Working At Ibm As A Software Engineer - 2513 Words

One thing that a person realizes when they start working in a group of people is the fact that people are diverse. This can be in their way of thinking, their actions and even in the way they relate to one another. This makes the expected results to vary and become subjective in all manner of ways. This paper focuses on a clear description of the events that took place while I was working at IBM as a software engineer. This paper will focus with one of the projects; VPMI, which happened to be a very complex endeavor, not just for me, but also the team I was working with. Having been selected for the project for the sole reason of my educational background; software engineering, I was automatically made the technical leader of the group.†¦show more content†¦On Fridays we would then meet again and establish the steps that had been taken within the week. The project manager, who we all referred to as Andy, was a modern kind of manager, who believed in delegating duties to all persons who were willing to take them, so on Friday he would ensure the meeting was casual and everyone had an opportunity of taking a stand on what they thought were the barriers to the project’s development. I believe this was a move to have constant communication within the group so that we could avoid conflict. Despite this, conflict arouse at given incidents within the project development period. As I stipulated earlier, this was a diverse group, it had all sorts of people, and for instance Alisha who was one of the member in the group was very competitive. Having attended one of the premier institutes for her undergraduate she felt she had the upper hand in some matters within the IT scope within the group. Alisha was slender, dressed elegantly at all times and exhibited all the traits that a competitive person exhibits. On one of these meetings, she had been given the role of facilitating the Friday session. As usual the team was discussing the issues that had faced the project that week. An issue was raised regarding the software to be used for one of the sub-projects and my opinion was asked on it. Alisha was not in agreement with it, however, instead of facilitating

Business law Reflective Free Essays

Abstract Reflective writing provides â€Å"evidence of reflective thinking† (Thorpe, 2010, p. 2) and generally involves the writer looking at back at tasks that have been undertaken and considering what improvements need to be made. In order to conduct a reflective statement for a presentation that has been carried out Gibbs (1988, p. We will write a custom essay sample on Business law Reflective or any similar topic only for you Order Now 1) model of reflection ought to be used. This enables the writer to provide a description of what happened and then consider what thoughts and feelings they have about the presentation. An evaluation of the good and bad points is then provided and an analysis as to what affected the outcome is made. Once this has been done a conclusion is then drawn about what changes could be made in order to improve future presentations. In this reflective assignment I will therefore write a reflective account of how the performance went by considering the strengths and weaknesses as well as any feelings I had when conducting the tasks (Moon, 2013, p. 140). Outline of law The presentation was based upon the advantages and disadvantages of Limited Liability Partnership’s (LLPs) and whether LLPs have been taken up by many professional (unlimited) partnerships. Accordingly, it was thus made clear that LLPs are advantageous in that partners of LLPs have limited liabilities (Cody et al, 2007, p. 82) and are therefore not responsible for another partner’s misconduct or negligence (Haywood, 2010, p. 546). As such, there is a reduced risk to the personal wealth of all partners from creditor’s claims. LLPs also provide great flexibility for partners in that they facilitate participation in the management and maintenance of the partnership (Rouch and Smethurst, 2004, p. 46). Moreover, because LLPs require registration at Companies House, these types of partnerships may give the perception that they are much more substantial than they actually are. LLPs do, however, have a number of disadvantages including the lack of privacy since all finan cial information must be disclosed to the public (Morris, 2001, p. 161). In addition, there is also the requirement for an LLP agreement which may not be desirable for many partnerships. LLPs are also taxed in the same way as sole traders and traditional partnerships and so do not obtain the same tax benefits that a Limited Liability Company would receive. The limited liability protection that is provided may also lead to trade suppliers being unwilling to provide credit to the partnership as they may perceive the protection as a high risk for themselves. If an LLP fails, no redress would be provided to the partners even if they are owed money (Murray, 1998, p. 15). The strengths and weakness of the workings of group Strengths In undertaking the above presentation, I was provided with the opportunity to work as part of group. In doing so, I was able to pool my ideas together with others and understand the advantages and disadvantages of LLPs from different perspectives. In addition, any complex problems that I faced were more easily tackled since I was able to discuss the problems with the others in the group and therefore gain relevant feedback. As a group, we were able to meet up in order to work on the presentation together, which enabled us to generate ideas that we may not have come up with individually. The end product was therefore a success because of the fact that everyone in the group was able to contribute to what was being said. Weaknesses Although it was enjoyable working with other people, there were many drawbacks of the workings of the group. This was evidenced by the lack of team work that existed at times as some individuals provided more input than others. As a result, I often found myself taking the leading position on this assignment as opposed to working with the group as equals and I subsequently ended up providing the group with the appropriate guidance needed to conduct the presentation. This could have been due to the fact that I was better at organising what needed to be addressed, whereas the others in the group were better at expressing their opinions. When we were initially provided with the instructions for the presentation, we all agreed that it was best to start off by each giving our own opinions as to what we thought would work best for this particular topic. It was then decided that each individual ought to research a different matter on the topic. Some parts of the research that was gathered we re, however, stronger than other parts and so further clarification was needed. Nevertheless, one of the main things that I learnt from this process was the acceptance of other people’s ideas and opinions. At times it was difficult to decide whose particular research was the most useful and it seemed as though the information being gathered was not sufficient enough to convey the issues surrounding LLPs within our presentation. Hence, it would have been a lot better if the group had communicated with each other more effectively and were thus prepared to get more involved with the team (Maughan Webb, 2001, p. 1). This is because, it seemed as though a lot of independent work was still be undertaken for this assignment even though it was a group project. This had a significant impact upon the overall presentation as it appeared that the group had not worked together in considering the advantages and disadvantages of LLPs. This could have largely been due to the difficulty it was in getting groups members together since we had to find an appropriate time th at was convenient for everyone in the group. This was quite difficult to achieve as we had to figure out a time that would suit the needs of all and then email each other to find out if this was in fact appropriate. The strengths and weakness of presentation Strengths The presentation skills of each individual in the group were sufficient in that we all maintained a fair level of eye contact and an appropriate use of language throughout. We also maintained a very good pace and I became aware of my strong expressive voice and powerful eye contact. The presentation was also well organised and we had memorised what we had included in the presentation so there was little need to script read. Overall, the presentation was well delivered and organised in an a clear concise manner that allowed the reader to easily identify the advantages and disadvantages of LLPs. Weaknesses In conducting the presentation I felt that I lacked the ability to put my audience at ease because of the lack of clarity that existed in the presentation. Better preparation would have rectified this, yet because of the complexities that existed within the group it was extremely difficult to prepare as well as we should have done. Furthermore, although I had the ability to explain the different concepts of LLPs clearly, I was unable to answer the question that was put to me at the end of the presentation appropriately. As a result, it is evident that further reading on the topic would have been beneficial as it would have enhanced my knowledge and understanding of LLPs and would have provided me with the ability to answer any questions that were put to me. The tone of my voice could also have been a little more varied and I could have had greater confidence in the subject matter. More preparation would have resolved this as well as further collaboration with the other group members. In addition, we also had a lack of skill when it came to using PowerPoint and so it would have been better if we had got ourselves familiar with the software before making the presentation. How any weaknesses can be overcome in the future? Whilst there were certain parts that appeared to be satisfactory, such as the appropriate level of eye contact and use of language, it has become evident that my presentation lacked any clarity. As such, I will ensure that future presentations will be a lot more clear and concise. This can be achieved through preparation and ensuring that greater efforts are made to communicate with the group. Preparation and practice would also allow me to answer questions from the audience with greater confidence and I would have a better understanding of the topic (Marathe, 2007, p. 7). I would also practice the tone of my voice in order to ensure that more variance was provided throughout. In relation to the use of PowerPoint, I would ensure that I am fully aware of how the software works so that difficulties do not arise during the actual presentation. What you learnt about teamwork and oral presentation skills After listening to the feedback I received following my presentation, I have learnt that there are certain elements of my teamwork and presentation skills that need improvement. For teamwork to be effective, all members of the group need to be confident in the subject matter and willing to participate through group discussions. This will ensure that the ideas are expressed with greater clarity and the nature of each individual’s contribution will be better understood. I also learnt that in order for a team to be successful, we need to be more efficient with resources and therefore need to manage time more effectively. From this experience, I also learnt the complexities that can arise from trying to collaborate with others and although I was often left frustrated, it all came together in the end. In effect, it became evident that different ideas are often generated when collaborating with others, yet it is important that all group members listen to each other as well as provid ing their own information. For oral presentations to be effective, it is important that the presenters know the subject matter inside and out as this will become clear to the audience. Confidence is thereby important for a successful presentation to be conducted, which can be conveyed through eye contact. This provides an element of intimacy and makes the audience feel comfortable. In addition, too much information should not be provided to the audience as this will divert their attention away from the most important points. Preparation is also essential, especially for presenters who lack experience, because those who do not prepare as well end up going off on tangents. References Cody, T., Hopkins, D. A., Perlman, L. A., and Kalteux, L. L., (2007) Limited Liability Companies, Business Economics, 9th Edition. Gibbs, G. (1988) Learning by Doing: A Guide to Teaching and Learning Methods, SCED, Birmingham. Haywood, J. (2010) LLP Members: How Limited is Your LiabilityPart 1, Journal of International Banking and Financial Law, Volume 9, Issue 9. Marathe, M. (2007) The Successful Speaker: 273 Tips for Powerful Presentations, Lulu. Maughan, C., and Webb, J., (2001). Small group learning and assessment. Retrieved August 01, 2007, from the Higher Education Academy accessed 01 May 2013. Moon, J. A. (2013) A Handbook of Reflective and Experimental Learning: Theory and Practice, Routledge. Morris, G. D., (2001) Limited Liability Partnerships, Tolley’s Practical Business Fortnightly for Senior Administrators, Volume 24, Issue 21. Murray, C. (1998) Comment – Take it to the Limit, Law Society Gazette, Volume 95, Issue 40. Rouch, D. and Smethhurst, J. (2004) Limited Liability Partnerships: Flexing the Body Corporate, Journal of International Banking and Financial Law, Volume 49, Issue 2. Thorpe, K. (2010) Reflective Learning Journals: From Concept to Practice, Reflective Practice: International Multidisciplinary Perspectives, Volume 5, Issue 3. How to cite Business law Reflective, Essay examples

Business Valuation and Analysis Strategy

Question: Describe about the Business Valuation and Analysis for Strategy? Answer: Summarization of ALTADIS Strategy: The cigar manufacturing company Altadis has many strategies for their company to make their company to earn more profit by selling cigars to different countries of the world. One of the strategies adopted by the cigar manufacturing company is Cash Flow Driven: The Altadis Company has reduced the fiscal opinion for the cigar division of France. They have reduced the rate of tax for the product of France. But the manufacturing company has increased the price of the cigar in the French market. They have reduced the volume of blond cigar in French market in two consecutive years. That is why the annual selling cigar is declined by almost 2 %. The total remuneration yield is increasing in every year as the company is buying back the share from the share holders of Altadis. But still the company is having the growth in revenue of almost 6%. Valuation: The company is buying back the shares capital of the company in every year and returning millions of money to the share holders of the company. The company is also declaring the dividend to its share holders. The total remuneration of the company is increasing in every year. The estimated total remuneration of the company is almost 600 million Euro. Ratio Analysis: The Altadis Company is entered into the emerging market. The Altadis Company is trading at a large discount on their EBITDA and EBIT. The price earnings ratio of the Altadis Company is falling down. This is because the lower leverage value and the fiscal funds. The lower ratio of BATs is exposed to the litigation in the market and for the highest revenues of shares in the emerging market. The strategies approved by the Altadis Company should improve: The research analyst after observing the strategies acquired by the company found that the Altadis Company should perform better during the year. This is because the annual sales of the cigar are declining vigorously. The company should counter balance the negative performance of cigar sales in the French market. The revenues of the cigar company are falling by almost 4.1%. The EBDITA of the cigar company is declining by almost 5.2%. This is because the volumes of sales of cigar in the French market are declining. The sales volume of cigar in the French market should be increased to improve the revenues of the company. If this situation continues for the company then the operating results of the company will also decrease. According to the research analyst, the company should stop buying back the shares of the company from their share holders. The sales volume of the cigar should be improved to generate the revenues for the company. If both the revenues of the company and sales volume of the company increased then the share price of the company will also increase in the French market. Evaluation of Strategies: If the company stops buying back the shares from the share holders of the company then the company will have enough funds with them. The share price of the company will also increase in the share market. If the company improves the sales volume of the product then the company will generate more revenues for the company. The price earnings ratio of the company will also increase. The company can earn a huge amount of profit which will help the company to generate more funds for the betterment of the company.

Prescriptive Jurisdiction and Enforcement Jurisdiction in International Law

Even though parliament can reprimand any action through its local regulation, global law does not allow the State to impose its rule outside its land. For instance, Saudi Arabian (SA) law states that infidelity is a felony that is punished by stoning to death.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Prescriptive Jurisdiction and Enforcement Jurisdiction in International Law specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This rule is applicable only in Saudi Arabia (Dupuy Kerbrat 2010, p. 64). It cannot be applied in other places even if a citizen of Saudi Arabia was found committing adultery. This takes us to the earliest code in the Lotus case, which says that a State cannot apply its rule in any shape in the land of another nation unless there is a global tradition or principle allowing the State to do so (Dixon 2007, p. 87). The UK-Netherlands accord of 1991 can serve as an example, where UK got approval from Netherlands before in dicting two Libyans charged with the Lockerbie intimidation (Shaw 2003, p. 23) Therefore, a jurisdiction centers deeply on the power to prescribe (Sweeney 2007, p. 50) in addition, this is what the paper will focus on. A state’s jurisdiction in the modern international system refers to its power to control the actions of individuals and property. Again, jurisdiction can be either civil or criminal (O’Keefe 2004, p. 736). Jurisdiction in real terms is not a universal concept that is; its meaning is not common to all people. The ancient activities of states and doctrinal inscriptions enables people comprehend that jurisdiction is broadly categorized into two major forms, that is, prescriptive and power to enforce. In the criminal context, jurisdiction to prescribe refers to the power of the state to invoke its criminal law in arbitrating certain actions. Jurisdiction to enforce on the other hand refers to the power of the state to employ criminal law practically through its criminal justice system that is, arresting (police), arbitrating (courts) and correcting (Amerasinghe 1994, p. 14).Advertising Looking for essay on international relations? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Whereas jurisdiction to prescribe might be extra-territorial, the power to enforce is strictly territorial. This implies that any state cannot take its criminal justice system (CJS) to another state since this might be considered intrusion. In case a state would wish to prosecute its citizen abroad, it has to issue an arrest warrant to the foreign state and urge the same state to assist in arresting the culprit. It is therefore evident that the power to prescribe and the power to enforce are not compatible at all (O’Keefe 2004, p. 740). Jurisdiction to prescribe and the power to enforce are rationally self-sufficient. However, the two forms of jurisdictions are intertwined. The state has the authority to make laws as long as they benefit the public. The same laws are not applied universally since environments are different. Laws apply well where they originate since the procedure employed in making them is logical. For prescriptive authority, utilization of force to implement an opinion is more realistic inside state boundaries than outside. When it takes place outside state boundaries, the possibility of inter-state disagreement is inevitable. A state in the international system may decide to punish its citizen or a resident of another state in case its interest is in danger (Simma Paulus 1999, p. 21) This brings about hostilities among states, which may cause wars. International law allows a state to issue an arrest warrant even when the suspect is not available in the state, what is referred to as arrest in absentia. The best example is the mutatis mutandis case that applies to individuals based on citizenship, flaccid personality and service in the military. States have rights to prescri be laws according to the internationally established standards (Lawson Bertucci 1996, p. 69) Through this, the rule of law is guaranteed in the international system. The implementation of prescriptive authority based on a jurisdictional nexus instituted after execution of the offence is a type of ex post facto criminalization.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Prescriptive Jurisdiction and Enforcement Jurisdiction in International Law specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This is disgusting because a substantive public criminal proscription and its subsequent castigation are applied to the offender only after execution of the impugned behavior. It is not a matter of following a proficient public process (O’Keefe 2004, p. 743). Enforcement jurisdiction pertains directly to the use of coercive authority. Between the two forms of jurisdiction, Enforcement type is the narrowest. This implies that it survives only w hen the criterion for prescriptive authority exist (Domingo 2003, p. 54). Enforcement Jurisdiction is applicable only with respect to people, belongings, or behaviors. The connection between the two forms of laws is comprehensible. A state cannot implement enforcement jurisdiction unless it subscribes to prescriptive jurisdiction (Brownlie 2008, p. 38). A good example that elucidates this connection is the Canadian Criminal code, which states that the state can exercise authority over any individual within Canada. An individual can be impeached whether in a foreign state or in his own country as long as he/she committed an offence. Judges Higgins and Kooijmans categorize this type of jurisdiction accurately. Prosecuting an individual present in the state is termed as ‘in personam’. Prosecution of an individual who sought refuge to another state is termed as ‘in absentia’ (O’Keefe 2004, p. 755). The decision to implement international law uniformly is meant to bring peace and tranquility in the global society. List of References Amerasinghe, C 1994, The Law of the International Civil Service, 2nd edn, Vol. 1, Clarendon Press, Oxford. Brownlie, P 2008, Principles of Public International Law, 7th edn, Oxford University Press, Oxford.Advertising Looking for essay on international relations? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Dixon, M 2007, Textbook on International Law, 6th edn, Oxford University Press, Oxford. Domingo, OR 2003, The New Global Law, Cambridge University Press, New York. Dupuy, MP Kerbrat, Y 2010, Droit international public, 10th edn, Dalloz, Paris. Lawson, E Bertucci, ML 1996, Encyclopedia of human rights, 2nd edn, Taylor Francis, New York. O’Keefe, R 2004, â€Å"Universal Jurisdiction, clarifying the basic concept†, Journal of International Criminal Justice, Vol. 2, no. 3. Shaw, MN 2003, International Law, 5th edn, Cambridge University Press, Oxford. Simma, B Paulus LA 1999, â€Å"Symposium on method in International Law: The Responsibility of Individuals for Human Rights Abuses in Internal Conflicts: A Positivist View†, American Journal of International Law, Vol. 93, no. 302. Sweeney, B 2007, â€Å"Combating Foreign Anti-competitive Conduct: What Role for Extra-territorialism?† Melbourne Journal of International Law, Vol. 8, no. 35. This essay on Prescriptive Jurisdiction and Enforcement Jurisdiction in International Law was written and submitted by user Lauren D. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Caryl Churchill Essays - Caryl Churchill, Postmodern Theatre

Caryl Churchill Essays - Caryl Churchill, Postmodern Theatre Caryl Churchill Caryl Churchill is one of England's most premier females, modern playwrights. She has strived throughout her career as theatrical personality to make the world question roles, stereotypes and issues that are dealt with everyday, such as violence and political and sexual oppression. Not only has she been a strong force on the stage, but has also had strong influences with radio and television. Overall, this woman can simply be summarized to be a fascinating personality. Especially in a time where women did not have the same rights as women nowadays, we can safely infer that her feats represent her determination as a playwright as well as an actor. Churchill was born in London on September 3, 1938. She lived in England until the age of ten when her family moved to Canada. There she attended Trafalgar School in Montreal until 1955. At this time she moved back to England to attend Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford University. This is the key place where her career began. While studying English at Oxford she took an interest in theater. Actually, she wrote her first three plays while at the university. When her career in theater and performance started at Oxford she had begun the first phase in her career. She was very focused on sounds and voice. In fact, her first three plays, Downstairs (1958), You've No Need to be Frightened (1959), and Having a Wonderful Time (1959) were all extremely focused on sound. This fact might have been propelled by her career as a radio playwright. For the next ten years she concentrated her energy mainly on radio plays, starting off with The Ants, which she herself, thought of it as a TV play, but my agent Margaret Ramsey sensibly sent it to radio. During the time of her writing for theater and her sounds phase, she was looking outward, investigating new places for her to take her art. She wrote a few stage plays during her radio phase, but none were produced. She re-wrote some of her radio plays and, this time, eight of them were produced between the years of 1962 and 1973. She then slowly made here transition from her radio career into acting and writing television plays. She became very unsatisfied with it very quickly, commenting that Televisionattracts me very much lessIt has the attraction of large audiences and being the ordinary peoples' medium and not being the sort of effete cultural thing that no one ever pays any attention to anyway. But as an actual medium, as a physical thing that happens, I don't find it anything as exciting as acting on a stage. Gradually, Churchill's reputation would become comparable to that of the Royal Court, a rather well-known producing company. She became the first female resident dramatist, and later helped with the Young Writer's Group program. During her time at the Royal Court she wrote many plays, still focusing a great deal on sound and voice. At the same time that she held her position of resident dramatist for the Royal Court, she also worked at other theatres and with other groups. She founded the Theatre Writers Group, now known as the Theatre Writers Union, and had works produced by Joint Stock Theatre Group and Monstrous Regiment. From then on in her career, Caryl Churchill would both write as well as act in many plays challenging society in many different ways such as racial discrimination, sexual discrimination, and more. These plays challenge not only the thoughts and practices of the past and of her present, but also that the reputations of history be regarded as sealed records not amenable to change in the present. In other words, she was trying to say that anything done in the past cannot be changed in any way, because the damage has already been done. The next move that Churchill made in her career was to attack the ideas of gender in her society. In her plays, Churchill somehow manages to cross-gender the characters of the play, creating humorous scenes. One critic exclaimed, By mismatching the performers with their stage roles, Churchill underscores the artificiality and conventionality of the characters' sex roles. A clever theatrical idea thus serves a dramatic purpose, and

Best practice review - work based learning Literature

Best practice - work based learning - Literature review Example Recognizing the importance of learning for development and has led to the origination of large number of methodologies. The single objective working behind development of leanings methodologies has been to improving the level of effectiveness.Among various methodologies introduced for the purpose, Work Based Learning is most recognized and accepted one. As the name signifies Work Based Learning refers to the learning that predominantly takes place through work (Garnett, 2001). Learning in work place maintains focus on job. Work based learning is being associated with on job training, skill development and experiential learning that is being provided to the students in the employment environment; hence reducing the gap of between pedagogical learning and work based experiences of learning and doing. Though considerable development is being made on the matter and great variety of models and themes have been devised there is still gap existing between the work-based learning demands as the opportunities facilitated by the workplace to align on same page. Hence, along with development of the field towards success the criticism has also been coming along. REVIEW FROM LITERATURE Eraut and Hirsh (2007) have suggested in contrast to the traditional forma l learning settings; work based learning is accredited with greater knowledge and skill development along with higher level of effectiveness based on the knowledge that is adopted by being part of the work environment . It further refers that strength of the knowledge is developed from responding to the issues originating from pieces of work. Work based learning is not only regarded as the form of combination of theory and practice but at the same time it is conceptual development that has combination of explicit and tacit forms knowledge (Brodie, and Irving, 2007). The combination of the explicit as well as tacit knowledge is further generated from the dual aspects facilitated from the knowledge. Learner in the work b ased learning environment develops tacit and explicit knowledge on both levels of individual as well as collective level as given presented below: (Raelin, 1998) Hence, the combination of the work based learning best practices has to facilitate the combination of these factors in a negotiated combination in order to achieve the effective and robust results (Lester, 2002). Settings; however, may vary with respect to the need of the learner and the facilitator. For instance, the methodology of work based learning that is applied at Middlesex University is of format that has negotiation as critical element. Work based learning in Middlesex University is designed with high level of negotiation between the parties involved such as the learner, the facilitator as well as the employer that provides learning set up. Such negotiated learning results in developing the learner that reflects greater commitment to work and self development. However, the commitment of learners within this format and self development is dependent on the level of motivation provided by the employers; especially in work activities that does not offer learner some level of discretion with respect to decision making as well as authority to take action (Zembylas, 2006). Work based learning settings also offer a distinctive form of learning where learners are provided with conceptual development. The learning is since provided with vocational training therefore the conceptual development is conducted with experiences and reflections (Reeve, and Gallacher, 2005). Further, the concept of action research that facilitates learning with conducting research in order to solve the real world problems is also accepted influential methodology. In the mentioned settings the solution to the problem is more democratic as it is arrived by collaborative discussions on work place or any other structured format that falls in the category of work based learning. Hence, in every context the success is derived from p ragmatic concept of

Political sciencemiddle east Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Political sciencemiddle east - Essay Example They failed to protect key strategic resources and national treasures. In addition, they failed to have a workable form of rule and order in place to replace the ousted Sadaam Hussein, This failure to plan resulted in a weakened and fragile economy, social upheaval, and political instability that will continue to burden Iraq for years to come. The war in Iraq wrecked an already declining economy and failed to deliver on the promises of prosperity and oil revenues. In the 20 years leading up to the war, the per capita income had declined by 75 percent and the first year of the war cut that in half again to just $450 (Schifferes). The country was burdened by high unemployment, massive numbers of people employed in "inefficient state-owned enterprises", and half the population that was dependent on food aid (Schifferes). At the time there was a plan to privatize the industries, and increase oil revenues so that Iraq would have a self-sustaining economy. However, oil production, which accounts for 90 percent of Iraq's economy, continues to stagnate at about 2.4 million barrels per day, far off the peak production of 3.5 million barrels reached in 1990 (Kumins CRS-1; Iraq Economy 2008). In addition, unemployment continues to hover between 18 and 30 percent (Iraq Economy 2008). ... But it didn't last. Both the privatizations and the pension conversion were rushed into place before the country had the infrastructure or investor sophistication to support them". Without a long term plan and commitment to the restructuring of Iraq's economy, the US will be mired down for years continually trying to jump-start it. A recent effort at privatizing the oil industry has met with considerable resistance due to its demands that Iraq surrender a significant degree of sovereignty. The 2003 invasion of Iraq set off one of the bloodiest periods in Iraq's history, and had been responsible for a period no less violent than the era of Sadaam Hussein. There is little debate about the ruthlessness and cruelty of Sadaam Hussein and his inappropriateness as a leader in the modern world. However, when Hussein was ousted, the US had made no plans for a system to replace him. Religious factions rushed in to fill the void, and resulted in a civil war with the US forces attempting to act as referee. While accurate body counts are difficult to estimate, counts range from between 100,000 to over 2 million. The Lancet, a well-respected British medical journal estimated that 600,000 deaths had been attributable to the war as of 2006 (Polya). This is on an even par with the number of deaths blamed on Sadaam Hussein in the 20 years leading up to the war. In addition, the social strife has caused many people to flee the country and "approximately two million Iraqis have fled the c onflict in Iraq, with the majority taking refuge in Syria and Jordan, and lesser numbers to Egypt, Lebanon, Iran, and Turkey" (Iraq Economy 2008). This has torn apart families, communities, and social institutions. If the US had planned a stable transfer of power in Iraq after the invasion, the