Genetically-modified organisms and the environment Essay

Genetically-modified organisms and the environment - Essay Example However, like two sides of a coin every new technology has its drawbacks and genetic modification is not an exception. â€Å"Despite the potential benefits of this new technology to improve the reliability and quality of the world food supply, public and scientific concerns have been raised about the environmental and food safety of GM crops† (Jan-Peter et al,2003). Most impacts of genetically modified plants and animals maybe seen clearly at the environmental even though environmental scientists are yet not sure of what impacts these modifications will have on the environment in the long run. The concept of selective reproduction is not new and has been in use for hundreds of years in both agriculture and animal husbandry. However, this control has today reached the molecular level where it is possible to target particular desirable genes and selected the desired trait. Organisms which include plants, animals and even microbes whose genome has been manipulated to enhance expression of a certain gene or allele primarily for some kind of benefit are known as genetically modified organisms. With the help of genetic engineering researchers can obtain any desired gene expression. Genetically engineered corps or transgenic crops such as cotton, potato and corn were modified such that they could express Bt toxin which diminished the usage of chemical insecticides while being grown. Genetically modified crops can also be used for therapeutic purposes such as Golden rice which was inserted with a gene that could express and help in the production of beta carotene; a source of vitamin A. Microbes mainly bacterial genome has been modified to produce chemicals and enzymes. Larger animals such a fishes, mice and Drosophila have been genetically modified mainly for research purposes. However, each of these modifications mainly that of growing crops which is in direct contact with the natural environment i.e. away from the laboratory setting, has impacts that

Organisations & people management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Organisations & people management - Essay Example It can be seen that leadership is an indispensable component in the day to day operations of an organisation and plays a vital role in guiding the organisations through the turbulent periods. One of the major issues brought about by change is resistance to change which is a natural phenomenon but if it is ignored, it can derail progress in the organisation which is why leadership is of paramount importance to any organisation that is serious about its growth and development. In most cases, the way in which organisations respond to new challenges they face in their operations is a true reflection of the values, attitudes as well as the styles of the leaders. It is therefore imperative that leaders embrace attitudes and behaviour that are compatible with the situation obtaining on the ground at that particular moment in order to keep pace with the changes that may be taking place in the environment. It can also be seen that leadership is not an exclusive domain of the chief executive officer or the charismatic leader but in one way or the other, each one of us can find himself in a leadership position. It is also concerned with people management and factors that shape behaviour in an organisation. Though leadership is often confused with management, a holistic approach is ought to be taken as far as managing change in the organisations is concerned. Failure to put in place measures that are meant to ensure that the organisation positively responds to the changes taking place in the environment may result in unfavourable conditions to the organisation emerging. Against this background, this essay seeks to critically identify and evaluate the major influences on leadership styles and approach on the operations of Google. The essay will begin by giving a very brief description of the organisation in question which will be followed by explaining different key concepts such as leadership, leadership styles as well as management and the extent to which these