Benedict Arnold Essays (1108 words) - Benedict Arnold, John Andr

Benedict Arnold annon No other American is remembered quite the same as Benedict Arnold. He was a brave soldier, a patriot- and a traitor. Benedict was born in Norwich, Connecticut, on January 14, 1741. When he was 14 years old, Benedict ran away from home to fight in the French and Indian War, but he was brought back by his mother, who apparently was driven insane later in her life. If I had a son like Benedict, I might have gone insane too! After his mother insisted that he return home, he ran away for a second time. After he was finished playing boy hero for awhile, he learned the apothecary (pharmacy) trade and then in 1762, he opened a book and drug store in New Haven. Benedict was also involved with trade in the West Indies. By 1774, he was one of the wealthiest citizens in New Haven. It's a good thing that he had money, because he was one of those people who like to ride around in their Mercedes and wear expensive clothes, even if he couldn't afford them. Benedict then got hooked up with the sheriff's daughter Margaret Mansfield, and they hit it off. They decided to get married in 1774. But this marriage was short lived because the next year Margaret caught a disease and died. When the Revolutionary War began that year Arnold was already an experienced soldier. He had helped Ethan Allen capture Fort Ticonderoga. Then Benedict came up with a great idea to capture Quebec. This idea failed, but Benedict had already proven his bravery. He was then commissioned as a colonel in the patriot forces. He was one of General George Washington's most trusted officers. Benedict led his troops to the siege of Boston and Valcour Island and proved once again to be a bold and skilled officer. At the battle of Valcour Island he was wounded severely in his leg. His bravery won him the respect of many people. He was promoted to the rank of brigadier general. Arnold felt that his services were not properly rewarded. In 1777, Congress promoted five officers, who were junior to Benedict, to major general. Only a personal plea from General George Washington kept him from resigning. He did receive a delayed promotion to major general, but he was still angered that he was not promoted to a rank above the junior officers promoted earlier. Then to top things off, a fellow officer charged Arnold with misconduct, but Congress found the charges groundless and dismissed them. In late 1777, Benedict fought at Saratoga. Before the final battle Arnold quarreled with his superior, General Horatio Gates, and was relieved of his command. Despite his relief of command, Benedict led his troops into battle. He charged from place to place, rallying Americans and was again wounded in the leg. He received much of the credit for this American victory. In 1778 Benedict married Peggy Shippen, the daughter of a wealthy Loyalist when he was assigned to military commander of Philadelphia. Life in Philadelphia was pleasant but very costly. Before he knew it, Arnold was deeply in debt. In 1779 he was charged with using his position for personal profit and charged with using the soldiers in his command as personal servants. A court martial cleared him of most of the charges, but had General Washington reprimand him. Washington issued the reprimand, but softened it with the promise of a high promotion in the future. But Arnold had already sold his services to the British. Since May of 1779 he had been supplying them with valuable military information. He did this because he was still upset with the Continental Congress for not giving him the promotions that he thought he deserved. He was also very desperate for money because of his extravagant lifestyle. In 1780 Benedict was given command of the fort at West Point in New York. He decided that he would give this strategic post to the British. In return he was to be made brigadier general in the British Army. He was also promised money. On September 21, Benedict met with Major John Andre of the British army to discuss and arrange the details. Two days later, Andre was captured when he attempted to return to the British lines. Some American soldiers stopped and searched him and found incriminating papers hidden in his stockings and the plot was revealed. Andre was executed as a spy. Arnold learned this news in time for him to escape. He fled to a British ship that took him down the Hudson River

Free ESL Resources for Online Learning - Paperell.com

Free ESL Resources for Online Learning ESL Resources for Online Learning Table of ContentsGrammar and PunctuationSpelling and PronunciationVocabularyWritingReadingListening and PodcastsYouTube ChannelsQuizzes and GamesIt can be challenging and tricky to learn English. If you are struggling with it, just  breathe you are not alone. There are more than billion people learning  English around the globe, and  most of them are struggling with the same things. Luckily, there are a lot of different ways to help you make this process easier. Today you don’t even need to be in the classroom to improve your language skills. In fact,  there are plenty of online learning tools to help you master a new language faster. We have compiled a list of 55 ESL resources that will help you learn English easier.Grammar and PunctuationSome students think that correct grammar and punctuation matter only to their teachers, but it is certainly not true. Without good grammar and punctuation, clear communication is impossible.To understand it more clearly, follow thes e ESL sites:EnglishGrammar: It is a very useful website for students. You can find the answer toany question you may have about grammar and punctuation.English Grammar Secrets: If there is something you couldn’t find on the previous website, then you will definitelyfind it here. Also, there are a lot of exercises here that follow every topic.UsingEnglish.com:This website is just a goldmine for every student. You can find therelots of printable grammar lessons and test your knowledge of grammar.British Council: This website is one of the most popular among students, andthere is a reason for that. It explains grammar in a clearand simple way.Perfect English Grammar: It’s time to learn how to use ‘a little’,‘little’,‘few’ and ‘a few’!English Grammar Exercise: It is a complete guide to grammar!English Teacher Melanie: Melanie will help you understand natural spoken English.Grammarly: It is so easy to understand all the gr ammar rules with this website!Learn American English Online: You can listen to an experienced ESL teacher talking about grammar. This website also contains links for learning American expressions.Anglo-Link: Improve your grammar skills inno time!English with Jennifer: It is one of the best websites for students. It has lots of instructional videos with grammar explanations.GrammarBank.com:This ESL website contains grammar explanations and lots of exercises.Grammar Girl: ‘Can I?’ or ‘May I?’ ‘Gray’ or ‘grey’? This website gives answers tosuch questions and more!Education First: Find the answer for any grammar and punctuation question that you have.English Grammar 101: It is another great resource for students to learn about grammar.Spelling and PronunciationThese websites will help you learn how to say and spell different words.BBC Spelling: How to spell the ‘shun’ sound and what are silent letters? It is all here.Catch the Spelling: Practice your spelling while having fun!The Spelling Blog: cheap, chip, sheep, ship – remember the spelling!American Accent: Learn how to pronounce the American R, T, andL.Fonetics.org: You can find here pronunciation samples prepared by over 40 native speakers!VocabularyLearning vocabulary is one of the basic parts of learning a new language. These websites will help you build your vocabulary faster.Study Zone: You can choose a vocabulary group to learn and practice common words.Illustrated Vocabulary: This website helps the studentlearn different words through illustrated cards.Label Me!: It is a great resource for learning new vocabulary, which containsprintable worksheets.  Learning Chocolate: This website is created to help you memorize vocabulary in an easy and fun way!MyVocabulary: You can find different vocabulary lists here.Vocabulary: This site will help you memorize all the meanings of each word you are learning.English Media Lab:There are dozens o f memory games and interactive quizzes to help you learn new vocabulary.WritingWhen learning a new language, you should make writing a part of your life. These websites will help you boost your writing skills.Purdue Online Writing Lab: You can find different tutorials for the writing process and explanations about various types of writing.Dave’s ESL Cafà ©: It is another great resource for developing your writing skill.Writing Forward: This website provides different materials for improving your writing skills. It can also help you develop as a writer.ESL Galaxy: Learn how to write through writing exercises!ThoughtCo.: This site helps ESL students improve their writing skills and gives them examples ofbusiness letters.ESL Writing Wizard: Learn how to write easily!ReadingThe websites below will help you improve your reading skill.  My English Pages: This site will help you develop reading skill in a short time.5 Minute English: Improve your reading skills quickly.English fo r Everybody Library: This ESL website is perfect if you are a bookworm.Iteslj.org: This website contains a collection of links to different essays and texts. It is a perfect ESL resource.Listening and PodcastsSometimes you are too bored to learn English, so try to relax and have fun while listening to different podcasts! You can listen to them anywhere – while running in the park or on your way to school.English Listening: This ESL website offers a very easy way to learn English.ESL Cyber Listening Lab: Listen to everyday conversations.English Test Store: This ESL Listening website offers 66 tests for listening.Talk English: This website provides listening lessons for any level. You can find therehundreds of dialogues!ESLpod: Improve your listening skill and speak it well.Culips: This ESL website amazes with a great audio library.News in Levels: Listen to easy English news and improve your listening skill quickly.YouTube ChannelsYouTube can be your best friend when learning a new language. There are thousands of lessons on YouTube to help improve your English skills.BBC Learning English: Learn how to speak English with the BBC.Oxford Online English: This YouTube channel offers premium-quality lessons.EF podEnglish: These are 5-minutelessons that are perfect for any level.ETJ English: Elliot will help you speak clearly and confidently.English with Lucy: Learn beautiful British English!mmmEnglish: Study with Emma and begin to speak confidently.JenniferESL: Become more effective incommunicating in English with Jennifer.Quizzes and GamesLearning English can be fun! ESL quizzes and games will help you test your knowledge and improve your skills.a4esl.org: Quizzes, tests, andpuzzles to help you study.ArmoredPenguin: This website contains different crosswords, puzzles and more.Vocabulary: This vocabulary website has the best online word games!Games to learn English: It is a place to practice English in a fun way.

Correspondence packet Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Correspondence packet - Assignment Example This has been witnessed for the first time since the company initiated this program. However, the company is committed to its mandates and responsibility, doing all it can to ensure that things return to normalcy. Due to this inconvenience, the human resource department has decided to award an extra week to cater for leaves of the employees on top of the annually awarded days. In addition, the when the time comes for awarding the bonus, an extra 20% of the bonus will be awarded to each individual. The management has noted the curiosity that has taken toll among most company employees as a result of recent dismissal of one of the staff members. The company wishes to inform the affected individuals that it was due to unavoidable circumstances that are in line with company policy that led to the dismissal of Craig Wilson. Wilson was legally expelled from his position after support personnel discovered illegally downloaded content on his computer during system upgrade. The company has a strong feeling that the use of company assets in this manner violates the company policy in a way. It is also a reminder to the employees that use of office computers for personal and/or illegal reasons that are stated in the company’s ICT code of conduct is against the company policy and may result into termination. The mangers will perform randomized searches it every computers to ensure that such instances do not occur at all cost. Any person that may feel that his or her rights are infringed in a way may be in a wrong place. In case one has a burning issue to do with this, please feel free to seek assistance. I am writing this e-mail in response to the recent e-mail addressed to Warren Enterprise regarding a onetime fee of $2,000 to have a metal sign with the company’s logo and contact information hung on the fence that enclose the local baseball stadium. Due to nature of its sensitivity and company policy that must be adhered

Corporate Social Responsibility Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 2

Corporate Social Responsibility - Essay Example For long-term benefits to the organization, CSR should be made a part of the firm's strategic perspective and operations. This paper proposes to discuss Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), taking into account various factors including consumer rights, the significance of ethical consumerism, fair trade consumerism, ecological sustainability, and the cause commerce approach which promote the implementation of CSR. It has been recognized that the activities of an organization influence the external environment, hence it is important that the organization should be accountable to not only its stakeholders, but also to a wider community. This concept initially took root in the 1970s, and grew as a concern for the company as a member of society, with a wider view of company performance including its social performance (Crowther & Rayman-Bacchus, 2004: 3). Though community accountability was acknowledged as essential, the focus of big business on financial results was observed to be an impediment to social responsiveness, especially in the early years of the accountability concept taking shape. There is now an increasing move towards accountability of companies towards all participants, and this recent phenomenon of corporate social responsibility is becoming the norm with all organizations (McDonald & Puxty, 1979: 53).Corporate social responsibility (CSR) refers to a company including in its deci sion making and operations, ethical values, employee relations, compliance with legal requirements, transparency, and overall respect for the communities in which they operate. CSR is more than occassional community service action, it is a corporate philosophy that is the driving force behind strategic decision making, selection of partners or collaborators, hiring practices and ultimately brand development (Werther & Chandler, 2006: 8). CSR includes how businesses and organizations manage the impact that they have on the environment and society: particularly how organizations interact with their employees, customers, suppliers, and the communities in which they operate. Also significant is the extent to which they attempt to protect the environment, and solve new corporate problems such as the exploitation of child labour which may be occurring thousands of miles away as part of the corporate activity (Crowther & Green, 2004: 174)."Corporate social responsibility encompasses the ra nge of economic, legal, ethical and discretionary actions that affect the economic performance of the firm" (Werther & Chandler, 2006: 10). This includes legal or regulatory requirements faced in day-to-day operations. Being socially responsible and adhering to the law is an important aspect of any ethical organization. However, legal compliance is only a basic condition of CSR; strategic CSR gives priority to the ethical and discretionary concerns that are less precisely defined and for which there is often no clear or collective consensus from the part of society. Corporate social contract is related to the social responsibility that companies have towards the consumers and to the society at large. Thomas Hobbes' concept of social contract regards corporate activity as morally good if it maximises human welfare, in which collective welfare would be considered above

Is Wind Power Really Green Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Is Wind Power Really Green - Essay Example Search for sustainable alternative sources of energy for development on a commercial scale has thrown up several options like the wind power, solar power, geothermal, tidal wave etc. and among these, wind power (and solar power) is coming to the forefront in view of its long history of development and scalability. However, there are distracters, mainly from the traditional fuel suppliers, who find fault with the environmental credentials of windmills. These misgivings are ill-founded and it is quite clear from its growing popularity and rapid technological strides of the industry, that wind power is a sustainable and commercially viable option, which has minimal adverse impact on the environment in comparison with nuclear or fossil fuel power. The current total global energy demand per year, put at 400 x 1015 British Thermal Units (400 quadrillion BTU or approximately 117.2 million GWh), of which 41%, 24% and 22% are the respective shares of oil, coal and natural gas; the share of hydropower and other non-conventional energy sources is just about 13% (US Department of Energy, as quoted by McLamb, 2010). According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), electricity production has risen by about 250% over a 30 year period and this growth has far outstripped the growth of production of coal and natural gas, and was facilitated by vast investments in nuclear power plants, especially in the 1970s and 1980s (World Energy Statistics Manual, IEA, 2005, p.46). IEA points out that during this period, the ‘share of oil decreased from 25 to 8% while the share of nuclear increased from 3 to 17%’ (ibid). Thus while the total energy demand has been rapidly rising and would continue to do so in the foreseeable future, dependence on nuclear power is also increasing. The reasons for increased dependence on nuclear power are not far to seek – firstly, a realization that fossil fuels are not an inexhaustible

The Basic Building Blocks Of Quantitative Research Psychology Essay

The Basic Building Blocks Of Quantitative Research Psychology Essay Qualitative Research Methodology is gaining wide spread acceptance among Researchers in Social Sciences Circle but finds less acceptance among Basic Scientists and Engineers who prefer to use Quantitative (Statistical) Methods of Research. Statistics can be defined as collecting, summarizing, and analyzing of data. Selection of a statistical analysis that is appropriate depends on whether the data for the variable under study are qualitative or quantitative. Quantitative data consists of numerical information and a methodology when applying statistical/mathematical tools for analysis of such type of data is known as Quantitative Research Methodology. In contrast, Qualitative data consists of non-numerical information (such as text, images, and sounds) and a methodology of analysis of such kind of data when not relying on statistical/ mathematical tools is known as Qualitative Research Methodology [1]. The main difference that describes whether qualitative research is superior or quantitative research is how they are able to contribute to bodies of knowledge. Qualitative research mainly focuses on the behaviors, cultures and defining characteristics of events, human nature, interactions and experience. Data is not trans formed to numerical data. Qualitative research methods emphasis on interpretation and by providing the analysts with complete views, environmental immersions and a depth of understanding of concepts. Qualitative methods of research provide a depth of understanding of issues/problems which is not possible through the use of quantitative methods (statistically-based investigations). The knowledge gained through qualitative research methods is more informative, richer and offers enhanced understandings in comparison to that obtained through quantitative research methods. Quantitative research is typically considered to be the more scientific approach that is concerned with number, or numerical descriptions of things and their relationships [2]. The basic building blocks of quantitative research are variables. Important types of variables used in quantitative research are: categorical variable, quantitative variable, dependent variable and independent variable. Three major types of quantitative research are: experimental, non-experimental research and survey. The purpose of experimental research is to study relationship of cause and effect. It is only type of research where active manipulation of an independent variable is present. Random assignment to create equivalent groups is used in the strongest experimental research designs [3]. Experimental research includes testing a hypothesis in a controlled environment while non-experimental research involves examining the already existing scenario in the world and trying to draw conclusions from the situation by using usually a cause-effect relationship. Social sciences, particularly history, archaeology, and political science, focus the non-experimental research methods. Owing to the complexity of the situation there is no way to form a meaningful experiment for the majority of these fields. Though psychology and anthropology are much more inclined to experimental research for determining patterns [4]. Testing of the hypothesis is done by either of the three tests: z-test, t-test and p-value test [5]. Quantitative analysis also includes descriptive and inferential statistics. Basic difference between descriptive statistics and inferential statistics (or inductive statistics) is that descriptive statistics which aims to summarize a sample, rather than using the data to learn about the population that the sample of data is thought to represent. They are not developed on the basis of probability theory [6]. Descriptive Statistics are the tabular, graphical, and numerical methods used to summarize data. Statistical inference is the process of using data obtained from the sample and to make estimates and test hypotheses about the characteristics of the populat ion [7]. Summarizing of quantitative data includes [8]: Frequency Distribution Relative Frequency and Percent Frequency Distributions Dot Plot Histogram Cumulative Distributions Numerical methods used to summarize the quantitative data are [9]: Mean Median Mode Variance Standard Deviation CAQDAS: Computer Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software (CAQDAS) is the use of computer software for qualitative research. It helps in transcription analysis, coding and text interpretation, recursive abstraction, content analysis and discourse analysis etc. It is used in psychology, marketing research, ethnography, and other social sciences. A CAQDAS program should have: Content searching tools, Coding tools, Linking tools, Mapping or networking tools, Query tools, Writing and annotation tools. The advantages of using this software include: avoiding from manual and clerical tasks, time saving, managing huge amounts of qualitative data, increased flexibility, improved validity and auditability of qualitative research. Disadvantages include: increasingly deterministic and rigid processes, privileging of coding, and retrieval methods; reification of data, increased pressure on researchers to focus on volume and breadth rather than on depth and meaning, time and energy spent learning to use computer packages [10]. CAQDAS (Computer assisted qualitative data analysis software) is the good one technique in qualitative which helps us to find the true forecast and acceptable results in a specific topic [11]. A unique aspect of using CAQDAS vs. hand-coding/analysis is the ability of the program to create visual representations of data-charts, graphs, trees-that help in analysis and potentially can help readers to more deeply understand the interpretations [12]. CAQDAS potentially mak es qualitative inquiry more logical, transparent and trustworthy. CAQDAS such as NVivo can help in all the six steps of qualitative data analysis which are [13]: Choosing a topic literature review Development of theoretical and conceptual foundations and research questions Research design, Sample, context and negotiating access Data collection and preparation Data analysis and Discussion and final write-up All the CAQDAS packages provide these following features that make qualitative data analysis much easier: structure of work, closeness to data and interactivity, explore the data, code and retrieve functionality, project management and data organization, searching and interrogating the database, writing tools and standard selection of output reports [14]. Do I agree? I agree with the view that qualitative research methodology is gaining wide spread acceptance among researchers in social sciences circle but finds less acceptance among basic scientists and Engineers who prefer to use quantitative (statistical) methods of research. In my opinion neither school of research is superior. Both when carried out correctly provide good research results. The superiority of qualitative or quantitative research depends on the data under study and the fruitful additions to the knowledge made by either of the methods. The qualitative descriptive study is the method of choice when straight descriptions of phenomena are desired. Such study is especially useful for researchers wanting to know the who, what, and where of events [15]. Qualitative research covers a broad area of philosophical positions. Interest in qualitative re-search is increasing in health department [16]. The purpose of qualitative analysis is to achieve greater understanding and to attain a hig her level of conceptual or theoretical background than it can be achieved in any individual empirical study [17, 18]. Quantitative research is described by some as a quick fix, it involves very little or no contact with the field or people [19, 20]. Method which I will use: Being an engineer I shall use quantitative research method in my research project because it will be carried out in a controlled environment i.e. it will be experimental. Based upon the test results I will validate my hypothesis and further statistical analysis will be conducted. (Insha Allah) Refrences: [1] Haegeman, K., et al. (2013). Quantitative and qualitative approaches in Future-oriented Technology Analysis (FTA): From combination to integration? Technological Forecasting and Social Change 80(3): 386-397. [2] Richard Tewksbury (2009). Qualitative versus Quantitative Methods: Understanding Why Qualitative Methods are Superior for Criminology and Criminal Justice Journal of Theoretical and Philosophical Criminology, Vol 1 (1). [3] McMillan, J. H., Schumacher, S. (2009). Research in education Pearson Education. [4] Neuman, W. L. (2005). Social research methods: Quantitative and qualitative approaches Allyn and Bacon. [5] http://statistics.about.com/od/HelpandTutorials/a/How-To-Conduct-A-Hypothesis-Test.htm [6] Berenson, M. L. (1998). Basic business statistics: Concepts and applications Prentice Hall PTR. [7] Bryman, A., Cramer, D. (2005). Quantitative data analysis with SPSS 12 and 13: A guide for social scientist. Routledge. [8] De Veaux, R. D., Velleman, P. F., Bock, D. E. (2009). Stats Pearson, Addison-Wesley. [9] Teddlie, C., Tashakkori, A. (2008). Foundations of mixed methods research: Integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches in the social and behavioral sciences. SAGE Publications, Incorporated. [10] Ann Lewins and Cristina Silver (2009). QUIC-Qualitative innovations in CAQDUS 6th edition [11] Rudolf. R. S, Eva. A. A (2012). Facilitating the interaction between theory and data in qualitative research using CAQDAS Sage Publications, 109-131 [12] Linnea L. Rademaker, Elizabeth J. Grace, and Stephen K. Curda (2012). Using Computer- assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software (CAQDAS) to Re-examine Traditionally Analyzed Data: Expanding our Understanding of the Data and of Ourselves as Scholars The Qualitative Report 2012 Volume 17, Article 43, 1-11 [13] Sinkovics, Rudolf R. and Eva A. Alfoldi (2012), Facilitating the interaction between theory and data in qualitative research using CAQDAS, in Qualitative organizational research: Core methods and current challenges, Gillian Symon and Catherine Cassell (Eds.). London: Sage Publications, 109-131. [14] Garcà ­aà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ Horta, J. B., Guerraà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ Ramos, M. T. (2009). The use of CAQDAS in educational research: some advantages, limitations and potential risks. International Journal of Research Method in Education, 32(2), 151-165. [15] Margarete Sandelowski (2000). Focus on Research Methods Whatever Happened to Qualitative Description? Research in Nursing Health, 2000, 23, 334-340 [16] Denis Walsh, Soo Downe (2005). Appraising the quality of qualitative research Midwifery (2006) 22, 108-119. [17] Rona Campbell, et al. (2003). Evaluating meta-ethnography: a synthesis of qualitative research on lay experiences of diabetes and diabetes care Social Science Medicine 56, 671-684. [18] Winter, G. (2000). A comparative discussion of the notion of validity in qualitative and quantitative research. The Qualitative Report 4(3): 4. [19] Williams, F., Monge, P. R. (2001). Reasoning with statistics: How to read quantitative research (pp. 127-141). London: Harcourt College Publishers. [20] Bryman, A. (2006). Integrating quantitative and qualitative research: how is it done? Qualitative research, 6(1), 97-113.

Acid Rain in Europe :: Papers

Acid Rain in Europe Introduction ============ The atmosphere is like a film of gases, which makes the planet habitable. If this layer was not present there would be no life on earth. It is a fact that the health of plants, animals and humans depends upon a very important factor 'pollution'. Although, all kinds of poisonous waste is continuing to be put into the atmosphere. These poisonous gases are being produced when fossil fuels are burnt, as a result of this acid rain forms which further more results in numerous problems damaging forests, lakes, rivers, land, plants and animals. The main culprits of burning fossil fuels are MEDC's, which insist on maintaining their high standards of living. What is acid rain? Rain is naturally acidic but the term 'acid rain' is usually referred to as rain, which has been made more acidic than it should be due to the atmosphere absorbing the gasses emitted from the burning of fossil fuels. The gases are oxides of nitrogen and sulphur. Nitrogen oxide is usually given Nox as there are many of them, sulphur oxide SO2 and water H2O When these mix together they form acids such as sulphurous acid (H2SO3). Acid rain can be deposited in three ways: * Wet deposition - The deposition of pollutants in rain and snow mainly affects upland areas. * Dry deposition - The deposition of gases and particles directly onto terrestrial surfaces. * Cloud deposition - The capture of cloud droplets that contain concentrated pollutants. We can measure how acidic the rain actually is by the pH scale, 7 is neutral, below that is acidic above that is alkaline. A 'log scale' can be used for example pH 6 is ten times more acidic than pH 7, so pH 5 is one hundred times more acidic than pH7. Case study: An investigation to show how acid rain is affecting Europe. What are the causes of acid rain? Acid rain was first found in Scandinavia in the late 1950's and at

Data Preprocessing Essay

Data Preprocessing 3 Today’s real-world databases are highly susceptible to noisy, missing, and inconsistent data due to their typically huge size (often several gigabytes or more) and their likely origin from multiple, heterogenous sources. Low-quality data will lead to low-quality mining results. â€Å"How can the data be preprocessed in order to help improve the quality of the data and, consequently, of the mining results? How can the data be preprocessed so as to improve the ef? ciency and ease of the mining process? † There are several data preprocessing techniques. Data cleaning can be applied to remove noise and correct inconsistencies in data. Data integration merges data from multiple sources into a coherent data store such as a data warehouse. Data reduction can reduce data size by, for instance, aggregating, eliminating redundant features, or clustering. Data transformations (e. g. , normalization) may be applied, where data are scaled to fall within a smaller range like 0. 0 to 1. 0. This can improve the accuracy and ef? ciency of mining algorithms involving distance measurements. These techniques are not mutually exclusive; they may work together. For example, data cleaning can involve transformations to correct wrong data, such as by transforming all entries for a date ? eld to a common format. In Chapter 2, we learned about the different attribute types and how to use basic statistical descriptions to study data characteristics. These can help identify erroneous values and outliers, which will be useful in the data cleaning and integration steps. Data processing techniques, when applied before mining, can substantially improve the overall quality of the patterns mined and/or the time required for the actual mining.

Managing Risks in Oil and Gas Companies

Managing Risks in Oil and Gas Companies Introduction Oil and gas companies face a variety of risks in the process of their operations. Many occurrences that happen outside a company may have an effect on the firm and the financial decisions that it makes. Changes in interest rates, prices of oil, and exchange rates among others are likely to alter the financial decisions of a firm. It is therefore imperative for firms to ensure that no potential economic changes pose a threat to their business.Advertising We will write a custom dissertation sample on Managing Risks in Oil and Gas Companies specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More According to Taylor and Kathleen (2013, p. 80), corporate financial managers are charged with the responsibility of ensuring that any past, current, and future fluctuations will not affect the economic standing of the firm. McShane and Anil (2011, p. 641) affirm that companies use various risk management tools known as derivatives to manage risks. The tool used should caution the firm from negative impacts of various risks that may happen in its environment. According to Smistad and Igor (2012, p. 46), in western Canada, oil companies apply future derivatives to buy certain goods or services at a price that is agreed upon today. Chanmeka et al. (2012, p. 259) argue that some companies make use of options where a firm gains the right to sell or buy certain goods or services at a certain price in the future. McShane and Anil (2011, 641) confirm that risk information is crucial to investors and the entrepreneurs themselves. The oil and gas industry is likely to face various risks. For example, political risks, geological risks, price risks, supply and demand risks, and cost risks amongst others. This paper will discuss risk management in various gas and oil companies presenting a detailed literature review of risks in general followed by a detailed discussion of the in the oil and gas firms. Risks The subject of risks is quite pivotal w hen it comes to the running of various organisations. Companies need to be aware of the possible or rather potential risks that they are likely to encounter in a bid to develop mechanisms of mitigating them in real time once they occur to ensure continued operation rather than untimely closure of such firms due to their failure to take the necessary precautionary measures. Various risks are likely to affect different investments. Such risks include political risks, price fluctuations, and changes in supply and demand, natural calamities, geological risks, economic recessions, and government control risks amongst others. Entrepreneurship is a risky undertaking and every entrepreneur has to risk some of these factors and get into business.Advertising Looking for dissertation on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More According to Taylor and Kathleen (2013, p. 83), in the world of business, general risks af fect literary every company in business though at varying intensities. Risks have various implications on business depending on the level of their impacts and predisposition of a particular business on them. In some instances, risks may lead to complete loss of business. For example, if a business is exposed to fire and explosives risks, it can be completely wiped out in case of an accident. However, McShane and Anil (2011, p. 641) affirm that some of the risks affect all businesses in their every day affairs, for example supply and demand risk, price risks, and government regulations. Businesses have little or no control on some risks such as natural calamity risks, for instance earthquakes and floods. Nevertheless, it is important for a business to devise ways and methods of detecting, assessing, and mitigating the risks. Oil and Gas Companies Oil and gas companies provide a working illustration of the subject of risks that is under scrutiny based on the various risks they encount er in their everyday business affairs. From the point of extracting oil and gas, processing it into finished products to transportation, warehousing, and retailing, the whole business is a risk. These companies encounter various types of risks in their line of business. Chanmeka et al. (2012, p. 259) assert that risks affect almost every firm in business and are likely to affect the oil and gas industry more than any other firm. According to Helman (2013, p. 62), the oil and gas industry faces tight regulations on how to conduct its business. Such regulations include rules on how oil and gas are extracted from the source, regulations on where they can be extracted and where extraction cannot be done, and regulations of the period in which extraction of oil and gas can be done. The government has the upper hand in such regulations since oil business is lucrative. In fact, the political wrangles that affect most countries that have oil and gas resources revolve around the control of o il wells by the government. Countries such as Sudan and Southern Sudan have been in conflict due to control of oil wells.Advertising We will write a custom dissertation sample on Managing Risks in Oil and Gas Companies specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Such political wrangles have also been witnessed in Kuwait and Nigeria. Whenever there are political wrangles in the control of oil and gas, the companies that invest in such nations face higher economic and political risks. Haselip and Martà ­nez (2011, p. 1) argue that politics of regionalism, equitable distribution of national resources, and resource distribution also affect oil and gas regulation. In some cases, the laws governing extraction, processing, and distribution of oil and gases in different states may vary. Antonsen, Kari, and Jarl (2012, 2001) reveal that it is more risky to carryout oil and gas business in dependence on foreign deposits without standardisation. In the o il and gas industry, some companies that show interest are likely to invest in any part of the world where the oil and gas field has a sheer disregard of the political climate of the country. According to Helman (2013, p. 63), if the host country nationalises the industry, foreign investors are likely to suffer loss. Politics of that kind of nation may also change to favour certain investors or category of investors where the foreign investor may not be considered. Antonsen, Kari, and Jarl (2012, p. 2001) argue that some economies will attract investors to begin the process of extraction. Nevertheless, once the process of extraction is complete and the oil and business industry becomes lucrative, politicians, activists, and government officials enact laws to enable the government to leap more from the industry. An investor who puts his or her resources in such an industry is therefore likely to suffer loss. Political risk in oil industry is a major threat to the stability of the sec tor. It is even more risky to invest in the oil and gas industry in some developing countries. In some of the developing countries with plenty of oil and gas such as Libya and Sudan in Africa, the countries are under poor political leadership thus posing a great risk to investors in the industry. Whenever there is a political turmoil in various nations, oil tankers are targeted due to the high flammability of oil. In addition, Dumaine (2013, p. 102) affirms that oil and gas industries demand tight security and surveillance even in small quantities such as in China. It would therefore mean that, when there is political instability in a county, the rate of insecurity goes down. Consequently, the risk on the industry goes up.Advertising Looking for dissertation on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Wilkinson and Roland (2013, p. 118) assert that the process of gas and oil exploitation has also become very risky especially with the current dynamics. For instance, drilling of oil is happening in very dangerous environments such as oceans. Extraction in such areas increases the risks that oil and gas industries have to incur in the process of extraction, refining, distribution, and marketing. Smistad and Igor (2011, p. 91) affirm that there has also been an increase in the level of unconventional methods of oil and gas extraction. Out of such unconventional methods of mining, some potential oil and gas mines have been poorly exploited or destroyed. In fact, some of these procedures have been used to extract oil and gas in places where it would have proved impracticable. According to Smistad and Igor (2012, p. 46), gas and oil extraction companies involve themselves in great risks by investing a lot of finances and other resources in extraction. Some companies have incurred much c ost in the process of extracting gas and oil only to find minimal deposits than they had estimated. It is therefore risky ventures for a company to be sure that geologists and rock experts have enough evidence of the presence of oil or gas in a certain area. According to Smistad and Igor (2011, p. 91), it is also risky for the extraction company to hire specialists such as geologists in oil in the process of investigating the presence oil or gas in a certain field and then fail to realise the targeted amount of oil or gas. Oil and gas extraction, processing, marketing, and distribution constitute a business that aims at obtaining profits. The prices in the oil and gas markets must therefore be able to sustain the industry in a profitable way. Fluctuation in oil and market prices is a risk factor to the industry. No one can predict what the prices of oil or gas will be when the process of extraction will be completed. Mehemed, Kamal, Kieran, and Kong (2012, p. 201) argue that compani es in this industry therefore undertake a risk in extracting and purifying the gas without clear future market prices for their products. In several instances, oil and gas extraction companies have undergone the whole process of geological tests and drilling despite their ending up without the projected product. In such cases, unless the gas and oil extraction company is insured, it suffers a big loss. The nature of oil and gas market has been fluctuating over the years. According to Chen and Jevons (1993, p. 667), fluctuation of oil and gas prices poses a great risk to the stakeholders in the industry. Supply and demand issue is a limitation to the oil and gas industry. Venturing into oil and gas industry involves investing huge capital. The operations involved in extracting oil and gas are very expensive and extraction companies have to invest in the process. However, such companies may not be aware of the trend that prices of gas and oil will take in the future. Wood (2011, p. 11 3) affirms that demand and supply keep on changing. When the supply of gas in the world market goes high, the prices go down thus increasing the risk of incurring heavy losses. Oil and gas industry also experiences imbalances when prices of oil go up. In most cases, when the prices of oil and gases hike, large warehouses hoard the commodities. Okeefe and Doris (2013, p. 158) argue that hoarding increases the risk of loss of customers on retailers and local wholesalers since the commodity does not reach the target consumer. Such suppliers are also at the risk of being compromised of inconsistency by their customers. Mohanty and Mohan (2011, p. 165) argue that it is also very hard to predict the production rates of gas and oil in various states especially with a nation with many states such as the U.S. Kendrick (2012, p. 61) affirms that unpredictability of productivity increases the risk of price fluctuation in the oil and gas industry. In addition, Andersson, Sudhir, and Zafar (2009 , p. 440) reveal that, whenever there is a financial crisis in a country or a region, for example, the American crisis or the European crisis of 2007, supply and demand of oil and gas also change. Financial crisis increases the risk of reduced purchasing power. Hence, the affected country experiences low demand for oil and gases. Wood (2011, p. 113) point out that the economic crisis increases the risk of low supply and demand due to its ability to reduce the capital base of a nation. When a country has a low capital base, it is limited in its operations. Donaldson and Schoemaker (2013, p. 24) argue that the macroeconomic position of the industry can also increase the risk of demand and supply. Macroeconomic power of every industry dictates the success of business under it. The oil and gas industry experiences huge operational costs. Okeefe and Doris (2013, p. 158) argue that all the other risk factors involved in the oil and gas industry drain into operational costs. Mohanty and Mo han (2011, p. 165) argue that, when the regulations set by political leaders and governments of a particular nation are very tight, the operation cost goes up. Tight regulations make the process of extracting, processing, and distributing gas and oil more extensive and hence expensive. Wilkinson and Roland (2013, p. 118) posit that the operations that are involved in the process of oil mining and gas harvesting determine the level of operations risks that a firm is likely to incur. The operations involved in drilling are also extensive and expensive. Mehemed, Kamal, Kieran, and Kong, (2012, p. 201) establish that the process of drilling is coupled with many limitations, for instance, bad weather, poor soils and other geological factors, inaccessibility, and technological problems. Such problems increase the operations cost. When the operations cost hikes, the industry becomes disfranchised. Different producers set their own market prices to overcome their cost of production. Accordi ng to Donaldson and Schoemaker (2013, p. 24), variation in the cost of production makes it difficult for nations of the world to set standard oil and gas prices. In fact, some industries incur a double or triple cost of production compared to others. It is out of such variations that oil and gas prices have become very competitive in the market. According to Robb (2012, p. 756), industries that have been in the line of production for many years incur lesser risks than new industries. Managing Risks- Risk Identification, Risk Assessment, and Risk Control The oil and gas industry is a risk-prone industry. Various uncertainties go along these risks such as the risk of exploration, demand and supply risk, crude price uncertainty, and product line risk. According to Robb (2012, p. 756), the oil and gas industry is one of the risky ventures. Hence, to prevent the danger that the industry poses, there should be the need to manage it. Sarkar (2012, p. 28) affirms that management of risks al so ensures that the small industries and the upcoming ones become commercially viable. In addition, there are technological risks such as â€Å"cyber threats of Stuxnet virus, which also target lucrative oil and gas industry† (Sudhir, and Zafar 2009, p. 440). These and many other risks in oil and gas industry necessitate the need for risk management. Consequently, various methods of risk management have been put in place to mitigate risks in this industry. Risk Identification Oil and gas companies have invested in information access control and management. Such risk management strategies involve identifying and accessing the right information at all time when it is very necessary. Information management has been a great source of risk in the oil and gas industry. Oil and gas companies have therefore put in place mechanisms to harvest policy information, process it, and use it gainfully. According to Andersson, Sudhir, and Zafar (2009, p. 440), information harvesting, processi ng, and management reduce the risk of operations. When companies access the right information before investment, they are able to reduce compliance risks. The company can use future derivative to organise how it will acquire various goods and services in the future at a certain price. Sarkar (2012, p. 28) affirms that speedy exchange of information across the industry enables investors to make the right information. Classified information and access to the information systems of oil and gas companies has also been highly controlled. Risk Assessment Modern technology aids in the reduction of variation in governance-risk-compliance. Technology is also an efficient tool in the reduction of operational risk. According to Akhibi (2012, p. 6), the use of real time monitoring technology enables the oil and gas companies to improve the availability of the commodity to customers, reduce operational costs, avoid conflicts with the society and the regulatory authorities, and reduce the risk of demand and supply. Dumaine (2013, p. 102), affirms that oil and gas companies are adopting condition-based monitoring in risk management, which involves positioning various sensors to measure and record the prevailing environmental conditions such as vibration and temperatures (Pinheiro 2011, p. 34). Such sensors enable the oil and gas companies to detect equipment failure in real time. In fact, Srivastava and Gupta (2010, p. 407) assert that the devices are sophisticated to ensure that alert devices either sound the alarm or give work orders to the operations department. Wimalasiri et al. (2010, p. 49) affirm that sensors have enabled many oil companies to avoid the risk of losing billions of money in spillage and leakages. Some oil and gas companies have set up strategic teams to manage any eventuality such as equipment failure and fire outbreaks. Schroeder and Jan (2007, p. 0.1) point out that fire departments are also connected to sensors in order to enable quick response to ev entualities and occurrences. Wimalasiri et al. (2010, 49) argue that predictive maintenance enables the industry to realise when there is the need to purchase certain equipments before the actual damage is done. Various modern technology devices are put in place to detect wear-and-tear and obsoleteness of equipments in the oil industry. Qian, Yulin, and Gonzalez (2012, p. 859) observe that, whenever the devices sense that a gas tank or an oil tank is not up to the set standards, the necessary alert message is sent to the maintenance department for replacement. Srivastava and Gupta (2010, p. 407) affirm that the sensor is also able to compare and analyse the level of functionality of every device in the firm and or give the right report on each. Pinheiro (2011, p. 34) observes that such quick reactions enable the firm to avoid health risks. Risks Control Oil and gas companies have to deal with the increased compliance and regulations facing the industry today. For example, according to Molokwu, Barreria, and Boris (2013, p. 2), in South Africa, tight requirements of reporting on all operations and events of minor accidents and incidents have been an expensive venture for the industry. There are also tight regulations on drilling operations. Oil and gas companies have therefore put in place mechanisms to ensure that the checklist for all regulations is complied with as the government of the area dictates (Chan 2011, p. 341). Such compliance includes registration of the company, authorisation for drilling, construction of the industry, reliability in maintenance of structures such as oil wells, and the ability to remain in the market as a competitive industry (Khan 2010, p. 157). According to Haselip and Martà ­nez (2011, p. 1), politics in a certain nation or state can play a role in the oil and gas industry. The major role that political forces play in the oil and gas industry is to regulate prices. Politicians are opinion leaders who largely become policy mak ers. Oil and gas industries have therefore put in place mechanisms to work with government in price regulations and policy control. The gas and oil companies have to deal with various environmental and health risk compliance processes. The oil and gas industry also faces the risk of geological inadequacy. In most of the nations and states, the reserve of oil and gas is already tapped out. The risk has also spread in nations that have been exploiting their reserves since they are also in the process of being fully exploited. According to Andersen and Aamnes (2012, p. 2010), companies have therefore put in place methods of ensuring that they comply with the health regulations in their area of investment. Oil is a pollutant to the environment in a double way especially when not well handled. According to Perunović and Jelena (2012, p. 130), the risk of oil spillage in water, for example, during mining or transportation in the sea has been greatly reduced through modern technology. Sophisticated mining methods have been employed to ensure no oil spillage during mining. In fact, Perunović and Jelena (2012, p. 130) affirm that modern water vessels have also been adopted in transporting oil through the sea. Khan (2010, p. 157) posits that employees’ health and safety have also been a risk issue in the oil and gas industry. Oil and gas prices are another risk that investors in this industry face. Chen and Jevons (1993, p. 667) argue that prices dictate whether a venture into extracting oil or gas is to be feasible or not. When geological limitations are high, the price risk of extracting oil or gas goes high. Oil and gas companies have therefore ensured high safety standards to employees through education and trainings. According to Molokwu, Barreria, and Boris (2013, p. 2), employees are taught how to protect themselves, how to behave while in the extraction site or in the storage and distribution site, and even how to manage eventualities such as fire outbreaks. Chan (2011, p. 341) reveal that oil and gas companies have also ensured that the community living near the mines and storage areas are also informed on management of fire and spillage. According to Hayes and Hopkins (2012, p. 145), oil and gas companies have also made use of resource centres that are set within the industries. Various minds gather in the resource centres to exchange ideas on the problems facing the industry. Schroeder and Jan (2007, p. 0.1) affirm that, unlike in the past when orders came from managers, engineers in today’s industry meet and exchange knowledge on various problems that their firms face. Hayes and Hopkins (2012, p. 145) assert that, with the meeting of engineering experts from various departments, the right solutions are likely to be realised to eliminate various risks facing oil and gas industries for example the geological and price fluctuation risks. The experts will come up with recommendations on the right measures that the ind ustry should take to avoid risks. Such decisions and recommendations majorly include modification, technological adaptations, planning, and maintenance. With the modern advancement in information technology, cyber crime and information system hacking has posed another risk to the oil and gas industry. According to Akhibi (2012, p. 6), in Nigeria, oil and gas companies have therefore put in place cyber security designs and technologies to mitigate the risk. In oil and gas industries, information system security has been highly integrated with people, processes, data, and systems. Such ventures secure the system to ensure accountability on the side of the operators. Qian, Yulin, and Gonzalez (2012, p. 859) argue that information security also ensures continuous surveillance of the internet protocol openings and filtration of information before it gains access to the main information system of the company. Importance of Managing Risks specifically in Oil and Gas Companies Based on the information already presented concerning risks and their repercussions if not mitigated, it becomes clear on the need to manage risks by all organisations, leave alone the oil and gas companies. Such risks reduce the ability of the firm to predict the course of business. The oil and gas industry faces various difficulties and tight monitoring by many authorities. Investing in the oil industry is also a very risky venture. In this light of probability of loss in the oil and gas industries, this paper highlights various importance of risk mitigation. Every derivative that oil and gas industries put in place should aim at risk mitigation. The derivatives that a firm takes should be aimed at cautioning the industry from the past, current, and future risks. Kendrick (2012, p. 61) asserts that risk management in oil and gas industries ensures that there is proper compliance with the regulations of the authorities in their place of business. Insuring the business against various risks also enables the company to have confidence and security in trade. Such regulations should also be adhered to avoid the risk of regulations and compliance. According to Andersen and Aamnes (2012, p. 2010), managing risks in the oil and gas industry enables the companies to have clear visibility of the current position and the future of the firm. Such a goal can be attained by venturing into future derivatives. The industry should sign for future trading ventures at certain prices with certain companies. Conclusion In conclusion, every business venture is exposed to various risks. Consequently, every business has to put in place various mechanisms to identify, monitor, assess, and control risks. Private enterprise is generally a risky venture. However, as discussed, the oil and gas company is bound to face more risks than any other business. The major risks that affect oil and gas companies include geological risks, political risks, government regulations, and compliance risks, price flu ctuation, demand and supply, and natural calamities risk. Oil and gas companies have therefore invested heavily in various risk mitigation measures. Such measures include risk identification, risk assessment, and risk monitoring and control. It is important to manage risks in every business venture. Risks can result in complete loss of business. They can lead to conflicts with the authorities and the communities in the business environment. It is therefore important to comply with the regulatory measures put in place by the regulatory authorities. Insuring the business against various risks is also an important step in risk mitigation. References Akhibi, O 2012, ‘Risk Management An Essential Ingredient in Nigerian Oil and Gas Construction Projects Delivery’, PM World Today, vol. 14 no. 3, p. 6. Andersen, S Aamnes, M 2012, ‘Risk analysis and risk management approaches applied to the petroleum industry and their applicability to IO concepts’, Safety Science , vol. 50 no. 10, pp. 2010-2019. Andersson, R, Sudhir, C, Zafar, K 2009, ‘Effects of Cutbacks in the United States Oil and Gas Industry on Employee Attitudes: An Empirical Study’, International Journal of Management, vol. 26 no.3, pp. 400-411. Antonsen, S, Kari, S, Jarl, R 2012, ‘The role of standardisation in safety management – A case study of a major oil gas company’, Safety Science, vol. 50 no. 10, pp. 2001-2009. Chan, M 2011, ‘Fatigue: the most critical accident risk in the oil and gas construction’, Construction Management Economics, vol. 29 no. 4, pp. 341-353. Chanmeka, A, Thomas, S, Caldas, C, Mulva, S 2012, ‘Assessing key factors impacting the performance and productivity of oil and gas projects in Alberta’, Canadian Journal of Civil Engineering, vol. 39 no. 3, pp. 259-270. Chen, K Jevons, C 1993, ‘Financial Ratios and Corporate Endurance: A Case of the Oil and Gas Industry’, Contemporary Accounti ng Research, vol. 9 no. 2, pp. 667-694. Dumaine, B 2013, ‘Fracking Comes To China’, Fortune, vol. 167 no.6, p. 102. Donaldson, T Schoemaker, P 2013, ‘Self-Inflicted Industry Wounds: Early Warning Signals and Pelican Gambits’, California Management Review, vol. 55 no. 2, pp. 24-45. Haselip, J Martà ­nez, R 2011, ‘Perus Amazonian oil and gas industry: risks, interests and the politics of grievance surrounding the development of block 76, Madre de Dios’, International Development Planning Review, vol. 33 no. 1, pp. 1-26. Hayes, J Hopkins, A 2012, ‘Deepwater Horizon - lessons for the pipeline Industry’, Journal of Pipeline Engineering, vol. 11 no. 3, pp. 145-153. Helman, C 2013, ‘The Worlds Biggest Gusher’, Forbes, vol. 191 no. 3, pp. 62-68. Kendrick, V 2012, ‘Safety Management in the Oil Gas Industry’, EHS Today, vol. 5 no. 8, pp. 61-62. Khan, M 2010, ‘Effects of Human Resource Management Practice s on Organisational Performance An Empirical Study of Oil and Gas Industry in Pakistan’, European Journal of Economics, Finance Administrative Sciences, vol. 1 no. 24, pp. 157-175. McShane, M Anil, N 2011, ‘Rustambekov, Elzotbek (2011). Does Enterprise Risk Management Increase Firm Value?’, Journal of Accounting, Auditing Finance, vol. 26 no. 4, pp. 641-658. Mehemed, E et al. 2012, ‘The Quantity and Quality of Environmental Disclosure in Annual Reports of National Oil and Gas Companies in Middle East and North Africa’, International Journal of Economics Finance, vol. 4 no. 10, pp. 201-217. Molokwu, V, Barreria, J, Boris, U 2013, ‘Entrepreneurial orientation and corporate governance structures at the firm level in the South African oil and gas industry’, South African Journal of Human Resource Management, vol. 11 no. 1, pp. 1-15. Mohanty, S Mohan, N 2011, ‘Oil Risk Exposure: The Case of the U.S. Oil and Gas Sector’, Fi nancial Review, vol. 46 no. 1, pp. 165-191. Okeefe, B Doris, B 2013, ‘The Unseen hand That Moves the Worlds Oil’, Fortune, vol. 167 no. 4, p. 158. Perunović, Z Jelena, V 2012, ‘Environmental Regulation and Innovation Dynamics in the Oil Tanker Industry’, California Management Review, vol. 55 no. 1, pp. 130-148. Pinheiro, A 2011, ‘Assessing Risk: A Simplified Methodology for Prejob Planning in Oil Gas Production’, Professional Safety’, vol. 56 no. 9, pp. 34-41. Qian, Ying, Yulin, C, Gonzalez, J 2012, ‘Managing information security risks during new technology adoption’, Computers Security, vol. 31 no. 8, pp. 859-869. Robb, M 2012, ‘Human factors engineering in oil and gas a review of industry guidance’, Work, vol. 41 no. 1, pp. 752-762. Sarkar, A 2012, ‘Impact of Total Cost Management on Financial Performance: An Empirical Study of Selected Public Sector Oil and Gas Companies in India’, Jour nal of Institute of Public Enterprise, vol. 35 no. 3/4, pp. 28-39. Smistad, R Igor, P 2012, ‘Hedging, Hedge Accounting and Speculation: Evidence from Canadian Oil And Gas Companies’, Global Journal of Business Research (GJBR), vol. 6 no.3, pp. 49-62. Smistad, R Igor, P 2011, ‘Hedging, Hedge Accounting and Speculation: Exploratory Study Based On A Sample Of Western Canadian Oil And Gas’, Global Conference on Business Finance Proceedings’, vol. 6 no. 2, pp. 91-104. Schroeder, B Jan, J 2007, ‘Why Traditional Risk Management Fails in the Oil and Gas Sector: Empirical Front-Line Evidence and Effective Solutions’, AACE International Transactions, vol. 1 no. 2, pp. 01.1-01.6. Srivastava, A Gupta, J 2010, ‘New methodologies for security risk assessment of oil and gas industry’, Process Safety Environmental Protection: Transactions of the Institution of Chemical Engineers Part B, vol. 88 no. 6, pp. 407-412. Taylor, M Kathleen, B 2013, ‘Managing Risks In The Volatile Energy Industry’, RMA Journal, vol. 95 no. 6, pp. 80-84. Wilkinson, A Roland, K 2013, ‘Living In the Futures’, Harvard Business Review, vol. 91 no. 5, pp. 118-127. 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