Black Women in White Male Industries Journal

Black Women in White Male Industries

Revise and Resubmit

You have chosen in this paper a topic that has both national and international significance. How indeed inclusive, fair, and just are so called “inclusion or set-aside” initiatives? How open and accessible are the programs to new immigrants and minorities? These are all very interesting questions that your paper raises.

But you don’t fully address whether or not the rational approach considers such programs to be either fair, effective, and even legitimate. Are these programs acceptable or legitimate in the eyes of a policy analyst or maker who subscribes to the rational choice perspective? Why and why not? Your paper also seems to contain a few sentences at the end that are not properly paraphrased but yet are not under quotation marks. This needs to be paraphrased or removed or quoted to avoid plagiarism.

Please find below your Paper 1 Grade and your reviewed paper with my track changes and comments, including some of corrections or suggestions mentioned above. You can make these corrections to improve your score

Paper 1 Grade (Tentative, Revise and Resubmit)

Criterion

Points

Score

Brief Introduction and Outline

Discusses themes in the readings

Draws from and summarizes key readings-at least 3 different readings and authors

Initiates and sustains a central thesis and argument

Scholarly and organized writing with sources and citations

Conclusion

References

Grammar, Punctuation, and Style

Total

Black Women in White Male Dominant Industries:

Are Set-Aside and Inclusion Programs Really Assisting?

Introduction

When you spend your whole life being marginalized and excluded, you can develop what they call a chip on your shoulder. Resentment. Frustration. I will not say that this has happened to me — but neither will I say, that it has not. Taking a hard look at oneself is as difficult and challenging as it is to look really at others — without prejudice, bias, or judgment. As part of the new orientation towards social justice, the so-called social policymaking warriors like to think that they are taking the side of the marginalized, the forgotten, the repressed and oppressed, minorities. Individuals like myself who have tried to look for equality — only to find that principles and ideals are fine to talk about, but in the real world, human beings act for motives separate and distinct from the ideals that we all presumably share. I seek to represent the so-called “beneficiaries” of the public policies that pertain to diversity and inclusion. Basically, inclusion and set aside initiatives are not independent of, or different from, affirmative action. Within the construction sector, for instance, such programs form part of positive actions. Hence, this paper aims to explore the topic of inclusion and set-aside initiatives for Black females, with a goal to gauge how successful they have been in achieving their purpose. To this end, the paper provides the background, the rationale behind inclusion and set-aside initiatives, and the initiatives’ advantages and drawbacks, prior to arriving at a conclusion.

Background to my issue

I don’t know why exactly, but I always wanted to be different — to make an impact. When I immigrated to the United States six years ago, I wanted to make my way in a career that black women normally did not go into. I did not want to cook, cater, clean, care for children — in short, I did not want to take part in those activities that my ancestors had taken part in as slaves in the States, or anywhere else in this world. I set about researching which field was “no-black-woman-land” and I found it — the Oil and Gas industry. It was here that I wanted to go. I knew there would be obstacles, but I also knew that there were programs that had been developed to help minorities, women, the disadvantaged and small business enterprises so as to help create opportunities for those not fortunate enough to be part of the power structure, the elite, the privileged. However, what I soon found was that these so-called programs for the disadvantaged were quite restrictive. For instance, a black company was required to own assets (refineries, etc.), and white women were considered disadvantaged — because of something as natural as their sex. I found that black women had to compete with black men for the same contracts while white women did not have to compete against white males. In this industry, the blacks are set against one another — as though there was some underlying desire on the part of the Establishment to see them run one another out. All the while the white woman is considered our equal, even though she had access we didn’t have, be it white money or fronting for her white husband. What I found was a complex web of racialization, racism, white privilege and the “frontier myth and the romanticized cowboy hero” (Miller, 2004, p. 47). A black woman in the Oil and Gas industry was a like an alien walking on earth, speaking and talking like a human being — but obviously from some other galaxy. I was tolerated — as much as I had to be — but I was never accepted on the same level as the white woman or the white man. I ended up asking myself the question: “What policies are underpinning these programs, and who are the policymakers that came up with these policies, and why? Are these set-aside and inclusion programs really assisting?”

I am reminded of the study by Williams, Kilanski and Muller (2014). They wanted to know why the diversity programs initiated by the U.S. oil and gas companies in the 1980s failed to address issues of inequality within the sector. They interviewed women about their workplace experiences and found that in spite of the objectives of these programs, they only ended up reinforcing gender/racial stereotypes and solidifying male dominance. I read their interviews with considerable attention, identifying with the experiences of the women — affirming that what they said was true: my life was a perfect illustration of that fact. What I could not help but wonder was why something like the color of one’s skin or the sex of one’s anatomy could be viewed as a such a factor, such a variable in that person’s ability to lead, to climb, to provide, to be.

Rational policymaking and social issue

The document presents the synthesis of knowledge on the rational policymaking theory, based on the reading and my experience of discrimination within the oil and gas sector. It builds upon the common understanding of what rational policymaking is and draws on some key references on the relevant subject. This rational model tries to understand all the alternatives, considering all the consequences, and select the best options. It is concerned with the best way (best in terms of promoting the realization of the programs objectives) to organize government and their processes to assure the adequate flow of information, accurate and unbiased feedback, and the weighing and measurement of values (Clemons & Mcbeth, 2001, p. 43).

Each state in the country proscribes its own connotation and legitimacy to ‘set-aside’ programs and may vary by way of their implication. Some states have established these initiatives in their legislative framework, whereas others have instituted them as social initiatives for guaranteeing equality. However, on the basis of criticisms by the analysts with regard to legality of initiatives not based in law, such initiatives ought to be able to survive judicial review, as their basis is economic and social equality, as part of the constitutional clause on “Equal Protection.” The initiatives are formulated with an aim of successfully increasing individual entrepreneurs’ and small companies’ participation in the city contracts, in economically advanced areas. Hence, one can argue that set-aside initiatives are indeed legitimate.

I aim to seek further information about this particular concept, research topics or case studies that will allow me to apply the rational policymaking theory, to assess if it helps to identify the weak parts of policymaking in the target region with the following rational model objectives as a minimum:

1) Define the problem

– (Re)Define the sense and the role of side-aside and diversity programs in industry and business development, and assess (from my personal experience as a start) if the problem has been adequately defined in the context of its policy;

2) Assemble evidence

Gather as many resources from credible bodies, institutions and government on current policies, disparity studies, case studies, and in-person interviews. Further investigation of other policy areas such as global warming, transport, agriculture, fisheries, regional policy and tourism and how these policies are impacted by side-aside and diversity programs;

3) Construct alternatives

Develop alternative methods of addressing the problem where current methods fail and link those to strategic efforts;

4) Select criteria

The criteria for solving the problem has been assessed and must comply with certain standards. These standards are known as “competitive public procurement bidding standards.” They are usually identified in a specific statute, or they are developed through case law or both. Competitive bidding must standards dictate that:

(1) the bidding process must be open and transparent;

(2) the government must be fair and unbiased, and;

(3) the government must place all bidders on a level playing field, and;

4) where the contract is set-aside for a certain minority group, that group is correctly classified, and the criteria for classification is deemed fair.

5) Project outcomes,

The expected or desired outcome of the project is clear and should by no means seek to disguise or attempt to “pose” as being assistance if it is not. The targets set as outcomes should also not be the be-all-and-end-all. The current trend is that institutions set low targets and when those are met, they no longer engage and the efforts.

6) Confront trade-offs,

The trade-off of addressing the issue or of not addressing the issue is acknowledged

a. Trade-offs are described and agreed upon upfront. This can be in the form of discounts, tax breaks, job creation, etc.

b. Outcomes of trade-offs are clear and should be recorded, communicated and celebrated.

c. Costs associated with trade-offs are evident as both the institution and the minority business are gaining from the trade-offs. Currently, this is not considered as ROI (return on investment) by neither party.

7) Stop, focus, narrow, deepen and decide,

The process/project have received adequate reflectionanalyses and decision-making.

a. A period of substantial reflection and review of each of the issues/criteria has been made.

b. Communication with stakeholders has taken place to ensure optimal reflection and information sharing. Interviewing minorities firsthand to understand their challenges are also encouraged.

c. The adequate focus has been achieved; there is no extraneous intervention or exposure to the superfluous material, and every aspect has been examined and verified to form the basis of a solid strategy.

d. The project has been sufficiently narrowed so as to address the problem succinctly and efficiently to ensure that most stakeholders will benefit.

e. The project has sufficient depth so as to be successful and worthwhile and will not just end up as a proposal that sits on a shelf and gathers dust. It must be realistic and practical (achievable).

f. A decision has been reached regarding the issue/project, and consensus has been reached with at least the majority of stakeholders. Giving the stakeholders “ownership” is also very important to garner ongoing support.

8) Tell your story

Ensure that a narrative has been constructed that details and describes the process utilized, how the impact will be measured, communicated, and celebrated.

Pros & Cons of the rational policymaking model

One positive of this model is that it attempts to improve the content of public policy. Some of the negatives include the gap between planning and implementation. It specifically looks at the technical competence but does not speak to the role of people, entrepreneurs, leadership, management, etc. I also think that simple solutions may be overlooked.

Conclusion

Pursuing the analysis of this model instigated me towards an exploration of other models as well. Personally, I found the strategic planning framework of the public sector most appealing. The framework strives to integrate the rational and incremental public policy strategies, seeking to bring together routine requirements and long-range future strategies. The matter is not perceived as entirely defined by the current political scenario, and does not overlook risks. It adopts a dynamic outlook towards the future, employing a politically-sensitive, uncompromising, and outward-looking focus. It emphasizes decision-making (as opposed to the rational framework), whilst integrating rational evaluations with political and economic and political evaluations (as opposed to the incremental framework). It tolerates debate and is thus, participatory, in addition to, clearly, being debatable. Lastly, it focuses on the entire issue’s fate; that of secondary issues is not important.

References

Clemons, R., Mcbeth, M., (2001). Public Policy Praxis: A Case approach for understanding policy and analysis.

Miller, G. (2004). Frontier Masculinity in the oil industry: The experience of women engineers. Gender, Work & Organization, 11(1): 47-73.

Williams, C., Kilanski, K., Muller, C. (2014). Corporate diversity programs and gender inequality in the oil and gas industry. Work and Occupation, 41(4): 440-476.

Get Professional Assignment Help Cheaply

Are you busy and do not have time to handle your assignment? Are you scared that your paper will not make the grade? Do you have responsibilities that may hinder you from turning in your assignment on time? Are you tired and can barely handle your assignment? Are your grades inconsistent?

Whichever your reason is, it is valid! You can get professional academic help from our service at affordable rates. We have a team of professional academic writers who can handle all your assignments.

Why Choose Our Academic Writing Service?

Plagiarism free papers
Timely delivery
Any deadline
Skilled, Experienced Native English Writers
Subject-relevant academic writer
Adherence to paper instructions
Ability to tackle bulk assignments
Reasonable prices
24/7 Customer Support
Get superb grades consistently

Online Academic Help With Different Subjects

Literature

Students barely have time to read. We got you! Have your literature essay or book review written without having the hassle of reading the book. You can get your literature paper custom-written for you by our literature specialists.

Finance

Do you struggle with finance? No need to torture yourself if finance is not your cup of tea. You can order your finance paper from our academic writing service and get 100% original work from competent finance experts.

Computer science

Computer science is a tough subject. Fortunately, our computer science experts are up to the match. No need to stress and have sleepless nights. Our academic writers will tackle all your computer science assignments and deliver them on time. Let us handle all your python, java, ruby, JavaScript, php , C+ assignments!

Psychology

While psychology may be an interesting subject, you may lack sufficient time to handle your assignments. Don’t despair; by using our academic writing service, you can be assured of perfect grades. Moreover, your grades will be consistent.

Engineering

Engineering is quite a demanding subject. Students face a lot of pressure and barely have enough time to do what they love to do. Our academic writing service got you covered! Our engineering specialists follow the paper instructions and ensure timely delivery of the paper.

Nursing

In the nursing course, you may have difficulties with literature reviews, annotated bibliographies, critical essays, and other assignments. Our nursing assignment writers will offer you professional nursing paper help at low prices.

Sociology

Truth be told, sociology papers can be quite exhausting. Our academic writing service relieves you of fatigue, pressure, and stress. You can relax and have peace of mind as our academic writers handle your sociology assignment.

Business

We take pride in having some of the best business writers in the industry. Our business writers have a lot of experience in the field. They are reliable, and you can be assured of a high-grade paper. They are able to handle business papers of any subject, length, deadline, and difficulty!

Statistics

We boast of having some of the most experienced statistics experts in the industry. Our statistics experts have diverse skills, expertise, and knowledge to handle any kind of assignment. They have access to all kinds of software to get your assignment done.

Law

Writing a law essay may prove to be an insurmountable obstacle, especially when you need to know the peculiarities of the legislative framework. Take advantage of our top-notch law specialists and get superb grades and 100% satisfaction.

What discipline/subjects do you deal in?

We have highlighted some of the most popular subjects we handle above. Those are just a tip of the iceberg. We deal in all academic disciplines since our writers are as diverse. They have been drawn from across all disciplines, and orders are assigned to those writers believed to be the best in the field. In a nutshell, there is no task we cannot handle; all you need to do is place your order with us. As long as your instructions are clear, just trust we shall deliver irrespective of the discipline.

Are your writers competent enough to handle my paper?

Our essay writers are graduates with bachelor's, masters, Ph.D., and doctorate degrees in various subjects. The minimum requirement to be an essay writer with our essay writing service is to have a college degree. All our academic writers have a minimum of two years of academic writing. We have a stringent recruitment process to ensure that we get only the most competent essay writers in the industry. We also ensure that the writers are handsomely compensated for their value. The majority of our writers are native English speakers. As such, the fluency of language and grammar is impeccable.

What if I don’t like the paper?

There is a very low likelihood that you won’t like the paper.

Reasons being:

When assigning your order, we match the paper’s discipline with the writer’s field/specialization. Since all our writers are graduates, we match the paper’s subject with the field the writer studied. For instance, if it’s a nursing paper, only a nursing graduate and writer will handle it. Furthermore, all our writers have academic writing experience and top-notch research skills.
We have a quality assurance that reviews the paper before it gets to you. As such, we ensure that you get a paper that meets the required standard and will most definitely make the grade.

In the event that you don’t like your paper:

The writer will revise the paper up to your pleasing. You have unlimited revisions. You simply need to highlight what specifically you don’t like about the paper, and the writer will make the amendments. The paper will be revised until you are satisfied. Revisions are free of charge
We will have a different writer write the paper from scratch.
Last resort, if the above does not work, we will refund your money.

Will the professor find out I didn’t write the paper myself?

Not at all. All papers are written from scratch. There is no way your tutor or instructor will realize that you did not write the paper yourself. In fact, we recommend using our assignment help services for consistent results.

What if the paper is plagiarized?

We check all papers for plagiarism before we submit them. We use powerful plagiarism checking software such as SafeAssign, LopesWrite, and Turnitin. We also upload the plagiarism report so that you can review it. We understand that plagiarism is academic suicide. We would not take the risk of submitting plagiarized work and jeopardize your academic journey. Furthermore, we do not sell or use prewritten papers, and each paper is written from scratch.

When will I get my paper?

You determine when you get the paper by setting the deadline when placing the order. All papers are delivered within the deadline. We are well aware that we operate in a time-sensitive industry. As such, we have laid out strategies to ensure that the client receives the paper on time and they never miss the deadline. We understand that papers that are submitted late have some points deducted. We do not want you to miss any points due to late submission. We work on beating deadlines by huge margins in order to ensure that you have ample time to review the paper before you submit it.

Will anyone find out that I used your services?

We have a privacy and confidentiality policy that guides our work. We NEVER share any customer information with third parties. Noone will ever know that you used our assignment help services. It’s only between you and us. We are bound by our policies to protect the customer’s identity and information. All your information, such as your names, phone number, email, order information, and so on, are protected. We have robust security systems that ensure that your data is protected. Hacking our systems is close to impossible, and it has never happened.

How our Assignment Help Service Works

1. Place an order

You fill all the paper instructions in the order form. Make sure you include all the helpful materials so that our academic writers can deliver the perfect paper. It will also help to eliminate unnecessary revisions.

2. Pay for the order

Proceed to pay for the paper so that it can be assigned to one of our expert academic writers. The paper subject is matched with the writer’s area of specialization.

3. Track the progress

You communicate with the writer and know about the progress of the paper. The client can ask the writer for drafts of the paper. The client can upload extra material and include additional instructions from the lecturer. Receive a paper.

4. Download the paper

The paper is sent to your email and uploaded to your personal account. You also get a plagiarism report attached to your paper.

smile and order essay PLACE THIS ORDER OR A SIMILAR ORDER WITH US TODAY AND GET A PERFECT SCORE!!!