Monday, September 30, 2019

Case study Essay

Inuit was founded in 1983 by Scott Cook (Former Procter & Gamble employee) and Tom Proulx (Stanford University Programmer), that develops and sells financial and tax solution software for consumers and small to medium sized businesses. The company has always thrived to revolutionise people’s lives by solving their important business and financial management problems. Quicken was its product that was launched in 1984 and struggled the first year, but due to positive reviews in trade journals and print campaign strategies, Intuit got its first break and by 1988 Quicken was the best selling finance product on the market. Early 1990’s saw Intuit growing due to success of Quicken, QuickBooks and Turbotax. These products made some significant contribution in small businesses. Porter’s five forces Analysis for Inuit: Any organization strategy that you develop needs to include gaining a thorough understanding of the external environment that the organization is operating in. The most widely tool that can help you to do this is Porter’s five force analysis. Porter’s model considers five forces that determine the attractiveness of your market by analyzing the competitive intensity. Similarly Porter’s five forces will help Intuit the position of the market and how much do they really stand a chance in this competitive industry, with Microsoft trying to buy them off. 1. Threat of new entrant: Intuit’s marketing strategies have helped the company evolve. Positive word of mouth an exceptional customer services is its most effective marketing tools. Roughly 8 out of 10 customers have bought Intuit’s product and hence engaging with customers directly and communicating with customers on a timely basis has helped distinguish its products. This leads to a very low threat of new entrants in the market. Due to this it is very difficult for new company’s to enter the market and compete with Intuit. 2. Bargaining Power of Buyers: Since Inuit is not the only one in the market, Microsoft being the biggest competitor it increases the bargaining power of buyers giving them more than one option to choose from. Intuit is very well aware of this fact and hence spends significant amount of time and money on consumer research every year. It is very critical for Intuit to know how customers use and feel about their products. This is possible by adapting Site Visit, Lab Study and Remote study conducted by Intuit. 3. Bargaining Power of Suppliers: The only product that Intuit needs is a compact disc and since there are many suppliers of compact disc in the market, the bargaining power of suppliers is very low. This leads to huge competition between suppliers and Intuit has an advantage. 4. Threat for Substitute Products: There is no substitute product available for tax and financial planning software’s apart from hiring specialised people in your company in that field which is turns out to be very expensive and also time consuming. Hence there is no threat for substitute products for Intuit in the market. 5. The intensity of rivalry: Intuit faces huge competition in the market for the products they offer. Microsoft, one of their biggest competitors has tried to buy off Intuit but failed and also withdrawn its money product line after a 18 year battle with Quicken. This has been a great win for Intuit over the software giant. There are many companies providing mobile devices which have become very popular among the younger consumers and hence this increases the intensity of rivalry in the market that will be faced by Intuit. Potential Market entry methods for Intuit: Intuit has a very few ways it can enter the potential market i.e. mobile devices. Depending on various factors, Intuit can adopt acquisition. This will be very quick and fastest way to enter the mobile devices industry. Intuit can acquire some firms that are already in the mobile device  business, have a strong customer base and have all access to the company’s network files. Reference: Pearson Education Limited (2012). Marketing Management (14th ed.). Kotler Keller: Author. Submitted by: Anchal Pathak

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Ray Rice’s Amazing Story

Ray has learned more and more about his father, Calvin Reed. Janet has a color snapshot, which serves as the only means by which Ray knows what his father looked like.There are stories In which he has learned that he was a respectable man 1 OF3 wltn a respectaDle D I nese tnlngs are comTortlng to Ray Decause tne reason ne never got to know his father is extremely uncomfortable. In the summer of 1988, a car rolled past Reed as he was walking home from work. Shots were fired and Reed died there on the sidewalk. Three years later, when the gunman was convicted and sent to prison, it was revealed that Reed wasnt the target. He was Just in the wrong place at the wrong time. â€Å"Sometimes you wonder what it would be like to have your real dad,† Ray said.Just for a walk in the park or Just recapping our lives. That's the part that makes me think. â€Å"00A few years later, Rice's aunt died of brain cancer at 37 years old. Her son, Shaun Rice-Nichols, moved up three floors in their apartment complex to live with Janet and Ray. 00Treated like a son by Janet, Shaun was a father fgure to Ray, who was 10 years younger. They did everything together, from Ray's favorite (playing sports), to Shaun's favorite (rapping in front of the mirror). Shaun was an up-and- coming rap artist known as S. U. P. E. , which stood for Spiritually Uplifting People Everywhere.He sang about inspiring people and guiding them in the right direction despite their tough surroundings. Shaun would always tell Ray to go for his dreams, to pursue them with extreme passion. After all, Shaun was proof that even a kid from the projects could make it. 00At about 21 years old, Shaun signed his first record deal and moved with his fianc ©e and two young daughters to California to pursue his music career. 00†³He was the one in the family where if he wanted something he went after it and he got it,† Ray said. â€Å"He was the first one the family was really proud of. 0 0But Shaun's dream s ended on a road in California on March 21, 1998.That's when a driver, swerving to avoid another car during the early hours of St. Patrick's Day, plowed into Shaun's compact car. His fianc ©e died on the scene, and Shaun passed away four days later. â€Å"That was rough, really rough. But I believe today he's still here,† Ray said. â€Å"My family is different. When he died, in a sense some of my family died. Everybody Just changed for a little bit. â€Å"00Just 1 1 years old at the time, Ray didn't change. He Just became even more obsessive about continuing the mission that Shaun began for his family, he says. 00Ray still carries Shaun close to him at all times.He has Shaun's name, S. U. P. E. , tattooed on his right biceps and he carries his memories of him onto the football field. â€Å"I'm in his place now,† Ray said. â€Å"l made it to the NFL, but that's not enough. It's about my family and I'm trying to gel everyone believe in my dream and I chase my dream like S. U. P. E. chased his dream. He didn't get a chance to finish his dream. I want to finish my dream. One day after football practice during his 1 lth grade season, Ray stared out of the partment window as his mother ran him a hot bath, pouring in Epsom salt to ease his sore muscles. Ma, I'm going to the league,† Ray said. â€Å"I've got to make it to the league. I'll be glad when I can tell you, You don't have to work no more. ‘† Janet lived her whole life in The Hollow. She sometimes worked two Jobs trying to make ends meet while doing her best to spoil Rice and his three younger siblings. Besides the time she spends doting on her own kids, she has dedicated her career to teaching special needs children, a calling that shows her heart is bigger than the 4-foot-11 body it lives in. Ray decided early on in life that his mother needed help.And since then, a large part of his mission has been to use his passion of football to give her a different life. Ray was a two-sport star at New Rochelle High School. He played point guara Tor nls DasKetDall team, lea01ng tnem to tne state Tlnals In 2 football field, he scored 31 touchdowns as a senior and was named to the Madison Square Garden's All-Heisman team. Ray then became a college football legend in the New York-New Jersey area, rejuvenating Rutgers' football program and leading the team to a miraculous upset win over previously-undefeated Louisville in 2007.Right before being interviewed by ESPN on national television that night, with the cameras rolling, Rice stopped and called out, â€Å"Where's my mother? † He was worried about her being trampled by the students streaming onto the field. Despite her son being drafted, nearly leading the NFL in total yardage last year and being named to the Pro Bowl in Just his second season, those words on ESPN serve as Janet's favorite football memory for the sheer fact that it shows how much her son cares about her. Ray and Janet still talk on th e phone every single morning at around 6 a. m. while Janet is cooking breakfast for her children.They talk about everything, from football to girls. â€Å"I'm more than Just his mother,† Janet said. â€Å"I'm his best friend. We laugh, we giggle. We have so much fun together. † In large part, Ray's success has already allowed him to take care of his family. His mother drives a new Lexus and now lives in a safe, waterfront property Just about 15 minutes from their old apartment. But Janet still goes to her Job at school, still caring for special needs children. â€Å"I've got one more phase left,† Ray said. â€Å"It will be her choice whether she wants to work. I want her to fulfill what she wasn't able to Just raising us. I want her to enjoy herself.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Anomaly Detection Using Probability Distribution Method with Focus on Research Proposal

Anomaly Detection Using Probability Distribution Method with Focus on Network Intrusion Detection Systems - Research Proposal Example 107). These correction techniques need to be initiated through diverse ways of detection and existing digital computation methods. Alongside these mechanisms, the following paper analyzes deviation from original forms of information that can secure any computer network (Singh and Kaur, 2007, p. 109). Anomaly Detection Using Probability Distribution Method Network intrusion detection systems are computerized systems able to reveal infringements in computer network systems (Nakkeeran, Aruldoss and Ezumalai, 2010, p. 52). Irregularity detecting systems are grounded on infringement of networks. When the networks face anomalies, the detection system creates a standard traffic paradigm. This system is used as an approach of determining deviation from original formats of data to altered ones. Under the anomaly detection, the Fuzzy Gaussian mixture and modeling strategy is employed to detect abnormalities in computer network systems. The Probability Distribution technique stood for network i nformation in multidimensional aspect gaps. The limits of this mixture are approximated to deploying fuzzy c-means of abnormalities within digitized techniques. Even though this approach is accurately tested by researchers, results have proven the mechanism more effective than other quantization techniques (Nakkeeran, Aruldoss and Ezumalai, 2010, p. 55). ... Among infringement detection methods that are automated, vector quantization in anomaly recognition might prove to be inexpensive from a capital’s perspective (Azer, El-Kassas and El-Soudani, 2006, p. 2). Therefore, vector quantization is considered most appropriate for resource limited and improvised computer network systems. Anomaly Detection systems can also employ a game approach means to perceive deviation of changed data streaming through various computer networks. Computerized detection is mainly employed to conclude future anomalies within a precise network. Game approaches focus on the prediction of any upcoming abnormalities in computer’s network systems (Azer, El-Kassas and El-Soudani, 2006, p. 6). Traffic patterns have been affiliated with the conditional possibility distribution of the nature of the anomalies in a computer network (Sobh, 2007, p. 119). Given the nature of data processing from the past, anomaly detection systems use similar distribution stat es that currently exist. This way, system updates will reinforce the protection of data and communication systems. Infringement in computer networks requires recognition of any deviation in the transformation of data from one form to another while streaming through the network. When a monitored traffic experiences anomalies, it becomes marked or labeled should there arise a possibility of extremely low levels of security encountering high levels of threat. Cases that are more preventive include technical methods that engage specification-based anomaly mechanisms (Sobh, 2007, p. 119). Legitimate system behavior faced chronic demerits that certain networks encounter and obtained from similar entry-grounded systems, whilst significantly elevated digitized assistance is needed (Portnoy,

Friday, September 27, 2019

Professional Application Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Professional Application - Essay Example Steve Madden is well known for selling its fashionable footwear products which provide cutting edge solution to the customers in the footwear industry. The business of Steve Madden is well known for the novelty in the footwear products and the competitive prices of the footwear in the market. The market capitalization of Steve Madden is under continuous threats due to the strategic movement of its competitors like the BCBG, Nike, etc. BCBG has been able to reduce the points of differentiation in the product lines of Steven Madden. Nike has been able to tap the unexplored market for athletics and sportswear. The changing landscape in the marketing of footwear products of Steve Madden could be analyzed with the help of research on the market demographics, social, economic as well as technological advancements (Kazmi and  Batra, 2009). Due to the changes in the internal and external environments of the footwear business of Steve Madden, the company would need to strategically adopt po licies for a smooth adaptation to such changes. In order to respond to the changing scenario, Steve Madden is required to identify the different target customer segments in the footwear market and then carry out separate approaches for sales and promotion of the footwear products depending on the demand and preferences of the target customer segment. ... The various marketing and sales promotional approaches adopted by Steve Madden for the different customer segments have been described as given below. Children or teenagers The various approaches for sale promotion in order to tap the target market opportunities include better packaging of the footwear products that generally attract the teenage customers. Better packaging creates the first impression among the teenagers before use. In addition to this, any free item offered with the footwear would also be a good sales promotion approach for targeting the teenage customers. In order to promote the footwear products among the teenage customers, Steve Madden could also look to spread the information on the good effects on tender legs due to the usage of their products. Apart from this, the company could also conduct exhibitions of their footwear products with amusements for children in those exhibitions to attract the target customer. The increased time spent by the children and the te enagers along with the parents in such exhibitions would help the company to promote their footwear products in the market. Young men and women The various sales promotion techniques for targeting the young women and men in the market would be adoption of different ways to highlight the cutting edge fashions incorporated in the design of the footwear. The young men and women would be attracted to the new designs and fashions of the footwear promoted by Steve Madden, and this would help the company to survive in the competitive market. Another approach of sales promotion would be to offer competitive prices in the footwear market. The young men and women who are updated with the latest trends and information would be attracted

Thursday, September 26, 2019

European Penal System Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

European Penal System - Essay Example Government became a symbol of law enforcement and maintaining order. Offenders, if apprehended, will be judged through the penal system. Throughout European history, the plethora of apolitical uprising has challenged the European penal systems throughout the continent. These insurrections challenged the penal system in its law enforcement policies, judicial processes, protection of parties afflicted, and integrity. The European governments made amends to their rudimentary policies and strived to not make biased judgments on certain ethnic coterie. In this composition, the history of European penal systems and governments will be analyzed in how victims are treated after their spats with perpetrators. Also, in this essay, there will be analysis of past cases of government malfeasance toward victims and the flaws in European penal systems. A victim is 'a person who has suffered direct, or threatened, physical, emotional or pecuniary harm as a result of the commission of a crime; or in the case of a victim being an institutional entity, any of the same harms by an individual or authorized representative of another entity. Group harms are normally covered under civil and constitutional law, with hate crime being an emerging criminal law development, although criminal law tends to treat all cases as individualized.' (Hans Von Hentig) Scholars tried to understand the relationship the victim and the offender or 'the killer and the killed.' (Robert J. Meadow, pg. 15) Hans Von Hentig was a connoisseur in the early victimisation theory in the 1940s. He established a hierarchy of types of victims being afflicted. Hentig categorized them using personal factors linked with victimisation such as social, psychological, or biological reasons. A few of these categories will be utilised and elaborated upon in conjunction with certain relevant episodes in history. One group that has been particularly victimised is children. In Hentig's first type of victim are represented in the young. They happen to be easily victimised due to lack of maturity and their vulnerability. Hentig suggested that children are usually subject to violent crimes and sexual offenses. (Meadow, pg.13) Young women are docile and lack the physical strength to withstand an attack from a masculine offender. This is the case primary victimisation, a process in which one person is affected in crime. Domestic violence is also cases where primary victimisation occurs. The European Penal system made concessions against crime such as these and was not lackluster in prosecuting rapists, paedophiles, thieves, and murderers. Victimizers as such were put away from law abiding gesellschaft. The elderly can fall victims to such predators. The elderly represent the third type in Hentig's victim classification. Europe's penal system has made dire efforts to eradicate child trafficking. Those who peddle children for money or subjugate them as slaves are vehemently prosecuted. However, despite the efforts of European law officials who use litigation to mitigate child trafficking, it seems futile because children who are victimized are not convinced that the government is on their side. I commend the organizers of this meeting for recognizing the synergy between the prosecution of traffickers and the protection of victims,

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

650 questions 1 and 2 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

650 questions 1 and 2 - Assignment Example So no, avoiding unethical or illegal behavior had better not be in conflict with the goal of the firm unless its executives wish to find themselves facing prosecution. Yet Lockheed found itself in hot water many years with the US Government for giving bribes to foreign officials, even though it was accepted practice in the host countries. The very nature of a corporation develops an agency relationship between the stockholders and management. An article in the Yale Law School Repository shows the problem develops when the upper management’s ideas of running the company begins to conflict with the wants of its real owners, the shareholders, whose main goal is making money. It specifically mentions such things as country club membership and private use of the corporate jet. Unless those perks are contracted and part of the executives’ bonuses, such personal joys would be illegal and a definite conflict of interest (Macey). East Coast Yachts has a very complicated cash flow. If it costs $435 million to have $617 million in sales of its boats, that would mean each quarter the company would need in excess of $100 million just to continue its manufacturing process. How they have been managing thus far and still continue to pay almost $18 million in dividends in 2008 is amazing. All it would take is one market dip for the company to be headed for financial trouble. However it is true that the average luxury sea craft buyer has little concern for economic downturns, as the sales figures for super yachts have shown to have grown astronomically during one of the worst periods of recession since the Great Depression (Boat). It seems that East Coast has grown considerably, in that assets increased $40 million between 2009 and 2010. With a net $17.8 million growth in debt in the current year, the company raised much needed capital. Ms Warren has admitted that poor planning has led to a volatile situation.

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Entrepreneurship and starting a small Business Term Paper

Entrepreneurship and starting a small Business - Term Paper Example Finally, conclusions with key findings and appropriate recommendations have been made. Starting one’s own business is an exciting, promising and high-risk proposition that usually stems from one single idea or a need. Study related to this process, usually referred to as entrepreneurship, has emerged as one of the most important outcomes of globalization. While significant part of a nation’s economic growth is through small business entrepreneurs, failure of this section of businessmen cannot be ruled out. In the current study, focus will be on efforts to identify various factors responsible for the success of small businesses and the challenges they face. An attempt will be made to list the core elements of successful entrepreneurship based on literature study and analysis before concluding with key findings. In his magazine article, Todorvic (2004) expresses that origins of entrepreneurship can be traced to early last century and is yet under lot of debate concerning its definition or actual meaning. He asserts that entrepreneurship is such a vast multidimensional and dynamic aspect of conducting business in the globalized world that it has been given multiple definitions from varied perspectives. Quoting various definitions from different people, Todorvic (2004) mentions that entrepreneurship, for instance, is concerned with starting one’s own business; entrepreneurship is the process by which new products, services or outcomes are created by people that can be recognized with certain specific characteristics. Specific characteristics have been associated with entrepreneurship, such as innovation, focus, discipline, passion, self-confidence, positive attitude, and persistence (Nieuwenhuizen & Machado, 2004). Koester (2010) asserts that an innovative opportunist is the one that m akes use of an opportunity in the marketplace and converts this into a promising business. Moreover, Koester (2010) also mentions that good interpersonal

Monday, September 23, 2019

Private Express Trust Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Private Express Trust - Essay Example Megaw LJ and Sachs applied a much wider approach to the phrase â€Å"relative†. However, this elucidation is challenging as it is very arduous for the court to test the claim. Megaw LJJ and Sachs tried to resolve this issue by emphasizing the onus on the person claiming to be an ancestor to demonstrate it. Sachs LJ observed that the class of those to whom a trustee can distribute the benefit of beneficiary’s right should be â€Å"conceptually certain.† As per Megaw LJ, a discretionary trust can be said to be legal if there is a â€Å"vast number â€Å"of beneficiaries who are falling well within the class to whom a trustee can divide the benefit of trustee’s right. The additional conditions inflicted by Megaw LJJ and Sachs did not help in adhering the objective of the â€Å" any given person† test thereby paving the court to direct whether the trustee distributes the benefit of the right to an individual outside the permitted class. Hence, Re Bade n No is different from McPhail test as it was more narrow and strict. Though Stamp opinion was the minority in nature, which was in tandem with findings in McPhail. Sachs LJ test resolved many issues, by footing upon conceptual certainty and has eluded the challenging area of evidential certainty by retreating the accountability. In Re Baden, Sachs LJ footed his test on conceptual certainty, while Megaw LJ avoided the use of evidential certainty with his test where Stamp LJ employed â€Å"complete list† found to be beneficial.

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Veterans Administration Benefits Essay Example for Free

Veterans Administration Benefits Essay Veterans Administration now known as U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) was founded on the 21st of July 1930. It has been established in order to coordinate and consolidate the activities of the government that affects the war of veterans. The functions of the Interior Department and National Home for disabled volunteer soldiers functions were incorporated in the Veterans Administration. President Reagan signed legislation on the 25th of October 1988 creating a new federal cabinet-level department of Veterans Affairs. This legislation replaced the Veterans Administration on the 15th of March 1989. The mission statement of Veterans Administration is what Abraham Lincoln said on his inaugural address, â€Å"To care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan. † His statement reflects the principles and philosophy that guides the department in its endeavor. It focuses on serving the Nation’s veterans and their families. â€Å"Its goals is to deliver world-class service to veterans and their families by applying sound business principles that result in effective management of people, communication, technology, and governance. † According to Peter Stenberg, who have served the military camp for 45 years said that the veterans Administration provides different types of services to the citizens of United States. In order to be eligible to this service, an individual must be a veteran, or a dependent of a veteran. If the veteran has died already, the child, parents, or even the spouse is eligible to the service. Active military service member who is on duty and a reserve or National Guard member are also considered eligible. The compensation service is being used if the eligible individual is at least ten percent disabled because of any military service. Eligible member will receive monthly compensation from VA. Pension benefits do not have any time limits for service availment. A veteran must have limited income and who is permanently and totally disabled because of war. Wartime veteran should at least be 65 years old. Educational training is conducted if necessary to be able to finish the rehabilitation goal. VA provides assistance in finding and maintaining suitable employment to eligible individuals. Rehabilitation Services renders rehabilitation and counseling support. Major Craig Wilhelm added that the VA offers different kinds of health care services. It provides dental, outpatient medical, hospital, prosthetic and pharmacy services. It gives nursing home, domiciliary, and community based residential care. It also provides sexual trauma counseling. It specialized health care for female veterans. The department also provides an alcohol and drug dependency treatment. Medical evaluation for military personnel who became disabled because of their military service in the Gulf War, exposure to Agent Orange, radiation, and other environmental hazards. Educational Training is being provided to the active duty service and the reserve/guard service. Active duty service can avail by those whose duty became active from the 30th of June 1985. Eligible individuals can avail on the Montgomery GI Bill. While individuals, whose duties became active from the 1st of July 1985 and before the 1st of July 1985 can avail the Veterans Educational assistance Program (VEAP). The reserve/guard service is being provided to Reserve and national Guard members who are under the Montgomery GI Bill, who have signed a commitment for six years with a reserve unit after the 30th of June 1985 and remain actively drilling and in good standing with their unit. Dependency and indemnity compensation to certain survivors of service members who died during the service duty, who died from service related disability, and VA members how are considered 100% disabled at the time of death are being assisted. Home loan services to veterans, military personnel, and surviving spouses who are eligible for this kind of service are also offered. Jennifer Jones who have been one of the surviving spouses whose husband died during his military service in Afghanistan have availed a home loan provided the different types of home loans. Refinancing Loan is eligible to individuals who have a Veterans Administration mortgage. The department can help in refinancing the loan. An individual may also apply in refinancing a non-Veterans Administration loan. The department also provides guarantee for home improvement, home repair, and for building a home. Special Grant is provided to veterans and military personnel who are handicapped or disabled. They can receive a grant to acquire a house that is suitable in their needs. Veterans Administration is offering different kinds of life insurance depending on the extent of the disability of an individual. Eligibility would range from $10,000 up to $400,000. VA provides certain burial benefits to eligible VA members like making a monument to mark the grave of a veteran, provides presidential memorial certificates, burial in a VA national cemetery, Burial flag or even a reimbursement of burial expenses. A veteran who was disabled because of his service will be able to avail this type of service from VA. This helps eligible veterans in finding, preparing and keeping an employment that is suitable with their current capabilities. For individuals who have serious disability because of his service are offered services improving their ability to live independently. Pat Tillmann, whose almost all of his family served the military not to mention his great grandfather who was assigned in Pearl Harbor, provided the different benefits this type of service can offer. He said that vocational Evaluation is being offered to eligible veterans who are evaluated in terms of their abilities, skills, needs and interests. Vocational Training for non-paid work and on the job training is conducted if it is necessary. Eligible veterans are undergoing vocational planning and counseling. A veteran is eligible either for the full benefits or just a potion depending on the length of military service and discharge or release from active service under different conditions except dishonorable. According to statistics in 1995, VA has met its targeted performance of its service by showing the increased statistical records of veterans with special needs to have improved their health of which includes those members who are considered handicapped and disabled. It was recorded that in 2005 VA have exceeded the 79 percent target to 82 percent in the goal of improving VA members’ social well being, mental functions as well as their ability to function independently. This increased have placed veteran members to have a quality life. The Veterans Claims Assistance Act of 2000 has increased significantly both the complexity and length of claims development. VA’s notification and development duties increased, adding more steps to the claims process and lengthening the time it takes to develop and decide a claim. Mustering-out payment act is a federal law that was passed in 1994. This legislation provided military service men that are returning from the Second World War then were provided with money to start again with their life as a regular citizen. G. I. Bill of Rights was passed on the same year, which is in favor to military service men that returned from a service military duty. They are being offered for a vocational education and a one-year unemployment compensation. It also provides home loans to eligible veterans to start their own business and buy homes. The Department of Veterans Affairs Act of 1988 provided a new name to Veteran Administration. The law made a major reorganization to VA.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

John Stuart Mill Essay Example for Free

John Stuart Mill Essay British philosopher, John Stuart Mill, served many years as a member of parliament and worked diligently to bring forth liberal ideas. Amongst these ideas was the distinction of utilitarianism, or the act of doing what is right for the greatest number of people. Yet, just discussing the idea of right versus wrong for the masses was not enough, Mill’s determined there were two forms of utilitarianism; act, the direct form, or sanction, the indirect form. Much like formal logic with deductive and inductive reasoning, act and sanction utilitarianism strive for the same goal but have different ways of reaching it. Both forms of utilitarianism are seeking to find the best possible outcome for the largest number of people and using that as a measure of right versus wrong, yet by examining the differences of act utilitarianism and sanction utilitarianism, it will become clear that sanction utilitarianism is superior and more easily attainable. Focusing on act utilitarianism, this direct form works in maxims, expanding the contrast between right and wrong. â€Å"An act is right and just in its consequences for human happiness are at least good as any alternative available to the agent† (9). Thus, it is your duty to do the optimal act in a situation because anything other than the best act is a wrong act. Furthermore, Mills also comments that it is considered a â€Å"righteous† act if the consequences are just as good or better than any other action. Staying within the ideas of right or wrong, or when decisions seem to commonly be referred to as â€Å"black or white,† there is also an ideal of proportions to consider. Remember that the act is right is if brings happiness to the most people, but one is incapable of pleasing every person in every situation. Thus, Mills refers to the â€Å"Proportionality Doctrine† to tell what makes an act right or wrong. The Proportionality Doctrine states that acts are right if they promote happiness, or acts are wrong if they promote sadness. In act utilitarianism, each person is held to a duty to always make the best choices and perform the best actions. What that does though is â€Å"imply that I do wrong every time I fail to do the very best action, even when the suboptimal act that I perform is a very good deed. That may seem harsh and overly demanding† (11). Act utilitarianism is very demanding, having to always do the best thing all the time. What direct, or act utilitarianism implies is that if you fail to do the most optimal act then what you did was wrong, which is not always the case. In contrast to act utilitarianism, sanction utilitarianism allows gray space in between the black and white ultimatums. Mill’s writes: â€Å"because it makes the rightness and wrongness of conduct depend upon the utility of sanctioning that conduct in some way, we might call it sanction utilitarianism† (11). Here, Mill’s almost accepts that there are situations that will never be distinguished as exactly right and exactly wrong. Yet, Mill’s also struggles to let got of act utilitarianism since there usually are only two options. Thus, indirectly, an act is right if and only if its optimal to apply sanctions to its omission, whereas applying sanctions is right if and only if it is optimal is a direct action. â€Å"The only difference is that whereas sanction utilitarianism ties rightness and wrongness to praise and blame, act utilitarianism does not† (12). There are four kind acts that fall under sanction utilitarianism: 1. Wrong of forbidden acts are those whose performance it is optimal to blame 2. Permissible acts are those whose performance it is not optimal to blame 3. Obligatory acts are those whose omission it is optimal to blame 4. Supererogatory acts are permissible acts that are especially expedient (11) Here, these four actions seem to take on new meanings: while of course forbidden acts are optimal to blame negative reactions on (they are forbidden for a reason), it is now possible to see that the blame has a purpose behind it since the act caused proportionally the most damage. Unlike act utilitarianism, sanction utilitarianism is clear about which acts are sanctioned and which ones are not. In comparison, both forms of utilitarianism tend to seek the best possible outcome for he highest number of people, yet they have varying degrees of severity. People feel that when it comes to act utilitarianism, if you are not doing the best action each end every second, then whatever else you do is considered wrong. Living with the constant fear that your every action is scrutinized leaves those who practice act utilitarianism demoralized and deflated. It is also exhausting to have to be doing the best thing all the time and society does not naturally possess the ability to be a â€Å"hero† every waking moment. It would seem that sanction utilitarianism is more probable because it promotes a more feel good way of life. Your actions are all driven by a desire to do the right thing, but if you fail from time to time, as long as the intention was there, you are doing all right. â€Å"In arguing sanction utilitarianism, Mill’s claims that it allows him to distinguish duty and expediency and claim that not all inexpedient acts are wrong; inexpedient acts are only wrong when it is good or optimal to sanction them† (11). This means that sanction utilitarianism is more preferable and attainable than act utilitarianism when it comes to acts of duty. Therefore, a person would see this flexibility in sanction utilitarianism as a way to be seeking the righteous actions while being less demanding than act utilitarianism. Sanction utilitarianism is a superior alternative to act utilitarianism because it is flexible, forgiving and attainable. Humans are one of the most imperfect species on the planet and with highly evolved social politics; it is completely impossible to please everyone at the same time. Take into consideration the very foundation of democracy, selecting the best candidate for the job based on a populous vote. If everyone were voting under the basis of selecting the best person for the most number of people, then they would all vote for the same person. There has never been an election where a single candidate won every vote, and thus it proves that humans are incapable of behaving under complete act utilitarianism. On the other hand, it is good to hold yourself to the highest standards and expect the most out of yourself and think that you should always be doing the best thing. The flexibility of sanction utilitarianism is that individual morals and ethics come into play for each person, allowing them to wander between right and wrong finding the best outcome that may be a blend of the two. Take for instance the selection of which college to go to: your personality, likes, dislikes and more come into consideration and while the student wants to find a reputable school, they also have to find a place to call home for four years. If the student chooses the wrong location, it makes their lives miserable, their roommate’s life unbearable, and the family’s life saddened. Thus, the student had to balance every option and maybe give in on reputation for the best social fit, whereas under act utilitarianism, they would have picked a school solely on reputation alone since theoretically, that would lead them to the best possible outcome. Also, under sanction utilitarianism, if a choice is made and it turns out to be wrong, a new choice can be made to counteract the first giving sanction utilitarianism a sense of forgiveness. Combining these two ideals, flexibility and forgiveness, sanction utilitarianism reins superior over act utilitarianism because it is attainable. While both forms of utilitarianism are seeking to find the best possible outcome for the largest number of people, through examining the differences of act utilitarianism and sanction utilitarianism, it became clear that sanction utilitarianism is superior through its attainable qualities. In act utilitarianism the path for right over wrong is very demanding, requiring someone to always do the best thing all of the time. Ultimately, what direct utilitarianism implies is that you fail when what you did was wrong, which may not always be the case. Unlike act utilitarianism, sanction utilitarianism is clear about which acts are sanctioned and which ones are not, which allows someone to strive for their best but not harm them if they fail. Sanction utilitarianism is more preferable and attainable than act utilitarianism when it comes to acts of duty because a person would see the flexibility in sanction utilitarianism as a way to be seeking the righteous actions while being less demanding than act utilitarianism. While humanity is incapable of following act utilitarianism, the forgiveness built into sanction utilitarianism is preferred, since if the choice made turns out to be wrong, a new choice can be made to counteract the first. Combining these two ideals, flexibility and forgiveness, sanction utilitarianism becomes attainable for humanity and it rises in superiority over act utilitarianism.

Friday, September 20, 2019

Dato Sri Najib Razak Upon Taking Media Essay

Dato Sri Najib Razak Upon Taking Media Essay 1 Malaysia concept was unveiled by the incumbent Prime Minister, DatoSri Najib Razak upon taking office on 3rd April 2009. The goals to present this policy is to unite the nation, to form the equity in the economic dimension, enhance the social cohesion and also make sure the people live in harmony and peace between different races (1 Malaysia.com , 2009). According to the Malaysias Prime Minister Najib Tun Abdul Razak, Satu Malaysia means the mutual respect between the different races in Malaysia and also to contribute to the success of vision 2020. According to the research done by the Merdeka Centre for Opinion Research, conducted from 19 June 2012 until the 1st of July, there are over 75% of Malaysian aware to this policy with 23% of people agree that it help to promote the unity among races and 18% of people think One Malaysia concept is about the equitable among the different races in nation. Besides, this survey shows that 46% respondents agreed the One Malaysia policy would be able to achieve the objectives, the rest are not agree with it, which mean there are over 50% of respondent are not even aware and understand about the policy. The survey proved the majority of respondent felt that the government has successfully creating awareness on the Satu Malaysia concept among the nation, but this concept is not completely accepted by all the Malaysians. As we know, mainstream media used by government to create awareness on the One Malaysia concept, and used on enhance the acceptance of the concept by the citizen of Malaysia. Mainstream media plays an important role to give information, report news and educate the audience about government policies, especially in the pluralism society like Malaysia. Mainstream media do not differentiate between our citizens on the basis of their background or ethnic origin, the media mostly deliver the message in the different languages like Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese, Tamil and English. For example, there are different channels in mainstream TV channels to broadcast the news programs with different languages, even the One Malaysia programs also have different version of languages. This is to make sure all the citizens can receive the information that they can easily to understand. The mainstream media in Malaysia like RTM, Media Prima and Bernama are controlled by government, and the alternative media like MalaysiaKini and The Insider are the popular news site to report the unvarnished news and event in Malaysia. Athough the alternative media occupy the small section of media in Malaysia, it still have a lots of audience an supporter compare to the mainstream media. Mainstream media used to promote the One Malaysia concept, for example the newspaper as tools to publish Malaysian government propaganda. Every day, there are many newspapers published mainly in Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese, Tamil and English, most of them are government-controlled. Mainstream newspaper report on every stunts of the One Malaysia policy and emphasis only on the benefit of the concept and projects, it never reveal or focus on the negative side of the policy. For example One Malaysia store, one of the project by KARISMA. When the project was finally launched, the mainstream newspaper mostly report on how the 1M store can benefit to citizen and set it as headline or give the news a wide space in layout, but when the criticism arise because of the low quality of One Malaysias products, newspaper only publish out the news with small space or never appear. It shows the mainstream media are partial and only shows what they want to show and filtered the important information befo re publish out. Another example like RTM, local television channels licensed to broadcast in Malaysia, it used by government to promote the policy too. TV station will broadcast the video clips about One Malaysia concept, for example the one Malaysias advertisement. For every important day like Merdekas Day, TV will Keep showing the One Malaysia Merdeka advertisement and Satu Malaysia theme song to make a strong impressive on the audience. Besides, mainstream media will report about the major event of 1 Malaysia that happen in town, for example the Sitiawans Chinese New year Open House. This CNY event was live broadcasted through RTM1, and it successfully gets a wide coverage in Malaysia and even the reporter of CCTV from China attended to make a live report. This event is for the CNY celebration and help to foster unity among the various races in Malaysia, by showing this event on TV, it help to promote the One Malaysia concept and also to gain support from the chinese community, so that the One Ma laysia concept can be widely accepted in nation. Nowadays, mainstream media especially free to air TV channels and radio station now losing a large numbers of audiences and readers, the credibility of mainstream media was suspected. People will not totally accept the messages of mainstream media before verify the facts through online. Most Malaysians are now become more polite and wiser to distinguish the facts, people start to search information through online, and they verify and confirm the facts before accepting the truth. One of the hot topics was the censored news of Bersih 3.0 on 28th April 2012. The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and ASTRO (Malaysian pay TV station) broadcasted the two different version of news, the BBCs original broadcast been censored and the interview of the respondent about Bersih 3.0 filtered by Astro. This video clip will not appear on the mainstream media channels like RTM1. Astro is not government-owned media, but it is indirectly control by the government. This shows that most of the media in Malaysia have no freedom, the reporting is not true and be biased towards one side which is the dominant group. In my own opinion, although the mainstream media occupy most of the media space in Malaysia, it is not powerful enough to change people mind and influence on the behavior of citizens, this probably because of the distortion of truth and biasness of mainstream media. Nowadays, more and more people start to voice out and express themselves in cyberspace. It shows the influential power of social networking sites. The example of social networking sites like facebook, blog, twitter and YouTube are now becoming the source to get news and information, especially the unvarnished news. Most people said that the mainstream media tell lies and partial, they rather believe the alternative media instead of biased reporting. According to the limited effects theory by Lazarsfeld, media are not powerful enough to influence on individuals which is also known as limited effect perspective. He also claims that the heavy media users were the person whose advice was being held by others. Thus, the heavy media users will become the gatekeepers and opinion leaders. Opinion leaders used to advice the followers and this is later known as the two step flow. The Prime Minister in Malaysia, Dato Sri Najib Razak as the opinion leader and also a heavy media user, he created a website called 1Malaysia with a tagline The Personal Website of DatoSri Najib Razak to provide a place for open discussion and also to encourage the acceptance of One Malaysia concept by the citizens of Malaysia. The website now become one of the mainstream media in Malaysia, it always shows on the top of Google page for the keywords One Malaysia. He understands the influential power of internet, and also the less popular of mainstream media, he started to take part in social networking sites like Twitter, Facebook and blog, all of these sites have gathered over millions of followers. Our Prime Minister act as the opinion leader not only for the real life but also in the cyberspace, this is one of the ways he used to promote the One Malaysia concept and influence his followers. This is known as two step flow. The message about One Malaysia concept share from mainstrea m media in Malaysia can easily reach to audience but this does not mean the mainstream media can influence people to accept the policy, the most influential things is the idea of opinion leader instead of mainstream media . Another example like the critic or commenter who bombard the biasness of mainstream media will be viewed as the nation hero and opinion leader, for example Namwee. He has a huge of followers on facebook, he act as the opinion leader to critic the biasness of media and also the BN politicians. His opinion could influence his followers because people craving of hearing the actual truth about the government leaders and policies. According to Lazarsfeld, media rarely had power to change people mind because it is almost always mediated by the individual differences. Individual influences in psychological make ups cause media influence to vary from person to person. Everyone has different ideas, mainstream media only can deliver the messages or information of One Malaysia concept to the citizens but not powerful enough to influence people decision, and make people accept to the concept. This is because audiences have the right to choose what to expose, this is known as selective process. The selective process, information that is inconsistent with a person already held attitudes will create psychological discomfort or cognitive dissonance. People generally work to keep their knowledge of themselves and their knowledge of the world somewhat consistent via selective processes. People tend to avoid the cognitive dissonance after made a decision. Thus people will avoid the facts that can prove the decision was wrong, so the more potential dissonance, the more we tend to avoid. People will denial and pretend that they never seen the evidence. Because of people have right to choose what to expose in mainstream medias messages, the One Malaysia concept cannot be completely accepted by the citizens. The mainstream media in Malaysia keep promoting the concept, but this policy might not the ideal policy to some of the citizens, they can choose to deny the message or choose to remember some part of the concept they like. In the selective process, there are three form of selecti vity, for example the selective exposure, selective retention and also the selective retention. Selective exposure, people tend to expose themselves to information that same to their pre-existing attitudes and belief. For example, the mainstream TV station RTM1 broadcast the One Malaysia program, audiences can choose not to watch the program and switch to another channels if they dont agree with the concept or not interested to the information. This is because they obey to their subconscious and dont want to change the pre-existing belief. Selective retention, people tend to remember the best and interested messages that are most meaningful to them. For example, the mainstream media keep showing the benefit of One Malaysias projects, the IPT students only choose to remember the stunts of One Malaysia Siswa Card (KADS1M), because this project is benefit to them and help them to reduce the daily cost of living, they only pay attention and accept the message that can fulfill their demands. Selective perception, people will change the meaning of messages so that they become consistent with pre-existing attitudes and belief. For example, When media shows the advertisement of 1Malaysia store and promote the products, audience will think purchasing 1Mproduct is a stupid action because in their pre-existing belief One Malaysia products are low quality and they never consider to purchase those products. These three forms of selectivity show media cannot control how audience think, how audience act and even accept to the One Malaysia concept. The ways the mainstream media are used to promote the acceptance of the One Malaysia concept successfully creating awareness among the Malaysian, but this does not mean that people are completely admit the concept and support the idea of the policy. As we all know, the mainstream media actually under controlled by the dominant group, the government and The Barisan National. No one dare to eject or deny the government policy, they remain silence since they have no freedom to speak out the idea, and they scare to bear the consequences of against government so they choose to admit it, for example the preventive detention law. So people remain silence because they think their views are in minority but in fact there is no one to speak out their opinion. According to the Spiral of Silence theory by Neumann (1974), a people view control the public scene and others disappeared from the public awareness as it adherents became silent. People fear of being isolation and know what actions and be haviors should take to avoid their likelihood of being socially isolated. For example, some people tend to keep their negative opinion toward the government policy to themselves when they think they are in the minority. This context is called Spiral of Silence. In conclusion, mainstream media in Malaysia are not powerful enough to change people mind, but it do have certain influence. Therefore, under the assumption of the two step flow process, selective process, and the Spiral of Silence theory, the messages of the mainstream media would not be able to reach the citizen directly. Thus, the effect of the mainstream media in Malaysia is considered as limited effect. In my opinion, the government has successfully creating awareness on the policy among the citizens of Malaysia through the mainstream media, but not the acceptance of the concept. The completely acceptance of the concept among nation might happen if there is no partial and biased information from the mainstream media, if media are more control by the dominant group, the less trust of Malaysias citizens can give to the mainstream media.

Thursday, September 19, 2019

The Relationship between the People and the Land in Willa Cathers O Pi

The Relationship between the People and the Land in Willa Cather's O Pioneers       'For the first time, perhaps, since that land emerged from the waters of the geologic ages, a human face was set toward it with love and yearning' This quotation cuts straight to the heart of Willa Cather's whole argument throughout O Pioneers!, which is that it is Alexandra Bergson's will to survive and continually adapt which makes her successful -the facts that her neighbours are unwilling to take up new ideas and technologies, they are unwilling to gamble, and, worse, unwilling to listen to those whose relationship with the landscape is harmonious and respectful (such as that of Ivar), mark them down as part of the legacy of ignorant, unadventurous past. Alexandra is not content with a position such as Ivar's, though; she does not seek to subsume herself into nature, but to respectfully co-exist with it until she can in a greater development tame it. Whereas Ivar merely wishes to leave no mark, she has more controversial ideas. It is this which marks her out as something special; she was born with the fiery imagination of the true pioneer, born to prosper in "the struggle in which [she] was destined to succeed w hile so many men broke their hearts and died" (page 46). If she is so destined to succeed, she must similary be destined to make her mark on society of the time, on its established traditions, and sweep them aside in order for a brighter world vision to take their place.    There is overwhelming evidence presented by Cather for the inability of American society to coexist harmoniously with the individualist immigrant; they can accept only those who are willing to subscribe to the conformist doctrine ... ...ndra's face "there was that exalted serenity that sometimes came to her at moments of deep feeling." (page 170) She has 'clear eyes' (same page), with the inference being that she sees clearly now above all other times of realisation. It follows from her life and story that the land is a metaphor for nature, which is intrinsically bound up in the experience of human life.    BIBLIOGRAPHY: O Pioneers, Willa Cather, Oxford University Press, 1999. The Landscape and the Looking Glass: Willa Cather's Search for Value, John H. Randall III, Houghton Mifflin Company Boston, The Riverside Press Cambridge, 1960. FOOTNOTES: All quotes taken from the set text unless otherwise noted. 1. Back cover copy of O Pioneers! 2. Randall, page 68 3. Randall, page 291 4. Randall, page 20 5. Randall, page 72 6. Randall, page 67    The Relationship between the People and the Land in Willa Cather's O Pi The Relationship between the People and the Land in Willa Cather's O Pioneers       'For the first time, perhaps, since that land emerged from the waters of the geologic ages, a human face was set toward it with love and yearning' This quotation cuts straight to the heart of Willa Cather's whole argument throughout O Pioneers!, which is that it is Alexandra Bergson's will to survive and continually adapt which makes her successful -the facts that her neighbours are unwilling to take up new ideas and technologies, they are unwilling to gamble, and, worse, unwilling to listen to those whose relationship with the landscape is harmonious and respectful (such as that of Ivar), mark them down as part of the legacy of ignorant, unadventurous past. Alexandra is not content with a position such as Ivar's, though; she does not seek to subsume herself into nature, but to respectfully co-exist with it until she can in a greater development tame it. Whereas Ivar merely wishes to leave no mark, she has more controversial ideas. It is this which marks her out as something special; she was born with the fiery imagination of the true pioneer, born to prosper in "the struggle in which [she] was destined to succeed w hile so many men broke their hearts and died" (page 46). If she is so destined to succeed, she must similary be destined to make her mark on society of the time, on its established traditions, and sweep them aside in order for a brighter world vision to take their place.    There is overwhelming evidence presented by Cather for the inability of American society to coexist harmoniously with the individualist immigrant; they can accept only those who are willing to subscribe to the conformist doctrine ... ...ndra's face "there was that exalted serenity that sometimes came to her at moments of deep feeling." (page 170) She has 'clear eyes' (same page), with the inference being that she sees clearly now above all other times of realisation. It follows from her life and story that the land is a metaphor for nature, which is intrinsically bound up in the experience of human life.    BIBLIOGRAPHY: O Pioneers, Willa Cather, Oxford University Press, 1999. The Landscape and the Looking Glass: Willa Cather's Search for Value, John H. Randall III, Houghton Mifflin Company Boston, The Riverside Press Cambridge, 1960. FOOTNOTES: All quotes taken from the set text unless otherwise noted. 1. Back cover copy of O Pioneers! 2. Randall, page 68 3. Randall, page 291 4. Randall, page 20 5. Randall, page 72 6. Randall, page 67   

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Characteristics of Dolphins Essay -- Exploratory Essays Research Paper

Characteristics of Dolphins The majority of small tooth whales are called dolphins.   â€Å"Dolphins are mammals of the order Cetacean and the families Plantanistidae and Delphinidae and include about 50 species† (Internet 1).   Most dolphin species are about 6 feet in length, the males averaging 4 to 8 inches longer than females. The longest dolphin, the bottle-nose dolphin, can reach over nine-feet in length and weight up to 440 pounds. The smallest dolphin species is the buffalo which is found in the Amazon River. The Buffalo dolphin rarely grows over 3.9 feet or weighs more than 66 pounds. A dolphin’s diet consists mainly of herring, mackerel, and sardines. â€Å"Some species however, prefer squid, shrimp and other crustacean† (Gygax 585). The average amount of fish ingested is estimated at about 66 pounds a day for an individual dolphin about 8.2 feet and 220 pounds. The body of a dolphin is sleek, smooth and hairless, making the skin rubbery to the touch.   Most species have jaws that protrude into a beak like snout.   â€Å"Above the upper jaw is a large mass of fat and oil-containing tissue forming the so-called "melon" that looks much like a bulging forehead† (Internet 1). The dorsal fin on the mid-back of the dolphin contains the skeletal remnants of five digits that form the flippers. Dolphins use the dorsal fin primarily as stabilizers, although occasionally in an oar like fashion.   The dorsal fin is formed from subcutaneous dermal tissue and is not movable by muscle action.   The hind flippers consist of a pair of small pelvic bones, deeply embedded in the connective tissue at the base of the tail.   The caudal, or tail, fin is also primarily dermal in origin, rather than skeletal, and con... ... the rough-toothed Dolphin, the Bottlenose Dolphin, the Atlantic White-Sided Dolphin, the Pacific White-Sided Dolphin, the Common Dolphin, the Spotted Dolphin, the Striped Dolphin, and the Black Dolphin (low, rounded dorsal fin; no beak; dark pigmentation; limited to the coastal waters of Chile.) Sources Cited Gygax, Lorenz. â€Å"Evolution of Group Size in the Dolphins and Porpoises: Interspecific Consistency of Intraspecific Patterns.† Behavioral Ecology. Vol. 13, No. 5 (Sept 2002): 583-590. Hamilton, Healy, et al. â€Å"Evolution of River Dolphins.† The Royal Society. California: 549-555. Internet 1 http://www.thedolphinplace.com/facts.html <http://www.beach-net.com/dolphins/biology.html> <http://www.liscannorferry.com/dolphin_jewelry-1.html> <http://thedolphinplace.com/main.html> <http://laws.fws.gov/lawsdigest/marman.html> Characteristics of Dolphins Essay -- Exploratory Essays Research Paper Characteristics of Dolphins The majority of small tooth whales are called dolphins.   â€Å"Dolphins are mammals of the order Cetacean and the families Plantanistidae and Delphinidae and include about 50 species† (Internet 1).   Most dolphin species are about 6 feet in length, the males averaging 4 to 8 inches longer than females. The longest dolphin, the bottle-nose dolphin, can reach over nine-feet in length and weight up to 440 pounds. The smallest dolphin species is the buffalo which is found in the Amazon River. The Buffalo dolphin rarely grows over 3.9 feet or weighs more than 66 pounds. A dolphin’s diet consists mainly of herring, mackerel, and sardines. â€Å"Some species however, prefer squid, shrimp and other crustacean† (Gygax 585). The average amount of fish ingested is estimated at about 66 pounds a day for an individual dolphin about 8.2 feet and 220 pounds. The body of a dolphin is sleek, smooth and hairless, making the skin rubbery to the touch.   Most species have jaws that protrude into a beak like snout.   â€Å"Above the upper jaw is a large mass of fat and oil-containing tissue forming the so-called "melon" that looks much like a bulging forehead† (Internet 1). The dorsal fin on the mid-back of the dolphin contains the skeletal remnants of five digits that form the flippers. Dolphins use the dorsal fin primarily as stabilizers, although occasionally in an oar like fashion.   The dorsal fin is formed from subcutaneous dermal tissue and is not movable by muscle action.   The hind flippers consist of a pair of small pelvic bones, deeply embedded in the connective tissue at the base of the tail.   The caudal, or tail, fin is also primarily dermal in origin, rather than skeletal, and con... ... the rough-toothed Dolphin, the Bottlenose Dolphin, the Atlantic White-Sided Dolphin, the Pacific White-Sided Dolphin, the Common Dolphin, the Spotted Dolphin, the Striped Dolphin, and the Black Dolphin (low, rounded dorsal fin; no beak; dark pigmentation; limited to the coastal waters of Chile.) Sources Cited Gygax, Lorenz. â€Å"Evolution of Group Size in the Dolphins and Porpoises: Interspecific Consistency of Intraspecific Patterns.† Behavioral Ecology. Vol. 13, No. 5 (Sept 2002): 583-590. Hamilton, Healy, et al. â€Å"Evolution of River Dolphins.† The Royal Society. California: 549-555. Internet 1 http://www.thedolphinplace.com/facts.html <http://www.beach-net.com/dolphins/biology.html> <http://www.liscannorferry.com/dolphin_jewelry-1.html> <http://thedolphinplace.com/main.html> <http://laws.fws.gov/lawsdigest/marman.html>

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Evaluation of a Restaurant

I don’t go out for fine dining as often anymore but when I do, my expectations are well within reason of a diner. There are many factors in a restaurant that will determine whether I will be a returning patron. These factors can range from the cleanliness of its restrooms to the way the interior is decorated, but the sake of this essay, I will narrow down to the three most common-service, food and price. Service- Upon entering, I expect a host or hostess to acknowledge my presence and escort me to a table as soon as one is available. The waiter or waitress, who will be serving me, should have a good knowledge of what is on the menu for both food and wine. The server should also be quick to fill my glasses when empty. After my food has been served and a few bites into my dinner, I should be asked if it is to my approval. If not, inquire why and do something about it. My server should be proactive and attentive and instead of having to be flagged down for everything. Most of all, they should be pleasant and willing in making my experience an enjoyable one. After all, I’m not just paying for the food but paying for the service as well. Remember, TIPS is short for To Insure Prompt Service. Food- Since I will be paying for my food, I would expect it to be nothing less of delectable. Of course, presentation of the dish itself should be appetizing, but the taste is what I’m here for. If a medium-rare steak is what I order, then I want to see it seared on the outside and pinkish to slightly red towards the center thickness. Just as important, flavor should be as close to, if not exactly, as described in the menu and by the server. Vegetables, if done correctly, will add a perfect compliment. I’ve eaten at places where vegetables were so over cooked; I swear it came from a can. The point is if your food tastes like cafeteria food, complain. Let’s face it, if I’m going to fork out a â€Å"Ben Franklin† for this, it had better be worth that. Price-As the old saying â€Å"You get what you pay for† couldn’t be further from the truth. Even for something that you’ve consumed before you pay for it. But then again, the price that I’m willing to pay is for the entire experience; not just the worth of the ingredients in making my entree and for the service provided, but ultimately for my enjoyment of the meal. If I smile after each shovel of food into my mouth as opposed to a frown after each nibble, then it’s all worth it. This doesn’t necessarily mean I have to a pay and an arm and a leg for it either. I always say that when I leave a restaurant a little poorer in wealth but richer in culinary culture, then it’s worth a recommendation and better than that- a return visit. After all, regular customers and returning patrons are the ones who help keep their doors open. With all that being said, the establishment that I have been modeling the structure of this essay with, which exceeded all three of my criteria as well as others I didn’t mention is Forbes Mill Steakhouse in Los Gatos, California. Only twenty minutes from my house and is highly recommended to anyone be it local or visitors of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Monday, September 16, 2019

Megabeast Theory

Scientists have discovered the truth behind many mysteries. One of the mysteries yet to be uncovered is the Mega-beasts, the creatures that roamed North America during the Ice Age, 13,000 years ago. An example of Mega-beasts are the Saber-Toothed Tiger,Woolly Mammoth, and Giant Sloth. There are three main theories as to how the Mega-beasts went extinct. They are as follows: 1 . ) The Clovis People killed them all off for food. 2. ) They died due to the sudden climate change. ) A comet wiped them all out. My personal theory is that all three of these factors played a part in the Mega-beast's extinction. If the Clovis People and the climate change together had taken out, say, 59% of the Mega-beast population, and a comet struck the Greenland Ice Sheet,the results could be catastrophic. The entire Mega-beast population could be wiped out entirely, and even if there were survivors, they would be wiped out quickly by the Clovis People and/or the dramatic climate change. There are spikes o fIridium and hexagonal diamonds-which can only be formed by massive impact and incredible heat, hotter than a volcano-in both the layer of ice in the Greenland Ice Sheet that was from the Ice Age and the Black Mat layer in Arizona. The reasons the other theories are incorrect is simple. The Clovis People simply couldn't wipe out all the Mega-beasts on their own. This is correct for climate change as well. Also, there were 35 total species of Mega-beasts. There is no possible way I have heard as of yet that the meteor could have wiped out all the mega-beasts n its own.Ergo, this lead me to the theory that all three are correct and also simultaneously incorrect. They are correct in the sense that they played a part in the mass mega-beast extinction, but they are incorrect in the sense that they didn't – couldn't- do it alone. Personally, I think my theory should be researched. One of the ways to do that would be to look further into the mysteries of the Black Mat layer, Greenla nd Ice Sheets, and other areas like that. Surely, there must more clues to be discovered as to what truly killed the Mega-beasts.

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Institutions

2489 5491 2489 5491 How does your text communicate information and ideas about institutions and individual experience? Institutions consist of protest, compliance and enforcement. Sometimes institutions harm the individual and sometimes they affect the individual in a positive way. The two texts, Shawshank Redemption (film) and Scales of Justice (television drama), both demonstrate this well, through various techniques such as narrating throughout the films. Both texts are about institutions in the criminal justice system. The text, Shawshank Redemption, portrays institutions as having a negative impact on the individual.In particular, it focuses on the strict elements of institutional life within prisons. These include set routines and structures that must be followed by the inmates. Schedules are enforced. A bell rings, doors open, prisoners step out and line up for morning head count. Enforcement and compliance are essential in the institution. Throughout the film one of the main characters ‘Red† is narrating, this communicates a different perspective of the effect institutions have on individuals. He expresses this when he says, â€Å"I’m telling you,  these walls are funny. First you hate them.Then you get used to them. Enough time passes, it gets so you depend on them. That’s institutionalised. † This quote shows a negative impact institutions can have on an individual, instead of wanting to be back in society they become dependent on set routines. The film also communicates the idea that once an individual has been institutionalised for a certain period of time, it becomes almost impossible for them to adapt back into society when they are released from prison. One way this is communicated is by the inmate Brooks’ protest against leaving Shawshank.Brooks has been in Shawshank for an extended amount of time, prison life and routine is now all he seems to know. It becomes obvious to the audience that even he feels he will not be able to adapt back into society. So terrified of leaving prison, he threatens to stab a fellow inmate so that his sentence will be extended, allowing him to stay in Shawshank. This results in Brooks taking his own life when he is finally released, emphasising the earlier reflection made by Red that some individuals can no longer survive without the institutional way of life.Scales of Justice (Act 1) is about a young and eager probationary constable (Webber) who is graduating from the police academy and has started to work for a police station. The audience sees that he is quiet young and naive through techniques like him twirling his gun around his finger like a young boy would with a toy gun. However as the text progresses we are see that Webber goes through stages of being ecstatic about his new job and not being able to wait to help society as they are â€Å" a walking conscience†, and loving the â€Å"perks† of the job, for example getting discounts on things like food and a car.The audience begins to find that the police station is one that is quite corrupt. As Webber beings to realise this, we see that the institution is having a negative effect on him by killing his dreams of being a walking conscience of society. At first this just makes him a little uncomfortable, but when it comes to actually seeing the corruption first hand (finding the fur coat in his locker) it brings things into perspective for him. 2489 5491 2489 5491 For a few days, the Webber considers keeping the stolen fur coat, as he takes it home with him.This is an example of the institution affecting is once very strong and clear conscience, this is the institution having a negative effect on him. Eventually, the guilt of possessing stolen property becomes too much for Webber, and he turns the coat into the head sergeant. Webber confesses that Sergeant O’Rourke was the one who took it and placed it in his locker. This results in more corruption which l eads to Webber being dismissed from the police force.This is because the internal affairs investigator says Webber is lying and took the coat himself, when really the audience knows that he is dismissed because he turned on a fellow police officer. So in the end we see that being the â€Å"walking conscience† for society didn’t turn out so well for Webber. In conclusion, Shawshank Redemption and Scales of Justice; The Job, both communicate information and ideas about institutions and the individual experience. They both show the aspects of protest, enforcement and compliance within institutions and how the individual is affected through the institution, whether it is in a positive or negative way.

Saturday, September 14, 2019

Report on Feasibility Study to Start a Restaurant

Waste Disposal †¢ Periodically inspect for leaky dumpsters and compactors. If dumpsters are leaking, call the leasing company to repair or replace dumpsters. †¢ Cover dumpsters and other waste containers to prevent stormwater from entering the container. †¢ Never dispose of waste products, such as food or liquid wastes, to storm drains. Donate edible food to a food donation bank, participate in food waste composting programs, contact an animal feed company or dispose of food waste in a trash receptacle. †¢ Never wash down dumpsters or dumpster areas with a hose.If a dumpster must be cleaned, contact the dumpster leasing company. Use dry clean up methods to wash dumpster area or use other Best Management Practices (BMPs) to clean dumpster area to prevent wash water from flowing to the storm drain system. †¢ Improper handling and disposal that creates a discharge to a storm drain is illegal. Both the company and individuals responsible are subject to civil and criminal prosecution. Grease Handling and Storage †¢ Do not pour cooking oil or grease into sinks or floor drains, or into a parking lot, stormdrain or street. Dispose or recycle cooking oil and grease through a licensed waste grease hauler or licensed grease recycler. Search for grease haulers and recyclers under â€Å"tallow† in the Yellow Pages. †¢ Service oil/grease interceptors at least monthly. For an oil/grease interceptor to function properly no more than 1/3 of the depth of the interceptor should be a floating grease layer and no more than ? of the depth should be sediment on the bottom of the interceptor (www. oracwa. org). †¢ Under-sink grease traps should be serviced at least weekly, more often if the grease trap is more than 50% full (www. racwa. org). †¢ Practice dry clean up. Use scrapers to remove food wastes from serving ware, pots, pans, grills, and cooking surfaces prior to cleaning them with water. Dispose of food waste in a trash recep tacle, send to an animal feed company, or donate edible foodstuffs to a food donation bank. †¢ Use food grade paper to soak up oil and grease under fryer baskets. Dispose of soaked paper in a trash receptacle. †¢ Improper handling and disposal that creates a discharge to a storm drain is illegal.Both the company and individuals responsible are subject to civil and criminal prosecution. Pavement and Floor Cleaning †¢ Keep parking lot, drive through, and dumpster areas clean and remove accumulated debris. Use dry methods for spill cleanup: such as sweeping instead of washing; the use of rags, cat litter or another type of absorbent; place trash and solid waste into dumpsters. If you mop up a spill, dispose of mop/washwater in indoor janitorial/mop sinks. †¢ Do not hose down pavement or any outside area to the storm drain. Use a BASMAA certified surface cleaner (www. ity. palo-alto. ca. us/cleanbay/cbb. html) to wash sidewalks, drive-through and parking lots. Your e mployees and your contractor must use BMPs to prevent washwater from flowing to the storm drain system. †¢ Never pour or sweep wastewater from restaurant floors out the back door, or into a gutter, stormdrain, or creek. Dispose of mop/washwater in indoor janitorial/mop sinks or toilets. †¢ Improper handling and disposal that creates a discharge to a storm drain is illegal. Both the company and individuals responsible are subject to civil and criminal prosecution.Equipment Cleaning †¢ Clean floor mats, grease filters, grills, garbage cans and other restaurant equipment in a janitorial/mop sink, inside floor drain, or other designated wash area that flows to the sanitary sewer system. Talk to your local sanitary sewer agency for requirements. Equipment cleaning washwater shall not flow to the storm drain system. †¢ If your restaurant uses a contractor to clean floor mats, exhaust hoods, or any other equipment, check to be sure that they are not allowing washwater t o flow to the storm drain system.The restaurant is responsible for contractor actions. †¢ Check roof top exhaust fans and flumes at least weekly. Place an oil collection tray under rooftop exhaust fan shrouds to collect cooking oil and grease and empty the shrouds weekly. †¢ Do not clean equipment in food preparation sinks. †¢ Improper handling and disposal that creates a discharge to a storm drain is illegal. Both the company and individuals responsible are subject to civil and criminal prosecution

Friday, September 13, 2019

African American History in America Essay -- History Blacks African Am

In From Slavery to Freedom (2007), it was said that â€Å"the transition from slavery to freedom represents one of the major themes in the history of African Diaspora in the Americas† (para. 1). African American history plays an important role in American history not only because the Civil Rights Movement, but because of the strength and courage of Afro-Americans struggling to live a good life in America. Afro-Americans have been present in this country since the early 1600’s, and have been making history since. We as Americans have studied American history all throughout school, and took one Month out of the year to studied African American history. Of course we learn some things about the important people and events in African American history, but some of the most important things remain untold which will take more than a month to learn about. The Fight for Freedom and Rights When Afro-American’s came to America in hopes of having a better and easier way of life, and after they arrived it was a totally opposite of what they expected. The following are a couple events that took place in different locations for the fight for freedom and right. The first is Bloody Sunday; which took place in Selma, Alabama. This particular event was the march of black activists from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. Thomas-Samuel (1996) stated that â€Å"In 1965, Alabama state troopers and local deputies stopped and clubbed black activists as they marched peacefully†¦.† (para. 1). These people just wanted to make a point by marching from one city to another and they got beating just for it. Next is the fight for 7, 2007 from Web site: http://www.who2.com/denmarkvessey From Slavery to Freedom: African in the Americas. (2007). Association for the Study of African American Life and History. Retrieved October 7, 2007 from Web site: http://www.asalh.org/ Harlem Renaissance (1997-2007) Microsoft ® Encarta ® Online Encyclopedia 2007. Retrieved October 7, 2007 from Web site: http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761566483/Harlem_Renaissance.html/ Harlem Renaissance. (2007) The Columbia Eletronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Retrieved October 7, 2007 from Web site: http://www.factmonster.com./ce6/ent/A0822748.html History of Little Rock Nine. (1999) Little Rock Nine Foundation. Retrieved October 7, 2007 from the Web site: http://www.littlerock9.com/

Cases reslution of one organaizations in the UAE Essay

Cases reslution of one organaizations in the UAE - Essay Example The commercial and sales strategy of Mubadala revolves around the creation of long-term investments that yield credible returns. It also prioritizes capital-intensive projects with high-risk factors. Al Yah Satellite Communications has enjoyed plenty of successes since its incorporation in late 2007. The company has undertaken broad research programs so as to create a multipurpose satellite network. This system comprises of two satellites supported by an intricate network of infrastructure. Meaningful interactions with consumers have also contributed to making this the first multipurpose satellite system within the United Arab Emirates. Al Yah Satellite Communications has developed an in-depth understanding of specific requirements of the Middle Eastern market (Staff, 2011). Therefore, it has been able to create workable solutions not only for the surrounding region, but also for continental territories. Moreover, the company has satisfied the satellite needs of the Abu Dhabi government. Al Yah Satellite Communications is a pioneer in the field of satellite communications. Therefore, it is expected that the corporation will have issues at law concerning copyrights. These legal matters would be geared towards either defending their exclusive blueprints or patenting their unique productions. Whenever there is an alleged problem, the complaint is addressed either to the company directly or through the customer service section. The company lawyers are contacted so as to handle the matter in a manner that limits the liability of the enterprise. In the event where a favorable settlement cannot be obtained, the company takes the issue to court (Staff, 2011). The company lawyers are instructed to file charges only as a last resort. From that time forward, the court system is responsible to conduct conclusive investigations so as to examine the merits of the complaint. The courts issue a ruling once all deliberations have been made. If punitive measures are

Thursday, September 12, 2019

Role of high frequency trading in modern financial markets Essay

Role of high frequency trading in modern financial markets - Essay Example High Frequency Trading or HFT used propriety trading strategies which allow traders and firms to conclude transactions within the micro-seconds. With the help of sophisticated computer algorithms as well as other tools positions can be easily taken and closed within seconds or less than a second to take advantage of the smallest movements in the prices of the securities. HFT firms are not only market makers but they offer critical liquidity to the market also. In 2000, the overall volume of HFT was relatively low however, during the recent years, it witnessed an explosive growth. Firms are increasingly relying on HFT to gain required advantage as well as to remain ahead of the competition. The closely guarded algorithms process large volume of data at really rapid speed and offer cost advantage while having smaller portfolio holding periods. Though the overall number of firms using HFT is relatively low however, the overall volume of trade showed erratic trends with rapid increase as well as decrease in the overall trading activity. This paper will discuss and describe what High Frequency Trading is and will further elaborate on the role of HFT in modern financial markets. Modern financial Markets Financial Markets are still under the stress of financial meltdown which started during 2007-2008. With massive breakdown of banks and other financial institutions, the crisis exposed the overall vulnerable nature of the modern financial markets and created an uncertainty over the ability of modern markets to function properly and effectively. Though the major impact of the financial crisis is over however, financial markets are still under the stress. In such an environment, regulatory bodies have developed rules and regulations which did not allow firms to take on the speculative positions and implement proper risk management systems in place. The importance of new parameters of risk became significant specially in the wake of the recent financial crisis wherein reg ulatory bodies became relatively more conscious in terms of erratic behavior of financial services firms. (Aldridge, 24) It is also critical to note that the financial markets have grown more complicated over the period of time. The sheer size and volume of the transactions, the use of information technology as well as development of sophisticated trading and valuation models added more complexity to the overall markets. Despite the fact that the markets operate on the basis of the perfect market hypothesis and all the subsequent theory has been developed on this promise, it is still important to note that many imperfections exist in markets allowing market makers and investors to take advantage of such opportunities. There has been a relentless improvement and development of modern technology which will continue to dominate the present and future of the financial markets at the global level. The development of new technologies has actually created new opportunities which human trad ers may not be able to spot as well as execute. As such, modern financial institutions tend to focus on combining the power of human insight with the speed and efficiency of the modern

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Coursework Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Coursework - Essay Example This paper presents results from a research project aiming at developing an architecture supporting local mobility within hospital. The architecture is based on fieldwork and mostly on the knowledge derived from a large number of reliable sources. The fieldwork has emphasized the differences between remote mobility, where users travel over long distances, and local mobility, where users walk around within a fixed set of building. Based on an in depth study, I conclude that local mobility puts up three requirements for computer support;(i) it should integrate into the existing infrastructure (ii) it should support the use of various heterogeneous devices, and (iii) it should enable seamless application roaming between these devices. The paper describes how these requirements were realized in an architecture for local mobility, and how the architecture can be implemented in the health care domain and the costs involved in it and the various benefits gained from it.

Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Economic Outcome Analysis Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Economic Outcome Analysis - Research Paper Example The same concepts and models are going to be applied to Andy's Parties business to determine whether it would be viable for it to be franchised. The first fundamental step is to evaluate the business. This step would be help in determining the sale and the profitability of a business. If the sales of a business are decimal, it would be difficult to franchise such a business since the sales reflect the standing of the business in the market. Less profitable businesses are businesses that are likely to have fewer customers and their products and services are not well known to the targeted customers. Andy's Parties’ annual financial record shows that it does not do well in terms of selling its services to its customers. For the whole year it organized an average 650 parties for the whole year (Spinelli, Rosenberg, and Birley, 2004). This translates to nearly one to a maximum of two parties a day at an average cost of $385 per event. These are low sales for the Andy's Parties to c onsider franchising its services. In other words, Andy's Parties services and may be products are not known vastly among its targeted customers; therefore, it would be difficult or quite a challenge for the franchisees to do well in selling Andy's Parties services. ... In this case, the franchisors are usually expecting 15% ROI where if the initial investment for the franchising business is $200,000, the franchisee is expected to look for a minimum of $30,000 as the annual profits of the business. Moreover, the business needs to pay for royalties. The Andy’s Parties annual operation cost is $470,000, thirty percent of this amount is $141,000. This means that when it franchises the business, the franchisee will be expected to have a return of $141,000 at the end of the third year (Spinelli, Rosenberg, and Birley, 2004). From the Andy's Parties annual report, it can only manage $80,000 before tax. This means that its expectation of its franchisees will be more that what it makes by itself. Notably, the franchisees must also pay loyalties above the amount they are required to return into the Andy's Parties investments (Mhlaba, 2004). With this large figures reality, franchising Andy's Parties services will be a burden to Andy's Parties and fran chisee since the reality of profit making will never come by within the expected period. Additionally, the Andy's Parties has not provided its business structure that would help the franchisee to determine their relationship with the franchisor. It is usually vital to couple ROI which is a single unit with other successful base model to warrant franchising. In most cases, it is usually difficult to replicate the success and effectiveness of a single unit especially where the owner of the business is passionate and quite hand on with the business (Hayes, 2005). In this case, it is vital for the business intending to franchise its services to try its business concepts in at least three locations. Therefore, since Andy's Parties has not tried

Monday, September 9, 2019

Employee Empowerment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Employee Empowerment - Essay Example (Kotelnikov, 2008) In relation to the importance of employee empowerment within a flat organization, several strategic ways that will effectively prepare employees to become empowered and self-efficient as an individual employee and in group decision-making process will be thoroughly discussed. Employee empowerment is about enabling employees to make important decision-making without having the need to go through several management layers for approval. For employees to be able to make quick and effective decisions, employered employees are expected to have the following characteritstics: (1) innovativeness; (2) creativeness; and (3) resourcefulness (Chaturvedi, 2008). knowledge and skills development which can be acquired by making each employee undergo proper training programs, it is important for managers and organizational leaders to be able to develop and implement an effective organizational learning culture. Organizational learning is actually referring to the ability of employees to acknowledge the importance of learning and eventually develop a continuously learning habit to enable them to transform into a more competitive individual. (Columbia University, 2008) As a result of having an effective organizational learning culture, competitive and empowered employees are expected to be able to continuously learn new skills and be able to easily adopt with the changing market environments. The transformation of organization practice from a traditional high bureaucratic organizational structure into a flat organizational structure can result to a lot of organizational conflict because of the possibility that some of the existing employees may have resistance to major organizational change. For this reason, managers should have a good leadership and communication skills to enable the leaders to easily control and convert internal organizational pressures into positive employee behavior and acceptance to

Sunday, September 8, 2019

Key Change Management Issues related to Organizational Structure Essay

Key Change Management Issues related to Organizational Structure - Essay Example Large Builder plc is an organization that has performed consistently in the highly competitive construction sector in the United Kingdom even during the years of low economic growth.   It has survived and profited as a result of its ability to make quick and farsighted decisions related to investment, market positioning and cost-cutting. In order to take advantage of the upturn in the housing market, Large Builder plc has decided to acquire a small, regional housing developer, Small Firm Ltd. This acquisition is however expected to be performed with retaining most of the current employees of the Small Firm Ltd. and by using their existing market base. While this decision is expected to bring in an expansion in the revenue base, the merger and integration of Small Firm Ltd. with Large Builder plc would require considerations over and above the financial investments and legal deals that would go in the acquisition.   There are several important and distinct differences in the two o rganizations, owing to their different sizes and structures that need to be taken into account while ensuring that Small Firm Ltd. is able to perform the functions and adopt the business processes as envisioned by the Large Builder plc. Further, the two organizations have been managed in an entirely different cultural environment – Large Builder plc having a professional and corporate culture and Small Firm Ltd. practicing a small family-like culture. The above differences in structure and culture need to be understood at the onset as well as pre-empted with a strategy of integration to facilitate a smooth collaborative organizational environment post the proposed acquisition. The following sections will therefore contain a discussion on   the key change management issues that need to be taken into account when integrating Small Firm Ltd. into Large Builder plc.

Saturday, September 7, 2019

An assessment of business value of information technology in Literature review

An assessment of business value of information technology in organisations - Literature review Example There are more reasons to justify why it is essential to invest on Information technology, although other fail view Information Technology as a business venture that can pay off after some time (Carlos and Macada, 2012). This discussion will look at the relevant theories and models on IT business values, different views on Information Technology business value and effectiveness and efficiency of information systems to support decision making. In order to understand the effectiveness and efficiency of information systems on decision making a lot of factors must be put into consideration. Using of technical efficiency as a performance criterion when application of individual analytical occurs. Information technology contributions in different countries differ in magnitude from a production point of view due to increase and decrease of the countries technical efficiency. Spending on Information technology will not improve countries technical efficiency. Whether a country is developing o r not, is not a subject to look at in order for it to improve its technical efficiency in the field of information technology. Relevant use of theories and models and good decision makes it possible for a country to have an efficient and effective Information technology. ... Defining the substance of technology, how it changes its relation towards human practices or social structure, and how it emerges are addressed by Descriptive theories. The descriptive theories view that how much force it has in determining human practices or social structure, and how much it addresses the extent in which technology is autonomous substantively. Social construction of technology in connection to descriptive approach states that, technology does not necessarily determine human action; on the contrary it is the human actions that shape technology. Actor-network theory is also necessary theory in business IT. This theory addresses a heterogeneous network of non-humans and humans as similar interrelating actors. Technology acceptance model (TAM) is a well known model that relates to Information technology use and acceptance. This model was originally proposed by Davis in 1986. This theoretical model has continuously proven to be of great help because it predicts and expla ins user behavior of information technology. This model is also considered to be an influential extension of theory of reasoned action (TRA) (Heijden, 2000). Its mandate was to explain why a user rejects or accepts information technology by adapting theory of reasoned action. By the use of technology acceptance model one can menage to get the basis to trace how external forces influence attitude, belief, and intentions to use. There are two cognitive beliefs that are associated with technology acceptance model. These are perceived ease to use and perceived usefulness. According to technology acceptance model, one use of a technology system is manipulated either directly or indirectly by the user’s attitude, behavioral