Organzational Leadership Essay -- Human Resources

Introduction Organizations are experiencing a rapid transformation in the environment, which has caused them to reevaluate how they do business. Economic changes, globalization, and expansions in technology have warranted the need to adapt quickly to changes in the environment (Schneider, 2002). Organizational leadership has three general components: setting the direction for the organization, organizational performance, and change management (Johnson, 2011). It is critical for organizations to position themselves in this competitive market for success. To maintain a competitive advantage an organization has to study the fluctuations within the environment and make the necessary changes. Assessing organizational strengths and weaknesses continuously allows them to take strategic steps that lead to optimal outcomes. Organizational performance management is important in ensuring the right people are in the right jobs at the right time. Weak points must be identified and strengthened so that the organization’s leadership can adapt to a continually changing environment (Johnson, 2011). In this paper I will discuss some organizational leadership principals and my beliefs, assumptions, and understanding of organizational leadership. Organizational Leadership Principals Vision â€Å"Leaders come in every size, shape, and disposition-short, tall, neat, sloppy, young, old, male, and female† (Bennis, 2009, p. 33). Unlike Johnson (2011), Bennis (2009) proposes additional components to leadership. First, there must be a vision. A leader has to have a well-defined direction and purpose. They must understand not only the direction they will take, but also the steps to achieve the stated objectives. The vision must be articulat... ...om http://www.businessweek.com/managing/content/nov2010/ca2010112_608471.htm The Leaders Toolbox. (2012). Leaders toolbox principals. Retrieved from http://www.leadingforachange.com/toolbox/principles.asp Travelers. (2012). Travelers receives highest rankings on Goldman Sachs semiannual property & casualty insurance survey. Retrieved from http://inside.here.travp.net/intrahome/iwcm/insideNews/news/03-2012/CONEWS_TravelersReceivesHighestRankingsonGoldm.aspx Travelers. (2012). Travelers once again named Fortune’s world’s most admired companies list. Retrieved from http://inside.here.travp.net/intrahome/iwcm/insideNews/news/03-2012/CONEWS_TravelersOnceAgainNamedtoFORTUNEsWorlds.aspx Webster, A. (n.d.). Principles of organizational leadership. Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/list_7541679_principles-organizational-leadership.html#ixzz1r5O71eyy

The Blue Whale Essay -- essays research papers

The Blue Whale   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Balaenoptera Musculus, or the blue whale, is the largest mammal in the world. This enormous mammal can grow to be 110 feet long and weigh as much as 190 tons. That's longer than two city buses and the total weight of 30 elephants. This giant is powered by a heart the size of a taxi-cab. The blue whale's of the Antarctic grow larger than those of the Northern Hemisphere. Also, the females tend to be slightly larger than the males of the same age. These mammals are bluish-gray in color, with some paler spots. Algae tends to accumulate on their bellies causing a yellowish or mustard color. It has a mottled appearance with a broad, flattened U-shaped head. Fifty to ninety throat grooves run from the mouth to the belly. Instead of teeth, blue whales have 270 to 400 black baleen plates on each side of their mouths. These plates are about forty inches long and twenty-two inches wide. The blue whale has a tiny, stubby dorsal fin set far back on its body. It has a 20 foot wide, slightly notched, triangular flukes, which is propelled by an extremely thick tail stock. The flippers on this creature are long and slender, and are about one-seventh of the whale's body length. The blue whale's most prominent feature is its exceptionally fleshy splashgaurd, which surrounds the blowholes at the front and sides. This whale spouts a single slender jet that soars forty to fifty feet high.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The blue whale has very poor eyesight, no sense of smell, and has no sense of taste. However, the blue whale does have well-developed senses of touch and hearing. This large mammal has a life span of about eighty years.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  At this time there is not too much known about the blue whale's behavior. Blowing and diving patterns vary according to the whale's activity. The blue whale blows every ten to twenty seconds for a total of two to six minutes, when relaxed, and then dives. They usually stay submerged for five to twenty minutes, but can stay under for up to 40 minutes. Blue whale's usually dive to around 490 feet, but can go deeper if need be. When swimming slowly, the whale rises at a shallow angle. He blows as soon as the head begins to brake the surface. The head disappears below the surface and a long expanse of the back rolls into view. The dorsal fin normally appears some time after the... ...ws about blue whales coming from the rest of the world's oceans. California waters may now represent some of the most critical large whale habitats in the world. Bibliograpghy 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Boitani, Luigi and Bartoli, Stefania 1983. Simon and Schuster's Guide to Mammals. NewYork: Simon & Schuster Inc., p.237. 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Singing Blues for the Blues. U.S. News and World Report, July 3, 1989 vol 107, n 1; pp.8 and 9. 3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Leatherwood, Stephen and Reeves, Randall 1983. The Seirra Club Handbook of Whales and Dolphins. San Francisco: Seirra Club Books, pp. 47-51. 4.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Sattler, Helen Roney 1987. Whales, the Nomads of the Sea. New York: Lothrop, Lee and Shepard Books; pp. 17, 28, 62-63. 5.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Carwardine, Mark 1985. Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises. New York: Dorling Kindersley Publishing, Inc., pp.68-71. 6.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Lockley, Ronald M. 1979. Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises. NewYork: W.W. Norton and Co., Inc. p. 88. 7.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Baskin, Yvonne. Blue Behemoth Bounds Back. Bio Science, October 1993, vol 43, n 9; pp. 603-606.

Medicare Cutbacks :: essays research papers

Medicare Cutbacks Politicians, hospital administrators, doctors, and union leaders across the country are scrambling to reverse Medicare policy that has cut off, and will continue to cut off, billions of dollars from the health care industry and force cutbacks in critical medical services. The combination of rising cost in the health care industry and the diminishing Medicare payments are predicted to result in devastating effects to many aspects of the sector. Physicians, treatment facilities, medical training institutions, as well as beneficiaries are all vulnerable to the adverse effects of Medicare cutbacks. Nationwide, hospitals will lose approximately $1.6 billion annually once new Medicare cuts go into place on October 1, 2002. The cutbacks contained in the fiscal year 2003 budget will present a substantial challenge in the days lying ahead for the programs 550,000 participating physicians and its 39 million beneficiaries (Haugh, 2002). In the resent days of staffing crisis’s, liability insurance price hikes, and the overall elevating cost of providing healthcare, the Medicare cutbacks could not have come at a more inconvenient time for health care officials. Medicare payment reductions have become the added fuel in the industries financial crisis fire. I. Introduction A. What the projected cutbacks are. B. What prompted the cutbacks? 1. Balanced Budget Act of 1997 C. Who will be effected by the cutbacks? II. Impact on Physicians and private practice A. Reimbursement rate deduction B. Medicare participation decline 1. 17 percent of family physician have stopped taking new Medicare patients (Inglehart, 2002). III. Impact on Hospitals A. Disproportional-share hospital payment reduction B. Reimbursement rate reduction IV. Impact on training hospitals A. Indirect medical education payment adjustments B. Importance of training facility funding V. Impact on beneficiaries A. Good v. Bad 1. More funds available for new programs such as drug benefits. 2. Limited access to care. 3. Limited choices. VI. Conclusion References Association of American Medical Colleges. (2002, May 15). Health care leaders urge congress to stop medicare cuts to teaching hospitals. Retrieved September 10, 2002, from http://www.aamc.org/newsroom/Pressrel/ 2002/020515.htm Centers for Medicare & Medicaid. (2002, September 5). Hospital outpatient prospective payment system. Retrieved September 11, 2002, from http://cms.hhs.gov/ regulations/hopps/ Haugh, R. (2002, April). Dr. discontent. Hospitals & Health Networks, 34-42. Haugh, R. (2002, March). Feeling the pressure?. Hospitals & Health Networks, 42-45. Hernandez, R. (2001, May 14). A broad alliance tries to head off cuts in medicare [Electronic version].

Cam Therapeutics Modalities Paper

CAM Therapeutics Modalities Paper Shakita A Hunter SCI/201 October 31, 2011 Macharia Waruingi CAM Therapeutics Modalities Paper Individuals have taken the option to take better care of themselves by taking steps to improve their health. The complementary and alternative medicine, otherwise known as CAM, is a group made up of practices, products, medical and healthcare systems with diverse backgrounds. The different practices of CAM are grouped in different categories associated with â€Å"natural products, mind and body medicine, and manipulative and body-based practices†(NCCAM,2011). The purpose of this essay is to defined alternative medicine, complementary medicine and integrative medicine. It will describe how conventional medicine plays a role in these three types of medicine. In addition, the essay will further discuss the philosophy of CAM; how it relates to conventional Western medicine as well as describes the five domains of therapies. Finally, the essay will describe one CAM treatment modality within the five domains if therapies and how it meets the definition of alternative, complementary, or integrative therapy. When discussing complementary medicine, it is referred to as standard care. It is proven to be safe and effective. â€Å"Complementary medicine includes techniques such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage, support groups, and yoga†(NCCAM,2011). This type of medicine can affect an individual’s physical being, spiritual being, emotional being, and social being. It can help a person’s immune system become more healthier and it can also have the ability to fight off a disease. Outside of the realm of conventional medicine, there is another form of medicine that is called alternative medicine. With alternative medicine, individuals are require to do a bit more work. Alternative medicine includes a broad range of practices. Some healing therapies are based on Ancient Chinese beliefs, like acupuncture and the use of certain herbal compounds. Others focus on Hindu, or Ayurvedic, therapies including diet changes, the practice of yoga, and emphasizing the connection of mind, body, and spirit†( Ellis-Christensen,2011). With alternative m edicine, the negative side effects almost do not exist. People may want to go to a Wal-mart or pharmacy to purchase herbs, vitamins, or other supplements and can get them at a reasonable price. Many of these herbs, supplements and produce are the basis of much of alternative medicine which is overlooked for the most part in terms of their health benefits. One form of natural, alternative medicine that is frequently used by many comes in the convenient form of tea. The herbal teas Echinacea and Chamomile naturally help support the body’s immune system. Whether for sore muscles, the stomach flu, or a cold, herbal teas can suppress the illness until the symptoms have passed and wellness has been restored. Integrative medicine is a combination of conventional Western medicine with complementary and alternative medicine or treatments. The various techniques that can be utilized from both complementary and alternative treatments are all in the effort to treat the person in whole. For any integrative medicine program, the goal for the physician is to truly bring together â€Å" allopathic medicine with mind-body-spirit modalities with the ultimate goal of helping patients or individuals adapt to traditional medical treatments. The modalities directly affects the body’s physiological healing process while gently awakening the mind-body-spirit connection needed to enhance the healing process†(Beaumont Health Systems, 2011). Within the complementary and alternative medical practices are healthcare practices that are part of conventional practices. â€Å"NCCAM groups CAM practices within five major domains, acknowledging that other groupings are possible: native medical systems, (2) mind-body interventions, (3) biologically based treatments, (4) manipulative and body-based methods, and (5) energy therapies†(NCCAM,2011). Alternative medical systems are practiced through various cultures in the world. The Asian medical systems use traditional techniques such as acupuncture, oriental massage, herbal medicine, and other energy therapy to promote healing. As mentioned before, Ayurveda is a traditional medicine of India. Homeopathy is a traditional medicine developed in Germany as well as naturop athy. All traditional medicines are considered to be a part of the complete alternative medical system. * Mind-body interventions have a variety of healing techniques that are designed to make the mind’s capacity easier to process bodily functions and symptoms. These techniques include art therapy, dance, hypnosis, music, and prayer. * With biologically based therapies, it involves the use of dietary supplements and special diet therapies. â€Å"Biological therapies include, for example, the use of laetrile and shark cartilage to treat cancer and bee pollen to treat autoimmune and inflammatory diseases†(NCCAM,2011). * Manipulative and body-based methods have treatments such as full body massage. Physicians in the field of osteopathy use body manipulation to reduce pain, promote health and well-being, and restores function. Overall, it helps the body to become more calm and relaxed. Lastly, energy therapies help the body heal from other energy sources, An example of an energy therapy is biofield and bioelectromagnetic-based therapy. These therapies are used as treatments for cancer, asthma as well as manage pain due to migraine headaches. Complementary and alternative medicines are used to promote health and prosperity. It is the way of life. All cultures have their own way of treating illness but at the end of the day, it would leave a person healthier mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. References Beaumont Health Systems. (2011). Integrative Medicine. Retrieved from http://www. beaumont. edu/integrative-medicine Ellis-Christensen, T. (09/29/2011). What is Alternative Medicine? Retrieved from http://www. wisegeek. com/what-is-alternative-medicine. htm National Center for Alternative and Complementary Medicine. (July 2011). What Is Complementary and Alternative Medicine? Retrieved from http://nccam. nih. gov/health/whatiscam/ National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. (2011). MAJOR DOMAINS OF COMPLEMENTAR Y AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE. Retrieved from http://nccam. nih. gov/about/plans/fiveyear/fiveyear. pdf

Compare and Contrast the characters of Ralph and Jack in the first and last chapters in Lord of the Flies

Lord of the flies is a novel about a group of boys who are lost on an island in the middle of the ocean. It is written by William Golding. Two of the key characters in the novel are Ralph and Jack, they have completely dissimilar characteristics and this essay will compare those two characters. The first time we see the two characters of Ralph and Jack contrast is in chapter one. The readers read that when Ralph first appeared on the island he was wearing his school sweater. Slowly because of the heat he took it off and ‘trailed it†¦ from one hand'. The fact that Ralph shows no respect for his clothes tells the reader that he is an ordinary school boy who does not yet care about his appearance. As a result of this he is not self conscious and thereby innocent. In contrast, Jack and his choir's, `bodies, from throat to ankle, were hidden by black cloaks which bore a long silver cross†¦`. Their dark clothes are menacing and hint about them being savages in the future. Their clothing is extremely unsuitable for their new surroundings and they soon take them off. Jack is also clearly the leader of the choir, as he is wearing a golden cap. He over exercises his authority and hurls orders at his choir boys. The readers also work out from this first chapter that Ralph was brought up in the Home Counties. Golding writes that Ralph, ‘†¦jerked his stockings with an automatic gesture that made the jungle seem for a moment like the Home Counties'. We can assume that Ralph, coming from the Home Counties, was brought up in a middle class background. This `automatic gesture` also tells the reader that he is naturally reassuring even in these strange set of circumstances. His natural reassurance is shown again later on when, ‘he saw two little-uns and, not having any idea own appearance , wondered why they screamed and ran`. He calm nature in these bizarre events show how innocent and immature he is. Ralph's immatureness is shown further when he finds out that there are no grown ups on the island, `the delight of realised ambition came over him. In the middle of the scar he stood on his head`. Ralph celebrates the fact that there are no adults on the island by standing on his head. Ralph standing on his head symbolises how their lives have been reversed. It also shows what an immature and innocent character Ralph is. Jack's attitude is completely different, he thinks because he has authority back in school it should be transferred to the island. He arrogantly says that he should be chief, â€Å"because I'm chapter chorister and head boy. I can sing C-sharp†. We constantly see Jack trying to be the omnipotent leader. He even `protests` against democracy. One way in which both the characters of Ralph and Jack are similar in chapter is the way in which they treat Piggy. Ralph at first ignored Piggy for, `when the fat boy waited to be asked his name in turn but this offer of acquaintance was not made†¦`, Ralph did not care for him at this point and finds him rather tiresome. In-fact he even mocks him by teasing him about his â€Å"Ass-mar†. Ralph considers Piggy to be inferior to him as he is middle-class whilst Piggy is lower-class. Jack also hated him from the beginning, he constantly bullies him by saying things like, â€Å"shut up fatty† in-fact he did not even give him a chance. Jack bullies Piggy to make himself seem important, this shows to the reader that Jack is a bully at heart – this unfortunately does not change as the novel progresses. Ralph also betrays Piggy by telling Jack that his, â€Å"His real name's Piggy†. Ralph betrays Piggy's trust and confidence. Ralph acts in this way to gain popularity with Jack and his cronies as they are upper-class and he is middle-class. Therefore he looks up to them. Piggy being from a working class background finds life sociably difficult. In comparison Ralph and Jack, who obviously come from a more educated and wealthy background, automatically see themselves as superior. Piggy is also physically frail, because of his asthma, and needs Ralph to constantly look after him on the island. Ralph immaturity is shown again when in his eagerness to swim he runs and, `in a few moments the fat boy's grunts were right behind him†¦`. Ralph's enthusiasm to swim causes him to leave Piggy behind. Ralph chooses fun over common sense, whilst Piggy tries to be sensible. Ralph immaturity is shown when he, ‘stood there naked looking at the dazzling beach and sea'. Ralph shedding his clothes tells the reader that he is still very much a child and is not worried or self conscious about what others may think of him. Ralph's nakedness also tells us that he is innocent and childlike; as a result he is very naive. Being naked in `paradise`, metaphorically reminds the reader of Adam and Eve being naked in the Garden of Eden. If Jack had been around he would have thought it maybe gay or babyish to strip naked in front of everyone because he did not know such innocence as Ralph did. We see that Jack is much more mature and less innocent then Ralph. However, the readers also see that Jack is still very much a school boy who possesses fear and morals. We read that `Jack's face was white under the freckles. He noticed that he still held the knife aloft†¦`. Jack cannot bring himself to kill the pig; he is still a civilised school boy who is squeamish about blood. Ralph immaturity is shown further when he shows disrespect towards normal aspects of democracy. Piggy constantly warns Ralph that he should be â€Å"Careful! You'll break it!† Ralph is warned how fragile the conch is by Piggy and is irritated by the warning. The conch is symbolic of order, rules and democracy. Therefore Ralph's careless attitude towards it shows he does not yet understand the great importance of democracy and civilisation. This also shows that Ralph does not appreciate the good value of common-sense. Jack also shows no appreciation for democracy as he protested when they voted for a leader. However, this is out of pure greed of power – not immaturity. In the last chapter of the novel, Ralph's character is shown to have taken a complete metamorphosis. A clear example of this is when Ralph exclaims, â€Å"How could you listen for naked feet if you're splashing around in the water?†. In the first chapter Ralph swam in the water without a care in the world. However, now things have changed, Ralph is petrified for his life since Jack and Roger are trying to kill him. These painted savages will do anything Jack or Roger tell them to do, out of fear of being put to death. It seems that terror and danger has changed the immature outlook which Ralph had in life that we see in Chapter One. We also see that the way the other characters treat Ralph has also altered from the beginning of the novel. The younger children who admired and loved him previously in Chapter One, ignored and mistreated him. This is shown when, ‘he saw two little-uns and †¦ wondered why they screamed and ran`. Ralph has now become too immersed in his emotions due to the sorrows of his current life. This makes Ralph an unrecognisable figure for the younger children. In Chapter One the whole island was on the whole united in their aims. Now, because of Jack and Ralph's rift, the island is now split into two territories. Jack and Ralph each have their `end of the island`. This split lets Jack party and bully the `little-uns` in peace without Ralph and Rodger's interference. We also see that Ralph's character in Chapter One whose, `†¦mouth and eyes that proclaimed no devil`, has totally changed. He has transformed from being a young innocent child to one that is now wild and fears death at every corner. Ralph's experiences have taught him to be ruthless and not to be so trusting and naive. This is shown when he vents his anger at the pig's skull. Golding tells us that ‘he lashed out and cried out with loathing†¦'. Ralph destroys the pig's skull in the same way that Jack and Roger destroyed the conch. This represents both clans rejection of rules and democracy. The pig skull is the `lord of the flies` as it attracts flies. It also represents evil, so therefore when Ralph destroys it is considered as if he has removed most of the evilness from the island. In the last chapter Jack's hatred towards Ralph reaches its climax, â€Å"They (Jack and Roger) hate you Ralph. They're going to kill you†. Jack hates Ralph because Ralph just wants to be rescued, which means you need rules. However, Jack and Roger just want to be free and have no rules or democracy. In addition Jack also wants to kill Ralph because Ralph took away his leadership and as a result he is extremely jealous. Upon being rescued by a group of naval officers, ‘The officer inspected the little scarecrow in front of him. The kid needed a bath, a hair-cut, a nose wipe and a good deal of ointment'. The readers are reminded here that despite Ralph going through this horrible ordeal, he is still ultimately a child. This reminds the reader of Ralphs's character in Chapter One when he looked innocent and childlike and looked at everything with, `bright exciting eyes`. One could see how the events of the novel have changed Ralph's character. However, Golding's description of his appearance when he was found by the naval officers, remind the reader that he is still physically a child. In conclusion when comparing Jack and Ralph's characters in the first and last chapter in the novel, one can see that the main differences are that Jack is more conventional and conformist where Ralph is more easy going and a little rebellious who is always on the look out for adventure and danger. However, Ralph would like to be rescued by others where as Jack would like to make his own ‘gang' and would thrive on his own leadership.

Intergovernmental Management Essay

1. What is the provision of the United States Constitution that may apply in the case of an agreement or compact between two or more states? Regarding the applicable provision of the United States Constitution is Section 10 of Article I. That section of the Constitution provides in part that â€Å"(n)o State shall, without the Consent of Congress †¦ enter into any Agreement or Compact with another State.† 2. Do you think that the proposal of James Raika to just enter into an agreement between the departments falls under that provision? Do you think that his proposal is reasonable? What do you see as the major advantage of that proposal? In your view, what is a major problem with this limited approach? The proposal of James Raika to enter into an agreement between the departments doesn’t fall under the provision without the Consent of Congress. The University Education is entitle to its rights and such as a moral duty to the state and that the Consent of Congress approval isn’t needed. James Raika’s proposal is reasonable with entering into an agreement with their counterpart in that other states to allow students to attend at in-state rates if a program is not offered in the home state of the student. What I see as an major advantage of the proposal is that the agreement would be easily understood to write and execute a plan. The major problem is introducing the idea of making an agreement between the departments in the two neighboring states may be overstepping the power granted to each one. In my personal view the major problem with this limited approach is that the states breaching there agreements and not following through with proposal plan in the near future. 3. Why do you suppose that Morgan James wants to take a more expanded approach? What do you think are some of the benefits of that approach? What do you feel are the potential problems? What would be the sequence of events for proceeding to try to gain approval? The reason why Morgan James wants to take a more expanded approach is to make sure they follow all the rules  and regulations so that there are not any issues concerning higher education. Morgan could probably want to seek full responsibilities of this major innovation approach. Even though her position as Executive Director’s position is appointed or elected that could be her reasoning into motivating this approach too. The sequence of events to try to gain approval would be the process of growth and passing of laws. In the growth stage of figuring out the proposed it will take the essential actions such as establishing stakeholders, to determine the needs of the neighboring states, and preliminary of forms/documents. Lastly, get the legislation to pass and signed into a law within each state that is party to the agreement. 4. If Margaret Smith is opposed to the idea, in either form, what are the implications? Why do you think she is against the idea? What might you be able to do to help coordinate a discussion between the parties? Margaret Smith seem to disagree by opposing to this idea. One reason suggest is that she does not like the idea legislative efforts at controlling the costs may be circumvented by some attempt at our higher education department to propose an agreement with another state to waive the out-of-state rates in many instances. Secondly, the different roadblocks that could be faced with different issues. What I might be able to do to help coordinate would be to meet with her and the other parties to show the prediction of costs and benefits of different point of views of the result.

The Influence of Roman Engineering and Architecture

The ingeniousness and beauty of Roman architecture has not been lost on us in the 2000 years since it was built. Even today, we still marvel at what incredible builders the Romans were, and at the sheer scale and integrity of many of their projects. It is hard to argue that today’s architecture will maintain the same lasting grandeur as that which the Romans built. If we can still respect and admire the grandeur of Rome as it was in it’s day, one can only imagine how much of an influence people of the time felt, due to the incredible innovations that the Romans brought to the new regions of their empire.In fact, it is because of the superior engineering skills and architectural ideas possessed by the Romans, and respected by others, that allowed them to conquer, influence and rule such a vast area of the world, for such an extended period of time. Citizens of regions conquered by Rome were the beneficiaries of Roman innovations such as a (public) fresh water supply, bri dges over previously impassable rivers, roads linking all parts of the empire (especially to the capital) and incredible public buildings like the forums and baths.They were more easily persuaded into acceptance once the Romans arrived when they saw or heard of these innovations which they realized could have such a huge and beneficial impact on their lifestyles. The first thing the Romans did upon entering a new region, after winning the war that gained them their new territory, was construct roads and bridges. This was the best way to â€Å"Romanize† the new areas, as it permitted easier communication between the colony and the mother country.The roads all led to the capital, which solidified its position as the centre of power, and also allowed the rulers easier and faster access to the colonies when necessary. It has been said that at the peak of Rome’s power, one could travel from the English Channel all the way to Rome without ever fording a stream, simply becaus e the Romans had built so many bridges to link its colonies. As the Romans were the first to master bridge building on such a large scale, they had a huge influence on the people in even the most remote regions. Places that had been impassible could suddenly be crossed by bridge.The bridges were a commanding presence on the landscape as well, easily conveying the sense of who was in power and influencing the people of the region. The Puente Alcantara in Spain can perhaps best show the expansive influence that the Romans held through their bridges, (Images 1 and 2). Built in AD100 and still standing today, Puente Alcantara reaches 164 feet at its highest point, is 600 feet long and has spans of 92 to 98 feet wide. Such an example of architecture so far from the centre of power is a lasting monument to the influential power once held by the Romans.People were drawn into conformity when they saw the superior skills of the Romans, who also perfected pile driving for the construction of bridges and built each bridge arch as self-supporting to avoid damage to the entire structure if only one portion was damaged. The Roman use of the arch itself, which had never been used to such a great extent before, is itself the main reason they were able to build the huge and influential structures that they were. The use of the arch was of course not limited to bridges; it was common in all Roman architecture of the time.The next major use for it in the new colonies, however, was in the construction of a water supply system—the system of Roman aqueducts. Rome already had an extensive system of aqueducts to supply the city with fresh water, and the Romans used the same system in other regions to civilize the â€Å"barbarian† tribes they had just subdued. Such a system was unheard of in other civilizations. The Romans were a very sanitary and hygienic people to whom fresh water was very important. The new colonies had never been concerned about such sanitation.The R omans, however, were able to bring fresh water to the towns from long distances away by carrying it through tunnels and over valleys with their towering aqueducts. This water was then used for the public baths and toilets, besides the expected drinking water. The fact that this water was for the public, and not reserved for private use, pleased people in the new colonies even more, and made them even more accepting of Roman control. The actual aqueducts themselves, built by the Romans to carry the water, were perhaps even more influential.Aqueducts like Pont du Gard at Nimes (Images 3 and 4), or Segovia in Spain (Image 5), the latter of which still carries water today, were monumental landmarks in the colonies where they were built and still are today. That the Romans would build such magnificent and monumental structures for the sole purpose of supplying water to its colonies was likely overwhelming to those benefiting from it. So the Romans supplied the towns with water, and made travel between towns easier. But what about improving life within the town itself?It is in the public buildings such as the bath, the forum and the amphitheater, which people used and experienced daily, where Rome was able to exert its greatest influence. The fact that these buildings were open to all and not reserved for an elitist group of society only increased their significance. It is arguable that the grandness of the baths has yet to be surpassed in any public building since. These were huge, lavishly ornamented structures where citizens would go not only to bathe, but also for sports, club-life and exhibitions of art.The baths acted as a community centre, uniting citizens in the towns in which they were located. There was also the Roman invention of the forum, today’s equivalent of which would be city hall, the law courts, a marketplace and a church all combined in a single structure. It was a novel idea that one could go to a single building at the centre of town and find everything they needed. People were also allowed open discussion here and were able to publicly voice their opinions and socialize with fellow citizens.However, the forum’s accessibility and openness should not hide the fact that it was used by the Romans as a control centre, where legislative duties for the town were carried out, giving Rome further influence over the citizens. The amphitheaters cannot be forgotten, as they were used by the Romans to please and placate people through the presentation of spectacles. Their architectural grandeur was also influential, however, as they were usually four stories tall, could be covered by a canopy, and were the size of two theatres put together.The Romans didn’t build the public buildings just for their own good, they were used to show â€Å"who’s boss† and keep people appeased. These buildings were superior to anything else that had been or was being built, which helped Rome keep the territory it had co nquered. It is still difficult to comprehend that the Romans were able to create an empire as vast and as powerful as they did. Lasting several centuries and covering Europe, Asia Minor and Northern Africa and even overtaking their historical enemies the Greeks, their empire was of a magnitude that has been unsurpassed but often dreamed. When we look back at how they chieved such widespread influence there is no doubt that the principal factor in their achievements was due to their superior skills in architecture and engineering of the day. They brought fresh clean water to the towns and cities they conquered using the aqueducts which are still inspiring and influential monuments today. We can only imagine the significance they held 2000 years ago. As Frontius said of the aqueducts, they are â€Å"†¦a signal testimony to the greatness of the Roman Empire. † The water brought by the aqueducts was then distributed to the public and used in even more magnificent structures like the baths.How could people not be influenced by such great inventions as these and the forum and the amphitheater, which were used by the Romans not only to please the people but also to help maintain power? The Romans built bridges and roads to link their new colonies and built them so they were a lasting and powerful presence. These bridges were not just a show of power in their grandeur, but were also used by the Romans as quick access to the colonies they needed to keep under control. People of the world were not nearly as advanced in terms of the engineering ability of the Romans, and were persuaded to accept Roman rule.They respected and admired the Roman’s superior abilities and innovations and were therefore easier to conquer and less likely to revolt, allowing the Romans to expand their empire and maintain their influence for such a long time. The Romans no doubt improved their quality of life upon conquering them, and it is hard not to accept a new ruling class if such improvements are occurring. The greatness of the Roman Empire as it was is a direct result of the fact that they were such superior engineers and architects.