The use of the simile â€Å"Molten iron† makes the soldier sound mechanical and inhumane as it appears to be coming from within the â€Å"centre of his chest†.This suggests that the poet believes that war and conflict devastates a persons humanity, becoming nothing more than a weapon. This also adds to the effect of the verb â€Å"Sweating† showing us that despite how inhumane the soldier may be, he is still scared enough to be â€Å"Sweating† conveying his fear to the reader. Meanwhile Carson explores the devastating effect war has on the land it takes place on: â€Å"I know this labyrinth so well† The contrast within the quotation displays how much the area has been ruined.The phrase â€Å"So well† emphasises the de gree to which the subject knows the area he is talking about, the personal address term â€Å"I know† also creates a sense of desperation and longing for the town this person had once known but would now have to use a map to find the right road. â€Å"Labyrinth†, more likely to be found in Greek mythology, describes a maze almost impossible to escape or find your way around. Here this metaphor displays the extent of the damage done to the town.So devastated and unrecognisable that a person who, presumably, had lived there most of their lives could get lost. Overall the poets use metaphors and enjambments to allow the reader to empathise with the subjects of the poems allowing us to see how the consequences of war would have affected them. I personally found Carsons use of contrast and reference to Greek mythology particularly evocative, letting us see the scale of devastation caused by war.

Supply Chain Risk Management

Supply Chain Risk Management Introduction Risk is one of the concepts that continuously attract the attention of business administrators and scholars. This paper is aimed at discussing this notion within the context of supply chain management. In particular, it is necessary to examine the theories and models that can be used to manage risks and increase organizational resilience to internal and external threats. This report will consist of several sections.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Supply Chain Risk Management specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More First, one should provide the definitions of main concepts such as internal and external risk. Furthermore, this paper will include a review of research articles that can be used to identify different theoretical frameworks or models of supply chain risk management. Overall, one can say that the current research is oriented toward two aspects of risks, namely probability and impact on the sustainabi lity. It should be noted that existing approaches to supply chain risk management cannot be universally applied. As a rule, they were designed to respond to the problems faced by certain types of companies or industries. This is one of the limitations that should be considered. Definitions of the main concepts Overall, the notion of risk can be interpreted as the possibility of loss, hazard, or any other undesirable event. However, researchers, who examine this term from an organizational perspective, describe it as a â€Å"variation in the distribution of possible outcomes, their likelihoods, and their subjective values† (Christopher Peck 2004, p. 4). Therefore, risk is closely connected with the deviation from the established norm. It should be noted that there are two types of risks, namely internal and external. Internal risks take their origins in the inside operations of an organization, in particular, the decisions of the management, structure, RD policies, planning, and so forth (Lin Zhou 2011, p. 164). Each of these aspects lies within the scope of managerial responsibilities. This is one of the details that should be considered. In turn, external risks can be attributed to the factors cannot be controlled or eliminated by the management. For example, one can speak about such threats as natural disasters, political upheavals, or technological catastrophes that can produce detrimental effects on a company. Additionally, it is important to examine such a concept as supply chain management (SCM). Certainly, one can offer several definitions of this term. Yet, researchers usually describe it as the way to control the flow of goods from the suppliers of raw materials to the end users of a product (Sinha, Whitman Malzahn 2004, p. 154). This term is important for understanding the questions that will be discussed.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Le arn More Overall, supply chain risk management (SCRM) can be described as a set of activities that are aimed at identifying various risks and minimizing their probability or influence on an organization. To a great extent, it is a set of activities that are supposed to make a company less vulnerable or susceptible to various threats. For example, the development of a contingency plan is one of the activities included in SCRM. This plan is supposed to give step-by-step instructions that should be carried out provided that a certain event takes place (Christopher Peck 2004). In particular, many companies develop contingency plans to reduce the impact of disruptions. This is one of the possible problems that should be addressed. There are different types of supply chain risks, for instance, one can mention delays, disruptions, forecast risks, procurement risk, the failure to collect receivables, and many other threats (Chopra Sodhi 2004, p. 54). These risks can be attributed to be internal and external factors. These are the main details that can be identified. Literature review It is possible to single out various sources that can throw light on different theories and models that can be helpful for identifying, assessing, or mitigating supply chain risks. On the whole, one can argue that various authors do not always explicitly identify a theory or model that they follow while conducting their research. Yet, it is possible to understand what kind of frameworks they rely on. For example, it is possible to discuss the article written by Martin Christopher and Helen Peck (2004) who discuss the methods of constructing a resilient supply chain. The authors focus on the strategies adopted in various industries such as food retailing, automotive manufacturing, food packaging, and so forth (Christopher Peck 2004, p. 2).The scholars attempt to answer several research questions. First, they try to determine how organizations can reduce the impact of external th reats on their business processes (Christopher Peck 2004, p. 1). Secondly, researchers want to reduce the costs associated with SCRM. These scholars attempt to develop a model of a resilient supply chain. To a great extent, it is based on the contingency theory according to which the management should concentrate on the environment in which the business operates. This theoretical framework implies that one cannot fully eliminate the probability of a certain risk. However, business administrators can develop strategies that can help a company withstand the influence of these environmental factors. This approach can be distinguished because it can enable an organization to remain sustainable at the time of crisis.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Supply Chain Risk Management specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In their article, Omera Khan and Marting Christopher (2008) discuss the relevance of product design to SCRM. Th ey study this question within the context of such industries as fashion retail and clothing manufacturing (Khan Christopher 2008, p. 412). These authors show how companies can improve their SCRM by viewing design as a component of supply chain. Moreover, they demonstrate how this partnership can be established. These are the main questions that these researchers examine. One of their arguments is that designers and suppliers should closely interact with one another in order to reduce the probability of supply chain risks (Khan Christopher 2008, p. 418). This study illustrates the application of the stakeholder theory which is used for the management of risks. According to this approach, the stakeholders, who may have various interests, can represent the supply chain. More importantly, different problems can be addressed or avoided if various participants are able to cooperate with one another in order to resolve conflicts and misunderstandings. This is the main principles that sho uld be followed. This framework should be disregarded because in many cases, supply chain problems can be attributed to miscommunication or lack of coordination. It can be a valuable tool for reducing the probability of risk. The importance of design is examined Yong Lin and Li Zhou (2011). In particular, these scholars explore the impact of changes in design on various supply chain risks (Lin Zhou, 2011, p. 162). They look at the way in which this issue manifests itself in the special-purpose vehicle industry. There are several questions which these researchers discuss. First, they try to determine whether a certain risks can occur due to design changes requested by clients (Lin Zhou, 2011, p. 164). Secondly, they focus on the impact of such requests on the functioning of the supply chain. Overall, their findings suggest that such changes in design often lead to external and internal supply chain risks that can be related to production process or delivery of goods to clients. Thi s study is also based on the stakeholder theory of risk. Additionally, it is possible to review the article written by Sunil Chopra and ManMohan Sodhi (2004) who study the ways of avoiding supply-chain breakdowns. These scholars discuss a variety of supply chain risks to which a business can be exposed. Overall, they do not test a certain hypothesis or answer research questions. Instead, they survey a set of methods that can mitigate various risks. One can say these scholars present a model of a resilient supply chain that is able to withstand the impact of environmental factors. Such an approach is useful for reducing the impact or risks.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More One can also speak about the work of Pankai Sinha, Larry Whitman, and Don Malzahn (2004). These researchers strive to develop techniques for the mitigation of risks that can affect the supply chain in the aerospace industry. They scholars do not discuss a specific research question or a hypothesis. They are more interested in identifying techniques which enable the managers to reduce the probability and impact of risks. This article illustrates the so-called IDEFO model of managing risk (Sinha, Whitman, Malzahn 2004, p. 166). The model is premised on the idea that supply chain managers should be ready for the worst-case scenarios. By relying on stress testing, they can identify the strengths and weaknesses of the organization. Furthermore, these professionals should adopt the policy of continuous improvement (Sinha, Whitman, Malzahn 2004, p. 166). This model can be singled out because it is a useful technique for evaluating the resilience of the supply chain. The article written b y Steen Christiansen and Jesper Jensen (2009) is also worth attention because it illustrates the application of such a model as the fishbone diagram as a method of improving the work of the supply chain. This study is aimed at discussing packaging performance qualification (Christiansen Jensen 2009, p. 77). In particular, the scholars want to determine â€Å"the minimum performance qualification batch size for assembly and packaging processes† (Christiansen Jensen 2009, p. 77). These processes can be viewed as important elements of the supply chain. The writers show how a fishbone diagram can be used to identify the causes of various problems or variations in the functioning of the supply chain (Christiansen Jensen 2009, p. 83). This model is helpful for understanding the pinpointing the weaknesses in the supply chain. This is why it should not be overlooked. This use of this model is also described in the article by Angela Tidwell and Scott Sutterfield (2012). The main go al of their study is to discuss the selection of suppliers with the help of such a tool as Quality Function Deployment (2012, p. 284). They researchers focus on the needs of businesses that are engaged in toothpaste packaging (Tidwell Sutterfield 2012, p. 284). The main task is to exemplify the common challenges that companies face when choosing among various suppliers. These authors also illustrate the application of the fishbone diagram. Apart from that, it is possible to look at the article written by Craig Carter and Dale Rogers (2008). To some degree, it can throw light on the use of resource dependence theory. These authors carry out a survey of scholarly articles illustrating theoretical perspectives on the causes of supply chain risks and ways of mitigating them. In this way, they attempt to single out the most relevant approaches to SCRM. For instance, large manufacturers prefer vertical integration. In other words, they prefer to take complete control of their suppliers ( Carter Rogers 2008, p. 272). This strategy is consistent with the principles of resource dependence theory according to which organizations strive to maximize their control of resources such as labor, technologies or raw materials (Carter Rogers 2008). In turn, vertical integration of the supply chain is a way of reducing the probability of risk. Overall, this perspective is useful for explaining the long-term strategies of large manufacturers. Furthermore, one can look the article written by Anthony Paulrai and Chen Injaazz (2011). These authors discuss such a phenomenon as environmental uncertainty and its impact on SCM of various businesses. They want to show how organizations try to become more self-sufficient and reduce the threats to its supply chain. This is the main research question that they focus on. In their opinion, the main trend in SCRM is the integration of supply partners (Paulrai Injaazz 2011, p. 37). This study is also based on the use of resource dependence th eory. The peculiarities of vertical integration are examined in the study carried out by Wei Guan and Jacob (2012). These researchers examine the use of this approach by timber manufacturers (Guan Rehme 2012). The scholars intend to understand the factors that prompt various businesses to adopt this approach. This is the main issue that they are interested in. Overall, timber manufacturers focus on vertical integration because it is critical for responding to the needs of clients (Guan Rehme 2012). In order to do it, they need to make sure that suppliers are effectively managed. So, this way of removing risks takes its origins in the resource dependency theory. These are the most important aspects that can be identified in these articles. Conclusion This analysis indicates that there are different models of supply chain risk management, and each of them has its strengths and weaknesses. First of all, one can say that some of the existing models and theories are mostly aimed at imp roving organizational capacity to respond to risks or threats. For instance, a contingency theory of risk implies that a company should be ready to respond to the changes in external environment. Therefore, their main purpose is to mitigate the impact of risks. In turn, other frameworks show how the probability of risks can be reduced. It seems that an organization should combine these approaches in order to become more effective. However, one should critically evaluate the applicability of different models and theories. Many of them have been tested only within the context of some specific industries or organizations. These are the main arguments that can be put forward. References Carter, C. Rogers, D 2008, ‘A framework of sustainable supply chain management: moving toward new theory’, International Journal of Physical Distribution Logistics Management, vol. 38, no. 5, pp. 360-387. Chopra, S Sodhi, M 2004, ‘Managing Risk To Avoid Supply-Chain Breakdownâ€℠¢, MIT Sloan Management Review, vol. 46, no. 1, pp. 53-61. Christiansen, S.H. Jensen, J.B.T. 2009, Packaging Performance Qualification-A Risk-Based Approach, Journal of Validation Technology, vol. 15, no. 2, pp. 77-85. Christopher, M Peck, H 2004, ‘Building the resilient supply chain’, International Journal of Logistics Management, vol. 15, no. 2, pp. 1-13. Guan, W. Rehme, J. 2012, ‘Vertical integration in supply chains: driving forces and consequences for a manufacturers downstream integration’, Supply Chain Management, vol. 17, no. 2, pp. 187-201. Khan, O Kristopher, M 2008, ‘The impact of product design on supply chain risk: a case study’, International Journal of Physical Distribution Logistics Management, vol. 38, no. 5, pp. 412-432. Lin, Y Zhou, L 2011, ‘The impacts of product design changes on supply chain risk: a case study’, International Journal of Physical Distribution Logistics Management, vol. 41, no. 2, pp. 162 -186. Paulraj, A. Chen, I.J. 2007, Environmental Uncertainty and Strategic Supply Management: A Resource Dependence Perspective and Performance Implications, Journal of Supply Chain Management, vol. 43, no. 3, pp. 29-42. Sinha, P., Whitman, L., Malzahn, D 2004, ‘Methodology to mitigate supplier risk in an aerospace supply chain’, Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, vol. 9, no. 2, pp. 154-168. Tidwell, A. Sutterfield, S 2012, Supplier selection using QFD: a consumer products case study, The International Journal of Quality Reliability Management, vol. 29, no. 3, pp. 284-294.