Sociology

Homosexual marriage, or gay marriage, is basically the legal union of two people of the same sex. This societal issue has been opposed mainly because it destroys the fundamental value of marriage as a basic institution in the society  that is, marriage should only be between a man and a woman. Ironically, in these modern times, we can still see gays being discriminated not just by the church itself but also by some other sectors of the society.

In a country where equality and liberty is greatly upheld, homosexual marriage should be allowed not only because it is an inherent human right but because it serves as an avenue for homosexuals to be recognized in the society in such a way that they will be given the same rights and opportunities which are being enjoyed by any other married couple. Through this, we ensure can that the state is protecting its people indiscriminately regardless of their sexual orientation and make sure that these individuals should get equal rights legally and socially. Hence, we guarantee as well that these people are being protected from abuses and violence against social stigma that is still prevalent in our modern society.

There have many controversial conclusion on whether or not eh rich are happier than the poor in our community. Richness has over the years been closely attributed to comfort, a major factor to realizing happiness in life. Opponents of this notion have however rightly claimed that happiness and comfort are quite different human achievements. As the common saying goes happiness cannot be bought in a shop. It is due to this reason that the poor will be seen as a happier population than the rich. Numerous research findings have evidently shown that the rich find happiness in their material possessions (Lundberg, 1999). Although education particularly higher education is costly, the richness can evidently compromise ones success potential. This is because the student, with much money to spend can find himself indulged in other non-academic friendly activities with friends as a way of ensuring happiness. The practice by rich students to invest in material things for happiness is addictive and can compromise the students chances of realizing sustainable happiness through success in education.

The poor on the other side will have enough time to engage with friends and family members as well as in educational activities and thus have a competitive advantage in realizing a sustainable happiness through success. As can be acknowledged by many poor students are many a time eager to ensure success in their studies. This gives them a potential competitive advantage in the academic and job sector. Still, though the poor are economically challenged and cannot qualify to by comfort, they will always invest in education, friends and the family unit (Lundberg, 1999). This means that the poor have a great chance of having sustainable happiness as the education success, family and friendship bound will always be there.

In correlation to the Thomas Theorem, one country has an interesting conviction to their cultures beliefs. The Philippines is known for its destinations, low-cost healthcare and others. But some westerners who are married to Filipinas find the superstitious beliefs of their culture to be a bit strange. There are countless Filipino superstitions and one that is popular even to the most urbanized cities in the country is that of usog. With no direct English translation, the term usog is a belief that a stranger may cause some bad effects to a child. It chiefly affects newborn and toddlers. When affected by usog, the child seemingly develops fever, convulsion, and gastrointestinal problems. A way of counteracting the effect of usog is for the stranger to put saliva on his thumb and then gently rubbing on to the childs abdomen or forehead. In some situations, when someone supposedly nausog (past tense of usog) a child, the stranger must have not done the practice. He or she must again come to do it for the negative effects to be gone, as he or she is the only one who supposedly can remove the usog.

However, science explains this phenomenon as purely coincidental. Usog is seen by medical professionals as the distress that a child may feel whenever approached by a stranger especially a person with a strong personality, boisterous, large physically and etc. The stimuli brought by the stranger are the cause the childs insecurity, anxiety and child may feel uneasy and may develop fever. The strangers act of gently rubbing could help reduce the tension that the child feels, and the saliva actually is clean with the persons good oral hygiene. After generations of passing this myth, there was actually a scientific explanation to it. Coincidences are the haven of myths and beliefs.  If someone believes so much in something, that may cause it to be true in mind.

The world is evidently witnessing an integration of the varied global society, cultures and economies into a unified network both in communication and execution. This has been closely attributed to the notion of globalization which is clearly compromising many cultures and societal beliefs across the globe. Globalization has as a combination of economic, political and socio-cultural integrations is leading to the growth of a popular or unified culture through assimilation. It is to be noted here that the concept of assimilation is mainly caused by dominance of a single culture over another. This is further reinforced by the notion of civilization in our human community. It is indeed a direct consequence of globalization that almost all nations have invested substantial resources in ensuring quality health, security and education to all its citizens. This can also be associated with the many engaged fights against primitive cultures among some communities in the global society. The effective and sustainable of these global concerns means that the world will evidently emerge into a unified culture.

With the ever growing technological advancements, the levels of socialization and communication effectiveness are no doubt growing. This means that the rate of learning and assimilation into other human cultures is evidently on the rise. It is based on this reasoning and by use of the principles of logical conclusion that the world is witnessing the emergence of a single global culture. In the authors opinion, the concept of globalization coupled with the quest for realizing civilization to all in the global society will always lead to an ongoing change of cultural beliefs and practices. It is thus true that the globe will witness the growth of a single global culture.

The notion that the youth are the future leaders of our nation has been a great misconception by many in the society. It is indeed due to this notion that many youths rarely participate in the political process of our nation. It is however to be realized that it is only by practice that skilled and reliability can be realized. Still, it is by participating in the political process that the youth can claim to be sufficiently exercising of their political rights. The youth particularly college students are usually marked with many varied ambitions than any other member of society (Finifter, 1993). This is because of the fact that they are more equipped with the ideal expectations of social and economic prosperity of the nation. Therefore, their participation in the political process will greatly aid in shaping the politics of the nation close to ideal thus ensuring much success in governments.

There are many changes which are necessary in increasing the participation of college students in the political process. First is the formulation of laws which are not discriminative of age as a factor to participate. This will evidently encourage many young college students to involve in the process by virtual of their knowledge rather than by age. Second is by ensuring adequate educating of the people particularly college students on the importance of exercising their political rights by fully getting involved in the political process. Creation of awareness among members of the society is the best tool in engaging them to get involved in any collective role activity and is thus necessary for realizing more participants in the political process (Finifter, 1993). Formation of political groups in institution of higher learning will increasing the rate of participation by collective power and should thus be encouraged.

Section I  Abstract
The purpose of this report is to evaluate the current market for mechanical engineering in the United States, specifically for Saudi Aramco. I will try to elaborate what Saudi Aramco has to offer for a college graduate like me. Based on my research, I understand that Saudi Aramco is a good company to work and grow with and that the global job market for mechanical engineers continue to be promising. However, maintaining competitiveness is necessary to have my application be even considered in a multinational company like Saudi Aramco. It employed 52,093 in 2007 with an employee growth rate of 1.4. From my research, I also found out the bright prospects of qualified mechanical engineers in the job market and the probability of may being hired with Saudi Aramco.

Section II Introduction
(Background-interest, purpose statement,  forecast for the structure of the report )
My interest in mechanical engineering began in my childhood. I still can recall how I disassemble mechanical toys and then assemble them again. From then on, this has become a habit and it extended to my first until my last bike, my car and even the cars of my father and mother. Whenever there is something in the house that needed fixing such as the vacuum cleaner, lawn mower, or the refrigerator, my mom will rely on me to solve them especially when warranties have expired.

I have made up my mind since at that young age I love doing these things. Mechanical engineers usually are expected in the sectors of manufacturing, fabrication, product design, production, maintenance, technical sales, as well as the armed forces (The Press, 2002). Mechanical engineers may upgrade their skills and specialize in design by learning computer-aided design or CAD. It was suggested that good academic abilities, interest in technologies and systems, as well as practical skills are important along with the diploma.

The purpose of this paper is to explore the mechanical engineering field further to establish the future of students like me. I will also focus on the oil industry especially Saudi Aramco. It will try to forecast engineering careers in the future in the oil industry, job opportunities at Saudi Aramco, the history of the firm, as well as the projects they have been involved in. The fact that the employee growth rate of Saudi Aramco is at 1.4 made me hope and look forward to possibly be included in their pool of engineers someday..

Section III Methodology.
The Methodology for this report is to research the state of the job market for mechanical engineers specifically in the oil industry. In addition, I will also explore on the possibility of a career at Saudi Aramco, how the company may consider me and my skills, what I should expect or how I may fit in with their requirements.  I am researching mechanical engineering because that is my field of study here at __your__University. The first article will explore on the job opportunities for mechanical engineers in the oil industry. The second article will discuss job growth in the oil industry not only locally but also in a global scope with focus on Saudi Aramco. And the third section will further explore the projects of Saudi Aramco and trends in the oil industry in general. All these led me to the conclusion that there are possibilities of my inclusion for a job in Saudi Aramco or the oil industry. In a majority of the results, research was conducted on published journals, websites, and other sources. I limited the research topics to US trends in mechanical engineering employment, work description, Saudi Aramco jobs for mechanical engineers, as well as work description of mechanical engineers in the oil industry.

Section IV Results
Subsection 1 Mechanical Engineering Jobs
The first article concerns the job opportunities of the mechanical engineering students. The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) reported that the yearend 2007 had reached a record high membership of 79,300 which was an 8 increase from the previous year. The report said this fact eased the worry on the oil or gas industry s loss of petroleum and geological knowledge. Bill Cobb, SPE 2008 president expressed his relief and said,  this shows that young people are attracted by the bright career opportunities in the upstream industry,  (Poruban, p 17). The entry of young professionals, which was age 35 or below, is said to be sorely needed. The article also noted that oil companies help in keeping the interest of young people in the engineering career. In January 26 to 28, Saudi Aramco sponsored 14 graduate students from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology  on a plane trip to their Shaybah oil and gas field to visit the company s facilities (Poruban, p 17). Some were students of mechanical engineering and it was also reported that the students were impressed with the Shaybah complex and the Ras Tamara refinery.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that in 2008, 238,700 held mechanical engineer jobs in the US alone. It also reported that the  overall engineering employment is expected to grow by 11   over the next ten years. This translates to a 14,000 need of more mechanical engineers (BLS, P 28). They will be needed to design, test, build and improve products but greater growth is seen in the research and development, as well as consulting services industries.

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) suggested that the US demand for mechanical engineers will continue to grow so that by the time high school students today are graduating there will be a need for 87,000 more mechanical engineers. Entry pay for mechanical engineers is about 51,000 per annum, and may jump up to 70,000 as established in an ASM nationwide survey (ASME, P 6). College Grad suggested the following breakdown of salaries of mechanical engineers in 2002 as

Federal government72,500Architectural, engineering, and related services 65,610Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing 65,430Aerospace products and parts manufacturing 65,160Other general purpose machinery manufacturing 55,850

Subsection 2  Mechanical Engineers in the Oil Industry
In the oil industry, mechanical engineers are expected to perform research, design and evaluate mechanical systems, machinery and operational processes (Oil Jobs 411, P 1). They make sure that mechanical systems and all machinery in the oil production process continue operating properly. Special attention is paid on maintenance and upkeep of the various and many machines involved. The mechanical systems involved are
 industrial systems and processing (for example, in refineries and petrochemical facilities
manufacturing systems, plants and products
environmental control systems (heating, ventilating and air conditioning)
transportation equipment (land, sea and air)
infrastructure systems on the oil platform or rig
computer components and systems  (Oil Jobs 411, P 2).

The place of work of the mechanical engineer is usually in an office, in a laboratory, but more in the field alongside other team members but there are oil companies that hire mechanical engineers solely for the purpose of researching and developing new or better machineries than the current to increase production and competitiveness (Oil Jobs 411, P 3). Engineers in these areas must be adept at mathematical and abstract terms in order to translate drawings and blueprints into 3 dimensions. They must have an analytical mind and interest in the technical processes. Meanwhile, other mechanical engineering tasks in the oil industry focus on maintenance and operation of machinery on oil rigs, derricks and drilling platforms. Oil refineries on the other hand offer institutional environment where challenge and reward is hand-in-hand with less filed work as compared in oil platforms or derricks (Oil jobs 411, P 4).

Mechanical engineers in Saudi Aramco are expected to be knowledgeable in the design and construction of oil and gas facilities as well as related projects. They also plan, schedule, and direct workers in the preparation designs, process reports, correspondence among others and assure the efficiency, adequacy and conformity to  overall objectives of all phases of the very complex engineering problems.  As posted in a recent job opening, Saudi Aramco requires the mechanical engineers to,  Formulate the dosing basis by collecting, analyzing information and date relative to operating requirements, process economic considerations and such other pertinent factors as may be involved as a preliminary step in support of proposals for new construction modification or maintenance to equipment. Study mechanical modification to gas processing, gas handing and utility facilities , Occasionally called upon to design mechanical aspects of new faculties as requested. Participate in construction activities, pre-commissioning, commissioning and function test activities for the new projects. Study mechanical modification Follow and inspect the construction progress of assigned projects assuring conformance with design specifications, codes and standard, recommend or confirm design changes material and equipment substitutes. Review design packages. Interface with the Project Management Teams (PMT) Consulting Services  Inspection Departments, capital project contractors, equipment manufacturers and Saudi Aramco proponents. Perform a variety of related work such as initiating reports, correspondence and faxes relative to assigned projects , assembling performance date and conduction studies relative to the development procumbent or adaptation of equipment , interpreting the mining and application of codes and standards , reviewing operating procedures and safety instruction , acting and safety instructions , acting as technical consultant on operating problems. Assist other engineers in the solution of problems outside their specialty,  (Saudi Aramco, P 1). Aside from the mentioned, it also specified educational requirement as  Graduate Engineer. Experience Position requires ten (10) years experience in construction or associated engineering fields. Language Requirements A Knowledge of the Arabic language desirable but not required. Other (1) A well rounded knowledge of project management, cost control and cost estimating , (2) Must be completely familiar with Aramco building, Utility and piping codes, (3) Must be familiar with Aramco Budgeting and Accounting procedures,(4) should be well informed on Standard Safety practices (Saudi Aramco, P 2).

Subsection 3 - Saudi Aramco and the Future of the Oil Industry
Saudi Aramco is the national oil company owned by the state of Saudi Arabia. Aramco stand for Arabian American Oil Company. Saudi Aramco owns the Ghawar Field considered as the world s largest oil field, the Safaniya Field known as the world s largest offshore field, and the Shaybah field, a major crude oil producing site. These make Saudi Aramco the world s most profitable company. While the company began as a concessionary agreement with Standard Oil of California (Socal), the government of Saudi Arabia gained total control of Aramco in 1980 and established in 1988. Its operation includes exploration, drilling, refining and distribution, shipping, research and development, and other services that includes health insurance and hospitalization for its employees, maintenance of fire stations for industrial and residential purposes, industrial security, fleet and aircraft maintenance and operations, shipping, and notably its Career Development Department. It also has associated companies and subsidiaries.

In 1998, Saudi Aramco issued an environmental statement of the company s effort to reduce lead in their gasoline by 50. It leads in sulfur emission reduction, CO2 and flaring in the Middle East with an Environmental Master Plan. The Financial Times listed Saudi Aramco as the world s largest unlisted companies with an estimated 781 billion USD worth (Guerrera  and Hoyos, P 10).

The oil industry is seen to peak 2010 according to industry observers, and geologists that include American geologist L.F. Ivanhoe (Motavalli, p 28).  The Department of Energy, however, estimated between 2016 and 2037 although this leaves oil companies skeptical due to high prices and new technology in horizontal drilling and 4-D exploration (Motavalli, p 28). The Defense Department s Energy Information Administration estimated that there will be a growth from 78 billion barrels per day in 2002 to 118 million barrels in 2025 (Motavalli, p 28). This roughly translates to continuing demand for workers that include mechanical engineers in various oil industries and processes.

Section V Discussion of Results
My research lacked materials on the competition for job demands in the field of mechanical engineering. While the SPE noted the increasing growth of student membership, it was not able to disclose the actual number of certified engineers that will compete each year in a statewide or global basis. I am interested about the global competition in the job market because Saudi Aramco is an international company that is expected to hire from all over the world or from where there is fit.
It is also notable that while agencies such as ASME and the Bureau of Labor estimates positive growth, specific companies or industries that require the bulk of mechanical engineers were also lacking.

This may mean that I need more research on the topic and I intend to do this to update my knowledge, acquire skills and information that I could use once I am out in field to scout for a job. For one like me who is interested with Saudi Aramco, it is important that I am adept about the oil industry processes and systems of operations, their facilities, work requirements, and actually had sufficient experience as an intern. This focus may help me maintain a narrow path towards applying for internship.

Section VI Conclusion
While I cannot exactly say I am perfect for a job in Saudi Aramco, I intend to make myself qualified to apply for a job as mechanical engineer in the future. Saudi Aramco has an excellent working environment profile that shows the company cared for the growth of its people aside from the industry. This makes it doubly attractive for people like me in the lookout for the perfect company and the job.

Doing my best in my training period, education, honing my skills not only on mathematics, analysis, and adeptness in the interpretation of illustrations and blue print are important aspects that I need to focus on at the moment. I believe that the knowledge and skills I can earn from my education as a mechanical engineering student will help me to land an ideal internship company and will bring me closer to Saudi Aramco. Or maybe, I can start scouting for information on how to intern at Saudi Aramco itself.

Firstly I would like to discuss what business ethics is concerned about. Business ethics is the moral and the principles that an organization has to follow in the business world. There are many business ethics that a firm would follow such as general ethics as posed by the ruling government and other ethics such as ethics in production, sales, finance, human resources etc. the corporate ethics have become one of the study subject in this 21st century. I would say that good business ethics are an essential requirement of every firm for their long lasting and profitable business. One can do well by doing good.
       
I am in the management team of one of the Research Consultancys firm which investigates issues concerning business ethics for several years now. Many companies consult us in relation to the ethical issues pertaining to their business. We have reviewed their businesses and ethics concerned with their business. These reviews have proved as beneficial to the organizations and have improved their businesses.
       
A big business organization has contacted our Research Consultancy firm to build a material on the review of ethical issues concerning their business. Its a large production firm with around 10000 employees doing business over 15 years in different parts of the world. It has many shareholders who believe in this company for their successful over years. Their products are of good quality and are of high demand in the market. They have registered everything and their products are ISI marked. They have good management team which has proved to be the best in carrying out the tasks efficiently and effectively.
       
So now this business organisation wants to review their ethics concerning their business. This review is basically to make their mark in the corporate world for being good and uncorrupted. They want to build their ethical material and publish to make more business and profits.
       
So our management team in the Research Consultancy firm took the task of reviewing their business ethics. We did a complete study of their organization. After several studies we found we listed out the business ethics and suggested them to follow. The business ethics is as described below.
     
We suggested them what ethics they should follow in human resource department of their organization. The ethics in human resource is nothing but everything about employee- organization relationship. An employee is a resource of an organization, so he should be treated in good manner. He should be given healthy salary, benefits, offs and good incentives as per industry standards for his good work. He should be bonded labored and should not be treated as if he has been confined just for joining the firm. His family issues should be taken care of to some extent. His personal interests should not be neglected. He should not be treated like a slave but as a part of the organization. Women employees should be survived from being ill-treated or sexual harassed. There should not be any discrimination based on sex, caste, religion, race etc. The employer should be an equal opportunity employer. Profits should be sometimes shared with the employees as they are one responsible of company making profits. The disabled and the poorer class should be employed. But business people are best at making money than making social policy says Milton Friedman in his essay The social responsibility of business is to make profit.
       
Next we suggested about the ethics they should follow while production. When coming to the ethics in production, company or organization should always strive for quality. They must produce products of high quality. Their quality should match their price. There products should not cheat consumers of their belief. The company should get good reviews from the consumers about their products. Using resources which is illegal to produce will result in the exemption and confinement. Such activities should not be practiced as it is unethical in businesses. The organization should not steal other organization production ideas and products and mane as theirs and sell with eh idea of making huge products. Their products should be marked with their company logo and this logo should not be able to duplicate as the unauthorized sellers and buyers may make use of the logo on their poor products to make profits. This spoils the companys image in the public. They should notify the consumers when such a thing happens.
       
Their production should not harm the animal kind and the environment. Many companies cause environment pollution such as air pollution, water pollution etc. They may let chemical substances into water and harmful gases into air while production. They must take care of our environment from being and make earth base place live in. They must take care no harm is made to human health by their products.
     
Finally we suggested about ethics in sales and marketing, which involves much of advertising and media is forms a major part of business ethics. A good product needs no much advertising as people advertise it among themselves. The advertisements should not be false or scams. Company should always adhere to what they advertise. No much of media hype should be given. Media may create demand for the product and retaining the demand can only be done when the product is good quality. No gimmicks should be done while selling as this creates a bad impression. Sales strategy should be kept away from the instinct of making profits.
       
After much study about the ethics involved in human resources, production and sales and marketing and figuring out the ethical concerns of the company in its human resources, production and sales and marketing parts, our Research Consultancy firm finally drafted a paper on how this company can make profits by following the business ethics in human resources, production and sales and marketing parts of the organization.
       
The employees when well treated and they will trust the organization and give their best to the organization. The employees are the important resource of n organization. This ethic when followed an organization will definitely make profits. The employees compensated correctly for the work they have done will boost confidence in them and work hard for the company. They refer their friends and the companys image gets better among people in the society.  So is the case in the production of the organization.
     
The ethical values such as producing good quality goods and taking care of environment will definitely raise the companys value ethically in the business world. So when coming to sales and marketing, false advertisements, illegal marketing, bait and switch should not be involved. Good and healthy advertisements of good quality products yields good results was what we suggested to this company.  If the advertisements given by the company are true, consumer will be happier and trust the company and its products. This builds good relationship between the company and the consumer.
       
The company which gave us contract to review the ethics of their business welcomed our ideas. It obeyed each and every concept we had put forward regarding business ethics. As a part of the management team of our Research Consultancy firm, I felt privileged reviewing their business ethics. Companies around the world are concentrating on business ethics and business ethics has now become a subject of study. Earning well by doing good is the theme of the story.