Theoretical Perspective Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Theoretical Perspective - Research Paper Example Project managers usually use emails and video conferencing techniques for a two way communication with his team members. Apart from this, special 3D and 2D satellite images are used by project managers for detecting the areas of oil spills and the working condition of the pumps. The manager then schedules the maintenance plan for the same. The oil and gas field can also be detected under the sea or on ground through 3D images of Stereo satellites. The companies are injecting the most advanced technologies to increase the efficiency of the workforce and also maximize the profit. Increasing use of these VPM tools is also helping the industry to decrease their operating expenses and this might also affect the price of oil and gases in the global market in future. Table of Contents Virtual Project Management 4 Virtual Project Management (VPM) Tools 4 VPM Tools in Oil Producing Environment 5 Current and Future Abilities for Project Implementation 6 Effect of New Technology on Projects and Members round the World 7 References 8 Virtual Project Management We often see that, the project teams are generally dispersed in many different locations of the world. The projects in MNCs are generally given to team, in which the members might be working from different parts of the world. Sometimes a single project is carried out by different companies. The geographically dispersed work or project is often called virtual projects. Virtual projects are called so because most of the communication regarding the project is done through email, video conferencing, telephone or using other forms of technology. The long distance communication methods and techniques are no longer expensive or prohibited. It helps the project managers to communicate with his project team frequently and openly (Mantel, Meredith, & Shafer, 2006, p. 56). Virtual Project Management (VPM) Tools In Virtual Management, the whole team is mainly depended upon the technological aspects. As such most of the work and decision making functions are undertaken through web-based technology such as internet. The tools that are used in virtual project management need to fit in the teams from all round the world. The main function that any VPM tool should have, is to allow the project team members to communicate with one another efficiently, as all the team member are in separate locations. Moreover, they might not have knowledge of each other's prior work experiences. In this case communication becomes the only key for discussing and formulating plans regarding the project. Secondly, the tools should also allow the team members to collaborate in the virtual space. The tools should also help the project manager to manage the project functions, schedule the resources and also track the progress of the tasks. The VPM tools are usually web based applications, which are used to create schedules and assign tasks. The resources and activities of team members are monitored and important documents are also exc hanged through these tools. VPM Tools in Oil Producing Environment Virtual project management tools are very useful in the field of natural resources such as minerals, oil and gas. Since, these natural resources are usually found in remote areas, so technological tools play a very important role in detecting and planning out the projects. In such cases, satellite, and airborne remote sensing technology is often used to select the oil and gas

Technological advances of globalization Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Technological advances of globalization - Essay Example But government policy and technical developments of the last few years have urged increases in cross border trade, migration, and investment. The volume of world trade has increased in recent years. Comparatively, today globalization is very faster cheaper, farther and deeper than olden years. The current policies such as domestically and internationally open economies are major reasons for the current wave of the globalization. In the last two decades, many governments have tried or adapted free-market economy systems for international trade and investment. To promote trade in goods, services, and investment government also have provided reductions in barriers to commerce. Corporations have opened factories in foreign countries and established production and marketing preparations with foreign associates by getting a benefit of new opportunities in overseas markets. Technology is known as the other chief driver of globalization. Information technologies have given all kinds of indiv idual financial players - consumers, investors, businesses - valuable new tools for recognizing and continuing economic opportunities, including quicker and more conversant analyses of economic styles around the globe, easy transfers of belongings, and alliance with distant partners. Globalization has now become a controversial matter. ... Resistance to globalization has therefore taken figure both at a popular and at a government level as people and government attempt to supervise the flow of investment, merchandise, employment, and ideas that represent the present wave of globalization. Even though globalization has now become a fiscal, political and social concept, it is not a new occurrence. Travelers such as Marco polo, and Ibn Battuta were innovators of globalization facing casualty and risk in their mission to explore new distant land. But in 21st century, globalization receives on a new definition. It might mean sitting in your room in U.S while talking with a companion in U.K. Trade, Health, Environment, and culture Trade is a significant part of globalization. It steers globalization. Current shipping and telecommunication facilities enable exports to and imports from distant places without any difficulty. But few trade policies, international rules and regulations can still create problems for developing nations. Globalization has had spectacular effects on health department. Treatments for deceases such as HIV/AIDS are commonly accessible, and their costs have fallen by the reason of international agreements. Latest medicinal stuffs to identify, measure, and treat known and emerging diseases are being used all over the globe. The people are more conscious on health issues by the entry of internet and e-mail. At the same time the global actions teams such as national institutes, international bodies, and public society are helping to amplify alertness, monitor developments, and generate solutions to health issues. On the other hand, cross border voyage increases HIV/AIDS and other contagious

Hyatt Walkway Essay Example for Free

Hyatt Walkway Essay In Hyatt Regency Hotel in Kansas City, in 1981, connections supported the ceiling rods holding up the second and the fourth floor walkways has failed and collapsed and fell down on the first floor where was so crowded then and resulted in 114 deaths and over 200 injuries. Beside of the loss of lives, this collapse left millions dollars in cost behind and a number of principals lost their engineering licenses and number of firms went bankruptcy. As for the events triggered this collapse affecting the thousands of people adversely, the most critical and important factor was the change of the design of the hanger rod connections from one-rod to two-rod system to make the assembly task simpler doubling the load on the connector. Improper design utilizing abrupt section changes, resulting in stress concentrations Degradation of materials in a connection. Improper design due to lack of consideration of all forces acting on a connection, especially those associated with volume changes. Lack of consideration of large residual stresses resulting from manufacture or fabrication. These are the most important structural factors caused of the walkway collapse. And it is resulted from the conflictual and controversial communication between the Havens Steel Company and G.C.E International Inc. This can be deemed as the most important factor triggered the walkway collapse because of the fact that these two professional engineering companies obviously were not able to communicate each other in professional bounders and haven’t acted in a responsible way and understood the importance of the job they were doing. G.C.E International Inc., Daniel M. Duncan and Jack D. Gillum is the most blame for walkway collapse because of charging gross negligence, incompetence, misconduct and unprofessional conduct in the practice of engineering in connection with their performance of engineering services in the design and construction of the Hyatt Regency Hotel. G.C.E International Inc. bears the most responsibility because of the fact that they were the responsible one on design changing and they were failed on final check step by approving the design change opinion by the Havens Company and they have failed on it. G.C.E International Inc. and Havens Company were involved in key decisions because of the fact that Havens Company proposed the design change on as mentioned above and G.C.E International Inc. accepted this offer after receiving the shop drawings.

Cultural and Language Barriers in Communication

Cultural and Language Barriers in Communication Cultural and language barriers to effective business communication in manufacturing and construction industries in the city of Charlotte of North Carolina and ways to overcome them the last decade. The foreign-born workers in the city of Charlotte have been expanded and they are increasingly becoming a vital part of the community and local workforce. While many foreign-born workers have assimilated into the workplace, others make an effort to overcome cultural and language barriers that exist. In my opinion, it is in the best interest of employers to better understand and help bridge the cultural and language divide as more foreign-born workers stream into the workforce. Being proactive in helping break down these barriers can reduce costly, on-the-job accidents caused by workers not fully understanding safety rules or operational procedures, improve employers ability to recruit, hire and retain workers; and increase workers productivity. According to U.S Census Bureau from the article Foreign-Born Population in the United States the author argues that like other metropolitan areas around the country, Charlotte-Mecklenburg has experienced significant increases in foreign-born residents and workers over the last decade. In 1990, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that approximately 3.5% of Mecklenburg Countys population was foreign-born, or around 18,000 people. While official 2000 Census data on the foreign-born population will not be released until late 2002, preliminary Census information reveals a 162% increase in Mecklenburg Countys Asian population between 1990 and 2000 and a 570% increase in the Hispanic/Latino population. Together, these two population segments accounted for more than one-quarter (28.2%) of the countys overall population growth during the decade. Immigrants from other regions of the world are also rising in number, further diversifying Charlotte-Mecklenburgs population. According to the 2000 Census, approximately 21,000 non- Hispanic or Asian immigrants were living in Mecklenburg County in 2000. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools reports that over 84 languages are now spoken within the international student population. The Census Bureau projects we will continue to see increases in our foreign-born population over the next several decades, particularly Hispanic/Latino residents. The number of new Hispanic residents is expected to increase at a rate of 10 million people every 10 years nationwide. According to the Bureau, the western states will likely see the largest increases, followed by south and southeastern states. North Carolina currently ranks 9th among all states in the number of Mexican-born residents. (U.S. Census Bureau, 2000) According to the web site www.charlotteworks.org In some cultures, a social hierarchy often exists that can create bumps in communication in the workplace. For example, in many countries, women are subordinate to men. Working in an American business, women from these countries may feel uncomfortable or violated in some way. In contrast, males with such cultural backgrounds may not adapt well to working equally with females or having female supervisors. (www.charlotteworks.org) This opinion indicates that there is a difference between males and females, men and women about the perception of roles and status that each of them can adapt in the workplace. This understanding of interaction between sexes and roles assigned in various cultures can be very important for employers to take it into account. According to the journal article Language management in multinational companies the author argues that body language says a lot, but it can be interpreted differently in the world. For example most Americans typically signal no in shaking their heads, but people from dome countries raise their chins. (Alan J. Feely, Anne-Wil Harzing 2003, p.37) I think body language is very important for the workplace to be adapted. Several people have different kinds of elements in body language such as shaking their heads and hands, raise their chins and also eye contact. Cultural differences in non-verbal behaviours are a common source of misunderstandings and conflict in the workplace. For instance, many westerners like to make eye contact, interpreting it as an indication of interest and honesty. They also show friendliness through relaxed body language. If these behaviours do not happen, it can be interpreted as shiftiness, coldness and disinterest. However, in some cultures, averted eyes and non-demonstrable behaviour are a sign of courtesy and respect. Being aware of these nuances will help you to reduce negative impressions in inter-cultural communications among your staff. All these reactions have different meanings from people who come from different cultures. According to the newspaper article International relations the journalist says that in many cultures religion dominates life in a way that is often difficult for Americans to understand. (Network World, p.47) I believe that is very difficult for Americans to understand religion differences that occur among cultures. For example, workers from some Muslim cultures may want to pray three times a day in accordance with theirs values and beliefs. There may also be religious holidays on which people of certain religions are forbidden to work or need to follow certain customs. For some of them maybe is a way of life to respect all these things and also these differences need to be respected from others, and the needs associated with religious commitments understood and sensitively negotiated within the workplace. Clear communication on both sides about these issues is to be encouraged, where possible and not ignored. According to the book Intercultural communication for Business the author argues that hygiene and grooming, as well as attire can vary from country to country and culture to culture. (Elizabeth A. Tuleja, 2005; p55) Some people may wear attire such as a headdress as part of their customs and beliefs. So, to remain true to all this tradition workers may want to continue to wear this dress in the American workplace. Employers may view this as inappropriate or unsafe but is part of their culture to dress like this and it must also be respectable from their supervisors or employers. It is particularly problematic in businesses in which workers wear uniforms. In another example, immigrants from India, Turkey or other countries may use spices in their diets that are emitted through the body. American workers can interpret this as dirty or unhygienic. Employers have to handle these issues sensitively and proactively to avoid unnecessary conflict and distress. Thus, the personal appearance is another factor that is very important on the workplace and entails differences among various countries and cultures. Clearly it is the responsibility of immigrant workers to learn English and adapt to the cultural norms in the American workplace. However, this can take time. Employers have much to gain from helping their workers bridge the cultural divide. Too many employers expecting immigrant workers to figure things out for themselves, which doesnt work in many cases. Nor is it a wise business decision. The benefits to employers of investing time and resources in helping immigrant workers adapt to the workplace include increased productivity and performance, greater trust and loyalty among workers and improved safety. This can translate into higher business profits in the long run. So, human resource professionals have to offer some tips or suggestions for employers who want to strengthen and retain their immigrant workforce. Employers have to learn as much as they can about the culture of the people they are dealing with, particularly if they employ several people from the same cultural background. According to the journal article Overcoming Cultural and Language Barriers in Facilitation and Training the author argues that getting to know a persons culture is a first step to getting to know them as individuals. (Anthony Griffin, 2002, p.37) Thus, employers have to respect individual differences, abilities and personalities. Even though people may share a common language or culture, it doesnt mean they are alike, any more than all Americans are alike. Stereotyping discounts individuals and can limit options for them in the workplace. An other suggestion for employers can be to provide an orientation program for new hires that addresses some of the cultural differences and language barriers. This can help head off confusing or potentially unpleasant experiences for international employees. Moreover, employers can consider having co-workers serve as mentors or coaches to help new workers adapt to the culture and vocabulary of the workplace. Furthermore, when employers working with immigrants, have to refrain from using jargon or slang that might not translate well. They have to choose words that convey the most specific meaning and stick to one topic at a time. According to the book Hiring and Managing a Culturally Diverse Workforce the author argues that when employers have to train immigrant employees, make sure they understand their training material and why it is useful to them. (Brian K. Linhardt, 2000; p.53) Employers can use techniques such as graphics or demonstrations to illustrate points whenever possible. Often the lack of effective training tools and qualified instructors can leave immigrant workers out of the training loop and limit their opportunities to enhance their skills and advance in the workplace. Also, employers have to never assume that their communication with the workers with limited English-speaking abilities has been understood. It will be a good idea for them to ask for feedback or for demonstration, particularly when employers are training the workers. According to the magazine article Cultural Sensitivity Makes Good Business Sense the journalist argues that employers have to recognize the broad ethnic diversity that exists within groups. (HR Magazine, p.67) These groups might be Hispanics or Asians. Employers dont have to assume that everyone shares common cultural backgrounds or languages just because they came from the same region of the world. Someone labeled Hispanic may come from the mountains of Chili, a large Central American city or a rural village in Mexico. The same is true for immigrants from the many different Asian countries where cultures and languages vary widely. In addition, employers have to be patient with their workforce. A thoughtful supervisor or co-worker can make all the difference in helping and prevent feelings of inadequacy and embarrassment when a person cannot express him or herself clearly or fully. Moreover, employers can recruit bilingual managers and supervisors to server as the communication link between cultures and engage co-workers to serve as translators while people are learning English. Also, if there is a large number of people in need of learning English, employers can help and educate those people to learn English as a second language. The lessons can be taught during the lunch hour or other times during the day. To do so, it is important to create a safe environment for learning. Helping people learn English is a way to build trust and loyalty. According to the book Bridging Cultural Barriers for Corporate Success the author argues that employers have to help workers take care of their basic survival needs (Sondra Thiederman, 1991, p.89) For example, helping them find transportation to and from work can reduce fears of the unknown and build trust and loyalty with the worker. Companies can have cooperation with the city of Charlotte and make contracts to provide vanpool vans to transport a group of immigrants workers to and from work at little cost to the companies or the workers. Other ways to help may include assisting workers establish credit or file income tax returns, which can seem to be monumental tasks for someone who doesnt know the system. Furthermore, employers have to provide sensitivity training to native workers in the company to make them more aware of and sensitive toward the different cultural differences. Needless to say, that employers have to promote immigrants when appropriate, not only to give people more opportunities, but to show other immigrants that they can advance if they prove themselves. It is a reward for them to be promoted and also a fair system of the workforce evaluation. The first source describes and gives a demographic evaluation of the foreign workforce in the city of Charlotte. The following four sources deal with the cultural and language barriers in the workplace. On the web site the factors that have been described are roles and status. Each culture has its own social hierarchy and that feature affects communication in the workplace. On the other hand the journal article describes the characteristics of body language. Body language can be interpreted differently among different cultures in the workplace. Each culture has different meanings and codes which are derived from body language. Apart from the web site and journal article, the newspaper article rely on religion. Religion is a very important part of peoples life and for some cultures is actually a way of life to depend on it, and so that has an impact to the workplace environment. The last source that has derived from the book mentions that different personal appearance has to do from v arious countries and cultures. So, inappropriate or unsafe attire in a workplace environment can provoke the behavior of employers or supervisors. The last four sources describe the ways in which employers can help bridge the cultural and language divide in the workplace. On the journal article the author explains that employers have to respect individual differences, abilities and personalities in order to have a better idea about the persons culture and also get to know him as individual. On the other hand, according to the book Hiring and Managing a Culturally Diverse Workforce the author explains the importance of the training of immigrant employees and how must be implemented in order to understand the immigrants the training material and why it is useful for them. Apart from the journal article and the book, the magazine article rely on the ability of the employer to recognize the broad ethnic diversity that exists within groups. Employers dont have to assume that everyone shares common cultural backgrounds or languages just because they came from the same region of the world. The last source that derived from the book Bridging Cultural Barriers for Corporate Success mentions that employers have to help workers take care of their basic survival needs, such as helping them find transportation to and from work in order to feel more comfortable. The amount of information that each source describes may not be so much but the authors of each source explain the topic in depth. Each of the author mentions one characteristic that is relevant for the topic and can all be explained more with examples in every day life. Furthermore, the kind of information that each of the source contains has to do with the opinions and personal views of the authors that are derived by personal experience, research and professionalism about topics that occur in contemporary business society. I believe that the subject is very clear and is helpful to me to understand the topic, so to provide the appropriate details and explanations to cover the subject and analyze the thesis statement in order to fulfill the purpose of the topic. All language and cultural barriers may not have such dire consequences, but they can contribute to a lack of productivity, mistakes being made or general lack of trust between the employer and workers, all of which could be avoided if communication were clearer. Even if workers can speak English fairly well, the lingo, slang or jargon that is commonly used by Americans or is specific to different industries can create difficulties for foreign workers. We take it for granted that everyone knows what we are talking about. Not knowing these terms does not imply a person isnt smart or capable, but he or she simply may not have learned the words or jargon that are commonly used by others on the job or in everyday conversation. In my opinion, I believe that it depends to the employer to help the foreign workforce to adapt more easily in the new culture for them, the American culture. In addition, the foreign workforce has to try to do their best but mostly it is in the best interest of employers to better understand and help bridge the cultural and language divide as more foreign-born workers stream into the workforce. Because ethnic diversity is part of the new reality of the American workplace, it is important for the business community, workforce educators, trainers and other human resource professionals to gain a better understanding of and sensitivity to language barriers and cultural differences among workers from all backgrounds. Such understanding and sensitivity will help employers increase recruitment, hiring, retention and advancement of immigrant workers. Ultimately, it will help businesses remain competitive by maintaining a stable, productive and safe workforce.

The Relationship of Education and Technology Essay -- Argumentative Pe

The Relationship of Education and Technology Today's society seems to be relying more and more on technology. Computers are being placed in almost every machine placed on the market today. That brings to our attention that in the future things aren't going to change. Technology will increase as jobs may decrease and as the need for people with degrees in Computer Science and Engineering become most valuable to the labor industry. With all of this technology booming going on, where does education go in the middle of all of this? Does technology hold a position in education? Better yet, does education hold a position in all of this technology? I will answer these questions and more in following pages. The need for better education has been increasing significantly over many years now. Educators are not just being told to teach reading, writing, or arithmetic anymore. They are instructed to teach all of these things but with use of technology. With all of the technology coming out these days students are in need of the hi-tech knowledge. Making some educators go back to learn about the top technology in their fields. This bringing one of the first reasons that technology in education has its good and bad points. First, making educators go back to school time and time again only makes educators? jobs more difficult. There is more expected of them. On the positive side having educators go back to school and learn about the best technology increases the students? chances in having the best education that they could possibly have. Another point is the fact that technology is taking over. More and more educational tools are being created to increase students? learning abilities. Not only will these tools ... ...you expect everything to be run by computers then you are waiting for a let down after you must pay for the repairs of the machines you rely on. Teachers are the best source of information. Educators can be closely related to computers. You should respect us as you would a computer. You should allow time to recharge our batteries. Teachers also need to be upgraded. We can?t just give out the information we know, we must learn new information so that the old stuff can be renewed. Where technology seems to be taking over, schools may have a bit of technology in them but will not allow to be taken over by technology. I especially will not allow the technology take over. Works Cited Dell Computers. WWW. 1999-2003. www.Dell.com US Department of Education. Teaching with Technology. WWW. 1998. http://nces.ed.gov/pubs2002/2002161.pdf

game :: essays research papers

Gigabyte has finally unveiled their new video card based on the Radeon 8500. The Radeon 8500 has been recieving good press from other review sites and users with the latest drivers. Gigabyte has decided to jump on the bandwagon and released their 8500 based card with a core/clock of 275/275MHz. The Maya Serial as it will be called will feature 3.6NS ram which is on par with the retail ATI Radeon 8500. It also features Gigabyte's V-Tuner which allows temperature monitoring and overclocking. This should allow users to monitor temperatures of the Graphics Card more accurately then when measured with devices such as a Compunurse. Gigabyte Announces All New Graphics card Called ?g MAYA Serial ?h With ATi GPU Gigabyte has always concentrated the efforts in bringing top-of-the-line and admirable product to the global market. MAYA Serial 3D graphics accelerator, the masterpiece with newly released ATi Chipset, offers numerously genius designs and utilities you have never seen. It also supports high-speed DDR SDRAM memory?iAP Serial?j, ensured a outstanding 3D graphics performance even in the high loading of 3D Applications or 3D multi-work. As the MAYA Serial required a better heatsink, not surprisingly the card is fitted with a bigger fan-sink as well as heatsinks High performance on the RAM module?iAP/AR Serial?jto make the overclocked components run as stable as possible. All MAYA Serial utilizes the recently announced DirectX 8.x driver, providing unprecedented levels of 3D game performance and animation quality, enable users to experience a rich 3D environment. Gigabyte patented graphics accelerator driver / V-Tuner Utility In order to meet market requirement, the patented driver included a driver interface specific designed for MAYA Serial graphics accelerators called ?gV-Tuner?h. When users install the V-Tuner, the driver icon will be appeared and exists in the desktop. As long as you right click the icon, V-Tuner will generate a full-function optional menu immediately. game :: essays research papers Gigabyte has finally unveiled their new video card based on the Radeon 8500. The Radeon 8500 has been recieving good press from other review sites and users with the latest drivers. Gigabyte has decided to jump on the bandwagon and released their 8500 based card with a core/clock of 275/275MHz. The Maya Serial as it will be called will feature 3.6NS ram which is on par with the retail ATI Radeon 8500. It also features Gigabyte's V-Tuner which allows temperature monitoring and overclocking. This should allow users to monitor temperatures of the Graphics Card more accurately then when measured with devices such as a Compunurse. Gigabyte Announces All New Graphics card Called ?g MAYA Serial ?h With ATi GPU Gigabyte has always concentrated the efforts in bringing top-of-the-line and admirable product to the global market. MAYA Serial 3D graphics accelerator, the masterpiece with newly released ATi Chipset, offers numerously genius designs and utilities you have never seen. It also supports high-speed DDR SDRAM memory?iAP Serial?j, ensured a outstanding 3D graphics performance even in the high loading of 3D Applications or 3D multi-work. As the MAYA Serial required a better heatsink, not surprisingly the card is fitted with a bigger fan-sink as well as heatsinks High performance on the RAM module?iAP/AR Serial?jto make the overclocked components run as stable as possible. All MAYA Serial utilizes the recently announced DirectX 8.x driver, providing unprecedented levels of 3D game performance and animation quality, enable users to experience a rich 3D environment. Gigabyte patented graphics accelerator driver / V-Tuner Utility In order to meet market requirement, the patented driver included a driver interface specific designed for MAYA Serial graphics accelerators called ?gV-Tuner?h. When users install the V-Tuner, the driver icon will be appeared and exists in the desktop. As long as you right click the icon, V-Tuner will generate a full-function optional menu immediately.

Immanuel Kant Essay

A. Kant’s ethical theory Standard rationality is the major foundation of Kant’s ethical theory. Moral requirements are also associated with the standard rationality but this standard could be based on instrumental principles of rationality or based on the sui generis rational instinct. A conventional conformity could be achieved through the analysis of rationality with instrumental principles. Kant argued that conforming to instrumental and non-instrumental principles (â€Å"Categorical Imperative†) will both be justified to rationality (Kant’s Moral Philosophy 2004). Kant supported his arguments that being rational reflect free will, law of autonomous will. Each of us is accepted based on our self-governing reasons and gain equal respect from other people. According to him, the standard of rationality is the key foundation of moral requirements. Violation of such rule is thereby irrational. Kant believed that a â€Å"good will† is the highest notion of being such ‘good person’, or ‘a person of good will’ (Kant’s Moral Philosophy 2004). There are no other qualifications of being ‘good’ other than ‘good will’. Basically, the notion of ‘good will’ is the possession of a will that is consistent and on the basis with the notion of the moral law. A person of good will is the one who make decisions, do good things in such a way that he/she told to be morally and taking moral considerations According to Kant, the outcome for search for the inherent and fundamental ‘good’ was not inherently good. Happiness and pleasure could be the result from most evil acts. In fact, he use the term good to describe the ‘good will’ – the resolution in accordance with duty. He believed that reason would give individuals to work out what one’s duty was. Kant also criticized the notion that we are free. According to him, we can’t be described as free if our actions are just circling around a defined boundary. He also stressed that following the belief that god and life is existing, morality would make no sense. The principle that one should act in accordance with such truths was criticized by Kant for this principle says that we would perform these actions of which it is true that they are right and ought to be performed. Wolff’s principle tells that actions must be performed if it falls under the concept ‘to be done’. Autonomy and Heteronomy In philosophical perspective, autonomy refers when a person/individual acts by himself/herself based from his/her internal drives, needs and ideals while heteronomy is defined when an individual acts based upon outside forces and responsibilities. According to Kant, â€Å"Autonomous agents† acts to what their instinct tell them (Kant’s Moral Philosophy 2004). In addition, they act in accordance with the categorical imperative of willing what is â€Å"univerzable† to be known and consistent with moral law. â€Å"Heteronomous agents† think first to the possible consequences of their actions as affected by their environment (Kant’s Moral Philosophy 2004). They derive principles of actions from outside by putting into consideration the consequences of their action or the perception of others towards one thing or object. In a narrow perspective (person), autonomy reflects to selecting right decisions for one-self. In broader sense (political perspective), autonomy reflects the right of self-determination (Kant’s Moral Philosophy 2004). A heteronomous will lies its rules of actions that have been legislated externally to it while autonomous will is completely self-legislating. Kant’s Categorical Imperative Kant is known form his theory called the ‘categorical imperative’ rooted from the idea of duty. According to him, categorical imperative is a principle that is essentially and fundamentally legitimate; universally good to him and to others; it requires to comply with when the situation is associated with the moral law.   Ã‚  Ã‚   His theory is the fundamental foundation at the basis of all our moral values and duties. If we observe, it coined the word â€Å"imperative.† His theory is an imperative for it is a command. It informs and commands us to exercise our wills in a particular way, and not performing the opposite of the theory. Kant distinguished another form of ‘oughts’ other than our moral duties. This principle is so called â€Å"hypothetical imperative† (Kant’s Moral Philosophy 2004) which is being based on a quite different kind of principle. Like categorical imperative, hypothetical imperative is also a command that also applies to us in virtue of having a good will. However, it is not simply a virtue for we have need of to exercising our wills. Hence, this theory is a command in a conditional form. Kant listed three formulation of the categorical imperative which he believed to be   almost equivalent – Formula of Universal Law (First Formulation), Formula of the End in Itself Second Formulation), and Formula of Autonomy (Third Formulation). The Formula of Universal Law simply states that the maxim should be selected. A supreme law guides this formulation – to do deeds in harmony with that maxim. The first formulation is interpreted as â€Å"universality test† having five steps: (1) finding the agent’s maxim; (2) putting oneself in a parallel circumstance on the real world agent followed that maxim; (3) decide on contradictions; (4) if there’s contradiction, acting on that maxim is not permissible in the real world, and (5) if there’s no contradiction, acting on that maxim is allowed. The second formulation simply says to respect for humanity. Don’t put an end to a certain situation by doing bad deeds just to serve as a getaway. According to him, we must all act accordingly to every rational being and to place restrictions on the acts we adopt on the search of our ends, do not accept it. Kant enumerated two kinds of imperative – hypothetical and categorical. Hypothetical imperative requires an immediate action because it is a necessity and a requirement. In example, if I am hungry, then I must eat something. Categorical imperative refers to an unmodified, categorical prerequisite that is both a requirement and justified. In Kant’s hypothetical imperative, he believed that it would not be accepted. Hypothetical moral systems cannot be as bases for moral judgments since imperatives are subjective. What is morally accepted in an individual may not be absolutely true for others. Consequently, the categorical imperative was presented as an option to the inconsistency of hypothetical imperative (Kant’s Moral Philosophy 2004). Categorical Imperative: Autonomous Ethical Choice The foundation of Kant’s theory states that human wills are self-directed. He believed that we could understand and justify moral requirements if we could be self-governing. Freedom is not merely consisting of any law that everyone is liberated to perform a certain actions. However, freedom is consisting of a law in such a way that this law, in some sense, would allow individuals for one’s own making. The idea of freedom as autonomy is where a person has laid down laws where he has also the decisive authority. Kant explains that free will is naturally inexplicable. A rational person would base his/her decisions on reasons and justifications of his/her act. Categorical Imperative is met when a person justified his/her acts. Thus, reflecting to autonomous ethical choice of a person. With our free will and/or autonomous ethical choices, we act on it objectively. B. Kant’s Ethical Theory: An Analysis For me, I support Kant’s theory on ethical decision-making. Kant pointed-out, we cannot exceed to the limitations of our thinking. Based from our line of reasoning, we justified things objectively. We make decisions based on our understanding. I think these statements are true and absolute. Kant’s argued that categorical imperative must reflect on our free will. He argued that instrumental and non-instrumental principles are necessary to meet the categorical imperatives. General facts may or may not be true for a person who do not understand its concepts or understand it on the other perspective. Good will responds to the universal moral law and we follow these laws according to our autonomous acts. We accept humanity, rational agency as represented by our understanding.