Thursday, October 31, 2019

See directions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

See directions - Essay Example This meant that he did not have to be transferred from one slave to another work in out of season without payment. Being free, Douglass could do any kind of work of his choice without being forced and eat well even if it was not much food. As illustrated in the narrative, Douglass hired out his time to worker as a calker but all that he earned went to his Master Hugh. If only could enjoy what he toiled for, then he could say he had freedom. According to Douglass (p.68), the desire to be free then started to overwhelm him while in slavery and that prompted him to find a way to achieve his own freedom. This was a matter of death and life but Frederick Douglass decide to give it a try than to acknowledge his life as a slave and live with it. The only way that Douglass could be free and get to enjoy freedom for the rest of his life was to escape from the slaveholders. After planning it all, and making up his mind, Frederick Douglass finally achieved his freedom from slavery by escaping out of the slavery and went seek a better life in a free world. It is fact that at the time, the cases of slavery and slave trade was something common. That is why a narrative like this of Frederick Douglass was very popular. Many black men and women were sold and enslaved by the white people. There they could work for their work white masters for the rest of lives (Douglass p.113). However, others like Douglass who are lucky to escape get a chance to start their lives a fresh out of slavery. This is clearly seen from the fact that Mr. Ruggles was there to help those who escaped from slavery. This means that there were many black people who worked as slaves. In Bedford there were people who had escaped from slavery and went to start new lives in freedom. Thus the story of Frederick Douglass was not a unique case at that time. The techniques used and the flow of the narrative by Douglass was very descriptive and flowing. Therefore, one can say

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

E-Commerce in the 21st Century Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

E-Commerce in the 21st Century - Essay Example However, E Commerce is no panacea. There are some thorny issues in the implementation of E Commerce; particularly, the technical standards and security issues. The report aims at analysing the benefits of E Commerce to business functions. The report looks at the current technological offerings available to businesses to implement E Commerce. Specific benefits brought about by E Commerce in various systems and sub systems of businesses are considered. The paper also analyses the loopholes of E Commerce solutions that may hamper the companies in the implementation. Finally the case study of COMPANY is considered to bolster the premises of the report. The availability of commodity priced IT systems, high speed and affordable communications infrastructure and ever increasing research and development in computer languages have swelled E Commerce. But what exactly is E Commerce The ubiquitous definition of E Commerce would be, "Buying and selling of goods on the Internet". However this definition is a little too coarse; too simple. The eCommerce Innovation Centre provides a more pragmatic view by defining E Commerce as every form of business or administrative transaction or exchange of information between a company and its outside world (eCIC, 2001). The first implementations of E Commerce applications can be traced back to the early 1970s, when a few companies began exchanging data among themselves through Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), a prevalent industry standard for inter enterprise communication. Since then there has been no looking back. Companies began deploying huge corporate networks with groups of systems perform cert ain business tasks. The major springboard to E Commerce was provided by the low cost entry of the Internet. Virtually every major company started transforming their businesses to global level through Internet (Gottardi et al, 2004). However today, just a decade after the revolution, E Commerce is plainly considered to be a synonym for high profits. It is an underlying business philosophy assumption of major companies and not some necessary technological breakthrough. Such a ubiquity of E Commerce was mainly due to its potential to lead to dramatic growth in trade and improved efficiency and effectiveness of business practises. As of today, E Commerce consists of several theoretical models, which provide a company with the tools to support the 5 essential elements of conducting business, namely price, promotion, presence, product and place. The important models are: Merchant Model: This model is typically used by traders, resellers, wholesaler and retailers of goods and services. It includes 24x7 ordering and one to one custom marketing (embellix, 2000). Auction Model: This model emulates the traditional 'bidding' model. It implements the bidding mechanisms by presenting goods and their value online. Manufacturer Model: It is used by the manufacturers directly to communicate to the consumers about their goods and services. Affiliate Model: In this model a company becomes an 'affiliate' of another company to advertise itself or its products and needs to pay certain amount for using it.

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Effect of the Weather on Agriculture

Effect of the Weather on Agriculture Executive Summary Agricultural activities are often affected by the weather. Weather is unpredictable as it changes from time to time. As the agricultural activities affected, the crops or the outcome of the agricultural activities would be affected as well and this caused the income of the farmers to be affected or causing the investors to lose money. Therefore, weather derivative is needed to protect the farmers and investors. So, this research is all about modelling and pricing of weather derivatives where the weather is based on the daily average temperature in Malaysia. In this research, there are two main objectives which include the modelling of temperature and pricing of weather derivatives. To complete this research project, there are 10 stages to be gone through. The details about the stages would be discussed in the methodology of this research. The model used to model the movement of daily average temperature in this research would be the stochastic fractional Brownian motion. This model is chosen because based on the past researches, this model fits the data well and successfully modelled the dynamics of daily average temperature. From this research, the daily temperature is expected to be modelled and described by the stated model well. Besides that, the pricing of weather derivatives will be encountered as well. Through this research, it provides a lot of advantages. For example, it provides a better idea in the process of modelling the temperature and the pricing method of weather derivatives. The outcome from this research can be used as a reference for future researchers that do research in this field. Details of Research Project (a) Research Background 1. Problem statement Agricultural activities are one of the main activities carried out by people around the world. It is one of the main sources of income for some of the countries like Africa, India and China. Even in this modern technological era, many of the agricultural activities still depending on the weather. Weather is the daily conditions of a particular place. For example, humidity, precipitation, the daily average temperature and visibility are all under the weather. Since weather is a thing thats beyond human control and agricultural activities are highly depending on weather, therefore, agricultural businesses are often referred to as a high risk business. In recent years, the weather insurance and weather derivatives are becoming more renowned as it reduces or hedge the risks faced by all farmers and investors that caused by weather. Jewson (2005) presented a few reasons why is the weather derivatives important and in Jewson (2005) and Cao and Wei (2004), a few weather hedging techniques were shown. The traditional agricultural insurance is the crop insurance. There are a lot of disadvantages of the traditional crop insurance. Some of the disadvantages include inefficiency due to poor contract structured, lack of information and high transaction costs involved. This caused those farmers could not afford for the insurance and hence the weather derivatives are highly needed as weather derivatives normally had a lower price than the weather insurance. Thus, weather derivatives play a very important role in helping the farmers and investors. The first weather related derivative deal was done by Aquila Energy in 1997 for Consolidated Ediso n Company, where a dual-commodity hedge was structured. Since the agricultural derivatives are getting more important, more financial researchers are doing their research on the pricing of weather based derivatives. Norton (2010) stated that the weather derivative is a way to share the risk for farmers in developing countries. Malaysia is lucky enough to be located in the equatorial region. Hence, the weather in Malaysia is hot and humid throughout the year. Therefore, in Malaysia, the crops are only affected by the daily average temperature and the amount of rainfall. Of course, there are catastrophes that happen in Malaysia too, like flash flooding, acid rain or drought. These catastrophes in Malaysia caused the damage to all the crops. But, the main problem that could affect the crops in Malaysia would be the amount of rainfall, the daily temperature or humidity. Hence, in Malaysia, to structure a weather derivative, it is easier as compared to other four season countries because the weather factors that taken into account are lesser. Moreover, there are lack of people doing research in this field, thus, this research is quite important as to solve the agricultural problems. 2. Research questions One of the problems faced by researchers in doing research about the pricing of weather derivatives is often the pricing model or the pricing technique that is used. Besides pricing technique, the model that used to describe the dynamic or the movement of the weather factors like amount of rainfall or daily average temperature in the research of weather derivatives is one of the problems faced by researchers as well. Hence, in this research, the focus would be on the modelling of the daily average temperature in Malaysia and the pricing of the weather derivatives. So, the questions to be answered in this research will be how well the model is, in describing the movement of daily average temperature and how to price the weather derivatives. 3. Literature review There are actually a lot of researchers had done their research about the weather insurance or derivatives. Some of the models used by past researchers include temperature modelling, Black-Scholes model, Time Series models, Brownian model, Ornstein-Uhlenbeck model, Esscher transformation and more. Taib and Benth (2012) had done a research on the pricing of the weather insurance by using three different approaches which include burn analysis approach, index modelling and temperature modelling. The weather index is first calculated and then the price of the insurance contract is calculated based on the weather index. The weather index, which is based on the Cooling-Degree Day (CDD) is calculated by using the formulae of After calculating the , the price of the insurance contract can then be now determined by using the formulae P(t, ) = exp(−r( − t))E[)|Ft ] where the expected value of the claim size is found. The exp(−r( − t) is used to find the present value by discounting at time as Indicates the end of the period where insurance starts paying. The formulae of P(t, ) is a standard method to price the weather related insurance or derivatives. For burning analysis approach, it is firstly introduced by Jewson and Brix (2005) as a classic method in pricing weather derivatives. The payoff of the burning analysis approach is based on the empirical distribution of the sample data collected. While the mean value of observations of the sample data is used to calculate the price of the contract. The next method introduced by Jewson and Brix (2005) is the index modelling approach, and Taib and Benth(2012) modify a little bit of the model where the past claims are fitted into a distribution and the expected value of the distribution is used in pricing the contracts. Lastly, Taib and Benth (2012) proposed a new model where the changes of the daily average temperature are modelled using the autoregressive, a time series model. Besides Taib and Benth (2012), Campbell and Diebold (2003) also uses time series model to model and forecast the daily average temperature in certain cities of America for the purpose of weather derivatives. While Chang, Lin Shen (2009) constructed a theoretical model to price the weather derivatives and this is the extended version of the model of Cao and Wei (2004). In the research paper of Chang, Lin Shen (2009), the estimation value of future Heating-Degree Day(HDD) and Cooling-Degree Day (CDD) is predicted by using Mote-Carlo simulation and they successfully utilize the time series temperature model in Campbell and Diabold (2003). Mills (2009) also uses time series model to model the current temperature trend of Central England. In the research of Mills (2009), it is suggested that three other alternative ways could be used to model the temperature trend, which is the parametric stochastic trend model, the non-parametric local trend fit, and a low-pass filter. These 3 alternat ive techniques had been discussed in Mills (2003) and Pollock (2007). Other than time series models, other models were used by other researchers in pricing of weather derivatives. For example, Lee and Oren (2009) suggested a model of equilibrium pricing of the weather derivatives for various commodities. This model is built where the risk averse utility function is optimized by the agents, including the weather derivatives that have been issued. There are two types of agent. The first type is the farmers where they obtain the profit with the exposure to weather risks while the second type of agent is those financial investors where they hope to diversify the financial portfolio. Therefore, later in 2010 and 2011, Lee and Oren with Hà ¤rdle and Osipenko simulate the realistic market conditions to get the equilibrium price for weather derivatives. This equilibrium pricing method of Lee and Oren is actually based on the research of Cao and Wei (1999) where Cao and Wei generalize the model of Lucas (1978) and include the daily temperature as a fundamental variable. Since Black-Scholes Model is a popular method to price the European options, BotoÃ…Å ¸ and CiumaÃ…Å ¸ (2012) uses the Black-Scholes model to apply in weather derivatives. The aim of their research is to see how the Black-Scholes model can be applied in weather type derivative and to analyze whether it is a suitable model to price for weather derivatives. However, based on their findings of the research, they concluded that the Black-Scholes model is not a suitable model to price for the weather derivatives as the weather market developed very quickly and it is inconsistent. Due to the inconsistencies, the model is not preferable to be used for pricing of weather derivatives contract unless it is a part of the portfolio. Benth and Ã…  altytÄ-à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ Benth (2005) uses a stochastic model to model the variations of temperature in their research paper. They used the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck with the driven by Levy process and having seasonal mean and volatility. They find that this model is quite a success to fit the Norwegian temperature data. Besides that, Svec and Stevenson (2006) also use a stochastic model to model and forecast the temperature. Svec and Stevenson (2006) uses Fourier transformation and stochastic Brownian motion (SBM).They proposed a more generalized stochastic Brownian motion to model the temperature, that is, the stochastic fractional Brownian motion (FBM). The model proposed take account the low-frequency variability of weather where the SBM does not. The difference of the SBM and FBM is that the FBM included a continuous-time Gaussian process depending on the Hurst parameter. This research paper concluded that the Monte-Carlo simulation overly forecast while the autoregressive moving average (ARMA) time-series model under forecast the monthly accumulated Heating-degree Day (HDD) and Cooling-degree Day (CDD). They also concluded that the models they use in the research have better estimates than that of the Campbell and Diebold (2003) model. (b) Objective of Research There are two main objectives in this research, that is:- (i) To model the daily temperature based on the analysis of daily average temperature in Malaysia by using stochastic fractional Brownian Motion. (ii) Pricing of the weather derivative. (c) Methodology 1. Flow Chart of Research Activities 2. Gantt Chart of Research Activities 3. Milestones and Dates The flow chart, Gantt chart and milestones and date clearly show that the research activities of this research project. To complete this research project, there are 10 stages. The first stage is looking for a research supervisor so that this research is under supervision. Then, setting up of research title will be the next stage. After setting up the research title, studying and reading related journals needed as to get a rough idea of what is the research needed to be done and what actually the research is all about. The fourth stage will be fixing the model to be used in the research. After reading and studying of relevant journals, the model to be used could be determined. In this research, the model to be used in modelling the daily average temperature is the FBM. The FBM that will be used is as follows: This model was chosen because out of a few models studied in the past research papers, it is one of the best model that fits the movement of temperature. In this FBM, it consists of several components. That is, the mean reversion process, the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process and the fractional Brownian process which is a continuous-time Gaussian process. Besides that, the model used also included some seasonal and trend factors. With the combination of this few process and factors, it makes the stochastic FBM more efficient in describing the movement of temperature. As the fixing of the model is done, preparation of research proposal would be the next stage and it is now pending for approval by supervisor. After the proposal of research is done and it is approved, collection of data begun and then analysis works will be started. Analyses of data enable the temperature to be modelled by the model fixed in the earlier stage. In this research, the model to be used is the Stochastic Brownian Motion. Hence, the eighth stage is the modelling of daily average temperature using Stochastic Brownian Motion. After the modelling, pricing of weather derivatives can be start doing and finally, after the pricing is done, the research project is finished up and completed. (d) Expected results 1. New Knowledge Throughout this research, there are actually a lot of new knowledge could be obtained. As this research is all about modelling of temperature and pricing of weather derivatives hence, by doing this research, it provides a better idea on which model is better in fitting or describing the movements of daily temperature as a lot of other models are studied. Besides that, the steps to model the movements of daily temperatures also a new knowledge. It improves the knowledge about stochastic. Since this research is using stochastic fractional Brownian Motion to model the changes of daily temperature, through this research, the suitability of the stochastic model to describe the changes of daily temperature will be reviewed. Besides that, through this research, the application and the usage of the stochastic fractional Brownian Motion is known. Moreover, it will provide a better understanding of the method to calculate the price of the weather derivatives. 2. Research publications This research will be published as a thesis in semester II of 2014/2015. 3. Impact on Society, Economy and Nation Since in Malaysia, it is lack of researchers doing the research about the pricing weather derivatives, so, this research of modelling and pricing of weather derivatives gives some small impact on the economy. One of the impact is that it improves a little bit of the economic conditions of the agricultural field. As mentioned previously in this research, agricultural activities are affected a lot by the weather and agriculture activities are one of the largest activities in Malaysia. Hence, by doing this research, the forecasting of temperature can be done based on the modelling of temperature. With the forecasting of temperature, it can help the farmers to be aware of their crops and come out with a better strategy to handle and prepare for the worst. Of course, the forecast results might not be accurate, but, with the guides provided from the modelling and forecasting, it helps to reduce the risk of losing the money, be it the farmers or the investors. This helps to prevent the farm ers from stop doing agriculture activities. So, by doing this research, it indirectly affected a little bit on the economic condition of the agricultural field. References Benth, F., Ã…  altytÄ-à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ Benth, J. (2005). Stochastic Modelling of Temperature Variations with a View Towards Weather Derivatives. Applied Mathematical Finance, 53-85. BotoÃ…Å ¸, H., CiumaÃ…Å ¸, C. (2012). The use of the Black-Scholes Model in the Field of Weather Derivatives.Procedia Economics and Finance,611-616. Cao, M. and Wei, J. (1999). Pricing weather derivative: an equilibrium approach. Working paper. Cao, M., Li, A. and Wei, J., (2004). Precipitation modeling and contract valuation: a frontier in weather derivatives. The Journal of Alternative Investments 7: 93- 99. Campbell, S.D. and Diebold, F.X., (2003). Weather forecasting for weather derivatives. Journal of the American Statistical Association, 100: 6-16. Chang, C., Lin, J., Shen, W. (2009). Pricing Weather Derivatives using a Predicting Power Time Series Process*.Asia-Pacific Journal of Financial Studies,863- 890. Hà ¤rdle, W. K. and Osipenko, M. (2011). Pricing Chinese Rain: A Multisite Multi-period Equilibrium Pricing Model for Rainfall Derivatives. SFB 649 Discussion Paper 2011-055. Jewson, S. and Brix, A. 2005. Weather Derivative Valuation: The Meteorological, Statistical, Financial and Mathematical Foundations. Cambridge University Press. Lee, Y. and Oren, S., (2009). An equilibrium pricing model for weather derivatives in a multi-commodity setting. Energy Economics, 31 (5): 702-713. Lee, Y. and Oren, S., (2010). A multi-period equilibrium pricing model of weather derivatives. Energy Systems 1: 3-30. Lucas, R. E. (1978). Asset prices in an exchange economy, Econometrica 46, pp. 1429-1445. Mills, T. C. (2003). Modelling Trends and Cycles in Economic Time Series. Palgrave Macmillan. Mills, T. C. (2009). Modelling Current Temperature Trends. Journal of Data Science 7, 89-97. Norton, M., Osgood, D., Turvey, C. (2010). Weather Index Insurance and the Pricing of Spatial Basis Risk. Retrieved from: http://ageconsearch.umn.edu /bitstream/61734/2/Norton%20Osgood%20Turvey.Weather%20Index%20Ins urance%20and%20the%20Pricing%20of%20Spatial%20Basis%20Risk%20_ AAEA2010_.pdf Pollock, D. S. G. (2007). Statistical signal extraction and filtering: A partial survey. In Handbook on Computational Econometrics (Forthcoming)2. Elsevier. Svec, J., Stevenson, M. (2006). Modelling and forecasting temperature based weather derivatives.Global Finance Journal,185-204. Taib, C.M.I.C. and Benth, F.E. (2012). Pricing of temperature index insurance. Review of Development Finance 2, pp.22-31.

Friday, October 25, 2019

Alternative Fuel Source :: essays research papers

In one year, America will have exhausted 80% of her petroleum reserves. Will we then go to war with the Arabs for the privilege of driving our cars? Will we strip-mine our land for coal and poison the air we breathe to drive our autos an additional 100 years? Will we raze our forests for our energy needs? I certainly hope our country will never come to those conclusions. However, someone must make a conclusion – hopefully toward an alternate fuel source. The fuel source I would propose is biomass fuel derived from hemp.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Hemp is the world’s most versatile plant. It actually improves the soil in which it grows, without chemical fertilizers, while choking out weeds by virtue of its fast dense growth. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, over a twenty year period one acre planted with hemp produces as much pulp as 4.1 acres of trees. Farming hemp at such a fast rate is the key to providing large enough amounts of raw biomass at costs low enough to enable cellulose (the hydrocarbon provider necessary for fuel production) to recapture lost markets. This versatility has led people to believe it is the only biomass resource capable of making America energy independent.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There is only one catch: the federal government prohibited the growth of hemp in 1938. There were also theories that the major energy industries of the late 30s collaborated to ensure a petroleum-based energy market. Regardless of laws, let us consider hypotheticals. Farmers would be practically guaranteed profit if they could grow hemp for biomass. It also would not take long for a measly 6% of the American landmass to start cultivating hemp – enough to replace our economy’s dependence on fossil fuels.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Operatiom Process of Kfc Essay

Throughout the industry of fast-food, there were so many organisations which gained power and title for them, such as McDonald, Pizza Hut, Burger King, Pizza Domino, etc. In the list of these successful fast-food organisations, KFC is also one of the best organisation which gained their title and power for more than 80 years. KFC is a chain of fast food restaurants and first established known as Yum! Brands. However, the organisation name has been change since 1952. Until now, KFC – Kentucky Fried Chicken is the third largest fast-food organisation in the world. KFC has more than 14,000 outlets and in more than 80 countries around the world, serving about 12 million customers each day. (KFC Franchise Opportunity, 2007) PART 1 II – BUILDING BLOCKS: First of all, we need to analyze the general process of KFC. For the customer’s order, customer can have many choices to order food and meal from KFC. They can choose to dine in KFC restaurant which the process was order food, pay for food, eating food and leave. Or customer may order for delivering with fast or normal service, for a family’s meal or a party. More convenient, if customer is driving car, they can choose whether to park the car then dine in the restaurant or buying food by the fast service of KFC. * KFC general restaurant layout: KFC’s restaurant layout also has helped the organisation. In order to have a good layout, KFC’s purpose was planning and arrangement of all machines, utilities, staff room, kitchen, customer service areas, material storage areas, aisles, restrooms, internal walls, offices, and children area, which aim for the good flow of materials and customer. Moreover, also need to consider about the time, for example, demand for food of customer may high during breakfast, lunch and dinner. Parents may choose the KFC restaurant for running a birthday parties for their children on Saturday or Sunday and some other different event. By understanding the important of time and location, management of KFC can determine what size or how big their outlets should be in order to appropriate on each different circumstance and environment condition. * Value Added: The capacity of KFC restaurant which means how big the restaurant should be and where it should be locate is also important and contribute greatly to their operating management. If their outlets locate in a good place and got many good conditions for them such as skill labor, good supplier, high business climate or populated areas, their operating process will get started easier and more effectively. 4/ WORKFORCE: KFC has a slogan for their employees were that â€Å"makes more friends, earn some cash†.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Innovation, Design, and Creativity Essay

Innovation, design, and creativity are typically interchangeable, but are in fact defined as separate qualities with business implications that can be compared and contrasted. While some companies can survive solely on creativity, a rise in global competition has domestic companies striving to develop more innovative products and services. These new found ideas are then made concrete by implementing a successful design. Creativity is the creation of a new idea or concept. The term is a necessary step towards the innovative process of applying a creative idea. Creativity is an essential building block for innovation (von Stamm, 2003). A person that is naturally creative must have broad vision to meet organizational challenges. These visionaries are a company’s adventurers and risk takers who see and think further than most. Innovation equals creativity plus successful implementation (von Stamm, 2003). The introduction of a new idea should be implemented within all levels of a c ompany; from upper management executives to mere janitors. In order to have an innovative product or service, it has to be converted from an idea into action; the creativity is delivered or put into effect. Design is the conscious decision-making process by which an idea is transformed into an outcome, be it a tangible product or intangible service (von Stamm, 2003). It is about researching possible outcomes to particular scenarios and selecting the best design thereafter. Any obstacles that conflict with a creative idea will be resolved with design. Teamwork may help since the design implementation may be too complex for one person’s expertise; a person typically does not possess creativity, innovation, and design; which is what is needed for a total quality result. Although I’m unemployed at the moment, these three concepts were successfully applied in my previous organization. As a former Accounts Payable Clerk, my direct supervisor thought like a designer by thinking about our department’s future goals, rather than focusing solely on the present (or current) accounts. This calculated decision making process is defined as design but without having an initial creativity and innovation, the successful design of an organization could not be possible. Reference von Stamm, B. (2003). Managing innovation, design and creativity, 1e. [University of Phoenix Custom Edition e-Text]. : John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Retrieved from University of Phoenix, OI361 website.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

lock stock and two smoking bar essays

lock stock and two smoking bar essays Guy Ritchie, the director of Lock Stock And Two Smoking Barrels, routinely uses literary and other codes, but also depends on technical, symbolic and audio codes to convey his themes in the feature film. These issues include family, repaying of debt, and gambling. The codes used also dramatise the situation Technical codes are used abundantly to create impact and to portray the theme of gambling in the scene where the protagonist enters a gambling hall to gamble on major stakes. The technical code was used by angling the camera to heighten the hall, and make it the transgressor, and the protagonist the victim. This effect is created by placing the camera at ground level, and at a distance of about thirty metres. This transforms the larger objects into monstrous objects, and the smaller objects into skinny scared objects. This dramatises the situation, and as the situation is gambling, depicts the theme of gambling to be wicked. The technical code is also employed by Ritchie to emphasise the theme of repaying dept. In the scene where two characters confront each other, where one is weedy, thin, and small, and the other is large, strong, and overweight, there is a conflict of debt. The stronger character owes the weaker character money. Despite the difference in their physique, t he weedier character is made to look aggressive, and massively masculine, and the stronger character is made to look passive, and scared. This is accomplished by Ritchie as he angles his camera from either the ground, or the ceiling; the ground to create a meaner picture, and the roof to make a more passive picture which shows the importance of paying of debt. The third instance where the technical code is utilised is in a scene where two characters are walking down a street talking. One is a father of the age of approximately 30 years, and the other is his son, who is about 10 years old. A sense of family pride is apparent, ...

Monday, October 21, 2019

Face Recognition Applications for Mobile Video Devices The WritePass Journal

Face Recognition Applications for Mobile Video Devices Abstract Face Recognition Applications for Mobile Video Devices AbstractChapter 1: Introduction1.1 Project Objectives1.2 Introduction to the concepts of Face Recognition1.3 Recognition Techniques1.3.1 Previous Work 1.4 The ORL Database of FacesChapter 2: Initial Research and Development2.1 Synopsis2.2 Compressing the images (Dimensionality Reduction)2.3 Principal Component Analysis2.3.1 IntroductionChapter 4: References and Related Abstract Automatic face detection and recognition has proved to have significant potential as a research and development topic in image and real time video processing. Though complex, demanding and often error prone, a well-built face recognition system has considerable applicability in biometric scanning for airport control or in any field that requires security and surveillance measures. Even more, there is high demand from mobile companies for challenging face recognition and detection applications for devices whose video cameras have enhanced a great deal in recent years. This project is looking to investigate face recognition techniques and classification algorithms such as principal component analysis and nearest-neighbour algorithm, methods for performing face detection using Haar-like filters and implementing such concepts in a fully functional and tested system Chapter 1: Introduction 1.1 Project Objectives   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The aim of this project was to research techniques for performing face recognition and detection by machines, implement and assess the applicability of such a system and test the system. The specific objectives were the following: To understand the basics of face recognition techniques and algorithms such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Nearest Neighbour Algorithm To understand image processing techniques such as resizing, thresholding, greyscale conversion, histogram equalization To develop a real-time face recognition algorithm using PCA To   test the system performance on a database of people such as the ORL database but also in real-tim 1.2 Introduction to the concepts of Face Recognition Over the last decade the face recognition area has become a subject of great interest due to its applicability in many fields such as Computer Vision and Biometrics and it is advancing rapidly in potentially becoming one of the greatest research topics in understanding human behaviour. The act of recognising a face is an extremely simple human act for your average individual so much so that it is not even consciously acknowledged. Take the case of a person watching their favourite show on television: as soon as the protagonist pops up onto the screen their face is instantly recognised and this behavioural act, simple as it may seem at a first glance, is what started computer face recognition research. Only by trying to design a system that has some of the capabilities of a human being, that you actually begin to appreciate this amazing gift. Face Recognition Systems have their uses in many fields such as security human tracking and biometrics in controlled environments (environments in which the system is provided with the right parameters so that it will function correctly such as proper lighting, correct body posture) but also shows commercial potential for mobile devices. Having the capability to recognise human faces on your hand-held device would be a major achievement and would help to integrate such systems into the human world. But what should we focus on if we wish to build a face recognition system? Comparison of static images is a simple thing to implement in a program but recognition is much more than this. When we look at a person’s face the image our brain receives is mostly different at every moment in time: the facial expression, the eye focus, the angle of the head are all different. The word â€Å"mostly† is used intentionally to reflect the fact that the similarities between images are the key to solving the face recognition problem. These similarities are what allows a person to distinguish a person from another but also to tell that a couple of images are of the same person. There is always a pattern between images of a person and finding a way of exploiting this characteristic in a systematic way is paramount to the face recognition topic. The project focuses on investigating eigenfaces for recognition (PCA) and how they might be used to recognise faces. Image processing techniques have been investigated, with the goal of constructing a functional facial recognition system. Moreover, face detection techniques have been researched, which are used to detect and isolate faces contained within an image. The two topics, detection and recognition were implemented separately for improved testability, but were later integrated into a final system that provides real-time detection and recognition of people, using a video camera. 1.3 Recognition Techniques 1.3.1 Previous Work   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Previous work in the field of facial recognition has focused on detecting individual features such as eyes, nose, mouth and head outline and defining a model for the relationship between these features [1]. Even though this approach has proven to be inefficient because the relationships between facial features is insufficient to account for the way human recognition works [1]. The first research to attempt to build a semi-automated recognition system was Woody Bledsoe in the 1960’s [3]. His system involved tracing major facial features manually such as eye corner, nose tip, mouth corners etc. He then calculated the normalized difference of these features from a reference point and compared the differences with a set of reference data.   The process was slow as the calculations had to be done manually, so his system was far from automatic. Later on, Goldstein, Harmon Lensk [4] created a system that used 21 of these features in standard classification techniques but it proved to be hard to automate. The first to provide a systematic way of performing face recognition were Turk and Pentland in the 1980’s in their widely known paper â€Å"Eigenfaces for Recognition†[1]. Their technique uses Principal Component Analysis to reduce the dimensionality of a set of components used to describe a face as well as noise contained in the set of pictures. In recent years, 3D face recognition has become a popular research topic for its ability to achieve better recognition accuracy due to not being sensitive to lighting changes, head rotation, make-up and change in facial expression, factors which heavily and negatively affect 2D recognition methods [5].   Drawbacks of such systems include a large amount of necessary memory for storing the faces as 3D meshes and textures. 1.4 The ORL Database of Faces The â€Å"ORL Database of Faces† [6] is a vector of 400 images of 40 individuals which is heavily used in face recognition research. There are 10 different images for each individual and each of them is taken at different times, varying the lighting, facial expressions (open/closed eyes, smiling/not smiling) and facial details (wearing glasses or makeup). The same background is used in all the photos, with the subjects standing in upright, frontal position with a tolerance of about 15-18 degrees for side movement. Figure 1.1: The 40 subjects in the ORL database Each image has a resolution of 92 x 112 pixels and has been cropped and centered.. The format of the image files is pgm (portable grey map) which is a greyscale formatted array that contains a single 16-bit value for each pixel (the brightness information). This format was used because colour is not required in the recognition process and only one value must be stored and processed for each pixel reducing the complexity of the system. Although taken in a methodical manner (same background, approximately the same lighting conditions) and not fully representative of the arbitrary conditions found in a mobile real-time recognition system (changing lighting conditions, photos taken over long periods of time with significant physical changes present, random background), there is plenty of variation present in the sets that was very useful for initial testing of the prototype recognition system. 1.2 Three 10 image sets of three subjects from the database Chapter 2: Initial Research and Development 2.1 Synopsis This chapter will focus on the findings of the initial research of the project which was necessary to gain an understanding of the requirements for building a prototype facial recognition system and testing it. Research began with understanding basic image processing techniques (bicubic interpolation resizing, greyscale conversion, histogram fitting) that are all required for recognition. Later on, my research was focused on the Eigenface approach (PCA or Karhunen-Loeve transformation), classification and thresholding techniques and way of implementing them in Matlab 2.2 Compressing the images (Dimensionality Reduction) The ORL database is small (in terms of number of photos), with every image containing 92 x 112 pixels/values (10,304). Knowing that each value is 2 bytes and that every value is processed multiple times in the PCA algorithm we can appreciate that without any compression performance of the system will be very slow. Compression or dimensionality reduction is clearly needed in order to save space, achieve better performance and get rid of unnecessary information. 2.3 Principal Component Analysis 2.3.1 Introduction Work previous to PCA or Karhunen-Loeve transformation (KLT) used face features(eyes, nose, mouth) as a means of recognising faces since these features seemed intuitive to the way humans recognize faces.    Chapter 4: References and [1]   Turk and Pentland, Eigenfaces for Recognition. [Online]   face-rec.org/algorithms/PCA/jcn.pdf [2] Wikipedia, Facial recognition system [Online]   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Facial_recognition_system [3]   Bledsoe, Man-Machine Facial Recognition, 1966 [4]   Goldstein, Harmon, and Lesk, â€Å"Identification of Human Faces†, 1971 [5]   Wikipedia, 3D Face Recognition [Online] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three-dimensional_face_recognition [6]   The ORL Database of Faces, University of Cambridge cl.cam.ac.uk/research/dtg/attarchive/facedatabase.html

Sunday, October 20, 2019

The Sumatra Earthquake of December 26, 2004

The Sumatra Earthquake of December 26, 2004 A minute before 8 oclock in the morning local time, a colossal earthquake began to shake the northern part of Sumatra and the Andaman Sea to its north. Seven minutes later a stretch of the Indonesian subduction zone 1200 kilometers long had slipped by an average distance of 15 meters. The moment magnitude of the event was eventually estimated as 9.3, making it one of the largest recorded earthquakes since seismographs were invented around 1900. The shaking was felt throughout southeastern Asia and caused devastation in northern Sumatra and in the Nicobar and Andaman Islands. The local intensity reached IX on the 12-point Mercalli scale in the Sumatran capital of Banda Aceh, a level that causes universal damage and widespread collapse of structures. Though the intensity of shaking did not reach the maximum on the scale, the motion lasted for several minutes- the duration of shaking is the main difference between magnitude 8 and 9 events. A large tsunami triggered by the earthquake spread outward from off the Sumatran coast. The worst part of it washed away whole cities in Indonesia, but every country on the shore of the Indian Ocean was also affected. In Indonesia, some 240,000 people died from the quake and tsunami combined. About 47,000 more people died, from Thailand to Tanzania, when the tsunami struck without warning during the next few hours. This earthquake was the first magnitude-9 event to be recorded by the Global Seismographic Network (GSN), a worldwide set of 137 top-grade instruments. The nearest GSN station, in Sri Lanka, recorded 9.2 cm of vertical motion without distortion. Compare this to 1964, when the machines of the World Wide Standardized Seismic Network were knocked off scale for hours by the March 27 Alaskan quake. The Sumatra earthquake proves that the GSN network is robust and sensitive enough to use for expanded tsunami detection and warnings if the right resources can be spent on supporting instrumentation and facilities. The GSN data includes some eye-popping facts. At every spot on Earth, the ground was raised and lowered at least a full centimeter by the seismic waves from Sumatra. The Rayleigh surface waves traveled around the planet several times before dissipating. Seismic energy was released at such long wavelengths that they were a substantial fraction of the Earths circumference. Their interference patterns formed standing waves, like the rhythmic oscillations in a large soap bubble. In effect, the Sumatra earthquake made the Earth ring with these free oscillations like a hammer rings a bell. The notes of the bell, or normal vibrational modes, are at extremely low frequencies: the two strongest modes have periods of about 35.5 and 54 minutes. These oscillations died out within a few weeks. Another mode, the so-called breathing mode, consists of the whole Earth rising and falling at once with a period of 20.5 minutes. This pulse was detectable for several months afterward. (A startling paper by Cinna Lomnitz and Sara Nilsen-Hopseth suggests that the tsunami was actually powered by these normal modes.) IRIS, the Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology, has compiled scientific results from the Sumatra earthquake on a special page with plenty of background  information. The U.S. Geological Survey also offers a number of beginner and non-technical resources about the quake. At the time, commentators from the scientific community decried the absence of a tsunami warning system in the Indian and Atlantic oceans, 40 years after the Pacifics system began. That was a scandal. But a greater scandal was the fact that so many people, including thousands of supposedly well-educated first-world citizens who were there on vacation, just stood there and died as the clear signs of disaster arose before their eyes. That was a failure of education. A video about the 1998 New Guinea tsunami- was all it took to save the lives of a whole village in Vanuatu in 1999. Just a video! If each school in Sri Lanka, each mosque in Sumatra, each TV station in Thailand had shown such a video once in a while, what would the story have been instead that day?

Saturday, October 19, 2019

The African National Congress and the South African Communist Party Essay

The African National Congress and the South African Communist Party - Essay Example The relationship between the African National Congress and the South African Communist Party was not always close, especially in the periods starting 1940 to 1950, when the ANC started considering the SACP as a party advancing foreign ideology (SAHO, n.d. web.) . This feeling strongly emanated after Nelson Mandela made a tour throughout Africa, meeting various leaders from different countries in the African continent, whose countries had achieved independence by then (Mandela, 2008 p49). The African leaders perceived the communist ideology, as advocated for by the SACP as anti-African, and more of a foreign ideology, which was perceived to be incongruent with the African ideology of democracy and total independence from the colonialists. Therefore, most of the African leaders were confused by the association of the ANC with the SACP, which they considered unusual, since the SACP was constituted by most foreigners, and its ideologies were not perceived as purely African (Mandela, 2008 p102). Another issue that strained relationship between the African National Congress and the South African Communist Party is its perceived relations with the USSR. Most of the members of the ANC were highly skeptical about working with the SACP, due to the fact that it was not regarded as based on the African ideology, thus raising concerns among the members of the ANC regarding how the other African countries would perceive the working relationship between the ANC and the SACP.... Another issue that strained relationship between the African National Congress and the South African Communist Party is its perceived relations with the USSR. Most of the members of the ANC were highly skeptical about working with the SACP, due to the fact that it was not regarded as based on the African ideology, thus raising concerns among the members of the ANC regarding how the other African countries would perceive the working relationship between the ANC and the SACP. Secondly, there was the issue of concern regarding how the western countries would relate with South Africa, through the consideration of the working relationship between the ANC and the SACP, which was perceived to be USSR oriented, thus creating suspicion that the western countries would not want to work with such a party. Such members of the ANC suspected that the western countries would withdraw their support for South Africa, due to its association with communism (Mandela, 2008 p87)2. Thus, some members of th e ANC would cause conflict, to ensure that the two parties did not work together. Therefore, there has been a long deal of strained relationship between the ANC and the SACP, which ranges from the liberation struggle period, to the post-independence and modern day relationship. Nevertheless, the relationship between the African National Congress and the South African Communist Party has not always been strained and suspicious. There are times when the two parties have had long periods of cordial working relationships, both in the liberation struggle period, and the post-independence period. The cordial and strong positive relationship between the African National Congress and the South African Communist

Friday, October 18, 2019

Properties of gases( pressure, volume, temperature by Boyle's Law) Research Paper

Properties of gases( pressure, volume, temperature by Boyle's Law) - Research Paper Example During the preliminary studies, Boyle systematically compressed air in a sealed glass tube with the mercury trapped in the side, (Stephen 146). He then varied the amount of mercury trapped in the tube and made observation on the pressure changes inside the column. He named the U-tube glass as manometer. Below is a diagram representing a simplified manometer. The setup shows a syringe with a completely sealed tip in a vertical position. The syringe is supported by a pre-drilled block as shown. The thin wire is used to let out the excess air trapped in the syringe when setting up the experiment. The wire is, however, removed just before the experiment begins. The block on top of the syringe serves as a shelf for the 1-kilogram bricks used to vary the pressure on the plunger. This experiment holds the finding by Robert Boyle that when the temperature of a gas is held constant; the pressure of the gas is inversely proportional to its volume. The relationship shows that when the volume increases, the pressure must decrease and vice versa is also

Globalization of operations management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Globalization of operations management - Essay Example raw materials, skilled and low-cost labor force among others (Mahadevan 121). Economies of scale also arise after a company expands it production capacity due to lower cost of operation. The service sector on the other hand has capitalized on the skilled labor force available overseas at low cost e.g. outsourcing firms relocating to India (Mahadevan 138). This expansion or shifting centers of operation also affect operations management adversely. There is the need for the firm to operate within the laws and standards of the new markets which are not necessarily similar to those of original market. Client’s special needs and preferences should also be considered in production which can increase on costs. Global market place is also quite competitive raising the need to have sound operational management strategies. CONCLUSION Globalization has taken many organizations to greater heights in the competitive global market. This scenario has enabled them to gain competitive advantag e and increase on production which results to higher margins. A firm going global should therefore appreciate that it will have to initiate changes in its operations to suit the new market dynamics. Works cited Mahadevan, B. Operations Management: Theory and Practice. Pearson Education India, 2010.

Political ideologies a comparative approach Research Paper

Political ideologies a comparative approach - Research Paper Example Anti-rationalismIn should be realized that fascism was borne mostly after the Second World War. Given this situation, fascism was necessitated by the upheavals and thus became anti-rationality. This is corroborated by what Friedrich Nietzsche said that human being is motivated by nothing other than the ‘will power’ and not the rationality of the mind. Fascism then seemed to have consumed this as their driving force and a core belief. In another instance, the Italian dictator Benito Mussolini also coined a slogan from the same belief and believed in ‘Actions not talk’ and that the state of inactivity is analogous to death. Mussolini devalued the intellectual life and described it as cold, lifeless, and dry. This connotation shows how fascism was against rational and objective minds. StruggleThe other core principle of fascism was the struggle, those who subscribed to the fascism believed in the role of struggle to achieve the desires and liberation. Given the context in which the movement was borne (after the Second World War), it is understandable that the movement was hatched in the aftermath of a struggle and had to follow suit. Leadership and ElitismFascism appreciated the endowment of different people with different abilities and believed in the role of elitism as the ruling class even if they are the minority. Fascism contradicts the conventional political thoughts and radically believes in the rejection of the principle of equality. In Fascism, there was the belief of three castes of leadership in the society.... Given the context in which the movement was borne (after the Second World War), it is understandable that the movement was hatched in the aftermath of a struggle and had to follow suit. Leadership and Elitism Fascism appreciated the endowment of different people with different abilities and believed in the role of elitism as the ruling class even if they are the minority. Fascism contradicts the conventional political thoughts and radically believes in the rejection of the principal of equality. In Fascism, there was the belief of three castes of leadership in the society; the one who possess the unrivalled authority was regarded as the first layer and the warrior forming the second class and finally the masses that majorly comprised of those described as the inert, weak, and ignorant with a characteristic unquestionable obedience (Rejai, 1995). Socialism Even though fascism and socialism had different ideological difference and became rivalries, fascism had unexplained affinity for socialism. Both Mussolini and Hitler showed great involvement in the socialist ideology and this can be manifested by their role in socialism. Hitler developed the philosophy of socialism and Mussolini at some point became the editor of the Avanti newspaper that was owned by the socialists. Fascism also believed in ultranationalism as their core principle. These core principles define the beliefs of the fascism that reigned in most of the countries soon after the Second World War (Rejai, 1995). Core Beliefs of Feminism Feminism has been defined as the collection of the likeminded ideological and movement that are aimed at giving women equal right in the social, political, and economic issues

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Production Chain and Sector Matrix Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Production Chain and Sector Matrix - Essay Example 13) in firms. In reaction to the low profits and high cost of capital in the 1980s and 1990s, several firms embarked on a wave of financialisation - creating, buying, or expanding financial subsidiaries to acquire financial assets - for the purpose of giving management greater flexibility in managing earnings, creating shareholder value, and satisfying the capital markets (p. 34). Most publicly listed firms, therefore, were "pressured" to show good results on a regular basis using the basic language familiar to capital markets: stock price reflects shareholder value that is a function of operating efficiency, lower expenditures, growth in turnover and earnings, and a steady flow of dividends. The more consistent the numbers, the better, as Froud et al., (2005) pointed out in their study of the American company GE. The main challenge to managements in a financialised universe of firms was to make ambitious strategic plans and deliver consistently on their promises. Firms became slaves to a ruthless capital market that, with a single recommendation, can punish poor performers by depressing a firm's stock price and raising its cost of capital. In a world obsessed with financial performance, managements searched for suitable analysis and planning tools. The production chain and the sector matrix were two of the many that, in this age of globalisation and management fads, were developed to help firms map out value-creation strategies. We explain each briefly, then compare and differentiate them with examples. The Matrix The matrix is a strategic tool that presents in a grid or table the strategic factors affecting the firm. The coordinates of the grid can vary, as shown in examples of two well-known models. The first is H. Igor Ansoff's product/market expansion grid or matrix (Ansoff, 1957) that recommends four strategies (market penetration, market development, product development, and diversification) a firm can adopt to grow or increase its turnover depending on the life cycle of the firm's new or current products and markets. The other is the Boston Consulting Group's Market Growth-Share matrix (Henderson, 1970, 1976a, 1976b) designed to help the firm identify businesses/product types by market share (an indicator of the firm's ability to compete) and market growth (indicator of market attractiveness). Firms, in effect, can manage their businesses as a portfolio of investments, much like a bank or an investor would hold, buy, or sell financial instruments. Firms that want to grow should hold or buy stars (high growth and high share businesses) or cows (low growth, high share, cash generating businesses), sell dogs (low growth and share), and think of what to do with question marks (high growth, low share, needs cash injections, but risky). Example of Matrix Use A prime example of how the matrix was used for strategic management is recounted in the study (Froud, et al., 2005, pp. 8 and 38) of General Electric (GE) that, with the help of consulting firm McKinsey and Co., adapted the BCG matrix and developed its own Nine-Cell Industry Attractiveness-Competitive Strength Matrix (Thompson and Strickland, 2001, 327-330), a three-by-three grid that mapped out alternative business positions and attractiveness of markets, on which are superimposed several scaled circles representing different markets and their sizes and showing the firm's market share within each market (See Figure 1). [Insert Figure 1 here] GE claimed that the matrix provided at a glance

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Uchina Guchi Preservation as a Viable Language Research Paper

Uchina Guchi Preservation as a Viable Language - Research Paper Example This statistics has left many researchers across the globe active on the possibility of some of the languages becoming extinct. Extinction of languages is a threat to any society that uses or which the language belongs to. These researches have led a revelation that there are several languages that are no longer inexistence due to certain reasons related to the original speakers, as well as, the authority that ruled the speakers. An example of the most affected languages is Uchina Guchi. Without the language, communication in the Islands would be literary shunned. Communication is the core and fundamental tool on which progress rely. Without communication, people will not conduct business. There would be no exchange of ideas. There will be no learning or education. These reasons prompt for the preservation of Uchina Guchi language as an important and viable language. Statistically, the languages remained are roughly about 5,800. This leaves an important question: how can 5% of the world population speak 5,800 languages? Further research depicts that two-thirds of the 5,800 languages are in great danger of extinction. The research also shows that in every two weeks, one of the two-thirds of the languages become extinct. The danger of such losses never goes unnoticed. Many of the indigenous minority language speakers struggle to retain their mother tongues. The same is true with the Ryukyu Islands, which is situated between Taiwan and Kyushu. One of the languages that face the dangers of becoming extinct is the UchinaGuchi language, also known as the Okinawan language. Okinawa is one of the endangered languages of the Ryukyu Islands. The UNESCO (United Nation Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) recognizes six languages spoken by the Ryukyu Island dwellers. The languages are, Kanigami, Amami, Uchinaa, Miyako, Yonaguni, and Yaeyama. According to the UNESCO, The most endangered languages in the list are

Production Chain and Sector Matrix Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Production Chain and Sector Matrix - Essay Example 13) in firms. In reaction to the low profits and high cost of capital in the 1980s and 1990s, several firms embarked on a wave of financialisation - creating, buying, or expanding financial subsidiaries to acquire financial assets - for the purpose of giving management greater flexibility in managing earnings, creating shareholder value, and satisfying the capital markets (p. 34). Most publicly listed firms, therefore, were "pressured" to show good results on a regular basis using the basic language familiar to capital markets: stock price reflects shareholder value that is a function of operating efficiency, lower expenditures, growth in turnover and earnings, and a steady flow of dividends. The more consistent the numbers, the better, as Froud et al., (2005) pointed out in their study of the American company GE. The main challenge to managements in a financialised universe of firms was to make ambitious strategic plans and deliver consistently on their promises. Firms became slaves to a ruthless capital market that, with a single recommendation, can punish poor performers by depressing a firm's stock price and raising its cost of capital. In a world obsessed with financial performance, managements searched for suitable analysis and planning tools. The production chain and the sector matrix were two of the many that, in this age of globalisation and management fads, were developed to help firms map out value-creation strategies. We explain each briefly, then compare and differentiate them with examples. The Matrix The matrix is a strategic tool that presents in a grid or table the strategic factors affecting the firm. The coordinates of the grid can vary, as shown in examples of two well-known models. The first is H. Igor Ansoff's product/market expansion grid or matrix (Ansoff, 1957) that recommends four strategies (market penetration, market development, product development, and diversification) a firm can adopt to grow or increase its turnover depending on the life cycle of the firm's new or current products and markets. The other is the Boston Consulting Group's Market Growth-Share matrix (Henderson, 1970, 1976a, 1976b) designed to help the firm identify businesses/product types by market share (an indicator of the firm's ability to compete) and market growth (indicator of market attractiveness). Firms, in effect, can manage their businesses as a portfolio of investments, much like a bank or an investor would hold, buy, or sell financial instruments. Firms that want to grow should hold or buy stars (high growth and high share businesses) or cows (low growth, high share, cash generating businesses), sell dogs (low growth and share), and think of what to do with question marks (high growth, low share, needs cash injections, but risky). Example of Matrix Use A prime example of how the matrix was used for strategic management is recounted in the study (Froud, et al., 2005, pp. 8 and 38) of General Electric (GE) that, with the help of consulting firm McKinsey and Co., adapted the BCG matrix and developed its own Nine-Cell Industry Attractiveness-Competitive Strength Matrix (Thompson and Strickland, 2001, 327-330), a three-by-three grid that mapped out alternative business positions and attractiveness of markets, on which are superimposed several scaled circles representing different markets and their sizes and showing the firm's market share within each market (See Figure 1). [Insert Figure 1 here] GE claimed that the matrix provided at a glance

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

United Steel Workers of America and Kaiser Aluminum Essay Example for Free

United Steel Workers of America and Kaiser Aluminum Essay The issue of discrimination has pervaded many aspects of social life. Women, minorities, and unwanted individuals usually suffered from either institutional or bigot discrimination. Because discrimination rests on the twin principles of racial superiority (or its equivalent, the so-called ‘white man’s burden’) and conservatism, it usually transcends beyond what is perceived and indicated. Discrimination, therefore, is sometimes not evident and consequential. Discrimination is the direct manifestation of behavior and psychological outlook of individuals, groups, and even institutions. Thus, discrimination can virtually be found in all aspects of social life – in the family, in the workplace, and in government – so long as the society in general promotes discrimination both on the individual and institutional levels. Case Summary In 1998, the Kaiser Aluminum and Chemical Corporation and the United Steelworkers of America engaged in bargaining which led to prolonged and almost intractable labor dispute. On September 18, 2000, the two-year strike ended, after a binding arbitration. About 3000 workers were involved in the strike. Five plants were affected. The major issues which lead to the dispute are as follows: 1) the company decided to allow budgetary cuts in bargaining unit jobs; 2) there was substantial elimination of supplemental and local agreements; and 3) there was a proposal which reserved 50% of the available jobs in the company to African-Americans. Kaiser argued that it needed to institute several productivity improvements because it was a medium-sized aluminum producer facing tight competitive issues. However what enraged the union is the proposal which reserved 50% of the available jobs in the company to minorities, especially African-Americans. The proposal was generally beneficial to the company because it could theoretically replace union-affiliated employees with employees of minority background. The union saw the move as a general alibi for budgetary cuts in bargaining job units. The Ethical Issue From a moral point of view, the proposal is justified. The proposal not only dispenses distributive justice (this is justice based on opportunity) but also allows affirmative action on the part of the employees. It can therefore be argued that the proposal is an extension of the equal opportunity clause of economic liberalism. By reserving 50% of available jobs to African-Americans, the proposal is essentially increasing the marginal opportunity of such group with respect to other groups. The counterargument which states that ‘the proposal induces discrimination on the part of whites (reverse discrimination)’ is wholly inaccurate. The proposal only decreases the opportunities available to whites; it does not impinge on the right of the whites to equal employment. Perhaps, it may be helpful to employ a historical point of view in analyzing the validity and soundness of the counter argument. For almost three centuries, the minorities (especially the African-Americans) suffered from economic inequities. Many of them were underemployed, underpaid, and to some extent overworked. It may be argued that the proposal is a good-to-fit move to decrease such economic marginality. It may be viewed as a move in improving both economic (opportunities) and social justice (overall standing in society). Deontological Point of View From a Kantian point of view, the proposal has moral universal standing. A proposal which dispenses distributive justice is a general universal ethos. Categorically speaking, the proposal does not in any way put groups into the same categorical ethos. Rather, the proposal is a general tool for evaluating justice of any type – it promotes justice which ought to be directed to particularities – groups, individuals, and institutions. Hence, from Kant’s view, the proposal is simply a manifestation of a universal value.

Monday, October 14, 2019

Impact of internet and mobile phone

Impact of internet and mobile phone Impact of internet and mobile phone on our life and the life of future generations The communication technology has become one of the important technologies in the last thirty years of the late of the twentieth century. The communications Technology industry is still grow significantly. Also, it is likely to increase growth in the coming years. There are several definitions of communication technology and one of them follows: the World Bank defines CT as â€Å"the set of activities which facilitate by electronic means the processing, transmission and display of information† (Cairncross, 1998). In addition there are many types of communication technology. Such as, mobile phone, internet and telephone landlines, etc. The communication technology has evolved to become a tool to link all the countries in the world. In addition, the world has become small village by this technique. In fact, people can see any event in the world on TV, because the satellite is available in most countries. Although this growth increasing worries for future generation of the dangerous of this technology on them, because, this technique also includes the benefits and drawbacks. In this paper discusses the advantages and disadvantages two types of communications technology the internet and mobile phone on our health, education and relationship. Then, it will explain how should concern for the future of our grandchildren from this technique. Introduction on internet: There is a significant increase in the use of the internet by people in the beginning of the twenty-first century compared with year 1990. In January 1990 About 188,000 Core Internet users and approximately 3,400,000 Electronic mail users, whereas the forecast in January 2000 almost 254,000,000 Core Internet users and nearly 827,000,000 Electronic mail users (Cairncross, 1998). For instance (There is) a large use in email-health information by most hospitals. Also, some government agencies are providing high quality information for health care in hospitals and clinics to help patients to make appointments, as well as access to an appropriate decision in the selection of health services. Such as in the United Kingdom people can get an appointment and chose physicians by using internet (Stewart, 2000). In addition the internet has a major impact on performance of hospitals and revenue collection. Nowadays the internet has connected employments and consultants in majority of countries each other, to share some consulting and cooperation in the field of health. For example a doctor in India can request some consultations from doctors in the U.S.A or France by internet. Benefits of mobile phone on health: With regards to mobile phones they have enabled people to keep in touch anywhere at any time. For example, nowadays people can contact the hospitals and ambulance at any time and at anywhere. For instance, if there is an accident, people able to communicate an ambulance immediately by mobile phone to rescue the injured. The second example if somebody has an appointment he can delay or cancel that time by mobile phone from anywhere. Impact of mobile phone on health: However, the mobile phone has impacted on our health. In hospitals the signals emitted by mobile phone can interfere with sensitive electronic devices. For instance, in the hospitals there are signs warning of the use of mobile phone must switch off. In addition when people use the mobile phone for a long time, the temperature of the ear and the area around it is slightly higher, because that signals which emitted from the mobile phone. According to Scottish Executive claims that, â€Å"It is possible to measure how much radio wave energy your body receives from each model of mobile phone. This is called the specific an absorption rate or SAR† (Stewart, 2000). Also a new study in Finland found that the effects of radiation emanating from mobile phone on human cells rather than those rats. In this for a period for two years of research found that the radiation emitted from mobile phone damage the blood brain barrier. Benefits of internet on education: As it can be seen from the above comments communication technology has increased so dramatically, that it has benefited our lives considerably. As a result, the continuing evolution of online world has also had a positive effect on education. For example, internet is widely used to connect teachers with students and speak to them and give people lectures online. According to (Ko Rossen, 2008) described how the internet has been used to emulate classroom discussions, to support students understanding and retention of taught materials. In addition, large numbers of students around the world focus their attention on the use of the internet and there is a supporting factor in their success in the study. For example by E-mail, students can send each other and have access to what they need and as soon as the largest amount of information. In the same way, teaching online takes a short time to be done (Ko Rossen, 2008). online learning provides the teacher a lot of comfort, and freedom for students as well. Bartering of this method, the professor is not required to take hid bag full of papers to classroom, and stand at the lecture with student for hours to explain his lesson. Benefits mobile in education: In the same way, the mobile phone has enabled both teachers and students to keep in touch and help them deal with class problems, discuss assignments, and make plan for study. Moreover, mobile phone is used to help student and other people to obtain important notice which they need. According to Koreas Suk Myoung University stats that, students use the phone to confirm their attendance and enable them to enter the libraries, also to buy some of food from school canteen by a quicker time are easier way(Ko Rossen, 2008). Drawback of internet on education: On the other hand, communication technologies have also negative impacts on our life. More and more, teachers are using the internet in their classroom, so internet has several disadvantages effect on learning. Firstly, in universities some professors use E-mail or websites to download their lecture for student without explain, therefore some students do not understand the lesson especially in scientific subjects and practical materials. Furthermore, scientists can loss the interpersonal skills and the lesson can be done without gestures and movements which add to the science experiment. Secondly, some schools the main factor in educational process is the educator, who have clarify not just how information communication technology works, but, also how young people connect to this tool at home, as well as in the school. It is the teacher who is a responsible to learn children and created their scientific skills rather than using internet. Benefits of internet on relationships: With the regards to the benefits of Internet on relationship, it can be said that the internet has recently become the first modern technique spread in all countries of the world. Also, it has become all segments of society continue through the sites for chat, such as yahoo messenger and Skype. Indeed the internet users every day exposed to configure a new relationship with others. Nowadays the online romantic relationship on internet has spread dramatically, as a result of participation in the chat rooms. By the year 2007, equivalent to 3.3 billion mobile phone users in the world, because the mobile phone has become an integral part of daily life for humans (Cooltech, 2009). In addition the main motive for buying a mobile phone which is the desire of buyers to communicate and social cohesion. For example people use their mobile phone to connect with their families and friends, as well as manage their business. Moreover through the internet and mobile phone communication between the developing countries and the developed countries has become very easy. Negatives the mobile phone internet on relationships On the other hand, the studies suggest that the mobile phone has a negative impact on the balance between work and life. Also, some companies and employers prevent the employees the use of mobile phone, Such as HSBC Bank and Lloyds TSB bank in the United Kingdom. (Monthathip Panos, 2009). Although the internet has advantages, the internet has some disadvantages. Use the internet impact on the amount of time spent by a person with family and friends. Children and young people are more likely than others to use the internet has reduced the time spent with family and friends. In addition the use of internet altered the amount of time spent by a person in the amusements of other, such as TV viewing, reading, sport and social outings (Monthathip Panos, 2009). Impact the communication technology on Generation This rapid development in communication technology has increased concern for our future generation. If there are adverse health effects of mobile phone use is not clear at this time. Although if there is any side effect will be more severely affected on children, because their nervous system still continues to grow. It will be affected tissues of the head for more energy, especially with the length of exposure. It is believe that the diffusion of mobile phone use by children should be avoided especially for non-essential. Also Still mobile technology is relatively new. This is why the scientists and researchers in all over the world are conducting studies and research in an attempt to understand the effects of this small device.

Sunday, October 13, 2019

The Decision: Finding the Right College Essay -- Informative, College

A student sifts through stacks of once enticing, but now monotonous mail. They all seem to have the same message, pleading with the student to consider attending their school. The letters outline details about certain features the school has that may make them stand out among the crowd. Most of the schools are ones that the student has never even heard of. The student, tired of looking through these boring letters, decides to go online and look at some of the colleges that caught their eye. A student and his parents sit across from each other at the dining room table. Laid out in front of them are papers detailing different college’s financial outlook. They discuss the pros and cons of each school, and talk about how money is a factor to where he goes. Somewhere across the country, a prospective student-athlete is on the phone with a coach from the basketball team. The coach is telling the student all about what the school offers for their major and what kind of players they a re trying to recruit. The coach also asks the student questions about normal life as well, trying to establish a solid relationship which can make or break the recruitment process. Leaves are falling on the sidewalk as a different student tours a potential college. He tours all the main buildings while tossing questions at his tour guide about life on campus. The future can be frightening. For many high school students around the world, the future contains going on to college. This decision of where to go to college can be a time-consuming, mentally exhausting, and plain difficult decision. There are multiple ways this can be done. Every school has an on-line website and sends out mail. By scanning through these, students can get a feel for the school is like... ...d it. By having a plan, the student can save themselves hours of stress because they will not have to go through and research every little detail as their senior year comes to a close. The smartest way to go about making a decision is to make at least one college visit. No letter, web page, or phone call can supersede actually experiencing the college. This is not to say the only item a student should worry about taking tours of colleges. It takes a combination of multiple items to come to a solid and final conclusion on where to go to college. While it may be formidable for a student to think about choosing where to continue college, it can also be an enjoyable process because they student can, for the, decide what kind of experience they want. Students should not be afraid, they need to embrace the process and be ready to enjoy the next four years of their lives. The Decision: Finding the Right College Essay -- Informative, College A student sifts through stacks of once enticing, but now monotonous mail. They all seem to have the same message, pleading with the student to consider attending their school. The letters outline details about certain features the school has that may make them stand out among the crowd. Most of the schools are ones that the student has never even heard of. The student, tired of looking through these boring letters, decides to go online and look at some of the colleges that caught their eye. A student and his parents sit across from each other at the dining room table. Laid out in front of them are papers detailing different college’s financial outlook. They discuss the pros and cons of each school, and talk about how money is a factor to where he goes. Somewhere across the country, a prospective student-athlete is on the phone with a coach from the basketball team. The coach is telling the student all about what the school offers for their major and what kind of players they a re trying to recruit. The coach also asks the student questions about normal life as well, trying to establish a solid relationship which can make or break the recruitment process. Leaves are falling on the sidewalk as a different student tours a potential college. He tours all the main buildings while tossing questions at his tour guide about life on campus. The future can be frightening. For many high school students around the world, the future contains going on to college. This decision of where to go to college can be a time-consuming, mentally exhausting, and plain difficult decision. There are multiple ways this can be done. Every school has an on-line website and sends out mail. By scanning through these, students can get a feel for the school is like... ...d it. By having a plan, the student can save themselves hours of stress because they will not have to go through and research every little detail as their senior year comes to a close. The smartest way to go about making a decision is to make at least one college visit. No letter, web page, or phone call can supersede actually experiencing the college. This is not to say the only item a student should worry about taking tours of colleges. It takes a combination of multiple items to come to a solid and final conclusion on where to go to college. While it may be formidable for a student to think about choosing where to continue college, it can also be an enjoyable process because they student can, for the, decide what kind of experience they want. Students should not be afraid, they need to embrace the process and be ready to enjoy the next four years of their lives.

Saturday, October 12, 2019

Racial Diversity and the True Colors of Life Essay -- Sociology Racism

Racial Diversity - The True Colors of Life    Think of the world as a box of crayons. A box in which each color stands in its own designated space. Like these crayons, we each have different shades, tints, and most importantly, we all leave marks on our world when used. Some of us will leave a bold, vivid mark that cannot be unnoticed. For others of us, our mark is soft and subtle. Alone, each crayon can only achieve so much in the expression it can make. The way we express ourselves is limited to our own color that is made up of our customs, culture and experiences in life. It is not until we learn to mix our understandings, beliefs, our experiences, that a new color and expression can be made by each one of us. If we do this, the realm of possiblities for the box expands.    Being a freshman in a new world where all is overwhelming and completely foreign has presented its share of challenges. I have been faced with academic demands that I never experienced in my high school career. Socially, I have strived to find a place to fit in and find acceptance. The challenge I did not anticipate meeting with appreciation, however, is the diversity I have encountered in my first semester of college. For this reason, I have been prompted to take note of the diversity on our campus and to write this essay in an effort to emphasize its cruciality.    A man stands in the center of the quad preaching. In a voice filled with urgency and depth he preaches his belief that Jesus Christ is his salvation and the world's only truth. A young woman asks a panel of her peers, resentment and anger trembling in her voice, why she can not display her lesbian pride sticker on her car without glances of disgust... ...nd success and their place in the crayon box.    I realize the importance of the diversity on our campus and have a gratitude I never new existed. Never before have I embraced meeting my peers with a desire to explore a new culture or discover something about myself never known before. The girl who expresses her sexuality, the man who preaches his faith and the hippies who bead their lives are all beneficial to each and every student who passes them in their rush to class. For the first time in our lives we are trying to find our true identity. We are faced with adverse situations and ideas we are presented with for the first time in our lives. We look at our peers judgments and are forced to make our own. Through those, we discover our true selves. After all, how does a purple crayon know he is purple until he has compared himself to a red?   

Friday, October 11, 2019

Final Project Outline Essay

1. Slide One (Introduction): â€Å"Should there be a set of uniform moral standards?† Speaker Notes: With the way the worlds is today and as the younger kids begin to mature, they have not been taught morals and if they have been taught morals, they seem to leave them at their door step as they venture out into the world of society. In order for society to live in peace and harmony, the United States would need to create uniform moral standards where everyone would have the expectation of abiding by the standards supported by laws. 2. Slide two: Moral Standards Speaker Notes: Morals are described as how people should behave when it comes to right and wrong. Some moral standards could be absolutely no prejudice, absolutely no lying, and people must treat other people with respect and courtesy. 3. Third slide: Levels of punishment. Speaker Notes- Levels of punishment should vary based on the crime committed. When one has a first time offense, one should receive a lower level punishment verse someone who continues to be a repeat offender, which would deserve the maximum punishment. I strongly believe that if a set of uniform moral standards were put into place the world would be a better place. Crime and corruption would be down. Maybe they should think about the way that foreign countries have a â€Å"set of uniform moral standards,† such as if someone is caught stealing they lose a finger. There will always be people who will disagree to the standards but that is to be expected because some people just are set in there ways but that comes with the territory and they deal with the issues now so what would be the difference? 4. Fourth slide: Deciding Moral Standards Speaker Notes- Based on a voting system, a sheet containing morals standards would be dispersed and the ones that not voted for would be taken off the sheet. After a final review and decision, the U.S. would forward the sheet to Congress for a concrete decision and then become a law. 5. Fifth slide: Society and Moral Standards Speaker Notes: Society and Moral Standards would have to be implemented and given a chance to work before a proper judgment could be decided. Until this happens they would be looked at in a negative way. Even though our country is in an economic crisis, others are still moving here because their country is in worse shape than ours. With the way of the world today people are just walking around in a self-centered mode worrying about them and having no conscience of their moral or ethical accountability. Negativity seems to plague this world like a man-made disease. 6. Sixth slide: Retribution Speaker Notes: This seems to be the only way to get people to understand what is going on. Standards have to be set and followed and if they are not followed or laws are broken then the responsible parties that are disobedient to the laws or standards have to be held accountable and punished to be taught a lesson and possibly send a message to future people who intend to do the same. 7. Seventh slide: The Supreme Court Speaker Notes: Beings that the Supreme Court is the highest ranking court in the U.S., having them make the final decision on moral standards will send the message that the standards are set in stone and are not open for review. This gives the people a chance to vote and set their own standards that they themselves have voted in and must abide by. 8. Eighth slide: Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) Speaker Notes: Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) created the â€Å"Categorical Imperative†, in which he believed that practical reasoning, free will, and necessary action are what drives a person to do what they feel is right. 9. Ninth slide: John Locke (1632-1704) Speaker Notes: The freedom of religion and natural rights was promoted and endorsed by John Locke who was a huge activist. He felt that survival continued to breathe because of following God’s law that coincides with a  natural moral law. He was a firm believer of â€Å"do unto others as you would have others do unto you.† If people continue to live right then eventually God’s law will prevail. 10. Tenth slide: St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274) Speaker Notes: St. Aquinas was a Christian who made the Five Ways. These ways were a way that this philosopher looked to prove that God was real. Being a believer in God this philosopher had faith in what was right and what was wrong. Cosmological argument, moral argument, and the argument of design made up the Five Ways that this philosopher created. 11. Eleventh slide (conclusion): Speaker Notes: I strongly believe that if a set of uniform moral standards were put into place the world would be a better place. Crime and corruption would be down. Maybe they should think about the way that foreign countries have a â€Å"set of uniform moral standards,† such as if someone is caught stealing they lose a finger. There will always be people who will disagree to the standards but that is to be expected because some people just are set in there ways but that comes with the territory and they deal with the issues now so what would be the difference? No matter where we go in this world there will be people who have good morals, bad morals, and some just will not care. The bottom line is as a living species on this earth one must be able to improvise, over come, and adapt to their surroundings whether it is to their benefit or not. Moore & Bruder, 2008 Retrieved September 15, 2010 from Axia College PHI105 website

Thursday, October 10, 2019

Arranged Marriages Forced

Arranged Marriages Forced Although the modern social norms of western cultures expect marriage to be based on love and a strong bond between two people, this is not the basis for marriage in all cultures or societies. Although the greater parts of arranged marriages aren’t intended to be forced, the couples are given the chance to oppose their chosen partners if they don’t feel that the marriage would be a success. In other cases, the couples have no choice; it’s a sign of disrespect to refuse. Many people have a major misunderstanding of the arranged marriage. Many cultures world-wide have believed in the tradition of arranged marriages for many Centuries and some still practice it today. The best way to understand the reasoning behind such cultures is to put aside your own beliefs, opinions, and preconceived ideas in order to see more clearly before dismissing it has wrong. One of the most difficult changes to make in a marriage is the acceptance of your partners’ beliefs and or values compared to what you believe. And yet, in arranged marriages it’s assumed that the couple is perfectly matched, as the families of their son or daughter will choose prospective partners from the same culture, religion, and social class. The similar back ground can ease the process of good communication as well as reduce conflict in any and all decisions such as how the children should be raised. In many cultures the spouse will sometimes live with or in the same neighborhood of their partners’ family. In difficult times, this could mean that they have a strong social network on hand to provide support. In other cases, the interference from the family members or other people within the neighborhood may seem like they are interfering. On the other hand, when there are problems that need solved, having a person nearby to act as a mediator or counselor is beneficial. Contrary to the â€Å"old â€Å" arranged marriage, in which children are forbidden from choosing their own partners, the modern arranged marriage is not about being forced into federation. It’s about relying on their match making mastery of Mom and Dad (Holly McKay 2007). One of major criticism made of arranged marriages is that love takes a back seat and that the emphasis is rather a social standing and cultural back ground. These cultures tend to value the social and economic possibility of the marriage over the strength of emotion between the couple. It's important to understand both the distinctions between arranged and forced marriage and the fact that they sometimes overlap. While arranged marriages have brought happiness and stability to couples and communities, forced marriages are by nature exploitative and unequal (Amanda Kloer, 2009). They key factor present in an arranged marriage is the consent of both people getting married to be matched and married through a third party arrangement. (Amanda Kloer, 2009) Forced marriages are arranged, but without the consent of both parties –specifically, usually without the woman's consent (Amanda Kloer, 2009). It is often easy to dismiss concepts that we are not familiar with or that we do not understand, yet, by taking an open-minded approach, it’s usually apparent that any marriage contains just as many advantages as disadvantages ? Reference list McKay, Holly (June 29, 2009) Because mom said so: Are Arranged Marriages the next big Trend? http://foxnews. com/0,3566,287211,00. html retrieved April 11, 2010. Kloer, Amanda (September 8, 2009) Arranged Marriage vs. Forced Marriage. http://humantrafficking. change. org/blog/view/arranged_marriage_vs_forced_marriage Retrieved April 11, 2010.

Wednesday, October 9, 2019

The World Is Growing Smaller And More Independent Education Essay

Since the universe is turning smaller and more independent, there is a greater demand of planetary instruction. The universe is altering all the clip. On the concern and political relations web log ( 2010 ) I found the following interesting definition of globalization: Possibly the truest definition of Globalisation is in fact the fortunes of Princess Diana ‘s decease and how this account is brought to you. How come you inquire? Well, seek this for size: An English princess with an Egyptian fellow clangs in a Gallic tunnel, in a German auto with a Dutch engine, driven by a Belgian, rummy on Scots whiskey, followed closely by Italian Paparazzi, on Nipponese bikes ; treated by a Gallic physician, utilizing Brazilian medical specialties. You ‘re likely reading this on your computing machine, that uses Chinese french friess, on a Korean proctor, assembled by Bangladeshi workers in a Singaporean works, transported by Indian truck drivers, to a Grecian ship, hijacked by Indonesians, unloaded by Sicilian stevedores, and trucked to you by Eastern European drivers. That is true Globalization! You see, globalization is an economic, a societal and a cultural phenomenon! We all live in the same universe, so all of us feel the alteration. Specifying instruction and globalization Globalisation. Before we ‘re traveling to compose about the effects of globalization it ‘s necessary to cognize what globalization means. Despite we use the term ‘globalisation ‘ for a long clip ; it is still really hard to happen a good definition. In 1985 the economic expert Theodore Levitt described globalization as alterations in planetary economic sciences impacting production, ingestion and investing. It was a globalization of markets. The term was shortly used for political and cultural alterations. That ‘s because it can intend different things to different people. It ‘s like everybody has his ain vision of it. Furthermore, different civilizations have different outlooks of gustatory sensation and criterion. Actually globalization is non something that late emerged, but the effects became clear merely in recent old ages. At the clip of geographic expedition, a long clip ago, people were already working across boundary lines, the economic involvements were paramount. World War II did stagnate the universe trade, this is made clear by several economic crises. However, the procedure of globalization did n't halt. The innovation of the steam engine, the steamer and the train made longer trips possible. Furthermore, the innovation of the telephone made certain that it was no longer necessary to travel on a trip merely to interchange information. Many other developments, including the outgrowth of assorted media, but besides international organisations and improved substructure guarantee that globalization will turn faster and bigger. At the really get downing globalization was an exchange of goods. Trade was the ground for contact. Though the footing has still an economic motivation, globalization is besides a societal and cultural exchange. Internet made this distribution a batch easier. Fifty old ages ago it was customary to analyze at a nearby university, or at least nearby your place. Today one out of 30 pupils ( for a given period ) goes survey in another state. In many companies it is common for workers to work in another state for a fixed period. Because of this it is more possible to do contact with other people, friendly relationships and even relationships. Guest workers, who for economic grounds are located in another state, frequently guarantee that the whole household comes to populate at that place. These developments provide a more assorted population. figure 1 – All subjects related to globalization Beginning: ( hypertext transfer protocol: //www.bized.co.uk/ ) In figure 1 you see what globalization for illustration could affect, but in this paper we ‘ll manage planetary instruction. All this was made possible by a batch of different things, for ex. engineering, communicating webs, internet entree, growing of economic cooperation and motion to free trade. The cyberspace made it a batch easier to traverse the boundary lines, to work and pass on. The velocity of the intelligence through media is besides good grounds. How long did it take before we knew about the temblor in Japan or the events of September, 11? We frequently say that the universe is a little topographic point, it ‘s like we ‘re populating in one large small town. More and more goods are traversing the boundary lines. You do n't necessitate to travel to Spain for tappa or to America to purchase denims of Tommy Hilfiger. And when you ‘re traveling on a vacation, sometimes you will see goods from Belgium, like pears in Japan or Cote d'or in Austria. It ‘s besides possible to order goods from all over the universe on the cyberspace, it is still a turning concern. Nowadays it is impossible non to work over the cyberspace, it is assumed that every company has a web site and an electronic mail reference to acquire in touch. Factories all over the universe are unifying, so it ‘s frequently necessary to talk a batch of different linguistic communications. The free trade and the worldwide market detonation have led to the clang of some mills and a enormous growing of others. Vacations, music, nutrient, apparels, †¦ from different civilizations have enriched life. In the 21th century there are more adult females and coloreds in the working circuit. All this has besides a monetary value ticket: a turning fright, aggression, favoritism, biass, colliding civilizations, †¦ Political leaders from industrialized states are standing under force per unit area to protect the bulk from the turning minorities. That ‘s why there ‘s a limitation of in-migration and a reclamation of work license. For a long period globalization merely involved grownups. Childs have long been excluded. The last twelvemonth we get more and more grounds that this is altering. Like English to kindergartners or pupils on a joint undertaking working together with kids from other states. In every school, they say that the intent of instruction is to do kids or immature people ready to take a function in society. Education. After holding explained the term globalization, it ‘s besides necessary to understand good the term instruction. Education is more than traveling to school. Education is the key to growing and poorness decrease in a state. It is possible to separate between schooling, vocational preparation and third instruction in the national context and foreign instruction in the international context. Schooling includes primary and secondary instruction. Vocational preparation includes a preparation to exert a peculiar business or profession. Third instruction includes higher instruction in the state of abode. When a pupil wants to follow his higher instruction abroad, it ‘s called foreign instruction ( Labu, A. , 2009 ) . A good quality primary and secondary instruction is necessary for third instruction. Furthermore, good quality and appropriate instruction determines the development and productive employment ( Al-Samarrai and Bennell, 2003 ; Tye B. B. , and Tye K. A. , 1992 ) .Global instructionIntroduction As you see it ‘s of import to bask a good instruction, a planetary instruction, to assist out in this universe. Education is regarded as a public good. So first it is non-excludable: it ‘s a good for everyone, cipher can be excluded from it. Second, it is non-rival: if one individual usage this good, another is non affected by it. Education starts in the primary school. Primary instruction starts when you ‘re around 3 old ages old, it ‘s based on supplying literacy and numeracy accomplishments. After this, secondary instruction follows. In secondary schools it ‘s frequently possible to follow the last twelvemonth in another state. The phases of instruction are interlinked, good quality instruction is of import for third instruction. A good quality and appropriate instruction besides provides a good base for productive preparation and employment chances. Higher educated workers earn more, so more instruction raises rewards and likely besides economic public presentation ( Labu, A. , 2009 ) . The effects of instruction seems larger in low-income states, this might be consistent that it ‘s besides of import for the catch-up. The catch-up theory says that low-income states have the possibility to turn faster than others. The low-income states have a low capital in contrast with richer states. A similar capital injection in the economic system will hold a bigger advantage for the development states. Education and migration There are different pull and push factors for migration. Engage differences between states are frequently the most of import. Education is besides an of import determiner of migration. There ‘s an of import difference between lasting and impermanent migration. Carrington and Detragiache ( 1998 ) investigated the lasting migration. Their survey was based on the migration of 61 developing economic systems and 25 developed economic systems. They found that small or no instruction cause limited entree to international in-migration. They besides found that immigrants are better educated than the remainder of the population of their state. The effects of trade on instruction Trade can hold macro effects and micro effects. You can hold a macro consequence when it is necessitating that a state specialize in certain types of instruction. There ‘s a micro consequence when a state has to specialise itself in certain maps, where small preparation and instruction is needed. So we see trade can besides impact the supply of instruction. Trade can hold macro effects as the imports and exports shift the construction of the economic system, so states specialize in certain types of instruction ( Wood and Ridao-Cano, 1999 ) . On the other manus, there are micro effects of states that have to specialise in certain maps. Kaplinsky ( 2000 ) said that trade besides can impact the supply of instruction and act like a replacement or complement to national proviso. figure 2 – The effects of trade on instruction Beginning: Te Velde, W. , 1999. hypertext transfer protocol: //www.odi.org.uk/resources/download/1820.pdf vanaf P 37! Education as a concern The growing on international trade has its consequence on instruction. As the economic systems of developing states merge, the demand for instruction has multiplied. In the past nine old ages, higher instruction has increased with 53 % , worldwide there are 153 million university pupils ( Labi, A. , 2009 ) . Many companies, private and multinationals, have helped when there was a robust growing of demand of the educational private sector. The United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization ( UNESCO ) has identified that the private ( higher ) instruction establishments are the fastest turning sector worldwide ( Altbach et al. , 2009 ) . The outgrowth of digital, distance and practical acquisition makes clear that information and communicating engineering ( ICT ) has had a large impact on planetary educational development and promotion. The Apollo Group is a good illustration of a private company that is supplying chances for distance acquisition. There are besides educational related services and merchandises, like Smartschool and Blackboard. They give a really good service. Such merchandises provide schools with an intranet service. Blackboard connects pupils and instructors, so they can pass on over the cyberspace. Students can post messages and happen class stuff. Teachers can besides assistance with scaling and maintaining path of pupils assignments. Over 5000 establishments are utilizing Blackboard. Nowadays Blackboard has his portion of struggles. Some of them are traditional client service issues, but others are more of import, because of the new educational theoretical accounts. Many have expressed defeat and left Blackboard for rivals. Public instruction, course of study and teaching method Social, political, economic and environmental issues seem to exceed boundary lines. That ‘s why it ‘s really of import to make a comprehensive andiˆ interdisciplinary attack that gives pupils the possibility to make accomplishments to suit a scope of challenges. As you see, new cognition and accomplishments were added to the course of study as the universe became more complex. By advancing planetary instruction we increase our opportunities to vie economically with the universe. More than three hundred old ages ago the lone of import thing in school was reading en authorship and sometimes faith. Old ages subsequently there was besides spelling, math, Latin and a few scientific disciplines, but still merely a few kids attended school. Immigration, industrialisation and urbanisation placed new demands on the educational system. Because the mills recruited the kids from the farms as good the kids from other topographic points, the metropoliss became bigger and bigger and a different sort of school was necessary. This school was much bigger and pupils followed their course of study with age-mates. Secondary schools began to look, but they served merely a few. After primary school the male childs did the work of their male parent and the misss helped at place. Thingss like history and geographics seemed unreal and excessively far off. Even today it is frequently a less popular class. The engineering of the twentieth century changed it all. The outgrowth of the auto industry made it possible to work further from place. Besides air travel made the universe smaller. Everyone could maintain in touch by phone. Peoples became more and more aware of the universe. Radio and telecasting brought the universe into our suites In merely a few coevalss the universe was turning smaller and smaller. In the nineteenth century and even in the twentieth it was a large event for kids to travel to the market, but today they travel to other states. At the terminal of the twentieth century there were more people on the move around the universe than of all time earlier. There for it was besides necessary to make international schools. In the 21th century it is of import that there ‘s a planetary instruction. Teachers have the occupation to do pupils planetary citizens. There is no widely accepted definition. In the term planetary citizens you here citizenship, what means that you are loyal to your town or state. Within the planetary context it is necessary foremost to understand the local environment. Banks ( 2003 ) says that it is of import for pupils to understand how life in their cultural communities influences other. He besides says that citizens need the cognition, attitude and accomplishments required to work within cultural communities. It is no longer plenty to place and care about planetary issues, but we must develop empathy every bit good. Educators are still seeking to calculate out how to learn understanding and empathy. The International Baccalaureate Curriculum. The International Baccalaureate ( IB ) Curriculum is a plan that involves more than 3000 schools all over the universe, six of them are in Belgium. IB makes it possible to analyze everyplace. Parents who have to work in another state do non hold to be afraid that their kids do non hold any instruction. The International Baccalaureate has three plans of survey for pupils between ages 3 to 19. So they say, they offer an ‘international instruction ‘ . The International Baccalaureate is widely distributed, even in the remotest states it ‘s possible to happen an IB school. For illustration in Mongolia, one of the universe ‘s most stray capital metropoliss with a population of merely 800 000 people is the International School of Ulaanbataar ( ISU ) . We can state that pupils have entree to an international educational web, even in the most distant countries of the universe. Like all things in life, it is non without critics. Some people argued that the IB course of study was originally created that kids of diplomats could gain an international grade. So it could merely be accessible to an elect group of pupils. Others say that the Godheads of the plan have other culturally specific pedagogical outlooks, than are present in some parts of the universe. Charter schools. The Charter schools are primary or secondary schools in the United States that receive public money and like other school, besides private contributions. Charter schools are accountable to their patrons to bring forth positive academic consequences. There is some contention over the schools. A recent survey conducted by the Massachusetts Teachers Association found that it ‘s harder for pupils to acquire entree in a charter school. The survey suggests that a charter school merely wants the ‘good pupils ‘ . They even noticed that one out of two charter schools fresher will non do it to their senior twelvemonth. Some argue that charter schools do non force pupils out, but supplying a more strict course of study than other schools. Internationalization of universities. Universities all over the universe are working hard to go international recognized. They try to do this possible by making an international campus or international partnerships. The many motives for the internationalisation are commercial advantage, cognition and linguistic communication acquisition. Many universities are making satellite campuses in states around the Earth. The Erasmus Student Network ( ESN ) A is a non-profit international pupil organisation. Their mission is to stand for international pupils, supply chances for cultural apprehension and self-development under the rule ofA pupils assisting pupils. They have different spouses in 34 states. The Erasmus undertaking started in 1987 and in 1994 there were already 60 subdivisions in 14 states. They predict that in 2013 they ‘ll make 3 million exchange pupils. Virtual instruction. Beyond the creative activity of international campuses, there has been a push to supply online classs. Virtual instruction is presenting classs on the cyberspace. It is non instruction in a schoolroom face-to-face, but it can be associated with schoolroom instruction. Peoples do non hold to travel to the existent category to larn a specific class. It ‘s a signifier of distance instruction. It includes independent survey, every bit good as videoconferencing and other instructional engineerings. The World Bank and the UNESCO There are organisations like the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural organisation ( UNESCO ) and the World Bank who are working with developing states to supply support and expertness. From 1990 to 2009 the World Bank Lent over more than 7 billion dollars for instruction undertakings in 106 states. One undertaking is the Second Higher Education Project ( HEP2 ) in Vietnam. On the site of the World Bank ( hypertext transfer protocol: //www.worldbank.org ) stands, that the end is to increase the quality of learning and research to better the employability of alumnuss in Vietnam. The World Bank supports non merely higher instruction, but besides undertakings for primary, secondary and information communicating engineering instruction. Presently there are active undertakings in states such as Argentina, Cambodia and Egypt. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural organisation ( UNESCO ) works to advance entree to instruction. Many of UNESCO ‘s partnerships are with other UN bureaus, it does spouse with the World Bank. UNESCO besides works together with transnational corporations to assist accomplish its end, conveying instruction to all. A few possible transnational information engineering companies are Microsoft and Intel. They help to supply audience, engineering, partnership and the support for undertakings. Non-governmental Organizations In the past 20 old ages at that place has been an tremendous growing in non-governmental organisations ( NGO ‘s ) . Many of them want to recommend for planetary issues such as instruction, poorness decrease and human rights. Despite that these organisations are working at the basic degree, they have had an tremendous impact on the manner the universe is making concern. One of those organisations is the Women ‘s Global Education Project ( WGEP ) , in Senegal and Kenya. It was founded in 2003 and it says that everyone is entitled to an instruction, irrespective of gender or economic position. This undertaking will guarantee that adult females and misss can construct up better lives. Their main plan, Sisters-to-School, provides scholarship for misss to go to school. They are besides supplying tutoring in accomplishing an instruction. The Sisters-to-School plans impact more than 3000 misss, adult females and households. Three positions of planetary instruction in the United States It ‘s non of import to inquire what footings are being used in instruction, but more of import is to see what ‘s the vision and the intent and how it will impact our kids in the hereafter. World powers. This position assumed that the most of import fact of life was the struggle between world powers and the universe hegemony. William J. Benneth, who was the U.S. secretary of instruction, spoke in his address of 5 December 1986 about the demand to larn every bit much as possible about the universe. Those are the planetary duties of the United States as a planetary power. He suggested that planetary instruction should include geographics, foreign linguistic communications, some foreign literature and a good trade of European history. But most of import is that Bennett suggested that the American pupil should larn about American literature, history and particularly democracy. A restriction of this attack is that it ‘s non planetary plenty. There ‘s no instruction about other civilizations or other states. It is really an uncomplete instruction. Global economic. A 2nd position about the demand of planetary instructions handles the international economic competition. Here they say it ‘s non the planetary world power that ‘s the most of import, but it ‘s the economic power, the planetary capitalist economy. It was non the USSR they were afraid of, but the European Union who was quickly deriving economic land. This was non merely economic importance, but besides political, cultural, military, aˆÂ ¦ In 1950 the economic form of the United States was really healthy. But with the events of 11 September 2001 their economical universe crashed. After that some U.S. leaders saw international instruction as a manner to assist keep U.S. economic strength. So they established export instruction plans. The Congress considered that the economic public assistance will depend of the cognition about international economic system, the international accomplishments in the concern community and the consciousness of the internationalisation of their economic system. The southern Governors besides mentioned the job of ‘international illiteracy ‘ in the United States. This will hold a negative consequence on the ability to vie international. In November 1986 came a no-nonsense study that came right to the economic point: Americans have non responded to a basic fact: the best occupations, largest markets, and greatest net incomes belong to those who understand the state with which they are making business.aˆÂ ¦ We operate in a planetary economic system. There are no more guaranteed markets for our goods. We must compete-and to vie we must be able to communicate.aˆÂ ¦ We can non merchandise goods or thoughts unless we understand our clients and they understand us. The consequence was an increased accent in the schools on geographics, international surveies and foreign linguistic communications. There were besides the ‘sister-school ‘ plans and the instructor and pupil exchanges. They even recommended particular educational plans and aid to concerns ( Marciano, J. , 1997 ) . Humanity. A 3rd position is based on the humanity ‘s duty to the persons and the universe. It ‘s about assisting kids all over the universe to understand the mutualist nature of the human universe and besides larn how to hold a originative and responsible portion in it. It besides handles about the effects of doing picks. Not merely the effects to themselves but to the universe. So it ‘s really of import to command the values needed for doing responsible determinations. That ‘s why it is necessary to larn how to believe critically, decide struggles and work out jobs creatively.[ 1 ] Decision Global instruction involves more than merely a basic instruction. When the universe has changed our outlooks and demands besides changed. Students deal with societal issues that make connexions worldwide. Global instruction creates openness to the large universe. It ‘s of import that people know something about the universe and non merely about what lives in their ain societal circles. Global instruction goes farther than cognition, it besides focuses on accomplishments and values so kids take more solidarity actions. When instruction changed, it was of import to detect other signifiers of learning. It was no longer necessary to sit on a chair and watch the chalkboard. Nowadays it ‘s besides possible to analyze behind your computing machine, to make self-study and even to analyze in another state. All this has to be financed. Gradually there came more different schools, like for illustration charter schools and practical schools.Personal remarkAs from I was a small kid, I knew I wanted to make something with people. When I grew taller I realized instruction was something I truly wanted. When I was reading the text I asked myself if it was all planned from the beginning. The unusual thing of all is that about 50 per centum of my schoolmates are working now in the non-profit sector. Can a school or a clump of instructors truly force you subconsciously in a certain way? If I compare my instruction with the instruction of today there ‘s already a large difference. And if my parents saw my instruction, they were besides surprised by the large alterations in merely a few old ages. The twelvemonth after I was graduated there was a new survey, the survey of humanistic disciplines. As we have seen before I think that ‘s the grounds of the ‘third position ‘ . The feelings and motions of people became more and more of import and that was besides seeable in school. There even was a pupil group for the involvements of the pupils. Students could vote who would fall in the group. These pupils could discourse public issues and form things in school. It is even possible to make your last twelvemonth over in another state. Actually I think that ‘s astonishing. I ne'er did it, but if I had the opportunity to make it, I would! It ‘s a great experience that you ‘ll ne'er bury. In my unmarried man instruction I went to the Netherlands for six months. It was a good considered pick, because in all our classs we heard that in the Netherlands they are socially beyond us. The societal sector is more developed than here in Belgium. So because of my hereafter I made the pick to work over at that place. Presents, during interviews, I still hear it ‘s an advantage that I made that pick. Erasmus is non merely of import for larning more about the work, but most of all larning more about you. It ‘s a journey where you learn more about surviving, standing up for yourself, being critical and more independent. In my instructor preparation I besides learned that when you teach, everything has to come from the pupils. It ‘s non the undertaking of the instructor to speak the whole clip, it ‘s the undertaking to take the pupils in the right way. It ‘s non a surprise to see how school has changed the last old ages. It ‘s really logical that everything alterations after seeing what ‘s go oning and needed in other states. As the universe is turning smaller, more and more people want to go and work all over the universe. Because of that it ‘s really of import that the grades are recognized everyplace. It ‘s necessary that when you get your grade in Belgium, it ‘s besides valid in other states. It ‘s interesting to see how many organisations are involved in instruction. As a instructor you frequently merely see what ‘s go oning in the schoolroom or inside the school, but everything around it is really unseeable. School is more than merely a instructor, some pupils, a chalkboard and some books. It truly is a concern.