Management Information Systems

Management Information Systems Abstract This study examines the effects of rapid changes in information technology in decision-making. The rapid changes in technology have led to changes the way managers make decisions. Managers tend to change their policies and decision-making processes depending on the most current technology.Advertising We will write a custom thesis sample on Management Information Systems specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More However, the rapid changes in technology are extremely to the extent that managerial decision making has been affected severely. This study will be conducted to see how managers have adapted to rapid changes in information technology. Background Adoption of Information technology support decisions making process at different levels of the organizational. Managers make structured decisions (Ayadi 56). These decisions are usually dependent on the information technology adopted. Studies have shown that manager decision-making proc ess is structured according to the technology they are hoping to adopt. However, with the rapid changes in the technology the process of structuring the decision making process has become difficult. Managers find the task of incorporating the concept of rapid changes into the process of decision making difficult. Managers believe that the cost of adopting new technology is escalating with growth in the IT industry (Miles 45). Managers have the duty of adopting new technology in an entity. However, technology is changing at a faster rate than most elements that affect managerial decision-making. Most managers, in the current world, are of the opinion that rapid changes in technology are affecting the process of decision-making (Ayadi 122). This has led to managers developing different attitudes and perceptions towards the rate of technological changes. Various managers argue that with the rapid changes in IT, the new technology adopted by an entity becomes outdated before it has been implemented fully. A good example of such a case was the advance in Microsoft operating system between 2006 and 2010. Many entities upgraded their computers from lower operating systems like XP to windows 7 operating system. However, before the Windows 7 was fully implemented, Microsoft upgraded their operating system software. They came up with Windows 8 that was more advanced than Windows 7 (Jones 256). These rapid changes in technology are making managers more cautious while adopting new technology. Decision-making is a critical tool in determining the competence of a manager.Advertising Looking for thesis on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Managers therefore have to be careful while making decisions on information technology since such decisions may determine how competent a manager is. Managers have adopted the use of models to assist them in the processes of decision-making (Jones 320). Ra pid technological changes have also led to development of new policies and procedures. Managers have been forced to learn a new code of conduct that is compatible with the new technology. Advances in technology have led to overlaps in policies. Changes in technology have also lead to scrapping off redundant policies. New policies have been introduction of new to cater for the rapid changes in technology. In the process of adopting new policies and adopting new ones, policies may overlap. Sometimes a policy vacuum is created thus making it difficult for manager to make crucial decisions on certain matters. In such cases, managers tend to use old policies that may be irrelevant in current decision-making process (Miles 119). Problem Statement Technology is changing at a rapid rate. With every new dawn, there is always new technology. It has become a difficult task for managers to keep up with the technological changes in their organizations. Due to the rapid changes in technology, man agers are finding it difficult to choose the most appropriate piece of technology that would suit their function. Adopting relevant technology is becoming harder and harder for managers. Therefore, different managers tend to have different attitudes and perceptions regarding changes technology. These attitudes and perceptions affect managers’ decision making processes. Moreover, managers’ view on adopting new technology is changing. This has been attributed to the rising costs of keeping up with the rapid technological changes. Institutions in the current world adopt technology that is deemed relevant. Managers have shifted their decision-making stance in cases that involve technology. Instead of adopting newest technology, they only adopt relevant technology. This enables them to cut their costs and maintain the company’s profitability in the process. Objectives of the Study The main objective of this project is to determine whether there are significant effect s on rapid changes in technology in decision-making process. The specific objectives includeAdvertising We will write a custom thesis sample on Management Information Systems specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Analyzing decision-making models that have been formulated with emergence of information technology. Determine the challenges facing managers in adopting new technology Propose areas requiring further research to fix the problem associated with new technology. Research Questions How does the rapid growth in technology affect decision-making? Have managers formulated models to assist in tackling this problem? What are the challenges facing managers when adopting new technology? Which area in decision making in regards to information technology require further studies? Limitations of the Study This study is to be conducted within a limited period of time that is insufficient to establish the full extent of the effects of rapid technology advances on the process of decision-making. Financial constraints also prevent study to be conducted effectively and efficiently especially the interviews that are to be conducted to managers of large-scale organizations who utilize management information systems as part of their management techniques. It will thus be difficult to determine the influence of management information systems across large range managers to determine how each manager is affected by the decisions made. Ayadi, Ingvar. Organizational Management in Modern Times. Tunis: Mashall publishers, 2009. Print Jones, Mitchel. The 21st Century Economy. London: Sage, 2005. Print Miles, Peters. Planning and Decision Making. Boston: Yale Publishers, 2002. Print

Dual Degree vs Double Major Which Is Right For You

Dual Degree vs Double Major Which Is Right For You SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips Got a passion for more than one field of study? Then you might be interested in studying two fields simultaneously with either a double major or dual degree. What is the main difference between a double major and a dual degree? And how can you figure out which option will be a better fit for you? In this dual degree vs double major guide, we go over the fundamental difference between the two academic paths, define each option in detail, and take a look at the most important similarities and differences between the two. We also offer you some tips to help you determine whether a double major or dual degree will work better for you based on your preferences and goals. The Basic Difference Between Double Major and Dual Degree The key difference between a double major and a dual degree lies in what you receive when you graduate from college. With a double major, you're earning just one bachelor’s degree (i.e., one diploma) with specializations in two fields. However, with a dual degree, you’re earning two separate degrees/diplomas (which could be two bachelor’s degrees, a bachelor’s and a master’s, etc.) in two distinct fields. Typically, a double major means you’ll be studying two fields that are based in the same school and that’ll earn you the same type of degree, such as a Bachelor of Arts (BA), a Bachelor of Science (BS), or a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA). By contrast, a dual degree usually means you’ll be studying two unique fields that are based in two different schools and that’ll earn you two different types of degrees (e.g., a BS and a BFA). In my case, I double majored in English and East Asian Languages and Cultures (EALC) at USC. This means I earned just one college degree: a Bachelor of Arts with concentrations in English and EALC. Because classes for the English and EALC majors were both housed in the College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences (and both majors led to a BA), I was able to study the two fields under the same degree. That said, if I’d wanted to study a much more different combination of fields, such as English and architecture (which are housed in two different schools at USC), I'd needed to have studied the fields as two separate degrees, which would have earned me a BA in English and a Bachelor of Architecture. Now that you understand this basic difference, let’s take a look at the main qualities that define a dual degree and a double major. With a dual degree, you'll get two diplomas when you graduate from college. What Is a Dual Degree? A dual degree (also called a double degree) is when a student studies two different fields at the same time in order to earn two separate degrees. Depending on the university, this could be a wide combination of degrees, such as two types of bachelor’s degrees, a bachelor’s and a master's, or two master’s/professional degrees. Each degree corresponds to one of the fields in which you’re specializing. For instance, at the University of Michigan, undergraduate students can pursue a dual degree by earning a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) at the Ross School of Business and a BA, BS, BFA, etc., at another school within UM. Universities that offer dual degree programs often require students to apply and get accepted to the two schools at which the fields are housed. Because a dual degree requires students to simultaneously complete the requirements for two different degrees, it typically takes more time (more than four years or four years plus summer classes) than a regular undergraduate program does. As with any degree, you must complete all basic requirements (including general education courses and major courses) for both degrees in order to earn them. Columbia’s BA/MPA dual degree program, for example, takes a total of five years to complete- but by the end of this, you’ll be rewarded with both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. This extra time required for a dual degree naturally means that students who are pursuing one will likely have to pay more in tuition, housing, etc. Nevertheless, you’ll save money (and time!) doing a dual degree than if you had pursued the two degrees separately or at different times. A double major allows you to study two fields and get just one degree. What Is a Double Major? You’ve probably met or heard of college students doing a double major. With a double major, you earn a single degree with concentrations in two fields. These fields are typically housed in the same school or college within a university and earn you the same type of degree (e.g., a BA, a BFA, a BS, etc.). If you want to pursue two majors in two highly different fields or at two different schools in your university, you’ll likely have to instead apply for a dual degree program. At some universities, you can apply the same courses to both of your majors, which can save you time and money. But this policy varies. At Stanford, you can't have any overlapping classes for your two majors. Meanwhile, at UC Berkeley, you may have up to two upper-division credits count toward both of your majors. Many students do not declare a double major until at least halfway through their college career. (I myself didn’t declare my second major until the end of my sophomore year.) However, you can declare a double major earlier if you know what you want to study, or possibly later, so long as you’ll have enough time to get all the credits you need by the time you intend to graduate. Furthermore, double majors can typically be completed within the regular four-year span (as most undergraduate degrees are). This means that double majors won’t usually have to spend any more money or time on their degree than a single major would. Finally, it’s worth noting that some students are able to triple major- meaning they get to study three fields at the same time and still earn just one degree! Want to build the best possible college application? We can help. PrepScholar Admissions is the world's best admissions consulting service. We combine world-class admissions counselors with our data-driven, proprietary admissions strategies. We've overseen thousands of students get into their top choice schools, from state colleges to the Ivy League. We know what kinds of students colleges want to admit. We want to get you admitted to your dream schools. Learn more about PrepScholar Admissions to maximize your chance of getting in. Dual Degree vs Double Major: 3 Key Similarities So far, we’ve given you the basic difference between a dual degree and a double major as well as in-depth definitions of both academic paths. Now, we'll take a look at some of the key similarities between the two. #1: You Get to Study Two Fields at Once Both a dual degree and a double major allow students to study more than one academic field at the same time. As a result, you’ll get the advantage of being able to broaden your horizons and expand your knowledge in different subject areas. This can lead to more effective analytical skills, too, which can be applied to careers and other professional endeavors. According to one study, double majors tend to be more dynamic, creative thinkers than single majors, indicating that there are many intellectual advantages to studying two fields at once. Getting a double major or dual degree can also prevent you from feeling limited or constricted to a single academic discipline. For example, if you love learning Spanish but aren’t sure whether a language major alone will help you get a job after college, you could combine it- via either a dual degree or double major- with another field that’s more job-oriented and that offers you the opportunity to learn a different skill set. More fields of study = more career options! #2: Studying Two Fields Can Diversify Your Career Prospects Perhaps the biggest benefit of studying two fields, either as a double major or dual degree, is that you’re acquiring two individual sets of skills and knowledge. This intellectual diversity can have a positive effect on your future career prospects. Basically, your experience with studying two academic disciplines will allow you to explore a bigger array of possible careers. For example, say you did a dual degree program in which you earned a BFA in Piano Performance and a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA). With these two fields under your belt, you could enter a career related to music or business (or a career combining both!). Since you have many of the fundamental skills required (or preferred) for a job in either of these two fields, we could say your dual degree has, in fact, diversified your career possibilities. The same can be said for a double major. Say you double majored in chemistry and English. With these majors, you’ll learn plenty of useful skills, from critical thinking to observation and analysis, that you can apply to several occupations. For example, you could be a professional writer or work with a company that sells scientific equipment. You could even combine your majors in a more specialized career; for instance, you could become an editor of a science journal. Overall, both a dual degree and double major allow you to not just learn about two fields but also gain a set of broader skills that can be applied to far more careers than had you simply studied one field. #3: You Might Be Able to Apply a Class Toward Both Majors/Degrees Though this varies a lot depending on the university, with some double majors and dual degree programs, you can apply some of the classes you take for one major/degree to your other major/degree. However, note that most universities that allow this overlap between credits have a limit on how many credits/classes you can apply to both majors/degrees. For example, dual degree students in the College of Engineering at the University of Michigan may request to have a class for one degree "double-count" toward their other degree by submitting a Dual Degree Course Election Form. At Northwestern, double majors can double-count a limited number of courses toward both their majors if they’re majoring in an interdisciplinary field, such as Asian Studies or Neuroscience. Double Major vs Dual Degree: 2 Major Differences We know that a dual degree gets you two separate degrees, whereas a double major gets you just one degree with two concentrations. But what are some other major differences between the two? Unfortunately, knowledge isn't the only thing to rise when you opt for a dual degree. #1: Dual Degrees Take Longer and Cost More Money Since you’re earning two degrees, each with its own unique academic requirements, a dual degree program requires more coursework than a double major does. This means you’ll generally be in school longer- often five or more years depending on the program and types of degrees you’re getting. By contrast, with a double major, you can usually finish college within the regular four-year time frame (though some people might take longer, especially if they didn’t declare their second major until very late into their college career). At Indiana University of Pennsylvania, for example, you must earn 120 credits for a double major and 150 credits for a dual degree. Due to this extra time spent in school, a dual degree typically costs more money overall than a double major does You’ll need to pay more for tuition since you're taking more credits in total; you’ll also need to pay more for things like housing, textbooks, and meals since you’ll be staying in school longer. #2: Dual Degrees Usually Require Admission to Two Schools Because a dual degree means you’ll be pursuing two degrees from two different schools, you’ll usually need to apply to (and get accepted to) both schools. By when you must apply to each school depends on the university. At Boston University, you must complete one full semester before you can apply to the dual degree program, and you can’t apply any later than the first semester of your junior year. At Columbia, applicants to the Law School may apply for a dual degree either when they initially apply for admission to the Law School (in other words, before they start college) or when they’re already enrolled at the Law School. Double majors are different, though. Since most students who double major study fields housed in the same school, they won’t need to apply for admission to a separate school. In general, the process for declaring a double major is a lot simpler than that for entering a dual degree program. For a double major, all you typically need to do is consult your advisor to figure out how many credits you need, which classes you’ll take, and whether you’ll have enough time in your schedule to pursue both majors without issue. Double Major vs Double Degree: Which One Should You Do? If you’re reading this article, you’re likely considering studying more than one field in college. But which is better for you: a double major or a dual degree? Below is a quiz you can use to help you figure out which plan might be a better fit for you. For each statement, put a check for either "Agree" or "Disagree." At the end, tally up your number of agrees and disagrees to find out whether a double major or dual degree is better suited for you. Statement Agree Disagree I hope to graduate within four years. The two fields I’m interested in studying are (at least somewhat) related to each other. Money is or might be a major concern for me. I dislike long, complicated application processes. I get easily stressed with having to balance lots of schoolwork. I’m unsure what I want to study in college. Mostly Agrees - A Double Major Should Work Well for You! If you got more agrees than disagrees, then a double major will likely work better for you than a dual degree will. You’d prefer to avoid spending any more money or time than you need to in order to get your college degree. You also want to study two fields that are at least slightly relevant to each other and whose majors don’t require a long application process or a lot more credits. Mostly Disagrees - A Dual Degree Is the Challenge You’re Seeking! If you got more disagrees than agrees, a dual degree sounds like the perfect intellectual challenge for you. You have a clear idea of the two (likely very different) fields you want to study and don’t mind spending more time and money getting your degrees. You’re also OK with having to balance a heavier-than-normal workload. Equal Number of Agrees and Disagrees - You Could Do Either! If you got an equal number of agrees and disagrees, either a double major or a dual degree could work well for you. You’re probably not a huge fan of spending a lot more time and money than you need to, but you’re also very interested in studying the two fields you really want to learn about, regardless of the challenges they might pose. Dual Degree vs Double Major: Key Takeaways Both a double major and a dual degree involve the study of two academic fields. However, there's a big difference between the two academic paths: a double major means you’ll get one degree with two concentrations, whereas a dual degree means you’ll get two separate degrees (i.e., two diplomas), one for each area of specialization. Typically, double majors involve the study of two related fields of study whose majors are housed in the same school or college at a university. This means you’ll graduate with one type of degree, such as a BA or BS, with two concentrations. Students usually have until at least the beginning of their junior year to declare a double major. Most double majors are able to graduate within the typical four-year time frame and therefore won’t need to spend more money on credits/tuition than a single major would. By contrast, a dual degree generally means you’ll be studying two highly different fields whose majors belong to two different schools. As a result, you’ll usually have to apply to both schools separately (and of course get accepted to both!). Dual degrees also require more credit hours than single degrees and double majors, since you need to complete the requirements for two separate degrees. The best way to figure out whether a double major or a dual degree is right for you is to take our quiz above. To reiterate, here are the main questions to ask yourself before you make your choice: What academic fields do you want to study in college (and how sure are you of your choices)? How much coursework are you willing to handle at one time? Are you OK with having to spend more time and money on your degree(s)? Being able to answer these questions should give you a clear idea as to which academic path- a double major or a dual degree- is ultimately the best one for you to take! What’s Next? What about if you want to become a teacher- do you need a dual degree, an education major, or just certification? Learn more about whether or not you need a teaching degree here. We also have complete guides for how to become a teacher and whether or not you should get an early childhood education degree. Still got questions about dual degrees or double majors? Then feel free to take a look at our in-depth guides to what a dual degree is and what a double major is to learn more about what to expect if you're pursuing one. What's the process for double majoring? Get the rundown in our guide on how to double major in college! If you're thinking about adding a second major but aren't sure if you can handle the workload, you should also check out our guide to low-key college majors. Struggling to figure out what you want to study in college? Have no fear- our guide will help you choose the best major for you, one step at a time. Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points? We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:

Disaster Recovery Plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Disaster Recovery Plan - Essay Example Requirements Definition, Assessment of the Overall Firm Vulnerability The company's software and systems assets are based on commercial off the shelf software or COTS coming from Microsoft and NetApp, together with products that are tailored for government. Storage for the company's data is via NetApp Storage, making use of SnapMirror as the technology to partly enable the process of disaster recovery. Microsoft COTS are the Microsoft line of Server products, including Microsoft Exchange, Microsoft SQL, and Microsoft SharePoint, among others (Bahan, 2003; CXO Media/ IDG Enterprise, 2012; US Small Business Administration, 2010; University of Toronto Information + Technology Services, 2012; Microsoft Corporation, 2012; NetApp, 2012; NetApp, 2011). B. Analysis of Impact to the Business While software and systems are off the shelf, the data is customized and unique to the company. The customizations on the COTS software can be backed up and reconfigured on copies in the event of disaster , but data is another matter. The impact of data loss due to a disaster can include the company being unable to resume operations, leading to the collapse of the company's viability as a going concern. On the other hand, while data recovery and storage is important, so are the costs associated with making data resilient in the event of disaster. ... Requirements Definition Systems have to be reconfigurable in the event of disaster. Redundant data must be the norm, located at different locations, so that a localized disaster will not disrupt vital company processes. Ideally, the setup is to include NetApp storage managing redundant data, and two parallel and identical systems made up of NetApp and Microsoft COTS are to run, with one on standby to kick in and take over from the live environment once the live environment fails in the event of a disaster (Bahan, 2003; CXO Media/ IDG Enterprise, 2012; US Small Business Administration, 2010; University of Toronto Information + Technology Services, 2012; Microsoft Corporation, 2012; NetApp, 2012; NetApp, 2011). D. Development of the Plan An oversight team is to form the different committees in charge of the company's functional departments, interfacing with IT in order to come up with a data backup and recovery plan, as well as a systems backup and recovery plan, for each of the functi onal departments. The recovery plan will flow from the big picture setup of redundant systems and redundant data residing on different locations, managed by NetApps on the storage side (Bahan, 2003; CXO Media/ IDG Enterprise, 2012; US Small Business Administration, 2010; University of Toronto Information + Technology Services, 2012; Microsoft Corporation, 2012; NetApp, 2012; NetApp, 2011). E. Plan Implementation, Testing The same oversight committee, made up of the company CEO and CTO as the project managers, shall have overall project ownership for the plan, and shall undertake the testing and implementation of the plan. Testing shall be done via simulating a disaster situation and the failure of

Facilities and Maintenance Systems for Hospitality Research Paper

Facilities and Maintenance Systems for Hospitality - Research Paper Example It is evidently clear from the discussion that the maintenance staff must be equipped with data and integrated voice, mobile devices in order for them to be always within reach and easily available.   It also enables the hotel managers to have visibility into and monitor the progress of duties and work orders. Push-to-talk can be used when instant attention is needed or text messaging. Mobile computers are also effective during processing of work orders and generating automatic audit trails. However, most hotel owners and managers have some weaknesses when it comes hotel designing. They don’t put into consideration the importance of attractive hotel design. Failure to ensure attractive hotel design results in small customer population thus less revenue. There is also need to carry out some maintenance test to ensure quality services. The success of all leading resorts and hotels depends on the quality of services that are offered to the customers. By storing all the building s, rooms, equipment, and floors in a management solution asset, it is possible to track the management and maintenance of everything. The report of the cost will provide the managers with the costs of maintenance at any organizational level. The hotel managers can also set up preventive maintenance approaches for generators and HVAC units to avert failures. Eventually, the management maintenance system can be used to reduce costs, track maintenance, and ensure a quality service to the customers. In addition, using maintenance system can help a hotel or resort management to track management cost, extend the life of assets, provide high-quality services to customers, maintain efficiently and a clean environment. Additionally, facility maintenance system helps in improving labor productivity, reducing costly downtimes, minimizing investment and maintenance costs. Just like a person meets another person for the first day, it takes customers and travelers approximately 60 seconds to lear n and gain the attraction of a resort or hotel. Travelers and customers start by examining the parking area, dà ©cor, signage, the carpet, or the smell of the environment.

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Process: A computer Process means a program which is being executed. some are administrative, providing ancillary services for the remainder of the system and some are application processes. Each process has its own address space, or memory allocated to it A program may contain more than one process. E.g. we open MSWORD & then we may work with copy, paste, cut etc commands which are its sub processes or child processes. Some times a process is also called a task . A thread is a light process of executes during program execution through a program. E.g. Error messages, Alerts etc , which may appear during program execution. Multiple threads can exist within a process, but they all share a common address space. A process can be in one of three states: Running Blocked Ready (or Queued) There are five different states of a process New - The process is being created. Running - Instructions are being executed. Waiting - Waiting for some event to occur. Ready - Waiting to be assigned to a processor. Terminated - Process has finished execution. Processes must communicate with one another in computer environment e.g. we may open a MSWord & MS-Excel we perform a copy operation in MSWord & then use Paste Special function in MS-Excel , here inter process communication is being performed. That is why it is very necessary for a processes that must coordinate activities to achieve a common objective. we can also define Inter Process Communication as a set of techniques for the exchange of data among two or more threads in one or more processes. Processes may be running on one or more computers connected by a network. IPC techniques are divided into methods for message passing, synchronization, shared memory, and r... ...he scheduler,& Algorithm it uses is called the scheduling algorithm. The following are the main objectives of Scheduling: Make best use of available system resources, Give preference to those processes which are holding the key resources. Give preference to processes which are having good behavior. CPU Scheduler basically selects the process from the different processes which are residing in the memory and are ready to execute, & then allocates the CPU to one of them. The Scheduling may be Preemptive or Non-Preemptive: Non-preemptive Scheduling Once CPU has been allocated to a process, the process keeps the CPU until Process exits OR Process switches to waiting state Preemptive Scheduling Process can be interrupted and must release the CPU. Need to coordinate access to shared data E.g. when we use â€Å"Ctrl + Alt + Delete† to terminate the process forcefully.

Freedom of Expression in the Philippines Essay

â€Å"Give me the liberty to know, to utter, and to argue freely according to conscience, above all liberties. – JOHN MILTON Individual freedom and collective expression in the Philippines, I’d say, is the most exercised and an unmistakable sign of this country’s democracy. Our individual rights and freedoms, the most basic, the essential to the complex and critical ones define our identity as Filipinos, and the basic extension of our humanity. That need to express, to communicate, and to reach out to one another without the fear of judgment or even criminal prosecution. We have the freest press, the most uncensored and unrestricted provisions on our freedom to express ourselves, to seek other people’s take on relevant issues and sometimes just so, because we want to and because we can. And when these are stripped of us, we resist. We react, and to some extent violently and rebelliously just so we can send that fierce message that as a democratic country, with the collective freedoms and rights declared in our charter, no one has the right to deny us of those rights and freedoms. But sometimes, too much freedom can mean abuse of freedom. And restrictions or not, these freedoms aren’t absolute. One is still liable to what he says, especially in public. As professionals and practitioners of the press, they are responsible for balanced views and opinions. Slander, libel, false accusations and any other form with malicious intent is tolerated by freedom of expression. One cannot accuse someone of something and invoke his freedom of expression, and expect it to give him immunity from the law. Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states: â€Å"Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.† Article 19 (2) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights affirms: â€Å"Everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression; this right shall include  freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media of his choice.† Under the Bill of Rights of the Philippine Constitution, Article III, Section 4 declares: â€Å"No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances.† But it wasn’t too long ago when the infamous Cybercrime Bill was signed by the president. It bore flawed provisions that largely outraged advocates of freedom of speech. It awakened this fire not only to these advocates but to ordinary Filipinos who was suddenly faced with the possibility of being denied of this freedom. It scared some. And now the Bill is on a temporary restraining order after much protest that involved hacktivists hacking government servers and websites. The President’s website down to other departments weren’t spared from their wrath. Rallies and demonstrations plagued the major government offices. Even the press expressed its dismay on the unreasonable grounds the bill imposed. And thus, this freedom prevailed. Liberty means responsibility. That is why most men dread it. – GEORGE BERNARD SHAW How many times have we seen major political figures get away with it? How often have seen them actually pay for their wrongful actions? Seldom, if not never. I’m not going to expound much on the issue of legal independence, though it’s another critical criteria of good governance that somehow connects with this issue. The ‘influence’ of the executive and legislative branches respectively, to our judiciary, though less people wants to admit it, is not unheard of. I would even go as far as saying that appearances aside, alliances between people from these three legs of our system speaks volumes if we want to talk about partiality, of justice being served, or of the  judiciary protecting people from the other two branches. Ex-chief justice Renato Corona’s historic impeachment can attest to this connection. People have been talking about Corona’s alleged alliance with GMA ever since he was appointed by the latter, have sprouted suspicions and dirty allegations and from that standpoint, when the chief justice’s public image is tainted, people will not just talk of injustice. Regardless of its truth or falsity, in their eyes, the then chief justice must no longer be a chief justice. Then came his impeachment, which was on the grounds of not declaring assets and liabilities on his SALN, which then comes to light a public official’s dishonesty or honest mistake of omission, we will never know. After that excruciating days of examining the facts and arguing from point A to point B about this and that in the senate, I don’t think it had achieved much but prove a point. A point that I guess is a starting step into holding a public official responsible for his action. It’s a welcomed change. But let’s look at our former president, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Somehow, she’s still out of the clutches of accountability to her grave misdeeds in office. Her audacity not to resign when reasonable proof has been unearthed of her alleged influence on the 2004 Presidential elections. Evidences, though illegal or circumstantial surfaced, or did you forget the wiretapping Hello Garci scandal. Those tapes allegedly suggested that Arroyo ordered the rigging of the national elections for her to win by around one million votes against the late Fernando Poe, Jr. However, she indeed conversed with COMELEC commissioner Virgilio Garciliano, and it was a ‘lapse of judgment’ on her part and made the most talked about apology in television. Her alleged cheating and electoral sabotage induced public protests, to no avail. Several impeachment attempts have followed. Three separate complaints ensued. One in 2005, and then another in 2006. All defeated and trashed in the House of Representatives. Now what does that say of our system under her presidency? In October 2007, lawyer Alan Paguia filed an impeachment complaint against Arroyo in connection with the issue of bribery. Paguia’s complaint was based on the revelation of Pampanga Gov. Ed Panlilio that various governors received half a million pesos from Malacaà ±ang. The impeachment case, as of the middle  of October 2007, has already been referred to the House of Representatives Committee on Justice. Now what? Is it sitting there somewhere in the House with dusts and was ultimately forgotten? Her presidency, shrouded in controversy, was probably the worse after Marcos, though in the same light, we can’t deny their contributions in the country’s economical improvement. But accountability, CGMA seems to be immune to. We saw progress on November 18, 2011 after a Pasay court issued a warrant of arrest against her, following the filing of a complaint for electoral sabotage by the Commission on Elections. At the time, she was in the hospital, so it was a House Arrest. The Supreme Court had issued a Resolution enjoining attempts by the Department of Justice to prevent her departure from the Philippines to seek medical treatment overseas. But oh well, The House of Representatives under the leadership of Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. issued a travel permit allowing her to have treatment in Germany despite the Department of Justice hold departure order. She was released from hospital arrest on bail and refused to enter any plea on charges she misused $8.8 million in state lottery funds during her term in office. These pile of charges seemed to hang up there again, as she is currently seeking treatment in Germany. Not to be insensitive with her health conditions, nor would I wanna say that her health conditions are just convenient lies to evade prosecution, but one has to admit of it being at the right place at the right time. Joseph Estrada was convicted of plunder and was placed on house arrest. Well at least that is some form of penalization we saw. But then, Manila had to elect him as their Mayor in the recent polls. Now what does that say about us learning from our mistakes? How can we trust a public official who had already broken our trust in the worst way possible and then elect him again and put him into a position where he can do it again? I am but a keen observer and naturally has not enough professional or political mandate to be accusing the lady of anything. However, it is my constitutional right to express myself though facts and informed judgments and personal opinions. At this juncture, if one has to violently disagree with me and confront me in the form of a lawsuit (God, I hope not), I leave the world of Philippine Daily Inquirer columnist, Mahar Mangahas. â€Å"If any citizen is free to openly agree, but not to openly disagree, then freedom of expression does not prevail. An individual’s option to openly express disagreement without risk of any personal injury is a key part of the definition of a free society.†

List of Poets Laureate of the U.S.A.

Who are all the poets who have served the Library of Congress as Consultant (the old title) or Poet Laureate Consultant (the new title)? Learn more about the lives and works of these distinguished artists through the resources listed below. 1937-1949 Joseph Auslander 1937-41: His sonnet, â€Å"To My Despoiler†Allen Tate 1943-44: His essay on writing poetry, â€Å"Narcissus As Narcissus†Robert Penn Warren 1944-45Louise Bogan 1945-46Karl Shapiro 1946-47Robert Lowell 1947-48Leonie Adams 1948-49Elizabeth Bishop 1949-50 1950s Conrad Aiken 1950-52: First to serve two termsWilliam Carlos Williams: Appointed to serve two terms in 1952 but did not serve.Randall Jarrell 1957-58Robert Frost 1958-59Richard Eberhart 1959-61: â€Å"A Student’s Memories of Richard Eberhart,† by David Graham 1960s Louis Untermeyer 1961-63: His poems â€Å"Prayer,† â€Å"Summons† and â€Å"On the Birth of a Child† and â€Å"Reveille†Howard Nemerov 1963-64Reed Whittemore 1964-65Stephen Spender 1965-66James Dickey 1966-68William Jay Smith 1968-70: His â€Å"Epigrams† 1970s William Stafford 1970-71Josephine Jacobsen 1971-73Daniel Hoffman 1973-74Stanley Kunitz 1974-76Robert Hayden 1976-78William Meredith 1978-80 1980s Maxine Kumin 1981-82Anthony Hecht 1982-84Robert Fitzgerald 1984-85: Appointed and served in a health-limited capacity, but did not come to the Library of CongressReed Whittemore 1984-85: Interim Consultant in Poetry  Gwendolyn Brooks 1985-86  Robert Penn Warren 1986-87: First to be designated Poet Laureate Consultant in PoetryRichard Wilbur 1987-88Howard Nemerov 1988-90 1990s Mark Strand 1990-91Joseph Brodsky 1991-92Mona Van Duyn 1992-93Rita Dove 1993-95: Her poem, â€Å"Lady Freedom Among Us†Robert Hass 1995-97:  Poems, translations, bibliography and articles about Hass’ workRobert Pinsky 1997-2000​:  His Favorite Poem Project 2000s Stanley Kunitz 2000-2001​Billy Collins 2001-2003: His Poetry 180 Project to bring poetry into American high schoolsLouise Glà ¼ck 2003-2004Ted Kooser 2004-2005: Excerpt from his book, The Poetry Home Repair Manual, Practical Advice for Beginning PoetsDonald Hall 2006-2007: His reading of, â€Å"Poetry Across the Atlantic,† in a historic joint reading with U.S. Poet Laureate Hall and UK Poet Laureate Andrew MotionCharles Simic 2007-2008Kay Ryan 2008-2010:  Her poems, audio readings and podcasts 2010s W.S. Merwin 2010-2011Philip Levine 2011-2012Natasha Trethewey 2012-