Category: Writing

Critical Infrastructure and Cyber Security in the US

Critical Infrastructure and Cyber Security in the US
Critical Infrastructure and Cyber Security in the US

Critical Infrastructure and Cyber Security in the US

Order Instructions:

The purpose of this session long project is to provide you with the opportunity to prepare a paper or report on Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) that is of particular interest to your community (Philadelphia), state (Pennsylvania), or the United States in general. The following information is essential in ensuring your success with this course component.

The project is to include at least the following information:

Length: This Case Assignment should be at least 10 pages not counting the title page and references.

References: A total of 10 reference (at least four references should be included from academic sources listed below). Quoted material should not exceed 10% of the total paper (since the focus of these assignments is critical thinking). Use your own words and build on the ideas of others. When material is copied verbatim from external sources, it MUST be enclosed in quotes. The references should be cited within the text and also listed at the end of the assignment in the References section (preferably in APA format).

Organization: Subheadings should be used to organize your paper.
The following items will be assessed in particular:

• Relevance (e.g. all content is connected)
• Precision (e.g. specific question is addressed. Statements, facts, and statistics are specific and accurate).
• Depth of discussion (e.g. present and integrate points that lead to deeper issues)
• Breadth (e.g. multiple perspectives and references, multiple issues and factors considered)
• Evidence (e.g. points are well-supported with facts, statistics and references)
• Logic (e.g. presented discussion makes sense, conclusions are logically supported by premises, statements, or factual information)
• Objectivity (e.g. avoid use of first person and subjective bias)

Academic Sources, Required Readings:

A generic national framework for critical information infrastructure protection (CIIP) (2007). Manual Suter Center for Security Studies, ETH, Zurich. Retrieved November 17, 2012 from: http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/cyb/cybersecurity/docs/generic-national-framework-for-ciip.pdf

O’Connor, T. (2010) The safety and security of critical infrastructure. Retrieved November 16, 2012 from: http://drtomoconnor.com/3430/3430lect01a.htm

Student manual (2013), The National Infrastructure Protection Plan: An Introduction. FEMA. Retrieved from: https://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/IS/courseOverview.aspx?code=IS-860.b

The National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center:
http://www.dhs.gov/about-national-cybersecurity-communications-integration-center

Digital Attack Map: Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Website: http://www.digitalattackmap.com/#anim=1&color=0&country=ALL&time=16066&view=map

The national strategy for homeland security (2007). U.S. Office of Homeland Security. Retrieved November 16, 2012 from: http://www.dhs.gov/national-strategy-homeland-security-october-2007

Parks, R. (2007). Guide to critical infrastructure protection ,CyberVulnerability Protection. Retrieved November 16, 2012 from: http://www.ymp.gov/oe/downloads/guide-critical-infrastructure-protection-cyber-vulnerability-assessment

The future of the electric grid (2011). MIT Energy Initiative. Retrieved ANovember 16, 2012 from: http://mitei.mit.edu/publications/reports-studies/future-electric-grid

Behr, P, (2011). Many U.S. nuclear plants ill-prepared to handle simultaneous threats. Scientific American. Retrieved November 18, 2012 from: http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=many-us-nuclear-plants-ill-prepared-to-handle-simultaneous-threats

Miller, R. (2007). Hurricane Katrina: Communications and Infrastructure Impacts. US Army War College. Retrieved November 18, 2012 from: http://www.carlisle.army.mil/DIME/documents/Hurricane%20Katrina%20Communications%20&%20Infrastructure%20Impacts.pdf

National infrastructure protection plan (2009). Retrieved November 18, 2012 from: http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/NIPP_Plan.pdf

National infrastructure protection plan Website (2013). Retrieved from:
https://www.dhs.gov/national-infrastructure-protection-plan

Transportation infrastructure protection (2012). The National ITS Protection. Retrieved November 18, 2012 from: http://www.iteris.com/itsarch/html/mp/mpem05.htm

Disaster and Emergency Management on the Internet. http://www.keele.ac.uk/depts/por/disaster.htm

National infrastructure protection plan (2009). Retrieved November 18, 2012 from: http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/NIPP_Plan.pdf

President Obama (2010). Presidential proclamation–Critical infrastructure protection month. The White House, November 30, 2010. Retrieved November 18, 2012 from: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2010/11/30/presidential-proclamation-critical-infrastructure-protection-month

Sector-specific plans (SSPs) (2012), Department of Homeland Security. Retrieved November 18, 2012 from:http://www.dhs.gov/files/programs/gc_1179866197607.shtm#1

A framework for planning cost-effective rail security against a terrorist attack (2007). RAND Corporation. Retrieved November 18, 2012 from: http://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/research_briefs/2007/RAND_RB9309.pdf

 

SAMPLE ANSWER

Critical Infrastructure and Cyber Security in the US

Introduction

As a matter of national safety, the aspect of critical infrastructure and cyber security happens to be a significant issue in the US. Critical infrastructure refers to any system, facility, or function that offers the foundation of national governance, security, reputation, economic vitality, and way of life. Whether virtual or physical CI systems are so significant to the US that there destruction can result into a debilitating effect on the nation’s security, national public safety or health and national economic security among others (O’Connor, 2010). Cyber systems and critical infrastructure (CI) always experience attacks on an industrial level. As a result, several businesses and organizations in the country are often affected negatively by such attacks. Attacks on critical infrastructure and cyber systems make organizations to suffer in terms of industrial surveillance and intellectual property theft, which lead to enormous losses to the economy of US. As such, identifying suitable methods that the local and state governments, private and public sectors and other agencies can employ in enhancing suitable critical infrastructure cyber security is vital in addressing the issues related to CI and cyber systems attacks. Some of the methods employed by these parties are information sharing and programs that are aimed at collecting information related to security.

Sharing of information has been noted as the principle method of ensuring the security of critical infrastructure and cyber systems. However, this process needs to be executed in a way that does not compromise or risk the safety or security of the source. Information sharing across the conventional boundaries of organizations is vital in ensuring the safety of both CI and cyber systems in the country (Brattberg, 2012).  Information sharing happens to be a crucial component of the significant mission of the DHS (Department of Homeland Security), which is aimed at creating a shared situational awareness about malicious cyber operations (The National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center). As such, the DHS ensures that both the state and local law enforcement have access to information, which is critical for the protection of the nation’s CI. Besides, the DHS ensures that information is made confidential with the aim of ensuring that the sources are protected.  This undertaking ensures that vital information continues to flow to authorities concerned with law enforcement.

Significance of Information Sharing in Relation to the Security of CI and Cyber Systems     

Availing information to the law enforcement authorities helps in ensuring that these parties have a vital tool for safeguarding American citizens. Achieving this goal requires that the law enforcement agencies monitor the core areas that have been noted to be vulnerable to attacks from internal and external sources. Information sharing among the officers offers suitable mechanisms of identifying threat pictures, vulnerabilities, and their effect on the citizens. Moreover, it enhances the collection, reception and evaluation of risk-related or threat-related information.

Information sharing also provides a suitable platform on which the national and local governments alongside the private and local sector partners can establish efficient methods of safeguarding the CI and cyber systems. Furthermore, it ensures that the processes identifying, tracking, accessing and communicating of risk-related information are achieved in a single process. This strategy is significant in enhancing the safety of civil liberties and confidentiality of Americans and businesses.

Sharing of information provides a suitable mechanism through which the public can report suspicious events or activities to law enforcement agencies (Headayetullah, 2010). The DHS ensures that this goal is accomplished using awareness interventions, which are aimed at enriching the public or citizens with skills and knowledge on indicators of terrorism and violent crime. In addition, this department is involved in international and federal partnerships with the aim availing resources and information to the local and state enforcement authorities. One of the programs that are employed in gathering information from the public is the C3 (Critical Infrastructure Cyber Community Voluntary Program).

Critical Infrastructure Cyber Community Voluntary Program

The US relies on CI every day to provide water, energy, financial services, transportation and other capabilities that support the needs of the American people and their way of living. Over the years, advancements in technology have led to the evolvement of these capabilities, which has enhanced their running. With the increased dependence cyber-reliant systems, issues of vulnerabilities and threats have also increased.

Safeguarding the cyber security systems of the country’s CI happens to be matter of high concern for the national government. In relation to this, in February 2013, President Barrack Obama endorsed the executive order 13636, which was aimed at enhancing the critical infrastructure cyber security. In the same year, the president released the PPD-21 (Presidential Policy Directive), which was targeted at increasing the overall resilience of the nation’s CI (Harrop & Matterson, 2013) . One of the core elements of the executive order is the establishment of the cyber security model or the framework by the NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology). This framework is meant to assist critical infrastructure organizations and sectors in managing and reducing their cyber threats.

Since there is a robust connection between physical security and cyber security, the DHS has established a partnership with the CI community with the aim of developing a voluntary intervention to encourage the application or use of the framework in strengthening critical infrastructure cyber security. The C3 program acts a coordination point or center within the Federal government for CI owners and operators who have interest in enhancing their cyber threat management activities. The C3 voluntary intervention has three objectives. This program aims at supporting the industry in enhancing its cyber resilience. Besides, the intervention focuses on increasing the use the framework and community’s awareness on this model. Lastly, the intervention aims at encouraging organizations to engage in the management of cyber security as a component of an all-hazards strategy to enterprise risk management.

In February 2014, the launch of the C3 voluntary program coincided with the release of the ultimate Framework (Vladimirovich, 2014). The first focus of this program is involvement with the SSAs (Sector Specific Agencies) and organizations by means of the Framework to establish a guideline on how to implement the Framework. The subsequent stages of the C3 voluntary intervention will widen the intervention’s coverage to every critical infrastructure and businesses or organizations of all sizes that have interest in using the Framework.

Activities of the C3 voluntary program                       

This intervention focuses on three principle activities.

Communications and Outreach

The C3 voluntary intervention acts as a center of contact and client relationship manager to help organizations or businesses with the use of the Framework. Besides, it provides guidance to interested sectors and organizations to the Department of Homeland security and other private and public sector resources (Vladimirovich, 2014). This guidance is provided with the aim of supporting the use of the framework for cybersecurity.

Feedback

The intervention promotes feedback from stakeholder businesses concerning their experiences with the help of its resources to execute the Framework (Vladimirovich, 2014). The programs operates with organizations to comprehend how these organizations use the Framework, and to obtain information on how the program and the Framework can be improved to serve organizations in a suitable way. Moreover, this intervention ensures that the feedback obtained from these organizations is availed to the NIST, to assist in guiding the establishment of the next edition of the Framework and related efforts.

Supporting Use

This program focuses on assisting stakeholders with the comprehension of the use of the Framework and other efforts that are associated with cyber risk management. Furthermore, it aims at supporting the establishment of sector-specific and general guidance for the implementation of the framework. The intervention also aims at working with the 16 sectors of critical infrastructure to establish a sector specific for using the framework in a suitable manner (Haynes, 2004). Some of these sectors include food, communications, healthcare, defense, information technology and argicluture.

Channels through which Organizations, Businesses, and the Public can engage in the Program

The C3 voluntary intervention interacts with organizations, businesses and the public through four channels. The program uses the regional DHS personnel from the CSA (Cyber Security Advisor) and PSA (Protective Security Advisor) programs in interacting with the target parties. These personnel engage in direct interaction with organizations or businesses in their regions concerning cybersecurity and CI protection. The second channel of interaction is the CIPAC (Critical Infrastructure Partnership Advisory Council) framework. This partnership takes into consideration the government, CI sector owners and operators (Geer, 2013). The partnership aims at ensuring the presence of a range of activities for the protection of the CI. The third channel is direct involvement with organizations, businesses and public. These parties may access the program’s website. The last interaction channel is the RFI (Request for Information) that offers a suitable platform on which the public can present their views on cybersecurity’s policies and solutions.
Private and Public Sectors’ Best Practices for Safeguarding the CI and Cyber Systems

Guaranteeing the protection and resilience the country’s cyber and CI systems is a shared responsibility among various stakeholders or parties. Currently, both the private and public sectors are engaged in several methods of safeguarding the CI and cyber systems via partnerships. In relation to this, the IP (Infrastructure Protection) office is dedicated to strengthening and expanding CI across all regions in the U.S. The IP is accomplishing this goal by engaging in activities that strengthen personnel at the regional level. Moreover, the IP is engaged in strengthening of interventions and potentials to offer support to regional partnerships.

Financial Services ISAC (Information Sharing and Analysis Centers), which was established by security, banking and finance organizations in October 1999, happens to be among the organizations, which have been established to enhance the process of safeguarding the cyber systems and CI (Haynes, 2004). Both the public and private sectors are involved in the maintenance of databases to which their members are required to report information about security threats, vulnerabilities, events and solutions or opinions. This information in then evaluated by security experts who proceed to alert members depending on the urgency or seriousness of the matter. The information posted on the databases is kept private with the aim of protecting the sources.

Both the private and public sectors are associated with early or immediate notification of risks, sharing of anonymous or unspecified information and offering expertise on subject matter. Furthermore, these sectors contribute significantly to the provision of trending information and other benchmark date. The membership list is always kept private. These sectors also play a vital role in establishing standards that are used in initiating, executing and improving information security for cyber systems and CI. The benchmarks formed by these sectors address issues of security, reliability and safety in operations. Besides, the benchmarks help in addressing matters concerning the design of systems for securing cyber systems and CI. Some organizations have also established study groups, which are in charge of identifying and documenting vulnerabilities and threats. Furthermore, other private and public organizations are involved in the coordination and promotion of consensus-based standards.
Private and Public Sectors’ Best Practices for Safeguarding Cyber Systems and CI

Sharing of information is considered critical for attaining secured cyber systems and CI. Information sharing enhances the continuous flow of vital data concerning threat-related matter. Both the private and public play a significant role in ensuring that this goal is accomplished. The information obtained from the members is made private with the aim of ensuring their safety.

In many situations, the two sectors make information inaccessible or unreachable even to the national government. Therefore, people are always motivated to offer information without fear. However, this undertaking may create problems to matters involving research. One of the problems associated with this approach is that researchers may lack substantial or adequate data concerning securities threat matters as this information is often hidden. On the other side, the two sectors should ensure that that their communication systems are safeguarded even in times of disaster. This is approach is vital in avoiding the disruption of such systems as it was seen in the case of the communication capabilities of public agencies, which were eroded by the Hurricane Katrina’s disaster (Miller, 2007).

Coordinating and promoting of consensus-based benchmarks is significant in minimizing duplication and overlap, which are always associated with benchmark-related efforts (Haynes, 2004). These benchmarks also ensure that entities adhere to policies and regulations concerning cyber systems and CI security. Thus, the practices adopted by the public and private sectors are vital in safeguarding the CI and cyber systems.

Role of the Local Government, State Government, and Private Sector in Securing Cyber Systems and CI

Many interventions have been established to aid in securing cyber systems and the CI. The local government has developed community-based interventions that enhance awareness creation to the community. Under these programs, individuals are equipped with adequate knowledge on the indicators of terrorism and crime violence, which may impact negatively on cyber systems and CI. Knowledge on indicators of crime/terrorism is an indispensable element of protecting information related to CI (A generic national framework for critical information infrastructure protection, 2007). The local government also ensures that people are offered feedback mechanisms through which they can submit crime and terrorism-related issues. These feedback systems offer a suitable platform on which vital information is shared.

The state government has developed various agencies that assist helps in enhancing the safety of cyber systems and CI. This undertaking is facilitated by the Department of Homeland Security. These agencies engage in robust partnerships with public and private sectors with the aim of enhancing the safety of cyber systems and CI. Moreover, the agencies help in developing appropriate methods of recognizing vulnerabilities and threats, and their remedies.

Private and public sectorsalso contribute significantly to enhancing the safety of cyber systems and CI (Brattberg, 2012). These sectors have developed databases on which members can post information or opinions on issues related to security threats, and offer solutions to such matters via their security experts. The information posted on the databases is given to law enforcement agencies and the state government to enable necessary or corrective measures to be adopted. Besides, the two sectors have guidelines, which can be employed in facilitating the process of safeguarding cyber systems and CI.

Other Methods of Enhancing Critical Infrastructure Cyber security

NIST has established a crucial framework that can be employment in enhancing critical infrastructure cyber security in several ways. This model offers owners of CI and other parties with voluntary guidance on suitable methods of protecting assets and information from cyber crimes or attacks. The framework is divided into three principle elements that include core, tiers and profiles. NIST’s model establishes best practices that always employed in CI industries and sectors.

The Core is divided into five functions that include protect, identify, respond, detect and recover. Taking into consideration the fact that these functions are often used together, they can be employed in helping organizations comprehend and transform their cyber security programs into efficient and functional system (Geer, 2013). The tires enable organizations to evaluate the extent at which their systems meet goals established in the NIST’s framework. Consequently, profiles assist organizations in attaining a higher state of cyber security sophistication.

NIST’s model for improving critical infrastructure cyber security was developed as response or reaction to the executive order 13636 (Haynes, 2004). The president assigned the NIST with the task of developing a set of methodologies, standards and processes, which align business, policy and technological strategies to address or handle cyber threats to CI. In relation to this, the DHS has identified 16 different sectors that include food, information technology, defense, agriculture and healthcare among others.

Labeling its framework as Version 1.0, the NIST acknowledges the fact that its model need to be dynamic to enable it match the ever evolving technology and needs of cyber security. In addition, NIST has developed a roadmap, which is aimed at advancing the critical infrastructure cyber security (Geer, 2013). This roadmap offers the future path for adjusting/updating and improving version 1.0. As it continues to create new editions of its model, NIST anticipate remaining at the core of collaboration between government agencies and industry to assist owners of CI in comprehending, executing and improving the model.

Just as in the case of the C3 voluntary intervention, NIST framework is voluntary (Haynes, 2004). Currently, the departments of commerce, homeland security, and treasury are involved reviewing methods and mechanisms of creating incentives, which will motivate organizations and businesses to execute the guidance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the safety of critical infrastructure and cyber systems relies on the aspect of sharing information. This goal is accomplished through the establishment of a broad network, which takes into consideration the local government, state government, private, and public sectors, and agencies such as NIST. Besides, this network includes the American citizens who are allowed to post information databases that have been developed by the mentioned parties. Sharing of information is significant in ensuring that the security levels of CI and cyber systems are achieved in an efficient manner. However, it is vital to note that the shared information needs to be kept private to safeguard the interests of the sources.

References

A generic national framework for critical information infrastructure protection (CIIP) (2007). Manual Suter Center for Security Studies, ETH, Zurich. Retrieved
October 10, 2014 from: http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/cyb/cybersecurity/docs/generic-national-framework-for-ciip.pdf

Brattberg, E. (2012). Coordinating for Contingencies Taking Stock of Post-9/11 Homeland Security Reforms. Journal of Contingencies & Crisis Management, 20(2) 77-89

Geer, D. (2013). Resolved: The Internet Is No Place for Critical Infrastructure. Communications of the ACM, 56(6) 48-53.

Harrop, W & Matterson, A. (2013). Cyber Resilience: A Review of Critical National Infrastructure and Cyber Security Protection Measures Applied in the UK and USA. Journal of Business Continuity & Emergency Planning, 7(2) 149-162.

Haynes, W. (2004) Seeing Around Corners: Crafting the New Department of Homeland Security. Review of Policy Research, 21(3) 365-395

Headayetullah, M; Pradhan, G. (2010). Efficient and Secure Information Sharing for Security Personnels:  A Role and Cooperation Based Approach. International Journal on Computer Science & Engineering, 2(3) 903-911

Miller, R. (2007). Hurricane Katrina: Communications and Infrastructure Impacts. US Army War College. Retrieved October 10, 2014 from:
http://www.carlisle.army.mil/DIME/documents/Hurricane%20Katrina%20Communications%20&%20Infrastructure%20Impacts.pdf

O’Connor, T. (2010) The safety and security of critical infrastructure. Retrieved October 10, 2014 from: http://drtomoconnor.com/3430/3430lect01a.htm

The National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center:
http://www.dhs.gov/about-national-cybersecurity-communications-integration-center

Vladimirovich, A. (2014). Concerning Approaches of the USA and China to Cyber Security. Politics, Economics, Law, 1(1) 1-5

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The Globalization of Health Term Paper

The Globalization of Health
The Globalization of Health

The Globalization of Health

Order Instructions:

HLTH 8050 Week 9 Discussion
The Globalization of Health
Cell phones, video cameras, and other technologies are changing the way we live today. It is difficult to avoid the stories and images of poverty, human rights abuses, disasters, diseases, and other tragedies that plague people in rich and poor countries alike.
It is not just communications technology that is making the world a “smaller” place. Globalization is also exerting a powerful effect on the conditions in which people live and work, (i.e., the social determinants of health) and, thus, on health itself.

Discussion questions:

  • A brief summary on the effects of globalization on health in Russia.
  • Discuss one change in quality of life in post-transition Russia.
  • Also, explain one change in mortality in post-transition Russia.
  • Provide examples for both. Expand on your insights utilizing the Learning Resources.

Articles:
• Wilkinson, R., & Pickett, K. (2010). The spirit level: Why greater equality makes societies stronger. New York, NY: Bloomsbury Press.
o Chapter 13, “Dysfunctional Societies” (pp. 173–196)

• Averina, M., Nilssen, O., Brenn, T., Brox, J., Arkhipovsky, V. L., & Kalinin, A. G. (2005). Social and lifestyle determinants of depression, anxiety, sleeping disorders and self-evaluated quality of life in Russia: A population-based study in Arkhangelsk. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 40(7), 511–518.

• Frieden, T. R. (2010). A framework for public health action: The health impact pyramid. American Journal of Public Health, 100(4), 590–595.

• Jones, C. P., Jones, C. Y., Perry, G. S., Barclay, G., & Jones, C. A. (2009). Addressing the social determinants of children’s health: A cliff analogy. Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, 20(Suppl. 4), 1–12.

• Perlman, F., & Bobak, M. (2008). Socioeconomic and behavioral determinants of mortality in post transition Russia: A prospective population study. Annals of Epidemiology, 18(2), 92–100.
Ray, R., Gornick, J. C., & Schmitt, J. (2010, July). Who cares? Assessing generosity and gender equality in parental leave policy designs in 21 countries. Journal of European Social Policy, 20(3), 196–216.

• Stuckler, D., King, L., & McKee, M. (2009). Mass privatization and the post-communist mortality crisis: A cross-national analysis. Lancet, 373(9661), 399–407.

• The PLoS Medicine Editors. (2010). Social relationships are key to health, and to health policy. PLoS Medicine, 7(8), 1–2.

• National Rural Health Mission. (2012). RSBY-Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojnab. Retrieved from http://www.rsby.gov.in/

• World Health Organization Western Pacific Region. (2009). Global health library. Retrieved from http://www.globalhealthlibrary.net/php/index.php?lang=en

Note: In the Search box, enter “China health outcomes” to locate various articles on this topic.

Please apply the Application Assignment Rubric when writing the Paper.
I. Paper should demonstrate an excellent understanding of all of the concepts and key points presented in the texts.
II. Paper provides significant detail including multiple relevant examples, evidence from the readings and other sources, and discerning ideas.
III. Paper should be well organized, uses scholarly tone, follows APA style, uses original writing and proper paraphrasing, contains very few or no writing and/or spelling errors, and is fully consistent with doctoral level writing style.
IV. Paper should be mostly consistent with doctoral level writing style.

SAMPLE ANSWER

The Globalization of Health

Globalization influences not only trade, finance, science, and environment, but also health and medical care. Communicable diseases like HIV, SARS, H1N1, and swine flu are some of the examples of the diseases that have spread globally. All these spread due to changes in the environment and lifestyle, which is a sufficient evidence that lifestyles are also rapidly changing. Some of the unhealthy ways of living include smoking and obesity.  Other examples of globalization of health include international trade of health services, international movement of physicians and nurses, and movement of healthcare consumers (World Health Organization Western Pacific Region, 2009).

Globalization of health has directly affected the wellbeing of Russian population. From the onset, there are high rates of low mood and anxiousness among the Russian population. These health problems are as a result of poor nutrition due to low consumption of food and low payment of professionals. The depression is due to cigarette smoking and taking of alcohol in very large amounts. These health complications have greater influence on circulatory and gastrointestinal diseases (Averina et al., 2005). According to Frieden (2010), clinical interventions that need very small amount of interaction, day-to-day clinical care, health education, and counseling are some of the ways to sort out these health challenges.

The quality of life in post transition Russia has changed drastically. The people have developed poor eating habits. Most people depend on high levels of energy intake from fat. Consequently, this has resulted into increase in weight of individuals, hence, obesity in the older people. Health status of children is equally worrying, with most children having chronic malnutrition. This is also reflected in primary school going children whose health conditions are very poor. At birth, newborns develop disabilities and a high number of children are having physical complications. Poor quality of life is as a result of high poverty levels amongst the citizens. There is high inflation and decline in wages as a result of fluctuation in employment and income patterns (Wilkinson & Pickett, 2010). In order to address some of these challenges, Jones et al., (2009) give a summary of how to handle them. Perhaps, this problem could be solved by having improved health facilities and addressing both equity and factors that promote good health. Therefore, in order to realize low mortality rate post transition Russia ought to address the social determinants of health like empowering its citizens economically and also ensuring that there is equity. Equity involves improving the policies, practices, norms and values that control the distribution of resources. Furthermore, Jones et al., (2009) states that social determinants of health like poverty, automatically eliminate any health inequity.

There is a rise in mortality rate in post transition Russia due to income inequality, unemployment, labor turnover, migration, crime and divorce. These factors resulted into stress which is a major cause of death. Consequently, there was high death of men who were still very young and productive. Another factor that promoted increased death rate is huge increase the number of people and the amount of alcohol taken. The increased use of alcohol resulted into people killing themselves and some involving themselves in road accidents. The increased intake of alcohol is basically as a result of reduction in the amount of money used to buy the substance. According to Stuckler, King, & McKee (2009), the solution to high mortality rate is privatization of institutions especially in post Russian nation.

References

Averina, M., Nilssen, O., Brenn, T., Brox, J., Arkhipovsky, V. L., & Kalinin, A. G. (2005). Social and lifestyle determinants of depression, anxiety, sleeping disorders and self-evaluated quality of life in Russia: A population-based study in Arkhangelsk. Social Psychiatry and
Psychiatric Epidemiology, 40(7), 511–518.

Frieden, T. R. (2010). A framework for public health action: The health impact pyramid. American Journal of Public Health, 100(4), 590–595.

Jones, C. P., Jones, C. Y., Perry, G. S., Barclay, G., & Jones, C. A. (2009). Addressing the social determinants of children’s health: A cliff analogy. Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, 20(Suppl. 4), 1–12.

Stuckler, D., King, L., & McKee, M. (2009). Mass privatization and the post-communist mortality crisis: A cross-national analysis. Lancet, 373(9661), 399–407.

Wilkinson, R., & Pickett, K. (2010). The spirit level: Why greater equality makes societies stronger. New York, NY: Bloomsbury Press. o Chapter 13, “Dysfunctional Societies” (pp. 173–196).

World Health Organization Western Pacific Region. (2009). Global health library. Retrieved from http://www.globalhealthlibrary.net/php/index.php?lang=en

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Is the EU Closing the Gap on Health Inequities?

Is the EU Closing the Gap on Health Inequities?
Is the EU Closing the Gap on Health Inequities?

Is the EU Closing the Gap on Health Inequities?

Order Instructions:

The World Health Organization and European Union (EU) DETERMINE Consortium has acknowledged gaps in health equities within and between member countries. A variety of efforts are underway to help close those gaps.

Discussion questions:
A brief comparison of the health status of the two EU countries you selected with that of the U.S. Then, describe two efforts in those EU countries to reduce health inequities. Explain what lessons can be learned from the EU efforts you selected that can be implemented in the U.S. nationally or by individual states. Explain how the community you live in might adapt these interventions. Expand on your insights utilizing the Learning Resources.

Articles:
• Gele, A. A., & Harsløf, I. (2010). Types of social capital resources and self-rated health among the Norwegian adult population. International Journal for Equity in Health, 9, 8–16.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

• Commission of the European Communities. (2007). Together for health: A strategic approach for the EU 2008-2013 [White paper]. Retrieved from http://ec.europa.eu/health-eu/doc/whitepaper_en.pdf

• Equity Channel. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.equitychannel.net/

• EuroHealthNet. (2013). Health policies in the EU. Retrieved from http://eurohealthnet.eu/policy/health-policies-eu/

• European Commission. (2006). Tackling health inequalities in the EU: The contributions of Various EU-level actors. Retrieved from http://ec.europa.eu/health/ph_projects/2003/action3/docs/2003_3_15_rep2_en.pdf Read pages 1–17.

• European Commission. (2014). European Commission: Public health. Retrieved from http://ec.europa.eu/health/index_en.htm

• Stegeman, I., Costongs, C., Needle C., & DETERMINE Consortium. (2010). The story of DETERMINE: Mobilising action for health equity in the EU—Final report of the DETERMINE consortium. Brussels: Euro HealthNet. Retrieved from http: //eurohealthnet.eu/sites/eurohealthnet.eu/files/publications/DETERMINE-Final-Publication-Story.pdf

Wellesley Institute. (2011). The European portal for action on health equity. Retrieved from http://www.wellesleyinstitute.com/news/the_european_portal_for_action_on_health_equity/

Please apply the Application Assignment Rubric when writing the Paper.

I. Paper should demonstrate an excellent understanding of all of the concepts and key points presented in the texts.
II. Paper provides significant detail including multiple relevant examples, evidence from the readings and other sources, and discerning ideas.
III. Paper should be well organized, uses scholarly tone, follows APA style, uses original writing and proper paraphrasing, contains very few or no writing and/or spelling errors, and is fully consistent with doctoral level writing style.
IV. Paper should be mostly consistent with doctoral level writing style.

SAMPLE ANSWER

Is the EU Closing the Gap on Health Inequities?

A comparison of the health status of Belgium and Germany – two EU member states – with that of the United States reveals that in Germany, the life expectancy for women is 83 years and ranks 15th worldwide, and that of men is 78 years and ranks 16th. Rate of infant mortality is 3.54 deaths for every 1,000 births and ranks 212 globally (NationMaster, 2014). In Belgium, the life expectancy at birth for women is 83 years and ranks 16th globally, and for men is 77 years, and ranks 25th worldwide. The rate of infant mortality is 4.33 deaths for every 1,000 live births (NationMaster, 2014). In USA, life expectancy for women is 81 years and ranks 33rd and for men is 76 years, ranking 30th worldwide. Infant mortality rate in America is 6.06 per 1,000 live births, ranks 179 globally (NationMaster, 2014). As illustrated in the health status statistics, Europeans in the selected EU countries have higher life expectancies than Americans and infant mortality is higher in the United States than in Belgium and Germany.

The two efforts in both Belgium and Germany to reduce health inequities are as follows: (i) the actions taken concerning healthcare access include the improvement of quality as well as accessibility of healthcare, and the focus is on affordability (Commission of the European Communities, 2007). Moreover, the governments of Germany and Belgium have taken actions to ensure emergency medical aid for everyone, and they provide increased reimbursement to vulnerable groups who include cancer patients and those with chronic illnesses. They also undertake initiatives that target the decrease in price of drugs; maximum bill for costs of healthcare; and improving proximity of healthcare services (Equity Action, 2013). Furthermore, there is cross-sector policy plan aimed at fighting poverty and guarantee the right to health. The plan encompasses 12 measures including measures to increase the use of the 3rd party payer system by the healthcare providers, and measures to increase hospital admission of poor people (Wevers et al., 2007).

(ii) Actions taken concerning prevention and health promotion include providing affordable, quality and durable housing for everyone, and stress management for persons living in poverty. They also include providing preventive health checks at school, and promotion of balanced and healthy nutrition in vulnerable groups and in the general population. There is also focus on occupational diseases and industrial accidents and in combating drug and alcohol use in working settings (Equity Action, 2013).

Lessons that Americans may learn from the EU efforts selected and that can be implemented in the United States by individual states or nationally are as follows: first, governments in the United States, be they state governments or the federal government, should establish a policy plan aimed at reducing poverty and guarantee every person’s right to health. This policy plan should include among others, measures to increase hospital admission for the poor Americans. Secondly, to reduce inequities in health, state governments in the U.S should provide increased reimbursement for groups that are vulnerable such as patients with chronic sicknesses. State governments should promote a balanced and healthy nutrition. Thirdly, stress management should be provided to poor people to reduce cases of suicide; preventive health checks be provided in American schools; and the federal government should ensure the availability of affordable, durable, and quality housing for all Americans. The federal government should also develop policies intended to reduce the price of medicines. The community that I live in might adapt these interventions by consuming more balanced and healthy nutrition; seeking durable and quality housing; and the poor in the community would get help to manage their stress. Community members would also be able to purchase medicines at affordable prices.

References

Commission of the European Communities. (2007). Together for health: A strategic approach for the EU 2008-2013 [White paper]. Retrieved from http://ec.europa.eu/health-eu/doc/whitepaper_en.pdf

Equity Action. (2013). What are Regions in the EU doing to Reduce Health Inequalities: Overview Report of Equity Action Regional Network Case Studies. Available at http://members.kwitelle.be/HEALTHEQUITY/_images/equityactionregionalcase_studyoverviewreport.pdf (Accessed October 9, 2014).

NationMaster. (2014). Health: Infant Mortality Rate – Countries Compared. Available at http://www.nationmaster.com/country-info/stats/Health/Infant-mortality-rate/Total (Accessed October 9, 2014).

Wevers, S., Lehmann, F., Nurnberger, M., Reemann, H., Altgeld, T., Hommes, M., Luig, H., & Mielk, A. (2007). Strategies for Action to Tackle Health Inequalities in Germany.  BGG, 50(4): 484-91

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What America Can Learn from Japan

What America Can Learn from Japan
What America Can Learn from Japan

What America Can Learn from Japan

Order Instructions:

As the week’s resources reveal, the Japanese experience demonstrates the importance of cultural issues, such as caring and sharing that profoundly influence health outcomes. Without considering culture, one cannot begin to explain why Japan is the world’s healthiest nation on most mortality indicators despite having a high proportion of men smoking and the highest rates of low-birth weight babies among rich nations.
Furthermore, health outcomes in Japan are significantly better than those in the U.S., even though the U.S. spends much more on health care. What can the U.S. learn from this country?

Discussion questions:
A brief analysis of how reconstruction after World War II contributed to Japan’s contemporary health status. Then, summarize one significant political feature and one legal feature of Japan’s contemporary health care system that contributes to Japan’s population health status. Offer two reasons (historical, political, legal, and/or cultural) for the disparity between the Japanese and American populations in health achievement. Finally, suggest two lessons other countries can learn from the Japanese experience to improve their own health status. Expand on your insights utilizing the Learning Resources.

Articles:
Bezruchka, S., Namekata, T., & Sistrom, M. G. (2008). Interplay of politics and law to promote health: Improving economic equality and health: The case of postwar Japan. American Journal of Public Health, 98(4), 589–594. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

Kawachi, I., Fujisawa, Y., & Takao, S. (2007). The health of Japanese—What can we learn from America? Japanese National Institute of Public Health, 56(2), 114–121. Retrieved from http://www.niph.go.jp/journal/data/56-2/200756020009.pdf

Okamoto, E. (2008). Public health of Japan 2008. Tatara, K. (Ed.). Retrieved from http://www.jpha.or.jp/jpha/english/apha/Public%20Health%20of%20Japan%202008.pdf
Read pages 1–57, 65–75, and 80–88.

World Health Organization Western Pacific Region. (2010). Country health information profile: Japan. Retrieved from http://www.wpro.who.int/countries/jpn/en/

Please apply the Application Assignment Rubric when writing the Paper.

I. Paper should demonstrate an excellent understanding of all of the concepts and key points presented in the texts.
II. Paper provides significant detail including multiple relevant examples, evidence from the readings and other sources, and discerning ideas.
III. Paper should be well organized, uses scholarly tone, follows APA style, uses original writing and proper paraphrasing, contains very few or no writing and/or
spelling errors, and is fully consistent with doctoral level writing style.
IV. Paper should be mostly consistent with doctoral level writing style.

SAMPLE ANSWER

What America Can Learn from Japan

Japan is recognized all over the world for its exceptional accomplishments in the 2nd half of the 20th century in not only improving health status of the population, but also in developing a strong health system. Reconstruction following the Second World War contributed greatly Japan’s contemporary health status. In 1945, following the ending of WWII, the country confronted extensive damage. Japan’s surrender in 1945 was followed by 7 years of American occupation that aimed at restructuring Japan’s health care system as part of its objective to democratize the whole fabric of society. These endeavors had mixed outcomes. To address Japan’s health problems and to democratize the country, the American forces restructured the country’s health system and strengthened community health institutions, and this improved the control of infectious illnesses (Kawachi, Fujisawa & Takao, 2007). In the period after the war, Japan also continued to expand its social health insurance coverage to universal coverage, something that had been initiated in the prewar period. Early improvements in the longevity of the population of Japan without doubt came from the provision of essential needs such as shelter, sanitation, water, and food immediately following the war (Kondo, 2014).

One significant political feature of Japan’s contemporary health care system that contributes to the population health status of Japan is the postwar motives to expand social insurance; this came from political economy objectives that are atypical public health goals (Bezruchka, Namekata & Sistrom, 2008). The one significant legal feature of Japan’s contemporary healthcare system that contributes to Japan’s population health status are the health-related laws that were passed since the 1950s. The Japanese government, for instance, promoted preventive strategies like spreading the utilization of X-ray examinations. Treatment of tuberculosis became free in the year 1951 (Kawachi, Fujisawa & Takao, 2007).

The United States and Japan provide a remarkable contrast in their levels of health attainment. While presently, at 82.2 years on average and 86.4 years for women and 79.6 years for men, Japan has the highest life expectancy globally, the United States ranks 30th with life expectancy of 77.5 years (World Health Organization, 2014). The reasons for the disparity between the American and Japanese populations in health achievement are as follows: first is with regard to societal/cultural factors. This means that unlike Americans, people in Japan have strong social ties, have better attitudes towards sanitary behavior, have good diet, and there is small social disparities in Japan. The second reason for the disparity is the provision of universal care in Japan, as well as public health measures that have been put in place by the Japanese government (Kondo, 2014). Almost every Japanese citizen is covered without regard to any medical conditions that they might be having – predisposing conditions – or to their actuarial likelihood of dying because of disease. Premiums are based on a person’s ability to pay and their income (Okamoto, 2008).

Two lessons that other nations may learn from the experience of Japan to improving their health status are as follows: (i) Universal coverage with equity. In 1961, Japan’s attainment of universal health insurance coverage was rather early in the world, particularly taking into account its low per capita income at that time which was half of Britain. Japan also decreased inequities throughout the various insurance plans over time. It achieved this by mandating cross-subsidies across plans with dissimilar proportions of elders enrolled, and by making the rates of copayment uniform except for children and elders (Kawachi, Fujisawa & Takao, 2007). (ii) Service quality and cost containment: The country has been able to achieve universal coverage whilst still controlling costs and without significant trade-offs in the quality of service. Japan has achieved cost containment using the single nationwide fee system for reimbursement, together with a full health budget cap (Okamoto, 2008).

References

Bezruchka, S., Namekata, T., & Sistrom, M. G. (2008). Interplay of politics and law to promote health: Improving economic equality and health: The case of postwar Japan. American Journal of Public Health, 98(4), 589–594.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

Kawachi, I., Fujisawa, Y., & Takao, S. (2007). The health of Japanese—What can we learn from America? Japanese National Institute of Public Health, 56(2), 114–121.

Kondo, N. (2014). What has Made Japan Healthy? – Contributions of local and government health policies  JMAJ, 57 (1): 24-27

Okamoto, E. (2008). Public health of Japan 2008. Tatara, K. (Ed.). Retrieved from http://www.jpha.or.jp/jpha/english/apha/Public%20Health%20of%20Japan%202008.pdf

World Health Organization. (2014). Japan. Available at http://www.wpro.who.int/countries/jpn/en/ (Acce

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Policy Change Proposal Assignment

Policy Change Proposal
Policy Change Proposal

Policy Change Proposal

Order Instructions:

This paper is in two section and the writer must pay attention to the details of each section. In section A the writer will compose a 1.5 pages word document responding to the questions base on the instructions. At the end of those responses the writer is require to asked two questions also base on the instructions giving in that section. In SECTION B, the writer will create 13 slides, note that each slide cannot have more than 40 words in the slides, and must have at least 100 words speaker notes. In text citations are critical and proper APA must be use throughout the entire paper. The writer must clearly respond to all questions for the PPT.

SECTION A ( 2 pages minimum )

Transcultural nursing theory is also called the culture care theory. With this in mind, explain how you plan to incorporate the culture care theory in your presentation in section B below, and how the theory relates to your proposed policy change in your policy change proposal hear below.

Policy Change Proposal
The public policy problem is that section 2713 requires organizations to provide their workers with birth control as part of their insurance coverage. The public policy question is: should the federal government mandate that organizations can choose whether or not to provide contraceptive services to employees as part of their insurance coverage? The public policy resolution is an amendment to section 2713(a) (4) of PL 111-148 that would say: organizations – both for-profit and non-profit organizations – have the option of either offering their employees birth control as part of their insurance coverage or not to offer contraceptive services (Cauchi, 2014).

At the end of the paper, create two questions that allow your instructor to understand your PowerPoint presentation in section B below. Your Instructor will respond to your questions with another question using the Socratic teaching strategy. The questions and responses are designed to foster debate.

SECTION B (13 slides minimum)

This section will include a minimum of 13 slides excluding title and references slides. Speaker notes will also be included to elaborate on the point noted in the slides. The words cannot be more than 40 in the slides, and you must have at least 100 words in the speaker notes. In text citations are critical in the speaker notes. The writer must follow proper instructions as stated below.

Comparing International Healthcare Delivery Systems

Description

Each student will prepare a PowerPoint presentation, including detailed speaker notes in APA format, examining an international health system compared to the reformed U.S. health system. (You will be using Canada to compare with the U.S)

Directions:

Students will prepare the presentation using PowerPoint that will provide:

• a discussion of the country, culture, and governance structure compared to the U.S. structure

• the historical background of the development of the health system including a description of the health system type, cost analysis, and funding stream compared to the reformed U.S. system

• a discussion of systematic and financial health policy issues that would indicate success or failure driven by politics in each country

• a discussion of the health system’s performance including outcomes, and a comparative analysis of costs compared to the U.S. health system

The presentation will be professional and include:

• speaker notes that are detailed and cited with the most current information available and matching references on the reference slide no older then 2010

• slides that are cited and contain no more than 40 words per slide with matching references on the reference slide

• graphics that are cited with a matching reference on the reference slide

• written permission for graphics that hold a copyright

• a title page slide at the beginning and a reference slide at the end in APA format

• 15 slides counting the title slide and reference slide

Also take note that the references must be older than 2010 when the new healthcare reform was passed. Anything below that year will not be accepted.

Resources

American Nurses Association (ANA). (2011). Short definitions of ethical principles and theories. Familiar words, what do they mean? Retrieved from http://www.nursingworld.org/mainmenucategories/ethicsstandards/resources/ethics-definitions.pdf

American Nurses Association (ANA). (2012). The Supreme Court decision matters for registered nurses, their families, and their patients. Retrieved from http://www.anacalifornia.org/healthcarereform/SCOTUS-ToplevelanalysisJune292012-FINALwtag.pdf

Cauchi, R. (2014). State laws and actions challenging certain health reforms. Retrieved from http://www.ncsl.org/research/health/state-laws-and-actions-challenging-ppaca.aspx

Govtrack.us. (2012). Text of the repeal of Obamacare act. Retrieved from https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/112/hr6079/text

Public Law 111-148. (2010). An Act. Retrieved from http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/PLAW-111publ148/pdf/PLAW-111publ148.pdf

The Staff of the Washington Post. (2010). Landmark: The inside story of America’s new health care law and what it mean for all of us. New Your, NY: Public Affair.

United States Department of Health and Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). (2013). Health workforce. Retrieved from http://bhpr.hrsa.gov/healthworkforce/supplydemand/usworkforce/primarycare/

SAMPLE ANSWER

Section A

Healthcare institutions are environments where there are rich cultural diversities for the individuals that are receiving care and for the health professional providing this care as they possess varied cultural practices and properties. In a similar manner that cultural diversity is vital in almost all aspects of life, it is also crucial in health care practices. (Karabudak, Tas, & Basbakkal, 2013). Transcultural nursing is a vital component of healthcare provision today, and a formal area of practice that focuses on comparative care. It recognizes differences and similarities in cultural beliefs, values and patterns of life to provide care. This care is congruent with, meaningful, and beneficial to individuals of a particular culture (Karabudak, Tas, & Basbakkal, 2013).

Making international comparisons of healthcare systems has been a common practice. However, this has often been based on comparing the resources that different countries have in their healthcare systems. In most cases this has been on the basis of the OECD member countries national healthcare expenditures. These are measured as a fraction of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) or a per capita basis for the countries (Irene & Peter, 2013). These support arguments that few/many resources are allocated in a certain country’s healthcare system compared to another. Effective patient care requires the consideration of factors that affect the patient directly and not parameters that affect the national governments. Therefore, given the knowledge of transcultural nursing the parameters used are more vital for patient care as they directly affect the patient and care provider compared to the GDP and per capita a commonly used. Therefore, for the international comparison in section B the parameters in transcultural nursing will be reviewed in the country overviews. These are, for example, religion, cultural and gender roles, and equality.

An individual’s milieu coincides with a person’s belief’s values and customs. Culture consists of the attitudes, norms, and traits of a particular group that are shared and hence guides an individual’s behaviors. The cultural components can bind an individual to a particular culture, but they do not label a patient. Each patient is unique and requires certain attention to their individual needs and characteristics (Coursen, 2011). The policy as it currently stands requires that all the organizations to provide their workers with birth control pills. However, referring to the transcultural theory every organization has its unique organizational culture. This implies that these organizations have different perceptions regarding the use of contraception and hence the use provision of insurance on the same.

For instance, Christians and Muslims perceive the use of contraception as a vice as per the religious standards. Therefore, not-for-profit and for-profit organizations that are based on Muslim and Christian values might find such a policy as going against their believes. The proposed policy is “organizations – both for-profit and non-profit organizations – have the option of either offering their employees birth control as part of their insurance coverage or not to offer contraceptive services.” The transcultural theory will be applied in this case to highlight the existence of different organizational structures hence different organizational practices. Therefore, any policy should take this into consideration in order to meet the needs of the different individuals it is supposed to govern. This implies that organizations should be provided with freedom on whether to decide to provide insurance on contraceptives or not.

Questions

  1. What factors do you consider when introducing a comparative essay in healthcare systems of different countries?
  2. What political and economic factors are essential when making international healthcare systems comparisons?

References

Coursen, C. (2011, April 25). Advance Health Care Network. Retrieved October 8, 2014,  from Advance Health Care Network Web site: http://nurse-practitioners-and-physician-assistants.advanceweb.com/Features/Articles/Cultural-Competence-in-Contraception-Counseling.aspx

Irene, P., & Peter, S. (2013). Health system performance comparison: An agenda for policy,  information and research: An agenda for policy, information and research (illustrated ed.). Maidenhead, United States of America: McGraw-Hill International.

Karabudak, S. S., Tas, F., & Basbakkal, Z. (2013). Giger and Davidhizar’s transcultural assessment model: A case study in Turkey. Health Science Journal, 342-345.

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Business Practices in Compliance to Global Compact

Business Practices in Compliance to Global Compact
Business Practices in Compliance to Global Compact

Business Practices in Compliance to Global Compact;Nike Company as a Member of Global Compact Local Network

Order Instructions:

urgent. need to have it before 6 am tomorrow. about the instructions of essay i had already communicate with Kianna. Thanks.

Nike Company as a Member of Global Compact Local Network

Business Practices in Compliance to Global Compact

The United Nations Global Compact initiative seeks to encourage firms globally to adopt sustainable and socially responsible policies as well as reporting their implementation. It is a principle-based framework for organizations through the ten principles in the fields of anti-corruption, environment, human rights, and labor[1]. Nike is a firm compliance of the global compact especially in terms of initiatives and issues concerning workers, environmental sustainability, partnerships with the Fair Labor Association, commitment to increasing physical activity aiming youths, and contract factories.

There are a number of strategies and practices that would work in improving compliance with principles of the global compact. One of the most effective practices is for the companies to commit in improving working conditions for their workers in their factories as well as in their contract factories[2]. This can be achieved by having compliance staff tasked with the responsibility of monitoring workplace conditions through a series of audits conducted. In addition, the companies can supplement overall contract factory compensation through sponsoring after hour’s education, mobile health clinics, health education, and management and life skills training.

Nike is one of the founding members of the Global Alliance for Workers and Communities (GA), an initiative that strives to respond to the concerns and needs of factory workers in the global manufacturing chains. The main goal of the GA is to improve the lives and future of workers in the global production through assessing of their needs and those of the community, developing and implementing programs that address these needs, as well as reporting publically about these activities[3]. This way the company is able to give a voice to the workers allowing them articulate their own needs and interests. More importantly, it is imperative that companies establish a code of conduct that encompasses labor standards that are related to the nine principles of global compact. The code of conduct should then be implemented throughout the factories linked to the company and audited on a regular basis.

Concerning the principle on environment, businesses should support approaches to environment challenges, undertake initiatives to enhance greater environmental responsibility, and encourage the establishment of environmentally friendly technologies. Corporate social responsibility initiatives should be a core part of companies’ business strategy. However, a company’s social responsibility program is likely to succeed if there is a company-wide support and action to sustain it. This calls for comprehensive involvement of all the stakeholders and other players. For instance, the assessment, development, and training should engage the different independent organizations. In a case where unions exist they should also be engaged as part of the program.

Positive and Negative Lessons

Companies that practice better working conditions and relations with workers and responsible environmental programs have numerous advantages over those that do not. For instance, they can realize improved relationships with stakeholders, partners, and communities. Consequently, they realize better communication between workers and managers. CSR programs acts as a forum for dialogue and learning for businesses enabling firms to network with other similar enterprises[4]. It is a platform for fostering of civic participation and social commitment. The initiatives can be viewed as realizations that solutions to the most fundamental challenges facing businesses and societies can only be addressed through extraordinary collaborations. The main focus of businesses should, therefore, be on supporting the alignment of the various initiatives and programs as well as in facilitating cooperation among all the actors to integrate the diverse efforts and skills.

In complying with the principles of global compact, firms should seek to share their business culture and cognition of social responsibility with other stakeholders and those around them. They can achieve this by consistently improving on their corporate structure, social responsibility, and operations.

Business Practice Recommendations

To comply to global compact principle on labor standards and conditions in contract factories, companies should detail monitoring process and criteria to assess its factory’s compliance on a wide array of issues. The company should lay down a strategic relationship with manufacturers that are focused on a more integrated supply chain[5]. The strong relationship that the company has developed with suppliers and factories would then enable it to have influence over processes.

By and large, the design of these initiatives should be based on the fundamental respect for workers being accorded better working conditions and a voice in ways they are invested in and treated. The initiatives should be focused on according workers an active role in determining investments that are made in their work and living places[6]. As such, the initiative allows the company and its partners including government agencies, unions, NGOs, and factory managers to take positive, proactive action in addressing the needs of the workers such as improved health, workplace conditions, and education. Transparency of the program is paramount in all aspects as well as allowing public discussions which can then be used to inform decisions.

Benefits, Challenges, and Risks for Stakeholders

The company implementing the initiatives is likely to attract and retain more qualified personnel as a result of the improved working conditions and reputation of the company. Most employees are motivated to work for companies that respect worker’s rights and standards. Companies that practice better working conditions and CSR are held at high regard by partners including investors, partners, suppliers, employees, and customers[7].

Despite the numerous benefits in these initiatives, stakeholders are likely to experience some challenges and issues in implementation. For instance, there are always demands for greater corporate disclosure from other parties and stakeholders such as customers, communities, and investors[8]. Again, the company is likely to garner greater customer interest seeking the status of the activities of the company especially concerning CSR. The stakeholders are also likely to face pressure from the competitive markets in terms of cost and responsibility. The main risk in practicing these initiatives lies in increasing the cost of production for the company which is a main concern for the stakeholders. Improved standards for suppliers mean meeting more costs and impacting on revenues. Equally, CSR is an extra cost for investors and partners[9].

Bibliography

Baumann-Pauly, Dorothée, and Andreas Scherer. 2013. “The Organizational Implementation of Corporate Citizenship: An Assessment Tool and its Application at UN Global Compact Participants.” Journal Of Business Ethics 117, no. 1: 1-17.

Berliner, Daniel, and Aseem Prakash. “From norms to programs: The United Nations Global Compact and global governance.” Regulation & Governance 6, no. 2 (June 2012): 149-166.

Berliner, Daniel, and Aseem Prakash. “The United Nations Global Compact: An Institutionalist Perspective.” Journal Of Business Ethics 122, no. 2 (June 26, 2014): 217-223.

Bigge, david m. “Bring on the Bluewash: A Social Constructivist Argument Against Using Nike v. Kasky to Attack the UN Global Compact.” International Legal Perspectives 14, (April 1, 2004): 6. LexisNexis Academic: Law Reviews

Hoessle, Ulrike. “The contribution of the UN global compact towards the compliance of international regimes: a comparative study of businesses from the USA, Mozambique, United Arab Emirates and Germany.” The Journal Of Corporate Citizenship no. 53 (2014): 27.  https://www.jstor.org/stable/jcorpciti.53.27

Rasche, Andreas, and Dirk Ulrich Gilbert. “Institutionalizing global governance: the role of the United Nations Global Compact.” Business Ethics: A European Review 21, no. 1 (January 2012): 100-114.

Rasche, Andreas, and Sandra Waddock. “Global Sustainability Governance and the UN Global Compact: A Rejoinder to Critics.” Journal Of Business Ethics 122, no. 2 (June 26, 2014): 209-216.

Williams, Oliver F. “THE UN GLOBAL COMPACT: THE CHALLENGE AND THE PROMISE.” Business Ethics Quarterly 14, no. 4 (October 2004): 755-774.

Williams, Oliver. “The United Nations Global Compact: What Did It Promise?.” Journal Of Business Ethics122, no. 2 (June 26, 2014): 241-251.

[1] Williams, Oliver F. “THE UN GLOBAL COMPACT: THE CHALLENGE AND THE PROMISE.” Business Ethics Quarterly 14, no. 4 (October 2004): 755-774.

[2] Bigge, david m. “Bring on the Bluewash: A Social Constructivist Argument Against Using Nike v. Kasky to Attack the UN Global Compact.” International Legal Perspectives 14, (April 1, 2004): 6. LexisNexis Academic: Law Reviews

[3] Berliner, Daniel, and Aseem Prakash. “The United Nations Global Compact: An Institutionalist Perspective.” Journal Of Business Ethics 122, no. 2 (June 26, 2014): 217-223.

[4] Williams, Oliver. “The United Nations Global Compact: What Did It Promise?.” Journal Of Business Ethics122, no. 2 (June 26, 2014): 241-251.

[5] Hoessle, Ulrike. “The contribution of the UN global compact towards the compliance of international regimes: a comparative study of businesses from the USA, Mozambique, United Arab Emirates and Germany.” The Journal Of Corporate Citizenship no. 53 (2014): 27.

[6] Rasche, Andreas, and Sandra Waddock. “Global Sustainability Governance and the UN Global Compact: A Rejoinder to Critics.” Journal Of Business Ethics 122, no. 2 (June 26, 2014): 209-216.

[7] Baumann-Pauly, Dorothée, and Andreas Scherer. 2013. “The Organizational Implementation of Corporate Citizenship: An Assessment Tool and its Application at UN Global Compact Participants.” Journal Of Business Ethics 117, no. 1: 1-17.

[8] Berliner, Daniel, and Aseem Prakash. “From norms to programs: The United Nations Global Compact and global governance.” Regulation & Governance 6, no. 2 (June 2012): 149-166.

[9] Rasche, Andreas, and Sandra Waddock, 2014.

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Strategic Analysis of Baskin Robins

Strategic Analysis of Baskin Robins
          Strategic Analysis of Baskin Robins

Sustainable Solution Paper: Strategic Analysis of Baskin Robins

Order Instructions:

The report consists of two parts:
Part 1: Identification and justification of research study.
Part 2: Main report body. Discussion, recommendations and conclusion.

Part 1 (Discuss with lecturer or tutor by Week 5)
This part includes the identification and justification of the study about to be undertaken. It will give students the opportunity to identify a real world product/service or a problem they are comfortable with in an organisation of their choice on which the research report will be based. Students should discuss their choice with their lecturer or tutor for suitability so they can proceed with confidence. Students should have the company and topic chosen and discussed with their lecturer or tutor by the end of Week 5.

Part 2 (Discussion, recommendations and conclusion)
This part of the Research Report will require students to identify Operations Management issues, clarify problems or potential problems, and propose solutions if appropriate. Quality of analysis will be an important part of the report along with the solutions proposed.

The Report (overall)
The Research Report should present a comprehensive overview of the chosen organisation. Outline what the organization does and how it does it. Mention should be made of the context (e.g. product market and the business environment) that the organization operates in. Students may wish to focus on a particular part of the operation that produces a discrete product or service. Topics and issues that should be included in the Research Report include:
1. Introduction to the business environment of your organisation.
2. Background and purpose of your organisation.
3. Organizational structure
4. Organizational strategies
5. Products and Services
6. Production system and job design
7. Process measurement and analysis
8. Aggregate planning, inventory management systems and procedures
9. Locational decisions for facilities and operations
10. Sustainability and pollution control programs

It is important that students not only cover the relevant issues, but also integrate them in an overarching and coherent fashion (reflecting the systemic nature of production processes). The analysis should be critical in nature, and the use of unsupported rhetorical statements should be avoided, (e.g. ‘This organization is devoted to quality’). Students should explain and support their recommendations. Look for evidence of support for all such recommendations. The report should identify the important issues and challenges facing operations managers in the organization.

Don’t forget to include references and a bibliography.

The report should be submitted by 5pm on the Friday of Week 10 through the online link found on the Learning@Griffith course website. Choose the Assessment option and then select the Research Report folder.

Format

A Business Proposal Report with a consistent referencing style. (APA, Harvard etc.)

SAMPLE ANSWER

Sustainable Solution Paper: Strategic Analysis of Baskin Robins

Identification and Justification of Research Study

Historically, there have been difficulties in developing sustainable business models in areas and organization that have been faced with stiff competition. As a result, several companies have collapsed due to the poor strategic plans that can gear them through global competition. The problem of poor strategic plan has been in existence even after the big conferences have been set to educate managers on the perfect strategic plans that can ensure profitability of the organizations. Ensuring good strategic plans does not only increase the profits of the company, but also offers the company a strong base to survive in the competition market. Gehani,  (2013) state that proper strategic plans have assisted companies such as ford that were collapsing in early 1980s.Thus, good strategic plans is an important gadget that gears a company towards sustainability. The purpose of the paper is to highlight the competitive organization in a competitive industry for sustainable solutions The sustainable solutions cover the company’s strategic plan that implements and creates sustainable values for maximizing shareholder value and increasing profitability.

Discussion

Baskin Robbins is the largest shop that deals with ice cream specialty in the world. The company was founded by Irv Robbins and Burt Baskin in 1945 in Glendale California. The headquarter of the company is based in Canton, Massachusetts (Baskin-Robbins, 2013). The company has been famous for using its “31 flavors” slogan, which suggests that customers can have different flavors every day of each month.  Since the opening of the first store in 1945, the company has opened 6000 stores in 35 countries (Weiss, 2011). As said by the slogan, the purpose of the company is to provide different flavors and taste of ice cream on a global scale.

However much the company has been striving for sustainable growth, it has been faced with several ups and downs as far as the business environment is concerned. The business has been affected by both internal and external factors. Baskin Robins commands a lot of customers in the ice cream industry, both households and commercial enterprises. For example, around 6000 store have been created in 35 countries with more than 700 stores in Korea alone (Baskin-Robbins, 2013). As the world leading company of ice cream products, Baskin Robins does not face stiff competition, which creates a favorable environment for their products. Martin (2014) says that it is their brand and culture that makes it incomparable to others.  The business environment of the company has also been favorable due to the availability of the intermediate markers who are also known as agents that reach every individual that might be in need of the products.

Baskin Robins has used the divisional organizational structure to excel in the industry. Also referred to as product structure, it breaks down the company operations that are self-contained. This structure consists of collections of roles that produce the final product. As said by Martin (2014), the divisional structure is one of the most common structures in America today, which ensures sustainability and the progress of the company. In the difficult times of Baskin Robins, administration assigned the employees who were responsible for certain services of products in order to increase flexibility (McDowell & Dick, 2013). Thus, when everybody is given his or her role, nobody wishes to fail and a positive competition is realized within the company. For example, there was a division of certain flavors of ice cream, which made each team to work hard and sell their flavor.

As defined by Hughes and Ferrier (2014), differentiation strategy is a marketing technique that is used by companies to establish a strong identity in the current market. Using this strategy, manufactures introduce numerous varieties of the same product, thus, cover a wide range of the commodities available. Differentiation strategy creates the brand of the company in a manner that differentiates itself from the competition and creates a unique image that other companies do not have (Lewis, Andriopoulos & Smith, 2014). For example, the production of flavors by Baskin Robin has created a barrier for main competitors such as Ben & Jerry and Kwality Walls.

In order to identify each and every person’s roles in the company, especially the management, the administration has put the use of charts and graphs that are designed to measure performance in each and every month. Other than graphs and charts, there is also verbal description that the company has employed to measure or evaluate the performance of the company. As such, it is very easy to read from the graph line which month had a decrease in performance and which one has excelled (Gehani, 2013). The above measurement has been used by Baskin Robins to identify challenges and correct them immediately. The company has used these measurement objects as the first basis and has led to improvement of job design. Other designs that have been used to facilitate the strategic plans are the SWOT analysis and the Porter’s five forces models. These models examine the market and identify weaknesses and the strengths of the market that has been utilized by Baskin Robin Company.

Since the company is considered the leading in one of the food industries, Baskin Robin has ensured that the pollution is not tolerated at any cost. A campaign termed ‘we are green’ was geared to ensure no pollution existed around the environment. The company does regular cleaning around the town to set an example of a pollution free culture. This is not limited to treated fumes and carbon monoxide collection vessels that ensure a safe atmosphere for every form of living thing.

Recommendations and Conclusion

This paper recommends that other than just using strategic plans to penetrate the competitive market, the company should use other methods to build a strong customer base that pose threats to any incoming company in the industry. Baskin Robin should use the merger and acquisition model to acquire the new and incoming companies that may pose a serious threat to growth and development of the firm. Acquisition of such companies will give room for new ideas, new products and services, and new customers.

In conclusion, the strategic environment is one of the tools that have made Baskin Robins excel in the food industry. First, the company has maintained a favorable business environment through competition and local and international customer base. Secondly, the company has used the divisional organizational structure that allows each department to work independently towards the production of quality services and products. Additionally, Baskin Robin entered into the market using the differential strategy that made it unique by producing products that other companies were lacking. The performance of every department and top leadership is an important factor of the company, hence; their performance is regularly checked using charts, graphs, and verbal description. These factors combined have been used by the company to ensure profitability is maximized, hence, sustainability is achieved.

References

Baskin-Robbins. (2013). Oxford University Press.

Fees and Ice Cream: Baskin-Robbins Got It Right, Why Can’t We?. (2013). Get Wise to Your Advisor: How to Reach Your Investment Goals Without Getting Ripped Off, 219

Gehani, R. (2013). Innovative Strategic Leader Transforming From a Low-Cost Strategy to Product Differentiation Strategy. Journal Of Technology Management & Innovation, 8(2), 144-155

Hughes-Morgan, M., & Ferrier, W. J. (2014). Competitive Action Repertoires and Stock Risk. Journal Of Managerial Issues, 26(1), 55-69

Lewis, M. W., Andriopoulos, C., & Smith, W. K. (2014). Paradoxical Leadership to Enable Strategic Agility. California Management Review, 56(3), 58-77. http://www.doi:10.1525/cmr.2014.56.3.5

Martin, R. L. (2014). The Big Lie of Strategic Planning. Harvard Business Review, 92(1/2), 78-84.

McDowell, W. S., & Dick, S. J. (2013). The marketing of neuromarketing: brand differentiation strategies employed by prominent neuromarketing firms to attract media clients. Journal Of Media Business Studies,10(1), 25-40.

Weiss, L. B. (2011). Ice Cream : A Global History.

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Private Label Brands Essay Assignment

Private Label Brands
          Private Label Brands

Private Label Brands

Order Instructions:

Its critical that when I order my papers the writer assigned to must follow the instructions carefully, and if he is not able to complete the paper you must also notify me rather than get the paper completely wrong or out of topic. It is also important to note that all this papers are been written following APA 6th edition manual. references must be in APA and all points cited below must clearly be discuss in the paper. For this paper, they are 3 main points to address and must clearly be address base on the instructions giving below.

Private Label Brands

Private label brands are products that are manufactured by one company and sold under another company’s brand. Often positioned as lower cost alternatives to national brands, they have been increasing in popularity over the past several years. Store brands such as Wal-Mart’s Equate or Target’s Archer Farms are examples of private label brands.

According to a recent study by the Nielsen Company (Wong, 2008), 72% of respondents surveyed viewed private label brands as equivalent in quality to name brands. Rising commodity prices and consumer desire to get the best value for their money are driving the growth of private labels. As a result, some national brands have adopted a strategy of “if you can’t beat them, join them,” by making products for these private labels. For example, national brands such as Ralston-Purina, ConAgra, and Borden have all admitted to supplying products to various retailers to be used as private brands. Supporters of this strategy contend that it creates volume sales and profitability for national brands. Furthermore, businesses contend that if they do not supply retailers, someone else will, causing national brands to lose volume from private label sales and thereby jeopardizing a national brand company’s profit position.

Other marketing experts disagree. They argue that consumers may become confused about the quality of the national brands. Opponents suggest that consumers may decide that national and private brands are essentially the same and hence, over time, private label brands may become as powerful as national brands. These critics contend that the long-term prognosis for national brand companies is not good if those companies continue with this strategy of supplying private labels.

After reviewing the resources for this week, respond to the following:

• Do you think national brand companies should sell their products to private brands, or should national brands stay clear of the private brands and not get involved with the supply of products to these private labels?
• How does this play out in the international marketplace?

-What is the importance of national brands versus private labels internationally?
• Defend your answer with specific examples.

Resources

Articles

• Chinta, R. (2006). Retail marketing trends in USA and their effects on consumers and the global workforce. Business Renaissance Quarterly, 1(2), 65–80. Retrieved from ProQuest Central database.

This article identifies and describes current trends in the field of retail marketing, and sets them in the context of significant changes in the field in recent years.

Griffiths, G., & Howard, A. (2008). Balancing clicks and bricks – strategies for multichannel retailers. Journal of Global Business Issues, 2(1), 69–76. Retrieved from ProQuest Central database.

This article explores the difficulties of doing business both in stores and online and describes a model for establishing the correct balance between the two approaches. The authors also identify five themes that need to be considered by multichannel retailers.

• Francis, J. (2007). Internet retailing quality: One size does not fit all. Managing Service Quality, 17(3), 341–355. https://www.doi:10.1108/0960452071074433

In this article, the author studies four dimensions of quality that should be considered in Internet marketing: the transaction, the delivery, customer service, and security.

• Gregory, G., Karävdic, M., & Zou, S. (2007). The effects of e-commerce drivers on export marketing strategy. Journal of International Marketing, 15(2), 30–57. https://www.doi:10.1509/jimk.15.2.30

This study describes a theoretical model developed by the authors to determine the effect of e-commerce drivers on the development of export marketing strategy and the results of testing this model.

• Nelson, R., Cohen, R., & Rasmussen, F. (2007). An analysis of pricing strategy and price dispersion on the Internet. Eastern Economic Journal, 33(1), 95–110. doi:10.1057/eej.2007.6

Due to the accessability of information on the Internet, consumers can now research both the price and quality of products. In this article, the authors present the benefits of keeping pricing consistent across products and over time.

Wong, E. (2008). Nielsen: Private label deemed equal to name brands. [Electronic version]. Brandweek, November 17. Retrieved from
http://www.adweek.com/news/advertising-branding/nielsen-private-label-deemed-equal-name-brands-104824

This article discusses the findings of a Neilsen study dealing with the desirability of name brands compared to private labels.

SAMPLE ANSWER

Private Label Brands

Private label brands are products that are made by one company and sold under another company’s brand. They are associated to lower cost when compared to national brands. There has been a tremendous increase in popularity over the past several years in the use of these brands in American business setting (Lamb, Hair & McDaniel, 2012).  The following discussion, therefore, indulge in discussing if national brand companies should sell their products to private brands, or should national brands stay clear of the private brands and not get involved with the supply of products to these private labels. In addition, the paper examines how the above activities play out in the international marketplace. Finally, it discusses the importance of national brands versus private labels internationally.

National brand companies should sell their products to private brands because private brands exclusively boost store loyalty.  This is contrasted to ConAgra, to which it has many retailers in the market, thereby decreasing customer loyalties to a specific retailer (Pradhan & Pradhan, 2009). Private labels enhance the retailer’s image and draw in more customers. Another reason is that private label brands have relatively lower prices for consumers (Fan, 2009). This is compared to national brands such as ConAgra, where retailers engage in low competition that leads to higher prices for products. Private label brands are praised to their ability to have fewer restrictions on merchandise display, promotion, display or pricing (International Symposium on Advances in National Brands & Private Labels in Retailing & In Gázquez, 2014). National brands such as ConAgra dictate how their products are displayed while private label brand such as Wal-Mart’s Equate does not (Cant, 2006). Finally private label brands have potentially greater gross margin opportunities since vendors of national brands, such as Ralston-Purina, assume the expenses of designing, manufacturing, distribution as well as promoting the brand, therefore, retailers realize lower gross margins.

In international marketplace, national brands are selling their products to private brands inform of labeling strategies. The label only bears the brand name (such as Macy’s) of the particular store or any other party the store may choose for its private label program. This labeling strategy in international market increases the negotiation power of the retailers and gives better value to get the customer loyalties. Another way private brands are exhibiting in international is through pricing strategy (Aronczyk, 2009). Target’s Archer farms, for instance, is given authority to dictate the prices of its products. This pricing strategy enables the product to be competitive in the global market by either increasing or decreasing prices (Kurtz & Boone, 2014).  Promoting strategies is another way in which private brands are taking over national brands in the international market. Macy’s, for instance, has marketing programs that aim to improve the image of the national brand so as to meet specific customer needs.

There are varied significances of national brands versus private label brands internationally. One of the significances is that product differentiation is derived. Price differentiation is observed by supermarkets offering more premiums and organic brands such as Safeway’s SELECT and Organics. This had effect on overall price and quality competition. Due to absorption of heavy promotion costs, product companies of both national and private brands are finding themselves providing discounts to their customers to market their products. Another importance is going local (Anandan, 2009). After realizing that private brands are giving national brands a hectic competition, national brands, such as ConAgra, are devising on how to identify products that have priorities at the local levels. This will make citizens of the home country get services first before being sold to another destination.

In summary, private and national brands will always remain in a vicious cycle of competition in an attempt to find which of them is the favorite route to reach customers. In international market arena, these two brands exhibit themselves through pricing, promotion and labeling strategies. At the end of the day, the competition will make sure that customers get quality services at cheaper prices.

References

Anandan, C. (2009). Product management. New Delhi: Tata McGraw-Hill Education.

Aronczyk, M. (2009). How to do things with brands: Uses of national identity. Canadian Journal of Communication, 34(2), 291–296.

Cant, M. C. (2006). Marketing management. Cape Town, South Africa: Juta.

Fan, Y. (2009). Branding the nation: Towards a better understanding. Brunel Business School Research Papers. Retrieved March 30, 2010, from: http://bura.brunel.ac.uk/handle/2438/3496

International Symposium on Advances in National Brands & Private Labels in Retailing, &          In Gázquez, A. J. C. (2014). National brands and private labels in retailing: First International Symposium NB&PL, Barcelona, June 2014.

Lamb, C. W., Hair, J. F., & McDaniel, C. D. (2012). Essentials of marketing. Mason, Ohio:           South-Western Cengage Learning.

Kurtz, D. L., & Boone, L. E. (2014). Boone & Kurtz contemporary marketing. New Delphi:Tata McGraw-Hill Education.

Pradhan, S., & Pradhan, S. (2009). Retailing management: Text and cas

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Critical Infrastructure Vulnerability and Protection Essay

Critical Infrastructure Vulnerability and Protection
Critical Infrastructure Vulnerability and Protection

Critical Infrastructure Vulnerability and Protection

Order Instructions:

Read the required literature, especially National Infrastructure Protection Plan (2009), pp. 76-79; and, Sector-Specific Plans (SSPs), Department of Homeland Security. Answer the following:

1. Explain the relationship of National Infrastructure Protection Plan (NIPP) and Sector-Specific Plans (SSPs). Also, their relationship with Department of Homeland Security.

2. Explain the function of an SSP; choose a particular SSP and describe its purpose. Also, why did you choose that particular plan?

3. What are some lessons learned from past natural disasters? Explain in terms of people and infrastructures? Be specific.
Length: This Case Assignment should be at least 3 pages not counting the title page and references.

References: At least two references should be included from academic sources listed below.(e.g. peer-reviewed journal articles). Required readings are included. Quoted material should not exceed 10% of the total paper (since the focus of these assignments is critical thinking).

Organization: Subheadings should be used to organize your paper according to question.

Required Readings:

1) National infrastructure protection plan (2009). [Read 5.2 The CIKR Protection Component of the Homeland Security Mission, and 5.3 Relationship of the NIPP and SSPs to Other CIKR Plans and Programs, pp. 76-79]. Retrieved November 18, 2012 from: http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/NIPP_Plan.pdf

2) President Obama (2010). Presidential proclamation–Critical infrastructure protection month. The White House, November 30, 2010. Retrieved November 18, 2012 from: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2010/11/30/presidential-proclamation-critical-infrastructure-protection-month

3) Sector-specific plans (SSPs) (2012), Department of Homeland Security. Retrieved November 18, 2012 from:http://www.dhs.gov/files/programs/gc_1179866197607.shtm#1

 

SAMPLE ANSWER

Critical Infrastructure Vulnerability and Protection

Relationship between National Infrastructure Protection Plan, Sector Specific Plans and Department of Homeland Security

The sophisticated nature of America’s infrastructure such as cyber network, power plants, transport network, and many others are the engine that drives America’s economy and society in achieving the nation’s growth potential. The national infrastructure is essential for the smooth running and the functioning of American society, yet these vital infrastructures are faced with greater risks that the 21st century presents, greatest among them being the terrorist attacks and other natural and man-made disasters. The risks pose a threat to halting or disrupting the functioning of the economy, and protecting them is crucial as this will enhance public security, protect the health and safety sector, economic vibrancy and improve general quality of life in the nation. It is against this background that the National Infrastructure Protection Plan (NIPP) was established in 2006 and later reviewed in 2009 to identify America’s Critical Infrastructure and Key resources (CIKR) in order to protect them from likely threats (NIPP, 2009).

National Infrastructure Protection Plan, NIPP, was therefore established to identify the infrastructure and resources that are critical to the United States of America (USA), prioritize them, since not all resources are equally important, and then protect them from the likely threats such as terrorist attacks and other man-made and natural catastrophes. Protection, in accordance to NIPP, involves adopting plans geared towards alleviating the risks, preventing the threats from taking place, or diluting the effects resulting from such disasters taking place. Such plans include actions such as boosting security, increasing surveillance, enhancing resilience among other measures. NIPP is supported by Sector Specific Plans (SSPs). US economy is composed of various sectors with various needs, issues and concerns. For this reason, SSPs were also formulated soon after NIPP and several specific sectors were identified, such as banking, public health, energy, defense, transportation, emergency, among others (Homeland Security, 2013). The sector specific plans are suitably designed to address the concerns of the various sectors identified. NIPP and SSPs are related in the sense that SSPs support the NIPP in identifying the nation’s goals and priorities, and proving protection. Also, there are eighteen sectors within the sector specific plans which are within the NIPP. Both NIPP and SSPs therefore complement each other in addressing the nation’s protection plans. The SSPs also outlines the road map and a framework that enables the NIPP to implements its action plans in all the identified sectors. In other words, the SSPs provide support to implementation of the NIPP and together they provide a means identification of the vital infrastructure, their possible threats and protecting them from such threats.

Both NIPP and SSPs form an integral part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). NIPP and SSPs were formed under the DHS. This is because the Department of Homeland Security is the one that has the vital obligation and responsibility of pioneering the Nations efforts geared towards providing protection to the nation’s infrastructure and strengthening security situation of the nation in order to avert threats, or reduce their impacts should they occur (U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 2008). The DHS also monitors, supervises the NIPP and SSPs programs and ensuring that its objectives are kept on track and achieved.

Description and Functions of an SSP

The Structure Specific Program, SSP, is a detailed set of plans that are established and identified by a Sector Specific Agency. Within the critical infrastructures identified in NIPP and DHS, the Sectors specific Agency is supposed to come up with specific plans suitable for each sector that are implemented in liaison with the NIPP. These set of plans for the specific sectors are what are termed as Sector Specific Plans (Homeland Security, 2013). The SSP is meant to serve several functions including:

  • Providing the framework that identifies the nation’s critical infrastructure, assessing their possible threats and vulnerabilities, and then giving them priority protection based on assessments of the risks likely to face them.
  • Defining a sector’s duties and responsibilities and identifying their security partners as well as the body responsible for regulating the sector.
  • Enhancing partnering and interaction among sectors by encouraging sharing of information and coordination of sector activities.
  • They also establish the aims and objectives of the sectors and their respective partners. The goals are directed towards protecting a particular sector.

A good example of a sector specific plan is the Emergency Services sector specific plan, (ES SSP).  The Emergency Services Sector, ESS, deals with disaster preparedness and provision or rapid responses to sudden disaster in the nation. It also trains emergency personnel, provides emergency services by anticipating emergency threats, preventing them or reducing the impacts of such disasters, and also enhancing resilience and helping those affected by the disaster to quickly recover (Homeland Security, 2013). It aims at protecting the environment, safeguarding individual properties and minimizing vulnerability. It also entails responses to disasters such as fire, health risks. The emergency sector specific plan is the most crucial, according to me, as it serves to reduce the impacts of sudden man-made and natural disaster by providing swift response. It is also concerned with saving lives and properties of individuals as well as protecting the environment.

Lessons learnt from past Natural Disasters (Example, hurricane Katrina)

Naturals disasters have in the past rocked the nation and caused massive destruction of infrastructure, human loss, destruction of the environment, health risks and general panic and economic slump. Some of the worst natural disasters to have hit USA include hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, forest fires, and volcanic eruptions. The worst natural disaster in recent times is the Hurricane Katrina. This disaster is the worst in America’s history in terms of human loss and financial implications. It is estimated to have claimed about 1,800 lives and cost damages amounting to $18 billion. Among the lessons learnt include,

  • There is need to enhance the responsiveness during disasters and train more rapid response teams to minimize impact of disasters.
  • The nation was not well prepared to handle a disaster of such magnitude
  • There was need to increase regional coordination and planning
  • It generated a necessity to implementing the National Infrastructure Protection Plans
  • The federal government need to incorporate volunteers, NGS and other sectors to boost its efforts during a disaster.

In conclusion, the twenty first century poses widespread risks and threats to the general infrastructure of the nation. National infrastructure is very crucial in the smooth function of the economy, strengthen investor confidence and steer growth. It is necessary, therefore, to implement the National Infrastructure Protection plan and its constituent SSPs to reduce threat, increase disaster preparedness, promote resilience and recovery, and to provide general protection and security to both the physical and cyber infrastructure. Disasters, natural or man-made, may be difficult to eradicate, but their impacts can greatly be reduces if specific security and protection plans are implemented.

References

Homeland Security (2013). Hearing of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Subject: ‘The Department of Homeland Security at 10 Years: A Progress Report on Management’.

National Infrastructure Protection Plan, (2009). Partnering to Enhance Protection and Resiliency. US Department Of Homeland Security.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security, (2008). “Sector-Specific Plans,” retrieved from http://www.dhs.gov/xprevprot/programs/gc_1179866197607.shtm#2 (April 8, 2010).

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Critical Infrastructure Vulnerability and Protection

Critical Infrastructure Vulnerability and Protection
Critical Infrastructure Vulnerability and Protection

Critical Infrastructure Vulnerability and Protection

Order Instructions:

This case assignment examines Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) and intergovernmental approaches to safeguarding and to responses to natural disasters.
Read pp. 71-75. National Infrastructure Protection Plan (2009).

1. A category five hurricane that hit the town of Homer, Kansas knocked out power to homes and businesses. The telephone lines were also destroyed. To add to the monumental task of locating, triaging, and securing the safety of citizens, looters have been stealing cooper from the inactive power lines. Motorists no longer guided by traffic lights, have been negotiating pedestrians and massive debris in the streets; the town is in chaos.

• Explain the coordinated responses necessary to protect critical infrastructure and key resources (CIKR). Which agencies would be involved to restore normalcy in the Kansas town? Note: There is no one answer.

• Read Critical Infrastructure Protection. Also look up remote sensing and GIS on Google.

2. Discuss the combination of Remote Sensing (RS) and Geospatial Information System (GIS) in the transportation infrastructure protection, and flood risks of major rivers.

Length: This Case Assignment should be at least 3 pages not counting the title page and references.

References: At least two references should be included from academic sources listed below. (e.g. peer-reviewed journal articles). Required readings are included. Quoted material should not exceed 10% of the total paper (since the focus of these assignments is critical thinking).

Organization: Subheadings should be used to organize your paper according to question.

Required References:

1) Behr, P, (2011). Many U.S. nuclear plants ill-prepared to handle simultaneous threats. Scientific American. Retrieved November 18, 2012 from: http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=many-us-nuclear-plants-ill-prepared-to-handle-simultaneous-threats

2) Miller, R. (2007). Hurricane Katrina: Communications and Infrastructure Impacts. US Army War College. Retrieved November 18, 2012 from: http://www.carlisle.army.mil/DIME/documents/Hurricane%20Katrina%20Communications%20&%20Infrastructure%20Impacts.pdf

3) National infrastructure protection plan (2009). [Read 5.1 A. Coordinated National Approach to the Homeland Security Mission, pp. 71-75]. Retrieved November 18, 2012 from: http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/NIPP_Plan.pdf

4) National infrastructure protection plan Website (2013). Retrieved from:
https://www.dhs.gov/national-infrastructure-protection-plan

5) Transportation infrastructure protection (2012). The National ITS Protection. Retrieved November 18, 2012 from: http://www.iteris.com/itsarch/html/mp/mpem05.htm

 

SAMPLE ANSWER

Critical Infrastructure Vulnerability and Protection

QUESTION ONE

Infrastructure and the protection of key resources are some of the things that are given first priorities in disaster situations. These key infrastructure resources are very essential in the day-to-day running activities of the people, whether in a normal situation or in a disaster. In order to manage the disaster effectively, a disaster management plan should be in place. This must include clear communication and information sharing among the groups involved in restoring normalcy to the people.  Lack of proper communication and coordination leads to difficult in achieving normalcy restoration.  In the Kansas, the communication and transport infrastructure have been interfered with. Looting of the electric cables is very high. There is an urgent need to protect the cables and enable transport and communication back to normal operation. These are the most basic factors that lead to the growth of the economy and, therefore, should be restored as soon as possible.

The Department of Homeland Security is one of the very basic agencies that are required in the restoration of normalcy in Homer. This department is responsible for the overall coordination of the CIKR and the implementation of the National Infrastructure Protection Plan (NIPP) and the integration of national preparedness initiatives. The Sector-specific Agencies is responsible for the implementation of NIPP framework and guidance as tailored to the specific characteristics and risk landscapes of each of the CIKR sectors. The debris that has interrupted the roads in the town can be addressed by this agency by removing the debris so that transportation services can be resumed. Boards, Commissions and Councils are responsible for the oversight of the business operations, policy and regulatory framework adherence by all the businesses in the world (National infrastructure protection plan, 2009).

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) and Mobile Emergency Response Support are the very basic teams that need to be coordinated in order to respond to the Kansas hurricane. These two teams are designed to respond to the situations by providing emergency communications services to the people at the Homer town. As stated in the case study communication lines have been tampered with and therefore effective communication is very difficult. These two teams can provide the communication services that are required in order to coordinate the efforts of all those teams involved in restoring normalcy in the area. For instance, the police communications system has been interfered with, therefore, they cannot be able to secure the cables form looting by the thieves. In order to coordinate the police and security efforts they need to communicate and therefore there is a need for emergency communication service provision by the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) and Mobile Emergency Response Support (Miller, 2007).

QUESTION TWO

The remote sensing systems are designed to take images of the earth from the space. These images are taken from space by aircrafts or spacecraft at scales form a few kilometers to the entire globe. These images can be taken to assess the situation of the ground or the infrastructure and provide the appropriate systems to the geospatial information system centre. This information can be availed to the relevant authorities to act on. The remote sensing systems are set to continuously monitor the situation on the ground. There are designated people who control this systems and monitor for any signal that may lead to appropriate emergency respond to specific situation. The interference of the telecommunication and the transport infrastructure vandalism can be monitored by the use of these remote sensing systems from the space. One of the advantages of this system is that they allow images of different places to be taken from any point in the space. When these images have been taken then the information is transmitted digitally to the control centre. The images can also send signals indicating interference at certain points along the communication lines or the roads. This information is then sent to the appropriate authorities who can then respond accordingly in order to safe or respond to the emergency situation (Behr, 2011).

In monitoring rivers and floods, these systems can be used to provide and monitor the water levels of rivers. The systems can be set to indicate when the amount of water is at the risk of flooding. Then the signal is to the information system centre in form of an alarm so that the system attendees can recognize it as being very urgent. This information is relayed with immediate effect to the appropriate disaster responding unit who in turn responds to the emergency in the most appropriate manner.

Proper coordination and communication is very necessary in disaster management. Proper implementation and the management of the disaster management plan help the nation tackle the problems of the infrastructure and communication interference. Information collection and sharing effectively is very crucial in managing disasters before and after they occur.

References

Behr, P, (2011). Many U.S. nuclear plants ill-prepared to handle simultaneous threats. Scientific

American. Retrieved October, 07, 2014
from:http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=many-us-nuclear-plants-ill-prepared-to-handle-simultaneous-threats

Miller, R. (2007). Hurricane Katrina: Communications and Infrastructure Impacts. US Army

War College. Retrieved October 07, 2014 from: http://www.carlisle.army.mil/DIME/documents/Hurricane%20Katrina%20Communications%20&%20Infrastructure%20Impacts.pdf

National infrastructure protection plan (2009). [Read 5.1 A. Coordinated National Approach to

the Homeland Security Mission, pp.71-75]. Retrieved October 07, 2014
from: http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/NIPP_Plan.pdf

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