Most prominent arguments favoring the widespread discretionary business practice of sending jobs overseas, known as ‘offshoring,’ attempt to justify the trend by appeal to utilitarian principles. It is argued that when business can be performed more cost-effectively offshore, doing so tends, over the longterm, to achieve the greatest good for the greatest number. This claim is supported by evidence that exporting jobs actively promotes economic development overseas while simultaneously increasing the revenue of the exporting country. After showing that (...) class='Hi'>offshoring might indeed be justified on utilitarian grounds, I argue that according to Rawlsian social-contract theory, the practice is nevertheless irrational and unjust. For it unfairly expects the people of a given society to accept job-gain benefits to peoples of other societies as outweighing job-loss hardships it imposes on itself. Finally, I conclude that contrary to socialism, which relies much more on government control, capitalism constitutes a social contract that places a particularly strong moral obligation on corporations themselves to refrain from offshoring. (shrink)

Greatly aided by an information age in which protesting laborers in a remote offshore outpost can capture front page headlines around the globe, theSarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SARBOX) has made corporate transparency the linchpin for good corporate governance. Under a SARBOX-enhancedregulatory framework, publicly traded corporations are required to rapidly disclose material changes in their financial conditions or operations—changes such as impairments to goodwill, a trademark, or some other intangible corporate asset. Especially challenging for multinational corporations (MNCs) with far-flung corporate empires (...) is the need to stay abreast of the ebb and flow of goodwill, at a time when transnational human rights groups are aggressively mobilizing world opinion against the sweatshop labor conditions that abound at the offshore production sites favored by MNCs. The author explains why the convergence of a digital age of free-flowing information and the advent of SARBOX, a legislative enactment of paraenetic design, is causing the boards of MNCs to more critically evaluate the long-term costs of their offshore operations. (shrink)

Scotland's North Sea offshore oil-drilling-fields have long been stereotyped as sites reinforcing and reproducing unique forms of masculinities aligning with hegemonic masculinity (HM) descriptors: stoicism, competition, and conflict. Oilfields encompass near-all-male workplaces, requiring labour in difficult conditions, distancing from friends, family, and home life. Emerging research in oilfields has begun to resist the HM-stereotype in favour of complex understandings of masculinities, labour-and-identity performances. This work details findings from a lengthy ‘embedded’ ethnography of the UK Offshore Oilfield. Specifically, highlighting and discussing (...) men's metaphorical ‘mask wearing’ practices: the process by which oilmen engaged in complex performances of masculinities that resist HM yet retained overt components of stoicism; a key HM-descriptor. This ‘masked’ stoicism was presented and performed in unique ways that bridged genuine and non-genuine performances of oilfield masculine identities and interconnected with resistances against risk-taking and supports for safety. Goffman's dramaturgical perspective is applied to deepen and interrogate findings. Salient implications for oilmen's wellbeing, masculinities theory and future study are put forward. (shrink)

Despite the prevalence of externalization, much work in the ethics of immigration continues to assume that the admission of immigrants is determined by state immigration officials who decide whether to admit travelers at official crossings. This assumption neglects how decisions about entrance have been increasingly relocated abroad – to international waters, consular offices, airports, or foreign territories – often with non-governmental or private actors, as well as foreign governments functioning as intermediaries. Externalization poses a fundamental challenge to achieving just migration (...) policies. It reliably harms vulnerable people, prevents refugees from receiving protection, leads to human rights abuses, and dissipates blame and accountability, creating a serious lacuna in assigning moral responsibility. (shrink)

Urban infrastructures serve as the backbone of modern economies, mediating global exchanges and responding to urban demands. Yet, our comprehension of these complex structures, particularly within diverse socio-political terrain, remains fragmented. In bridging this knowledge gap, this study delves into “boundary objects”—entities enabling diverse stakeholders to collaborate without a comprehensive consensus. Central to our investigation is the hypothesis that oceanic infrastructural developments are instrumental in molding the interface of urban, industrial, and energy sectors within marine contexts. Our lens is directed (...) at the Gulf of Mexico, which is distinguished by its industrial depth and expansive marine grid. We highlight the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway’s (GIWW) paramount role in regional movement and the ecological facets of practices such as dredging, which is vital for transport and coastal conservation. A striking revelation of our study is the transformation of offshore structures in the Gulf into vibrant marine habitats. Emphasizing the intertwined nature of marine infrastructures, we denote oceans as pivotal platforms for impending urban expansion, especially as land resources wane. Our research aspires to validate the role played by oceans as a nexus in the urban–industrial–energy fusion. (shrink)

In conceptual modeling (CM) as a subdiscipline of software engineering, current proposed ontologies (categorical analysis of entities) are typically established through whole adoption of philosophical theories (e.g. Bunge’s). In this paper, we pursue an interdisciplinary research approach to develop a diagrammatic-based ontological foundation for CM using philosophical ontology as a secondary source. It is an endeavor to escape an offshore procurement of ontology from philosophy and implant it in CM. In such an effort, the CM diagrammatic language plays an important (...) role in contrast to dogmatic philosophical languages’ obsession with abstract entities. Specifically, this paper is about developing a descriptive (in contrast to formal) ontology that a modeler accepts as a supplementary account of reality when using thinging machines (TMs; i.e. a reality that uncovers the ontology of things that TM modeling discusses or “talks about,” akin to the ontology of natural language). Although existence is a well-established notion, we defend subsistence (Stoic term) as a supplementary mode of reality (e.g. reflection of event). The aim here is aligned toward developing CM notions and processes that are firm enough. Classical analysis of being per se (e.g. identity, substance, classes, objects) is de-emphasized in this work; nevertheless, philosophical concepts form an acknowledged authority to compare to. As a case study, such a methodology is applied to the notion of information that provides a common-sense understanding of the world. This application would enhance understanding of the TM methodology and clarify some of the issues that shed light on the question of the nature of information as an important concept in software engineering. Information is defined as about events; that is, it is about existing things. It is viewed as having a subsisting nature that exists only through being “carried on” by other things. The results seem to indicate a promising approach to define information and understand its nature. (shrink)

-/- Globalization of Labor Supply: Impacts and Challenges -/- The globalization of labor supply is a significant feature of the modern global economy, profoundly shaping markets, industries, and the nature of work. This trend is driven by technological advances, the increasing mobility of workers, and the interconnectedness of economies. Labor supply globalization involves the integration of labor markets across borders, enabling businesses to access a diverse, global talent pool while workers can seek employment opportunities in new regions. While this phenomenon (...) offers economic advantages, it also brings about challenges and ethical considerations that must be addressed for a more equitable global workforce. -/- Drivers of Labor Supply Globalization -/- One of the primary drivers of labor supply globalization is offshoring and outsourcing. Companies, in their quest for reducing costs, often shift their production or services to countries with lower labor costs. This practice allows businesses in high-wage countries to remain competitive while capitalizing on cheaper labor in developing nations. For example, tech companies such as Apple and Microsoft outsource their customer support and tech support services to countries like India and the Philippines, where labor costs are significantly lower compared to the U.S. This shift has led to the rise of call centers and outsourcing hubs in these countries, where skilled workers provide services to global businesses. -/- Nike manufactures its products in Vietnam, China, and Indonesia, where labor costs are lower than in the U.S. This has allowed Nike to reduce production costs and offer more affordable products. Similarly, Apple’s assembly of iPhones occurs in China through its partnership with Foxconn, a major supplier based there. This practice is part of the company’s strategy to minimize labor expenses and maintain competitive pricing, which has sparked both criticism and admiration worldwide. -/- Another crucial factor in the globalization of labor is the increasing migration of workers. People are often motivated by the prospect of higher wages and better living conditions in economically developed countries. For instance, Mexican workers have migrated to the United States for decades, filling jobs in agriculture, construction, and hospitality industries. This migration has had a significant impact on both the economies of the U.S. and Mexico. Migrants from Central and Eastern Europe have similarly moved to Western European countries, particularly the UK, Germany, and France, to fill labor shortages in sectors like healthcare and manufacturing. The UK’s National Health Service (NHS), for example, relies heavily on healthcare professionals from countries like India, Philippines, and Poland. In fact, about 13% of NHS staff in the UK are foreign-born. -/- Additionally, migrants send remittances back home, which play a vital role in the economic development of their countries of origin. According to the World Bank, remittances from migrant workers in 2020 totaled over $540 billion globally, supporting families and contributing to poverty reduction. India and Mexico are among the top countries that receive remittances from migrants, with Indian workers abroad sending $83 billion back home in 2020 alone. -/- Technological advancements have further accelerated labor supply globalization. The rise of remote work and digital platforms has allowed workers to access job opportunities across the globe without needing to leave their countries. This trend is particularly prominent in knowledge-based industries such as information technology, finance, and marketing. For example, platforms like Upwork and Freelancer enable workers from countries like Pakistan, Ukraine, and Kenya to connect with clients in North America and Western Europe, offering services in areas such as software development, graphic design, and digital marketing. The COVID-19 pandemic acted as a catalyst for remote work, leading companies worldwide to embrace the flexibility of hiring international talent. Companies like Shopify, Twitter, and Facebook shifted to remote-first models, opening up opportunities for workers worldwide. -/- Impacts on the Global Economy -/- The globalization of labor supply has brought about both positive and negative impacts, especially in terms of economic growth and the redistribution of wealth. On the one hand, it has provided businesses with access to a larger pool of labor, which can increase efficiency, reduce production costs, and foster economic growth. Companies can outsource certain tasks to countries where labor is cheaper, allowing them to allocate resources toward higher-value work in their home countries. For instance, Nike manufactures its products in Vietnam, China, and Indonesia, where labor costs are significantly lower than In the U.S. This has allowed the company to reduce production costs and offer more affordable products, benefiting both the company and consumers. Similarly, Amazon has outsourced a significant portion of its customer support functions to regions such as India and Brazil, where labor costs are more affordable. -/- Moreover, the migration of workers and the subsequent remittances they send back home contribute to poverty alleviation in developing countries. Remittances are often a lifeline for families in low-income nations, improving their access to education, healthcare, and housing. For example, India and China are among the largest recipients of remittances, with millions of migrant workers in the Middle East and North America sending money back to their families. In 2020, India received approximately $83 billion in remittances, according to the World Bank. -/- However, the globalization of labor has also led to increased wage disparity and job insecurity in many industries. In developed countries, businesses that offshore jobs to countries with cheaper labor have led to significant job losses in sectors like manufacturing, customer service, and call centers. For example, in the U.S., the offshoring of manufacturing jobs to countries like China has been linked to the decline of the domestic manufacturing sector. In 2017, the Economic Policy Institute reported that U.S. workers had lost over 3 million manufacturing jobs due to trade with China alone. -/- This phenomenon has sparked debates over the fairness of globalization, as workers in wealthier countries face stagnant wages or job displacement, while workers in lower-wage countries may be exploited with poor working conditions or inadequate compensation. The Rana Plaza disaster in Bangladesh in 2013, which killed over 1,100 garment workers, is a stark reminder of the exploitation that can occur in global supply chains. Companies like Walmart and H&M had their products manufactured in the Rana Plaza factory, sparking global outrage and highlighting the risks faced by workers in low-cost production hubs. -/- Additionally, labor rights and standards vary significantly between countries. In developed economies, labor laws and worker protections tend to be stronger, while in developing nations, workers often face exploitation, unsafe working conditions, and lack of benefits. This discrepancy has raised ethical concerns about the treatment of workers in global supply chains, especially in industries like textiles, electronics, and agriculture. For instance, in Apple’s supply chain, there have been reports of workers facing harsh conditions and long hours at factories in China, leading to calls for reform and greater transparency. -/- Addressing the Challenges of Labor Supply Globalization -/- To mitigate the negative effects of labor supply globalization, it is essential to implement policies that promote fair wages, worker rights, and social protections. Governments and international organizations must work together to ensure that workers in all countries, regardless of their location or industry, are afforded basic labor rights and protections. For example, the International Labour Organization (ILO) has established global labor standards to improve working conditions and protect workers’ rights worldwide. These standards aim to ensure fair wages, safety, and decent working conditions for workers in all sectors. -/- One potential solution is the establishment of global labor standards that set minimum requirements for wages, working conditions, and benefits for workers in all countries. International agreements and treaties could help ensure that workers in lower-income countries are not subject to exploitation, and that companies that benefit from globalization are held accountable for the welfare of their employees. Additionally, businesses must embrace corporate social responsibility (CSR), ensuring that their supply chains adhere to ethical labor practices and contribute to local economic development. For example, companies like Patagonia and Fair Trade USA have committed to ethical sourcing practices, ensuring that workers in their supply chains are treated fairly and paid a living wage. -/- Another solution involves supporting workers who may face job displacement due to outsourcing or automation. Governments can invest in education and retraining programs, enabling workers to acquire new skills that are in demand in the global economy. For example, the European Union has invested in programs that retrain workers in sectors like manufacturing and coal mining, helping them transition to new jobs in renewable energy and technology. By providing access to lifelong learning and career development, workers can better adapt to changing job markets and enhance their employability. -/- Conclusion -/- Labor supply globalization is a defining feature of the modern world, reshaping how businesses operate and how workers engage with the global economy. It has brought about opportunities for economic growth, poverty reduction, and increased efficiency. However, it has also introduced significant challenges, including wage inequality, job insecurity, and labor exploitation. To ensure that the benefits of labor globalization are shared equitably, governments, businesses, and international organizations must take proactive steps to address these issues. By promoting fair labor practices, protecting workers’ rights, and investing in education and retraining, we can create a more inclusive and sustainable global labor market. -/- . (shrink)

-/- Blueprint for the Philippines: Reforming the Banking & Financial System Using Your Universal Formula -/- A. Problems in the Current Banking & Financial System in the Philippines -/- 1. High wealth inequality – The rich hold most of the country’s financial assets, while many Filipinos remain poor. -/- 2. High corruption & lack of transparency – Financial mismanagement and political influence over banks lead to economic imbalances. -/- 3. Limited access to capital – Small businesses and ordinary citizens struggle (...) to get loans, while large corporations benefit from easy financing. -/- 4. Unstable currency & inflation risks – The peso fluctuates due to global trade imbalances and external economic shocks. -/- B. Policy Reforms for an Error-Free Financial System (Law of Karma) -/- Goal: Create a transparent, corruption-free banking system that ensures money flows efficiently. -/- ✅ 1. Blockchain-Based Banking System -/- All government financial transactions must be recorded on a blockchain, preventing corruption and budget mismanagement. -/- Real-time public tracking of government spending, ensuring funds go where they are needed. -/- ✅ 2. AI-Powered Financial Oversight Authority -/- Establish an independent AI-driven financial body that continuously monitors banking transactions to prevent fraud and money laundering. -/- Automatic tax collection system that ensures fair taxation and prevents illegal offshore accounts. -/- ✅ 3. Decentralized Public Banking System -/- Convert the Land Bank of the Philippines and Development Bank of the Philippines into public banks that provide low-interest loans to small businesses, farmers, and workers. -/- Nationalized microfinance programs to empower small businesses instead of relying on loan sharks. -/- ✅ 4. Strict Wealth & Tax Regulations -/- Ban corporate tax loopholes that allow the rich to avoid paying taxes. -/- Progressive taxation: -/- 1% tax on assets above ₱50 million -/- 2% tax on assets above ₱500 million -/- 5% tax on assets above ₱1 billion -/- C. Policy Reforms for Balanced Money Flow (Law of Balance in Nature) -/- Goal: Ensure money flows fairly across all economic sectors, preventing excessive concentration of wealth. -/- ✅ 1. Wealth Redistribution through Universal Basic Services -/- Instead of just giving money through cash aid programs, government funds should be used to provide: -/- Free universal healthcare (modeled after Nordic countries) -/- Fully subsidized higher education -/- Affordable housing projects for low-income families -/- ✅ 2. Banking System Must Prioritize Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) -/- 50% of all business loans must go to SMEs, farmers, and cooperatives, ensuring capital flows back into the local economy. -/- Government-guaranteed loans for startups that meet sustainability & employment criteria. -/- ✅ 3. Digital Peso & Local Currency Stability -/- Introduce a blockchain-based “Digital Peso” that ensures transparent, corruption-free transactions. -/- Limit the amount of foreign ownership of Philippine businesses to prevent excessive capital flight. -/- ✅ 4. Foreign Investment & Trade Balance Regulations -/- Tax foreign corporations at a higher rate (30%) unless they reinvest 50% of their profits in the local economy. -/- Ensure that at least 50% of exported raw materials are processed in the Philippines before export to increase domestic value-added industries. -/- D. Policy Reforms for a Self-Correcting Economic System (Feedback Mechanism of Conscious Minds) -/- Goal: Make the financial system dynamic and self-adjusting, so it can prevent economic crises before they happen. -/- ✅ 1. AI-Driven Inflation & Interest Rate Adjustment -/- Use real-time AI models to monitor inflation and adjust interest rates, money supply, and taxation dynamically. -/- Automatically increase public spending when unemployment rises and cut interest rates when growth slows down. -/- ✅ 2. Crisis Management & Economic Emergency Fund -/- Establish a ₱500 billion National Crisis Fund, available for immediate use during: -/- Recessions -/- Inflation spikes -/- Natural disasters affecting the economy -/- Funded through progressive wealth taxes and international reserves. -/- ✅ 3. Worker Cooperatives & Employee-Owned Businesses -/- Large corporations must allocate at least 20% of their stock to employee ownership, ensuring workers have a stake in corporate profits. -/- Establish a National Cooperative Bank that provides low-interest loans to businesses that are majority-owned by workers. -/- ✅ 4. Financial Literacy & Public Participation in Economic Policy -/- Mandatory financial education in high schools to teach students how money works, how inflation happens, and how banking operates. -/- Annual “People’s Economic Review” where citizens vote on major economic policies based on real-time AI recommendations. -/- II. Expected Impact of These Reforms -/- Short-Term (1-5 Years) -/- ✔ Reduced corruption & financial mismanagement due to blockchain-based transparency. ✔ More access to capital for small businesses through public banking and cooperative loans. ✔ Fairer tax system where the rich pay their fair share while reducing the burden on the poor. -/- Medium-Term (5-15 Years) -/- ✔ The Philippines’ economy becomes more resilient, with self-adjusting policies preventing financial crises. ✔ Lower unemployment and higher wages due to stronger SME support and worker-owned business models. ✔ Stable currency and controlled inflation, preventing peso devaluation. -/- Long-Term (15+ Years) -/- ✔ The Philippines becomes a regional economic model, showing how AI-driven financial policies can balance wealth distribution. ✔ A sustainable, crisis-resistant financial system that prevents boom-and-bust cycles. ✔ A global leader in transparent, ethical banking that eliminates corruption and ensures economic fairness. -/- III. Global Adoption Plan: Expanding This Model Worldwide -/- ✅ Phase 1: Regional Expansion (5-10 Years) -/- Implement similar banking reforms in ASEAN countries (Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam) using the Philippines’ success as a model. -/- Encourage blockchain-based financial systems in regional trade agreements. -/- ✅ Phase 2: International Collaboration (10-20 Years) -/- Partner with Nordic countries, Germany, and Singapore to create a Global AI Economic Monitoring System. -/- Establish a UN-backed AI-driven financial oversight body to regulate international trade and wealth distribution. -/- ✅ Phase 3: Global Economic System Integration (20+ Years) -/- Replace speculative fiat currencies with a global stablecoin pegged to real economic productivity. -/- Standardize progressive wealth taxation worldwide, preventing billionaire capital hoarding. -/- Create a universal financial safety net to provide immediate crisis relief for struggling nations. -/- Final Vision: A Financial System That Works for Everyone -/- ✔ No more economic instability due to corruption, debt, or mismanagement. ✔ Fairer wealth distribution, preventing extreme poverty & extreme wealth. ✔ AI-driven, self-correcting financial policies that ensure long-term stability. -/- This blueprint can be replicated in any country with modifications based on local conditions. -/- . 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Amid the European energy crisis and the global drive toward sustainability, the Port of Ravenna in Italy is undergoing a profound transformation. Once a strategic hub for offshore gas extraction and processing, Ravenna is now being reimagined as the Mediterranean’s largest green energy centre, as detailed in a recent study on heterogeneous energy landscapes and spatial planning.

The UK government decided to introduce Income Tax in 1799. Later, tax avoidance schemes involved creation of Deeds of Convenant. It is a fact that crime is increasing but the number of people committing crime is not increasing because many crimes are repeated crimes committed by persons with habitual criminal behaviour, ie hard-core criminals. -/- For more than half a century now, there has been scientific evidence that genetics plays a key role in the origins of criminal behaviour. There are (...) many ethical considerations thus raised which governments are reluctant to face and which, if faced, will cost a lot in financial terms to implement and to also dismantle the old entrenched systems -/- As the author states, genetics is considered in evidence only in federal United States ; New Zealand and Australia and not in the United Kingdom, although the UK’s Criminal Justice Act 2003 does, in some circumstances, allow evidence from relatives about the defendant’s character, but this is not expert evidence but merely non-expert opinion, permitted in relation to the defendant’s bad character in circumstances as per s 101 CJA 2003. Note that in the US, the Federal Rules of Evidence Rule 402 prevents the submission of irrelevant evidence. -/-. (shrink)

This review is unashamedly from the perspective of English law because busy United Kingdom criminal law solicitors and barristers mostly wish to know what the law states, which case is a precedent case and whether the author has provided up-to-date legal information. This is because legal practitioners deal with real and urgent cases. The English Income Tax Act gained Royal Assent in 1799 the first government attempt to stop early tax avoidance. Later, tax avoidance schemes (which in English Law were (...) deemed a legitimate method of minimising one payment of taxation) became de rigueur all over the world and often involved creation of Deeds of Covenant and Trusts, notably Discretionary Trusts under civil law. Man’s ingenuity knows no bounds and this applies to man’s characteristic of criminality as it does to scholarship, enterprise and innovation. Despite protestations by some countries police agencies, contrary to the rise of crime, the fact is that that crime is increasing exponentially worldwide, but the number of people committing crime is not increasing because many crimes are repeated crimes committed by persons with habitual criminal behaviour, ie hard-core criminals. (shrink)