Monday, September 30, 2019

How Did Black Churches Function During the Antebellum Period?

Essay: How did black churches function during the antebellum period? Frederick Douglas, perhaps, said it best when he mentioned that the AME Mother Bethel Church in Philadelphia, obviously being a black church, was â€Å"the largest church in the Union,† with up to 3,000 worshipers every Sunday. This fact, along with black churches being the most influential institution in the antislavery movement (even more so than black conventions and newspapers) gave the religious aspect of the movement a powerful advantage. With very few exceptions, most leading black abolitionists were ministers. A few black ministers, such as Amos N. Freeman of Brooklyn, New York, even served white antislavery congregations. Black Churches also provided forums for abolitionist speakers and meeting places for predominantly white antislavery organizations, which frequently could not meet in white churches. Black church buildings were community centers. They housed schools and meeting places for other organizations. Antislavery societies often met in churches, and the churches harbored fugitive slaves. All of this went hand in hand with the community leadership black ministers provided. They began schools and various voluntary associations. They spoke against slavery, racial oppression, and what they considered weaknesses among African Americans. However, black ministers never spoke with one voice. Throughout the antebellum decades, many followed Jupiter Hammon in admonishing their congregations that preparing one’s soul for heaven was more important than gaining equal rights on earth. Most black Baptist, Presbyterian, Congregationalist, Episcopal, and Roman Catholic congregations remained affiliated with white denominations, although they were rarely represented in regional and national church councils. For example, the Episcopal Diocese of New York in 1819 excluded black ministers from its annual conventions, mentioning that African Americans â€Å"are socially degraded, and are not regarded as proper associates for the class of persons who attend our convention. † Not until 1853 was white abolitionist William Jay able to convince New York Episcopalians to admit representatives. Under the influence of a wave of religious revivalism, evangelicals carried Christian morality into politics during the 1830s. Religion, of course, had always been important in America. During the antebellum period, a new, emotional revivalism began. Known as the Second Great Awakening, it lasted through the 1830s. It led laymen to replace established clergy as leaders and seek to impose moral order on a turbulent society. In conclusion, clergy used their pulpits to attack slavery, racial discrimination, proslavery white churches, and the American Colonization Society (ACS).

Sunday, September 29, 2019

The Fukushima Nuclear Plant

The Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant was built in Okuma, Fukushima, to provide Japan with electricity. The plant consists of six nuclear reactors that were built during different times in the 1970s. The reactors were built close together primarily because finding a new location would make a new reactor very expensive, compared to the addition of a new reactor. The plant was constructed near the sea because nuclear plants consumes massive amount of waters just for its cooling needs and also for steam generation which then drives turbines that generate electricity. The various reactors serviced different companies and suppliers including General Electric, Toshiba, and Hitachi. On March 11th, 2011, an earthquake and subsequent tsunami caused a series of equipment failures, nuclear meltdowns and releases of radioactive materials. According to the International Business Times (Australia) â€Å"Fukushima is not the worst nuclear accident ever but it is the most complicated and the most dramatic disaster. † (IBT, 01) On April 2011 The Nuclear Institute rated the disaster a Level 7 â€Å"Major Accident† on the International Nuclear Event Scale. The International Nuclear Event Scale How the reactors were damaged An earthquake of magnitude 9. 0 on a Richter Scale initially damaged the reactors. According to the World Nuclear Association, reactor 4 had been de-fueled while reactors 5 and 6 were in cold shutdown for planned maintenance. Immediately after the earthquake, the remaining reactors 1-3 shut down automatically and emergency generators came online to power electronics and coolant systems. However, a tsunami rapidly followed the earthquake, flooding the low-lying rooms in which the emergency generators were housed. The flooded generators failed, cutting power to critical pumps, which must continuously circulate coolant water through a nuclear reactor for several days after being shut down in order to keep the plant from melting down. As the pumps stopped, the high radioactive decay produced in the first few days after the shutdown caused the reactors to overheat. The overheating led to the meltdown of the reactors. General Risks of Nuclear Plants Even without a natural disaster such as an earthquake followed by a tsunami, a Fukushima-like nuclear accident can occur at any nuclear power plant that relies on water for cooling. Nuclear power reactors today are fueled mostly with uranium, which undergoes a fission chain reaction, releasing heat and creating radioactive fission products, plutonium, and other transuranic elements. After a time, the concentration of chain-reacting isotopes drops to the point where the fuel is considered â€Å"spent† and has to be replaced with fresh fuel. The â€Å"spent† fuel has to be stored in pool basins allowing the heat and radiation level to decrease. After the fuel has cooled, it may be transferred to massive air-cooled dry casks for storage on-site or in a centralized facility. Unlike fossil fuels, nuclear power plants do not emit smoke, sodium dioxide, nitrogen oxide, or CO2 to the atmosphere. However, because of the use of Uranium, all nuclear power plants release radioactive waste, which stays radioactive from thousands of years and is therefore very dangerous. The typical method of storing nuclear waste is to house it in steel-lined concrete basins filled with water. The nuclear power industry’s leading innovators are currently considering alternatives such as moving the nuclear waste to off-site storage facilities, but this raises the problem of transporting the hazardous material. The escape of radioactive material from the nuclear reactor is very dangerous. Leakage can occur in the following situations: through small releases during routine plant operation, accidents in nuclear power plants, accidents in transporting radioactive materials, and escape of radioactive material from confinement systems. After the radioactive material escapes it could end up in our ecosystem via the atmosphere, the ground, or even the water. According to America on Radiation Alert: Japan Faces World's Worst Nuclear Accident since Chernobyl as Experts Warn Fallout May Reach U. S. Japan’s nuclear disaster in 2011 caused several countries to reconsider their use of nuclear energy. Precautions that could have prevented the Disaster The original site for the Fukushima plant was a bluff 35 meters above sea level, but high costs prevented construction at this altitude. The plant had to be built on a rock to assure stability of land, so Kajima, the plant’s constructor, decid ed to lower the level of the bluff by 25 meters to reduce the cost of extra pipes to reach ground rock. However, Kajima did not take into consideration the possibility that a Tsunami could be higher than 10 meters. Lowering the height of the cliff was considered one of the main facts associated with the damage according to the International Atomic Energy Agency. The tsunami caused water to flow into the nuclear plant, flooding the lower emergency generators with seawater, and causing the power supply to fail. The plant was built in a geographical location that is vulnerable to earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunamis. An earthquake, categorized as 9. 0 on a Richter scale, caused a tsunami of magnitude 8. 9 Richter Scale. At the time the plant was built, theories regarding plate tectonics were relatively new. Had geologists and other scientists been more familiar with the causes of earthquakes, especially in that region, the plant might have been built on another, safer site. However, relocating the nuclear plant is the cost effective, time consuming, most locations have similar features because Japan is found on fault lines. The plants current existing location is conductive in helping cool the nuclear plants (water is taken from seas/rivers and circulated†¦ that’s why it was on the shore). The damaged reactors cut power to the critical pumps, which failed to circulate coolant water through the nuclear reactors for several days, allowing it to melt down. The high radioactive heat decay produced in the last few days of the disaster had to be cooled. At that point, only the prompt flooding of the reactors with seawater could have cooled the reactors quickly enough to prevent meltdown, but the decision to allow flooding was delayed because it would ruin the costly reactors permanently. Only after a long delay, the Japanese government ordered the reactors to be flooded with seawater. A meltdown could have been prevented if they had acted sooner. Alternatively, the disaster could have been prevented if the emergency generators were located in the upper levels of the plant. This would have prevented the flooding and kept the emergency generators in operation. If the generators had not been flooded with seawater the nuclear reactor could have maintained cooling operations and a nuclear meltdown could have been avoided. Finally, certain safety precautions could have prevented this type of disaster at Fukushima. One, properly trained personnel are, in my opinion the main issue to be addressed. The American Nuclear Society approved that unlike the United States, â€Å"Japan rarely tests the limits of the system and training of personnel† All which lacked training† (ANS, 02). Two, many structural and managerial precautions could have been implemented to protect against natural disasters; â€Å"there were serious problems with accident management and with risk communication and crisis communication† (ANS, 04). Most nuclear power plants nowadays practice these basics and have regulation checking’s and visiting taking place. Conclusion on Fukushima. One could make the argument that the nuclear reactor accidents could have been attributed to at least some level of human error. However, the consensus seems to be that the disaster was caused for the most part by the natural occurrence of the earthquake and tsunami. On October 12th, 2012, a Japanese Nuclear Plant Operator admitted on CNN for the first time that â€Å"TEPCO has failed to take stronger measures to prevent disasters. † Tokyo Electric Power Co. said in a statement that paying closer attention to better-trained employees, international standards and recommendations could have prevented the disaster. TEPCO’s president said to TEPCO’s press release that â€Å"these implementations could have saved us from the accident if we turn the clock back. ’’ Newly designed reactors For the past few years, nuclear plants have been undergoing an extensive process of redesign. Newly built reactors are designed more safely, so that they do not need electrical power to shut down safely; they are relying less on pumps and valves, and more on natural heat. In addition, advanced digital operation will do away with the requirement of a human controller for 72 hours, and the main core will remain cool because of a containment cooling system. According to the World Nuclear Association, â€Å"Additional safety measures have been installed at nuclear power plants nationwide since the accident under the government’s instructions. † Such measures include enhanced seawalls, additional backup power and cooling water sources, the storage of radioactive waste on dry land, and the development of better crisis management training. Nuclear power plants/stations are statistically safe because disasters rarely happen. However, when nuclear disasters happen they cause massive destruction.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

The First Part Last

Imagine being a teen adult who has to deal with a baby, go to school, and work. Well, that's what Bobby has to deal with when his girlfriend has a baby and she leaves him. Bobby's experience as a teen adult and teen adults in the media care for and do things differently. Bobby's and the teen adults' lives have changed ever since a baby entered their lives. Nothing will be the same? First of all, Bobby has to take care of the baby all on his own without his spouse, while the teen adults on the media at least have their spouse or family to help them.For example, when Bobby found out that he got Naira pregnancy he was scared at first and shocked. But when his parents found out they told him that they were not going to help. Also, later on, Naira wasn't okay with It so she left Bobby to continue her life. Bobby was all alone with the baby! In addition, Bobby's world turned upside down when the baby came Into his life; as did the teen parents in the media. For Instance, Bobby couldn't do all the cool things he used to do with his friends. His friends didn't care though because they understood his problem.The teen parents In the media will try to do the opposite ND pretend that they never had a baby in the first place. People will do whatever It takes to take care of a baby or Just drop It out of their head like It doesn't even exist. In conclusion, parent, young or old, have babies and those babies are their responsibilities no matter how much It changes your life. Teen parents and Bobby have lives that have changed throughout their life. While teen parents go help from family or their spouse, Bobby only got friends and a babysitter. The moral of Bobby's and the teen parents' stories are to expect the unexpected and be prepared when It comes.

Friday, September 27, 2019

Business law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Business law - Essay Example Under the element of ‘agreement’, several aspects must be established to activate demonstrate a consensus on some of the major terms of the exchange: 1. Offer. There must be an offer for sale under clearly stipulated terms which includes a full description of the item(s) of exchange.The offer must be complete. Ordinarily this would include a description of the item(s) for exchange, nature of the item(s), the cost or price and any other sale-related features such as payment details. 2. Acceptance. The parties involved in the intended exchange must accept the offer as stipulated and communicate this acceptance within the period in which the offer still exists. Acceptance of the offertory terms becomes invalid when a counter-offer is made and allowed by the parties involved. 3. Genuine consent. Parties to the contract must have contractual capacity an additionally must freely enter into the contract. Elements of duress, mistakes and misrepresentation may render the acceptan ce void and thus, the contract too. Step III: Applications of the Rule of Law to Case Facts 1. Offer. Sally’s initial offer is for a dashing green Cadel Evans â€Å"GF† model bicycle at a cost of $6,000 payable upon delivery. The offer’s duration has not been expressively stated. ... Peter’s acceptance is conditioned on acceptance of his counter-offer and a communication thereof within the closure of business the following day. His liability becomes questionable at this juncture. 3. Genuine consent. By responding to the offer, both Peter and Burt are aware that they are entering into contractual obligations. There is however an element of duress on Sally’s part that may render her consent void. She hastens the delivery of the bicycle to Peter’s premises to make the amount duly payable for fear of foreclosure by the bank on her outstanding mortgage payment amounting to $4,000. 4. Contractual capacity. Their contractual capacity is valid as they have both attained the majority age. Conclusion Sally cannot draw a suit against Burt for any breach of contract since he expressly denied acceptance of the adjusted $5,000 for the bicycle and communicated it in reasonable time to sally.The contract therefore does not exist between the two individuals.S he might have had a claim against Peter except that it might be proved that there was lack of a genuine intent by sally to provide reasonable time for Peter to communicate and finalize the sale agreement i.e. It can be interpreted that Sally only entered into the contract to transfer her liability from the due mortgage and foreclosure to Peter. At Law, no contract can be valid if it is entered into with malicious intentions. However, ignoring the performance of the contract, Sally can enforce legal action against Peter as per the $ 4,000 under the contract for sale since there was implied agreement through their email discussion that instructed the seller to make delivery of the bicycle as soon as his

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Research and Discussion on Business Crimes, Business Torts, and Essay

Research and Discussion on Business Crimes, Business Torts, and Product Liability - Essay Example On the other hand, an unintentional tort usually negligence, is one based on carelessness rather than deliberate criminal activity, perhaps for economic gain. Usually the claimant has to prove the defendant was negligence and this negligence was the proximate cause of his damage and/or injuries. However, in certain cases a substance such as a chemical may be considered inherently very dangerous and if it escapes and this cause damages/injuries a court may impose strict liability, meaning that the claimant does not have to prove the defendant was negligent. Rather the defendant is assumed to be negligent even though the exact cause of the incident is undetermined, unless they can show an outside force such as a natural disaster caused the incident and even with the best loss prevention and safety practices there is no way it could have been prevented. A common basis for a negligence action is premises liability. (Findlaw) A business must ensure that its’ premises is safe for its’ customers and others to reduce the possibility of slip and fall claims and injuries/damages resulting from other hazards. For example, grocery stores must try to keep their floors clear of fallen produce. Those stores in states prone to severe winter conditions must ensure their parking lots and sidewalks are regularly cleared of hazardous snow and ice. Other hazards that could give rise to successful liability claims are inadequate lighting, too narrow aisles especially with heavy stock piled nearby which could fall on customers, stairs without proper handrails, too steep risers, poorly maintained or without warning signs and/or contrasting colors to mark their presence. The duty of a frontline manager in a retail outlet is to anticipate possible hazards on his premises and promptly take steps to eliminate them or at least to reduce them as much as possible. Depending on the hazard, this can be achieved in

What Is So Important About Jerusalem Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

What Is So Important About Jerusalem - Essay Example At the beginning of the twentieth century, British forces captured Jerusalem from the Turks. Following this capture, the British troops pledged that they would conserve all religious sites and places of worship in the holy city. In the same era, Chaim Weizmann, a Zionist purchased the area surrounding the wall in order to make it accessible to other Jews. This event shows that the Jews were willing and able to sacrifice their wealth in order to gain access to the western wall. Christianity: Church of the Holy Sepulchre is an ancient church in Old City of Jerusalem. The church is believed to be the site of Jesus’ burial and resurrection. The church has an extensive history that stretches all the way from the 4 century AD. Currently, the church serves as the control center for Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem. The control of the church and adjacent land is under the control of several Christian churches around the world. The church is believed to be the center of key phenom enon and sites in the Christian faith that include Golgotha, the hill of Calvary, and the original cross of Jesus. The church is of immense significance to Christian of all ages. Being the main Christian establishment in the holy land, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher is of interest to many world leaders. Moreover, the church was the target of crusaders who travelled from Europe to the holy land6. The church was an important symbol in ancient early civilization and it was destroyed and reconstructed many times. For example, the churchy was demolished by the Persians in 614 AD under the command Khosrau II. The church underwent numerous demolitions and reconstructions under various authorities. In the 7th century, the Persians invaded Jerusalem and removed the Cross-from Church of the Holy...Recent archeological evidence has revealed that the wall was not completed during Herod’s reign. The studies have revealed that constructions may have been completed at the end of the seven the century. The wall and the temple courtyard that it encloses have been a pilgrimage site for the Jews over the centuries. Since the establishment of the Zionist movement, the wall has been a major cause of conflict between Jews and Muslims3. Both the Muslims and the Jews claim right of ownership including the right to worship and pilgrimage to the wall and the temple. Indeed the wall is a fundamental aspect of the Jewish religion. According to the Jews, King Solomon constructed the western wall and it serves as the only remnant of the first temple. The Jews regard the wall as the only accessible spot of the holy land. The site is the closest to even ha-shetiya (the foundation stone) located in the temple mountain4. The foundation stone is regarded ans the holy of holies and no one is allowed to set foot upon it. The Jews used to pray by the walls during the time of tribulation and it is believed that God heard their prayers. Through the ages, Jews of all age gathered and prayed beside the western wall.Certainly, there are many unknown facts about the holy lands and their significance to the future of humanity. Therefore, modern religions cannot be based on these holy lands.

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

My Old Neighborhood Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

My Old Neighborhood - Essay Example To start with, few years ago I went back to Benzie County found in Michigan State. This is where I grew up and made a lot of childhood friends. As I walked through the town from the train station, I saw various buildings that reminded me of my childhood age. Surprisingly, I bumped on one of my childhood friends by the name Christine, who worked at a law firm that was closely located to the train station. As the fate would have it, we got into a nearby restaurant where we shared a lot about our current lives and our childhood memories. Since Christine took up a job in Benzie County after completion of college education, she had seen a lot of transformation that took place in the county over the years. She enlightened me about other childhood friends who also decided to stay in Benzie County and also about political transformations that shaped the evident changes in the county. However, the stories by Christine were not striking compared to what I saw since I related what I saw to the memories of my childhood period. Firstly, as I was heading to the estate where I actually lived with my parents, I recounted how the tarmac road was well maintained by the local authority and plenty of vegetations were planted by the road side through a beautification program that was initiated by the then county clerk of Benzie County. In most weekends during my childhood, I spend my afternoons with my friends, at a section of the road that was not commonly used by vehicles, while skating. The reasons for using the section of the road were that the smooth surface was essential for good skating and there was an attractive atmosphere, which was cool because of the water used to irrigate flowers planted by the road. Apart from the road where I frequented for the skating sessions, there was a well kept playground located near our estate. The field was very attractive due to the presence of green vegetation at the edges and well trimmed

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Improving Performance Efficiency Among SMEs Via Accrual Accounting Essay

Improving Performance Efficiency Among SMEs Via Accrual Accounting Systems - Essay Example In direct relation to the aforementioned, accounting and organisational management scholars have determined that the right accounting software package can substantially contribute to organisational performance and the maximisation of efficiency and effectiveness (Hirst and Hopkins, 1998). In explaining the importance of selecting accounting software, Johnston (2003) highlights the concept of budgeting versus accounting. Line-based cash accounting software packages are only capable of measuring a firm's financial performance and position. Accrual based accounting packages, on the other hand, fulfil that function in addition to the more important budgetary one. Through the former, SME's may determine, not just their financial position, but are given access to invaluable data on the optimal division and distribution of organisational resources. Although, in this highly developed economy, there is hardly an SME which does not manage its accounts through the use of accounting software, few understand the imperatives of adopting an accrual-based accounting package as would aid in the adoption of a budgetary process which, in itself, will substantially contribute to efficient organisational performance and realisation of strategic objectives. Currently, there is an influx of accounting software pa... Currently, there is an influx of accounting software packages tailored to the needs of various customers. The greater majority of these accounting packages, as mentioned by Bresnahan et al. (1998), are based upon the traditional cash-based, line-accounting system due to the overriding perception that this particular accounting system is the easiest to use, on the one hand, and the most popular among SMEs, on the other. However, the market also provides a choice of accrual based accounting software packages, primarily used by the larger organisations (Bresnahan et al., 1998). These packages execute both accounting and budgetary functions. However, SMEs are often reluctant to adopt them, assuming that they are problematic to implement and difficult to use, on the one hand and that the size of their business concerns and activities does not necessitate the adopting of a budgetary process. Within the context of the above stated, the problem to be investigated is the exigencies of adopting an accrual-based accounting software package. In investigating this problem, the report will outline the strategic business value of doing so and outline a strategy for implementation. From a personal perspective, the transition to an accrual based accounting package will invaluably enhance an SME's capacity for growth and development insofar as it will provide it with the tools needed for the more strategic distribution and utilisation of organisational resources. Research Question (59 words) How can the adoption of an accrual accounting system positively contribute to an SME's operational efficiency and effectiveness Implicit in this question is the need to provide an answer which will measure the costs and benefits of adopting accrual based accounting packages, on the one hand,

Monday, September 23, 2019

E-commerce Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 3

E-commerce - Essay Example Users of internet-enabled mobile phones have higher chances of picking up more sales conveniently and ensure continuous contact with customers. First, participants have to check their current e-commerce sites on mobile devices. Checking site means going through all possible paths by conducting product purchase, testing a coupon code, verifying the zoom and pop out of a product (Oestges, 2011). Finally repeat checking to all mobile browsers such as goggle chrome and opera. A sensitive design is a web layout that is flexible for different devices such as laptops, smartphones and tablets. A web developer tweaks a web code and start up the process of designing. It is advisable to constantly monitor buttons, forms and all possible interactive elements to maximize interactions with mobile phone users. Usually, a constant checkout process gives more sales. Post the company’s profile and the product on the website. A welcoming phrase is highly appropriate. For example, one would say; ‘welcome to a new luxury fashion shop with amazing products that meet all customers’ taste and preferences’. You can make posts like; do you ever buy online with your phone? Why or why not? Wake up any store using your own mobile phone, ‘your fashion-your pride’. Some interesting adverts would carry the day across the world major communication platforms. Some adverts such as â€Å"The world faces a parading shift in business; today the world is marveling to enjoy the first ever easiest trading in the luxurious fashion† design over Mobile phone devices would enhance the establishment of the business in e-commerce. Some would read like, â€Å"enjoy luxurious fashion wear at your comfort; you only need to click on your mobile phone buttons to enjoy marvelous services.† You can make a subdomain and redirect anyone on a mobile device to your websites. For example, a site like hi-luxuryfashion.com can build a mobile website that resides in

Sunday, September 22, 2019

South African Breweries Essay Example for Free

South African Breweries Essay SAB has the leading position to produce and distribute both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. it’s been registered in 1895 in London and since then with momentous profit and prevailing market position it has develop its business in home sectors as well. SAB was fully incorporated in 1970 after the shifting of its head office from London to Johannesburg. Government put high restriction on the expansion and international business of SAB. From 1955 to the following seven years beer production was the highest taxed beverage and SAB had to respond to competitors’ acquisition and production and distribution rationalisation. In 1960 it took over Stellenbosch Farmers’ Winery and obtained brewing license locally for Amstel and Carling, Black Label and Guinnes which played major turn of its expansion. Within 1979 SAB could capture about 99 percent South African market alongside major control over Lesotho, Swaziland and Rhodesia. SAB was the first organisation in the country which published a non-discriminatory employment code in 1978. The Lion Match Company merged with SAB in 1987. SAB concentrated on developing three mega breweries in the country in 1990 and the invention of joint venture in Zambia, Mozambique and Angola followed in the following years. The company got dominance over 98 percent of market and faced a little left expansion in local business and tried to expand globally in 2000. It made its way to central Europe in 1993 with the acquisition of the largest brewery of Hungary Dreher. In the following year it established operation in Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, Russia and Slovakia. SAB had spread small business with Rolling Black Beer one of the breweries in United States of America as well. Then 2001 it expanded its business into Central America. In 2001 SAB had production of 77m hectolitres of alcoholic and non- alcoholic beverages and dominated as the fifth largest brewer in the world covering 21 countries. In 1990 the head quarter moved back to London. In this report i would like to narrow down my focus on SABs expansion globally by acquiring the second largest brewery of America; the Miller Brewing Company and having new name as SABMiller in 2002 and it became the second largest volume in the world. Though it is facing some profit margin difficulties in North America because its competitors are lowering down the price of beer. To keep up with the market over there SABMiller has to compromise with the margin of profit. Challenge for the Company No arguments come when SAB admits that South African market is fully dominated by them. Though it had made some tactically poor judgment while expanding in Hungary and US market. Among the challenges SAB faced were: In 2001 it acquires 58 percent interest in breweries in Hunduras and El Salvador which cost them US$ 500million. Further it spent a sum of US$5. 6 bn when it acquired Miller from Altria. To expand its business in Western Europe SAB acquired a major company in Italy named Peroni and spent US$ 270 million. In Africa SAB had to encounter problems when for low income in Malawi the industry does not appear to be set up. Again in Ghana SAB has made its entrance where there is already good competition between Guinness and Heineken. In Nigeria governments has imposed restriction on importing brewing materials as barley. So quality and consumption dropped sharply there. After the acquisition of Miller in US; SABMiller faced problem within six months. SAB had to go on with the existing CEO as head of SABMiller and later on the sacked him. Altria holds 23 percent shares of SABMiller. According to some experts debates SAB has spent too much for acquiring Miller. Again SABMiller is also facing difficulties to keep up in the competition with the competitors in US market. In addition to this in America the Beer market is in downward trend as the Americans are continuously and increasingly turning to wine than beer. This has adverse impact on SABMiller’s profit margin. Another market dominant competitor Anheuser-Busch (AH) upgraded its profit margin to 17. 3% by raising its production where Millers and Coors has (9. 3%) and (8. 9%) respectively. Then to compete with AH SABMiller and Coors went as a joint venture which has very positive impact on their business. Policy/ Strategy The long term direction and scope of a company which are aimed to achieve advantage for the organisation using its configuration or resources in a challenging surrounding is described strategy. In other sense strategy is – -The place where the business aimed to reach in time span. -The market where the business will compete and activities of the competitive market -The process of doing better in this competition -Required ability or resources How to get up with the external and internal environmental factors -The values and expectation of the stakeholders According to Henry Mintzberg strategy comprises five Ps: Plan, Position, Pattern, Perspective and Poly. Andrew (1998) states the term strategy in form of decision in a company which helps identifying and disclosing the target, underlying objectives and company goals. Strategy helps to create m ajor policy and plan to achieve company objectives. The range of the business to follow for the company is also described by strategy. Micheal Porter narrates strategy is about being different or unique. According to him within strategy an organisation purposely sets up a unique package of activities to deliver a mix of value. Paradoxes and debates around strategy The theory of strategy is an academic field which is diversified by many experts as they expressed on the base of different understanding. Thus theories derived from different experts have contradiction as well. Some of the renowned experts as Whittington (2002), Mintzberg (1990, 1998), Schendel (1994) and Kuhn (1996, 1970) have described strategy with the help of several schools. In this study i will try to focus on Mintzberg and Whittington theories.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Staff Retention in Nursing

Staff Retention in Nursing Arlena Davis, Stephanee Thurman STAFF RETENTION IN NURSING Introduction Staff retention is one of the strategies nurse administrators employs in preventing high rates of nurse turnover. Currently, the rate of nurse turnover is quite high, and this problem is more common in nurses at the entry level. The high rate of nurse turnover is one the major contributors of the shortage of nurses experienced throughout the country (Brunetto, 2012). Apart from prevention of nurse turnover, retention of nurses has a lot of benefits accrued to it. The strategy is useful in keeping nurses in a particular organization, and this helps to retain the skills and knowledge accrued in the process of serving at the organization. Other benefits associated with nurse retention include a reduced number of new nurses or â€Å"rookies,† thus reducing cost of training, fewer terminations that lead to reduced termination cost and increased productivity. However, the retention of nurses also comes along with increased cost. Some of the nurse retention costs include salary incre ases, rewards, bonus programs, ongoing â€Å"education and promotion,† among others (Ley, 2007). Therefore, as a nurse manager, it is essential to devise ways of dealing with challenges that arise as a result of nurse retention. Possessing the knowledge on nurse retention is vital for career development as a nurse manager. Hence, this paper provides an analysis of research articles regarding the issue of nurse retention. Staff Retention in Nursing Part A: Summary of Each Study Article 1: Retention Priorities for the Intergenerational Nurse Workforce by Wieck et al., 2010 The researchers in this particular study focused on the retention priorities for nurses belonging to different generations. The purpose of the study was â€Å"to conduct an assessment on the environment, job satisfaction, and desired traits of managers in a bid to improve nurse retention† (Wieck et al., 2010). As mentioned earlier, nurses’ retention is important in any organization since it helps reduce the problem of nurses’ shortages that is felt across the whole country. Work environment, job satisfaction, and qualities portrayed by nurse managers have direct impacts on nurse retention. As part of the methodology, this study was purely quantitative and entailed collection of data from 1,773 nurses from 22 hospitals. The survey was conducted online and included aspects such as â€Å"nurse manager desired traits, safety perceptions, nursing work index and job satisfaction† (Wieck et al., 2010). The findings of this research indicate that the satisfaction with work environment were high among all the participants. The satisfaction was highest where there existed nurse-physician relationship, and lowest where there was nurse control of practice, and younger nurses were less satisfied compared to nurses aged over 40 years. 40% of nurses involved in the sample expressed safety concerns. Additionally, 61% of all the participants indicated that they were planning to leave their jobs within the next ten years (Wieck et al., 2010). In order to halt the alarming findings contained in this research, the researchers assert that health organizations should create model managers since the characteristics of the manager are among the major factors influencing nurse retention. Hence, it important for nurse managers to possess qualities that promote a good working relationship with the nursing staff. The nurse managers should empower the staff nurse councils, which are very useful in advancing the grievances raised by nurses, hence improving job satisfaction. The other recommendations are revamping of the incentives, stabilizing staffing, and focusing on their safety during service delivery (Wieck et al., 2010). Article 2: Study on Nurse Retention by Brunetto The study aimed at improving the rates of nurse retention by focusing on the factors that make nurses stick into their professions (Brunetto, 2012). The study took three years, and it sought to determine nurses’ satisfaction levels concerning the relationship with supervisors, ability to solve problems during service delivery, and communication structures (Brunetto, 2012). The findings of the study show that nurses leave their jobs due to lack of autonomy. 20% of the nurses involved in the study felt that they did not possess the relevant skills to solve the problems they were facing, thereby forced to consult from their superior. This practice leads to erosion of the autonomy in nursing. Other findings indicate that younger nurses are faced with the greatest challenges of retention. Another factor that contributes to nurses leaving their job is random changes in the hospital management that complicate the work relationships between the nurses and supervisors. Well-organized structures in the hospital have the potential to reduce the number of nurses leaving their jobs (Brunetto, 2012). The insights contained in this study can be very beneficial if they are applied in a hospital. First of all, increasing the autonomy of nurses can help lower nurses turnover and retain more nurses in the hospital. In the cases where nurses lack autonomy due to lack of knowledge on how to deal with certain situations can undergo further in training to increase their knowledge (Brunetto, 2012). The supervisors should create proper working relationships with nurses. Good relations between the nurses and their supervisors will help reduce the rate of nurse turnover. Article 3: â€Å"Keeping Nurses on the Job: Retention is part of the Answer to the Nursing Shortage† (New York University, 2009). The purpose of this study was to â€Å"establish the factors that can help keep new nurses from leaving their jobs† (New York University, 2009). The topic of study was important because nurses turnover not only results in a shortage of nursing staff in the hospital, but also results increased hospital budget as the hospitals tries to cater for turnover costs (New York University, 2009). This study was funded by the Robert Wood Foundation, and it incorporated a sample size of 1,933 newly licensed nurses that were sampled from various hospitals across 34 states in the USA† (New York University, 2009). The results of the study showed that nurses stayed on their jobs based on factors that included perceptions of the working conditions, job opportunities available, personal characteristics and specific workplace attributes. According to the researchers, nurse retention can be useful in cutting the costs of running the hospitals. Nurse retention is also useful in improving patients’ outcomes since it increases the staff stability. Whenever the nurses are satisfied with their jobs, bear the organizational commitment, possess autonomy, and have opportunities for promotion, such nurses have minimal chances of leaving their job (New York University, 2009). The knowledge contained in this research article is applicable in addressing problems with nurses’ retention. Health organizations should try to create equal chances for promotion for the nurses. Some nurses should not feel sidelined for promotions whereas others are favored. As the results of the study show, the hospitals can reduce high workload for nurses in a bid to increase job satisfaction. Increasing job satisfaction can result in the high rate of nurses’ retention. The nurse managers should provide supervisory support in the efforts to increase the organizational commitment among younger nurses. Nurse Managers should also avoid some practices such as mandatory overtime since they lead to reduced organizational commitment (New York University, 2009). Article 4: â€Å"Effective Strategies for Nurse Retention in Acute Hospitals; A mixed Method Study† by Koen et al., 2013 Nurse retention is one of the best strategies in countering the problem nurse shortage within the organization. Therefore, â€Å"the purpose of this study was to examine the impact of nurse education, nurse staffing and nursing practice environment on the nurse reported intention to leave the hospital† (Koen et al., 2013). The study also sought to â€Å"provide best practices in the nursing care that can lead to a sound practice environment and thereby improving nurse retention rates† (Koen et al., 2013). The study involved 3186 bedside nurses drawn from 56 Belgian acute hospitals. The results show that 29.5% of the participants were planning to leave the hospital. â€Å"Two factors, namely, nurse work environment and patient-to-nurse ratio were among the leading reasons for the intentions of nurses to leave† (Koen et al., 2013). Further results indicate, â€Å"high performing hospitals with high rates of nurse retention had a participative management style, structured education programs, and career opportunities for nurses† (Koen et al., 2013). However, the study contains several limitations. The RN4CAST nurse survey conducted did not cover all the components. Important elements like magnetic force 11 were locked out of the study. The qualitative data was collected from six Flemish hospitals and thus it hard to make generalizations of the findings. Therefore, the knowledge contained in this research article is applicable in addressing problems with nurses’ retention, and this can be achieved by mentoring nurses and addressing their dissatisfactions in a timely manner (Koen et al., 2013). Article 5: â€Å"Exploring the Key Predictors of Retention in Emergency Nurses† by Sawatzky Enns, 2012 The objective of this study was specifically â€Å"to explore and describe the influencing and intermediary factors that predict the retention of nurses working in the emergency departments† (Sawatzky, Enns, 2012). The researchers employed cross-sectional survey designed in the collection of the data (Sawatzky Enns, 2012). The results indicate, â€Å"Engagement emerged as the most convincing predictor for intermediary factors† (Sawatzky Enns, 2012).The intermediary factors use in this case included job satisfaction, fatigue, and burnout. An inverse relationship was evident between â€Å"engagement and influencing factors such as nursing management, collaboration with nurses, available resources, and shift work† (Sawatzky Enns, 2012).There are limitations contained in this work. The purposive sampling method used can elicit biased findings. The other limitation is that the despite the fact that framework used in the research was â€Å"based on scientific evidence,† it had not been tested (Sawatzky Enns, 2012). In addition, since the subjects used in the study were drawn from the nurses operating in the emergency departments, the findings of the study cannot be applied in the entire nursing population. According to the findings of this study, engagement is a key factor in retainin g nurses working in the emergency departments. Hence, nurse managers should work on factors that increase engagements. Some of these factors include engaging the nursing management in providing guidance, collaboration with physicians, and shift work. Article 6: â€Å"The Mediating Role of Organizational Subcultures in Health Care Organizations† by Lok et al., 2011 The objective of this study was â€Å"to investigate the mediating role of the organizational subculture between job satisfaction, organizational commitment and leadership culture in health care organizations† (Lok et al., 2011). The study used nurses drawn from 26 wards in indifferent hospitals (Lok et al., 2011). The results obtained â€Å"shows that in the innovative ward, subculture was found to bear greater impact on nurses’ commitment and retention. In the bureaucratic ward, â€Å"subculture had a significant negative direct relationship with commitment† (Lok et al., 2011). On the supportive ward, â€Å"subculture had small but positive indirect relationship with job commitment, and this was achieved through job satisfaction† (Lok et al., 2011). Some limitations contained in this research calls for further research. In the first instance, this research is only applicable in Australia due to differences in culture across the different countries of the world. Another limitation is that the study was conducted in a hospital in which nurses spend long periods in the ward. Hence, in organizations where nurses move more frequently, they may not have adequate time to form subcultures that influence commitment (Lok et al., 2011). The findings of this research can be applied in healthcare organizations by creating an environment that promotes commitment. Servant leadership is critical in increasing the level of commitment among the employees. Hence, the nurse managers should embrace a transformative style of leadership in order to boost the level of commitment among the nurse Article 7: â€Å"Which Organizational Culture Moves Towards Organizational Excellency† by Gogheri et al., 2013. The overall objective of this study was to evaluate â€Å"the relationship of types of culture and the execution of organizational excellencies based on the EFQM model in government organizations† (Gogheri et al., 2013). 311 questionnaires were used to collect the data contained in this study (Gogheri et al., 2013). According to the descriptive data collected by the researchers, culture is a major determiner of the organization’s boundaries (Gogheri et al., 2013). Culture creates a stable and sustainable social system. The result findings found out that the majority of the respondents viewed culture as a label that is capable of connecting components of the organization through proper standards. The findings found it essential for nurse managers to understand culture issues in groups and the organization at large. However, the study was faced with several limitations. One of the limitations was lack of cooperation from personnel and organizations during the process of collecting. There were also some previous studies conducted on â€Å"the relationship between organizational culture and organizational excellence performance† that made the findings no original (Najmi Hosseini, 2006). According to the findings of this study, organizational culture is important in any organization since it affects goals and strategies set by the organization. Organizational culture can be a strength or weakness in the organization. Since nursing managers have an essential role of developing organizational culture, they should ensure they develop positive organizational culture that will impact the organization positively (Najmi Hosseini, 2006). Part B. Critique and Overall Summary The above articles address the issue of nurse retention in health organizations. The information contained in this articles can be successfully applied in addressing problems associated with retention of nurses in health care organizations. In the first article, the knowledge can be applied in health organizations by creating model nurse leaders and empowering the nursing councils. In the second article, the application of the insight collected can be done through increasing the autonomy of nurses, and this strategy can help lower nurses’ turnover rate and eventually retain more nurses in hospitals. The supervisors should also create good relationships with the employees. Nurse Managers can apply the findings of the third article by providing supervisory support to nurses during service delivery in the efforts to increase the organizational commitment among younger nurses (New York University, 2009). Nurse Managers should also avoid some practices such as mandatory overtime since they lead to reduced organizational commitment, and thus increased turnover. In the fourth article, the knowledge obtained can be applied by creating a more participative work environment where nurses collaborate freely with the management (Koen et al., 2013). Nurse Managers can apply the knowledge on the fifth article in healthcare organizations by working on factors that increase engagements. Some of these factors include nursing management, collaboration with physicians, shift work and resources (Sawatzky, Enns, 2012). The findings of the sixth and seventh research article can be applied in health care organizations by creating an environment that promotes commitment and as well as cultural sensitive work environment (Manojlovich, 2006). In summary, all the summarized articles are very credible, and they provide evidence-based practices that can be applied by nursing managers to avert the increasing problems associated with retention of nurses. Apart from the interventions identified in the articles, nursing managers can also address problems of retention among nurses by addressing shortages of nurses, adopting top-notch recruitment and retention policies, effective planning and use of the available nursing resources, and providing incentives that motivate nurses. Therefore, all the strategies identified in the articles when implemented effectively can increase nurses’ job satisfaction thus reducing problems of retention (Ley, 2007). Conclusion Nursing retention is an effective measure in curbing the problem of nurses’ shortages in heath care organizations. For nurse managers, understanding the mechanisms of retaining nurses is essential for the purposes of career development. This research paper has provided five articles addressing the issue of nurse retention, and two articles addressing organizational culture and it influence on retention. In regard to nurse retention, the style of leadership adopted by nurse administrator has direct impacts on the nurse retention. Hence, nurse administrators should create an environment that promotes commitment. In regard to organizational culture, leaders are largely responsible for developing an organizational culture and it important for nurse managers to use their positions to develop a positive culture that promote retention of nurses. References Brunetto, Y.( 2012). Study on Nurse Retention. The Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 34, 28-38. Duffield, C. M., Roche, M. A., Blay, N., Stasa, H. (2011). Nursing unit managers, staff retention and the work environment.Journal of clinical nursing,20(1à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ 2), 23-33. Gogheri, A. S., Nawaser, K., Vesal, S. M., Jahanshahi, A. A., Kazi, R. (2013). Which organizational culture moves towards organizational excellency. Asian Social Science, 9(11), 221-236. Koen, V., et al. (2013). Effective strategies for nurse retention in acute hospitals: A mixed method study. International Journal of Nursing Studies. 50(2):185–194 Ley, L. (2007). ‘Shortage of Nurses.’ Journal of medical practice. 3(1), 23-43. Lok, P., Jo, R., Westwood, B. (2011). The mediating role of organizational subcultures in health care organizations, Journal of Health Organization and Management, 25(5): pp.506 – 525. Manojlovich, M. (2006). Enhancing nurses job satisfaction through improvements in the practice environment and effective nurse physician communication. Journal of Nursing Administration, 36(5), 229-230 Najmi, M., Hosseini, S. (2006). EFQM Excellence Model, From Idea to Execution. Ronas (6th ed.). Tehran, Iran. New York University. (20130). Keeping Nurses on the Job: Retention Is Part Of The Answer To The Nursing Shortage. ScienceDaily. Retrieved August 29, 2014 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090330154802.htm Sawatzky, V. Enns, C.(2012). Exploring the key predictors of retention in emergency nurses. Journal of Nursing Management., 20(5); 696-707. Wieck, K., et al. (2010). Retention priorities for the intergenerational nurse workforce. Nursing Forum, 45(1), 7-17.

Friday, September 20, 2019

Properties of Heat and Temperature

Properties of Heat and Temperature Heat is the transfer of energy from one body to another due to the difference in temperature between the two. A hotter object placed next to a cooler object will always transfer heat from itself into the cooler object, until both objects are of equal temperature. For example, when we place ice cubes in hot water, the heat from the hot water transfers to the ice cubes. This transfer of heat energy will continue until equilibrium is reached between the hot water and the ice. Heat is a measure of the internal energy that has been absorbed or transferred from one body to another. It is not conserved; it can be either created or destroyed. There are two general ways that heating can occur: from a temperature difference, with energy moving from the region of higher temperature, and from an object gaining energy by way of an energy-form conversion. The SI unit of heat is the  joule. The metric unit of heat is called the calorie (cal), which is defined as the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one gram of water from 14.5oC to 15.5oC. The English systems measure of heating is called the British thermal unit (Btu), which is the amount of heat needed to increase the temperature of 1 pound of water 1 degree Fahrenheit. Some examples of heat energy are: chemical energy from the foods is converted into heating our bodies; light from the sun is converted to heat as the suns rays warm the earths surface; energy from friction creates heat, like when we rub our hands; in light bulbs, electrical energy is converted into heat energy, etc. What is temperature? Temperature is a degree of hotness or coldness of a body. For example, a hot oven is said to have a high temperature, and the ice is said to have low temperature. Temperature is the measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles, atoms or molecules, making up a substance. Temperature can be measured using a thermometer. It is measured in degrees on the Fahrenheit, Celsius, and Kelvin scales. What is the relationship between heat and temperature? Heat and temperature is not the same thing, but there is a relationship between them. When heat is introduced to a certain substance, its molecules start moving faster and collide with one another, which produce more heat and the temperature of the substance goes up. This implies that heat introduced to a substance, changes the temperature of the body. This relationship between heat and temperature can be explained by a property called specific heat,  c, which is defined as the amount of heat needed to increase the temperature of 1 gram of a substance 1 degree Celsius. Where  Q  is the amount of heat needed,  m  is the mass of the material,  c  is the specific heat of the material, and ΔT  is the change in temperature. From the above equation, the amount of heat needed is proportional to the temperature change, which means more heat will be needed to raise the temperature of the cool water and less heat will be needed to raise the temperature of the warm tea. How are they different? Heat and temperature are most definitely linked one another, but they are not same. Heat is the measure based on total internal energy, internal kinetic energy and internal potential energy, of the molecules of an object, whereas temperature is a measure of the degree of hotness and coldness of an object, a measure that is based on the average molecular kinetic energy. Heat is measured in joules (J) or calories (cal.) and temperature is measured in degrees on the Fahrenheit, Celsius, and Kelvin scales. Heat is an extensive property, while temperature is an intensive property. Heat depends on mass or quantity of the substance, whereas temperature does not depend on the quantity of matter. For example, if the boiling temperature of water is 100 °C, it will remain the same whether we boil one liter or 50 liters of water. But the amount of heat generated when we boil 1 liter of water is less as compared to heat generated when 50 liters of water is boiled to 100 °C. What are the various properties of a substance that determine its heat capacity? The heat capacity is the quantity of heat needed to raise the temperature of a substance by one degree Celsius. It is a measure of how much heat the object must gain or lose to change its temperature by a given amount. The SI unit for heat capacity is J/K (joule per Kelvin). In the English system, its units are British thermal units per pound per degree Fahrenheit (Btu/oF). The heat capacity differs from substance to substance. The amount of substance is directly proportional to the heat capacity. This means the amount of a substance (mass) determines its heat capacity; the more quantity of a substance or the greater the mass, more heat it would gain or lose to change its temperature by 1C. For example, it would take more heat to warm the pitcher of water by 1C than to warm a cup of water by 1C. The heat capacity also depends on the nature or type of material of which the object is composed; different materials require different amounts of heat gain or heat loss to change their temperature by 1 °C, even if they have the same masses. For example, it takes 1 calorie of sunlight to warm 1g of water 1 °C, whereas, it only takes 0.2 calories to change the temperature of 1g of soil by 1C Heat capacity might depend on the temperature of the object or the atmospheric pressure. For a gas, heat capacity would depend on whether pressure was being held constant during the heat gain or loss, or whether the volume was held constant, or neither.

Thursday, September 19, 2019

The Band Creed Essay -- Music Christianity Bands Papers

What If The band that comes to my mind when someone mentions abstract lyrics is the modern, popular, yet sophisticated group, Creed. I thoroughly enjoy their music, although not strictly for entertainment purposes. They have extremely creative ways of stating feelings, telling stories, and sharing ideas through the lyrics they produce. Their song, entitled "What If," is an excellent version of poetic writing that exemplifies mixed emotion and portrays an undefined depth in meaning. It is quite possible to interpret this particular song differently according to the listener's point of view and the personal background experiences that may influence their portrayal of the music. However, I see certain parallels to the Bible story of Jesus praying to God on the Mount of Olives. There are several lines that suggest the connotation of how fearful, anguished, and lonely Jesus felt before he was crucified. The very first verse is definitely the context of Jesus' pleading words of prayer to God shortly before he was betrayed and arrested. He was certainly in a state of depression, acutely aware of the fleeting minutes of freedom left for him on earth. The intense dread Jesus felt must have been overwhelming to him as he obediently kneeled in submission to God's will, desperately trying to understand His reasoning. At this particular time in the pre-crucifixion, it is only logical to associate the tremendous burden Jesus was going through with his great frustration of human ignorance and sin. Thus, the meaning of "not finding rhyme in reason, losing sense of time and seasons, and feeling beaten down, by men with no grounds," is explained to clarify the starting point of my interpretation. In the second set of phrases, the first two... ...e words of men who have no grounds I can't sleep beneath the trees of wisdom When your ax has cut the roots that feed them Forked tongues in bitter mouths Can drive a man to bleed from inside out What if you did? What if you lied? What if I avenge? What if eye for an eye? I've seen the wicked fruit of your vine Destroy the man who lacks a strong mind Human pride sings a vengeful song Inspired by the times you've been walked on My stage is shared by many millions Who lift their hands up high because they feel this We are one We are strong The more you hold us down the more we press on What if you did? What if you lied? What if I avenge? What if eye for an eye? I know I can't hold the hate inside my mind 'Cause what consumes your thoughts controls your life So I'll just ask a question What if? What if your words could be judged like a crime?

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Effects Of Video Gaming :: essays research papers

My heart hammered in my chest as I raced out of the doorway just ahead of another explosion. Fragments from the blast sent pinpricks of searing pain shooting through my nervous system and gave me a new spurt of energy. Screaming like a madman, I sped across the courtyard and then scrambled over a low wall, falling into what I hoped was some sort of temporary refuge. The constant string of explosions abated, so I attempted to collect myself and take stock of my situation. My injuries weren't all that serious, so I hastily popped a pain pill into my parched mouth and washed it with a refreshing swig of water from my flask. Noting an angle in the wall to my left, I scurried around a small shrub towards the safety of two solid walls at my back and the protective screen of the bush. And I found my salvation there, nestled in the shadows of a recess at the bottom of the wall. Like a jackal to carrion I pounced and scooped my prize up, then crouched in my obscure hiding spot. I tensely scanned through the leaves of the bush in front of me, alert for any hint of movement. My search was almost instantly rewarded, as my pursuer, howling like a banshee, burst through a pair of large wooden gates about twenty yards in front of me. I popped up out of my hiding spot, centered the crosshairs of my newly acquired rocket launcher, and squeezed off a shot just as he turned in my direction. I was close enough to see the look of bloodlust on his face turn to mortal fear in his microsecond recognition of this sudden turn of the tables. The rocket caught him square in the chest, exploded with a satisfying boom, and scattered shards of flesh and gore in all directions. I was safe at last... Right now you might be thinking that I am a covert agent for the CIA, or a bodyguard for a central American drug lord, but with either of those assumptions you would be far off of the correct track. I'm merely a member of the already large and still rapidly growing number of people who regularly play computer video games. Our group is often criticized because of the violent nature and graphic content of many of the games which are currently popular, however I feel that these criticisms are largely unwarranted.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Families, Transitions & Attachments Essay

A. Overview Families are interesting and challenging to both teach and research because of their variability and proposing new theories and conclusions derived from the thousands of experiences. By trying to centralize an ideology or understanding of one’s unique family, it becomes challenging to interpret or draw a universal conclusion or pattern of behavior that causes certain things throughout the other family unit. * What are the ways in which the relationship between Angela and her father has changed from childhood to adolescence? * Emotionally distant nor physically close or affectionate * Uses a different tone with her father—â€Å"silent contempt† * Envious of the mutual adoring relationship her father shares with her younger sister * â€Å"When someone compliments your parents it’s like nothing to say.† – Angela * Gives her Dad the cold shoulder and unappreciative * Quick to criticize and judge him B. Family Life Cycles 1) John Hill- described a systems perspective on adolescent development * In order to understand the changes in an adolescent, one must observe the parent changes, too * Parents are going through â€Å"middle age† — dealing with more responsibility at work, making them more stressed and distracted * Parents are facing the end of the child-bearing years * As kids reach adolescence and gains all these cognitive capacities, they become a force within the family (i.e. â€Å"a new roommate or adult moving into the family†) causing a need for adjustment, thus dramatically changing the family system 2) Beyond storm and stress * Not universal * Most adolescents do not go through this intense period of storm and stress; a good relationship with the emerging adolescent between their parent can lessen the intensity * More stressful for parent b/c they’ve invested so much time and energy into their child to then let it lead to conflict and arguments * With age and a teenager’s unlikeliness to just go along with what they’re told illicit more persistent and louder conflict (i.e. temper tantrum of an 8-year-old and a 15-year-old is completely more ‘storm and stress’ at different ages) C. Adolescent Autonomy and Relatedness (Initial Overview) 1) Seesaw Model * There needs to be a healthy balance between autonomy and relatedness (or dependence) relationship with parents and friends 2) Multi-dimensional Mode * There’s connection and individuality coexisting when the two aren’t in opposition with one another D. Goals of Attachment Theory 1) Beyond â€Å"Loving† Parents * Problem with this statement: every parents loves their children no matter the circumstances or their treatment towards them, therefore love isn’t enough 2) Everyone (almost) gets attached – Humans are hardwired to get attached to other people/mammals (due to our long period of gestation out of all the species) * Not everyone who is attached is securely attached [think of three different types of attachment and basis on the childs’ needs vs. the parents’ needs] 3) Assessment, Correlates & Predictions — Can predict popularity, success in romantic relationships, and attachment type when you have your own child

Monday, September 16, 2019

Sue Rodriguez

Sue Rodriguez- Assisted Suicide By: Monique Sue Rodriguez, once a woman who was lively and healthy women much like the rest of us was given the horrible news that she had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in early 1991 changing her life tremendously. Little did she know her fight for equality of life would create a milestone in Canadian Law. Sue Rodriguez fought long and hard to demand the right to assisted suicide, which at the time was illegal under the Criminal Code of Canada, being a punishable act for up to a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison. Ms.Rodriguez argued that Section 241 (b) of the Criminal Code (which prohibits assisted suicide) violated her constitutional right to life, liberty and security of the person under S. 7 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Unfortunately both the British Columbia Supreme Court and the British Columbia Court of Appeal dismissed her application. Sue Rodriguez at her final attempt of trying to grant herself the right to assisted su icide appealed to the Supreme Court of Canada, the verdict resulting in a five to four decision with the Supreme Court of Canada dismissing her appeal.In 1994, Ms. Rodriguez decided to take matters into her own hands, with the help of an anonymous physician Sue Rodriguez ended her life. Assisted Suicide is something I will never be able to give an honest opinion about, unless you personally have had a loved with a terminal illness asking for assisted suicide I don’t think anyone can voice if this practice is fair or not. Any case dealing with a terminally ill victim grasps compassion from people looking at the case, so I think no matter what most people put pity on Sue Rodriguez and jump to her side. Ms.Rodriguez under the Charter Section 7 deserves to be entitled to: ‘Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of the person and the right not to be deprived thereof except in accordance with the principles of fundamental justice. ’ This statement from th e Charter of Rights in this particular section is open to diverse interpretation, so in Sue’s case she views her ‘right to life’ as the right to end it in any given time if it is under her wish. I too believe that although suicide is illegal and punishable act under these circumstances (terminally ill patient) the right to choosing when to end our life should be granted. I do not believe that the correct verdict was rendered in this case. Although I can see where the Court is coming from, striking down the Criminal Code must involve something that is detrimental however when someone is undergoing tremendous amounts of pain I think that they should be given the right to Choose how they die. If an individual's quality of life is terrible, they should have the right to stop suffering. The Supreme Court may have dismissed Sue Rodrgiuez’s appeal; however the fight for euthanasia is far from over, there will be hundreds of thousands of cases similar to the Rodri guez case.In a few years the Court will see that this isn’t a matter that should be taken lightly, the laws must be changed to allow individuals the right to euthanasia /assisted suicide. Everyone and anyone should be entitled to die in dignity, although people like Ms. Rodriguez had to undergo assisted suicide behind closed doors I hope that someday people that are terminally ill will be able to walk into a clinic and choose to end their life if they feel so. I think this practice is legal in some countries in the world, but not in Canada because Canada is a country that embodies all aspects of law we are liberal, republican and conservative.The legal rights set out in the charter are there to protect you, and to ensure that justice is served in a just and fair manner, as we know Canada is a place all about making sure the law is served in a just manner so by letting people break the law stating suicide is a punishable act would go against the Criminal Code of Canada. Canada takes pride in the fact that we try to make laws as humane as possible, however there is just no way in ensuring that every citizen in Canada is pleased with all the laws.To reduce controversy amongst our country we have made assisted suicide an illegal act; however some countries have made the act legal under their borders. Countries like Belgium and the Netherlands have a more liberal aspect to them, so euthanasia and assisted suicide are legal. The main risk involved in legalizing assisted suicide is the uproar that would come from the public, if we think changing a law regarding a speed on a highway is going to cause chaos think about the affect a law enabling killing terminally ill victims would create.Like I said before, Canada prides itself in the fact that are accommodating and try to fit the needs of every Canadian citizen so by allowing assisted suicide and euthanasia we would be upsetting a lot of individual’s that view this practice in a negative way. Another con that would result from legalizing assisted suicide would be that people would take advantage of the practice, people with depression and other mental illnesses may feel that they have the right to undergo this practice. This should not be allowed to be a factor in a human's choice to die seeing as they are fully.Legalizing assisted suicide would be the start of a slippery slope that would lead to anyone, whatever their condition, being helped into opting for death. There is a fine line when differentiating between euthanasia and assisted suicide; both relieve a terminally ill victim of their pain and suffering however the only difference being the way the act is performed. Euthanasia is the deliberate act undertaken by one person with the intention of ending the life of another person in order to relieve that person’s suffering.Assisted suicide on the other hand is when the victim completes the act themselves with the help of a doctor or other individual. I believe that both euthanasia and assisted suicide should be legalized in Canada. We have made so many advances in Canadian law; it is long overdue for these legal issues to be allowed. Your body is your body and I feel that you may do whatever you want with it, especially under the circumstances where a person is under a vast amount of pain. A doctor or the government shouldn’t be the judge of whether you are allowed to end your suffering or not.What Jack Kevorkian did was something that will go down in Canadian Law history, it is amazing knowing that there are still people in this world that will look past societal norms and do the noble thing. We are given the right to work, have a family and choose our religion however when it comes to something as personal as our lives we aren’t given the decision. Above we looked at legalizing these issues for an emotional sense however there are economic reasons why euthanasia and assisted suicide should be legalized.These two issues should be le galized because all of the money being spent on trying to cure the patient could be going to use for something else. All of the money that is being spent trying to find a treatment for the patient and all of the medicine and machines being used to keep them alive could be being put to use for something else. Everyone should be entitled to quality of life, and if they are not enjoying the life they are in they should make the final decision of whether to end it or not. The kind of quality of life is defined by the patient, not the doctor or government.

Sunday, September 15, 2019

The Age of Information Technology

Before computerization era becomes a mandatory for commerce, employees used to enter and maintain information in books then they had to look up the required information and perform any calculations and designs. Such critical tasks are definitely prone to human errors that any employee could perform any miscalculation. Given the importance of information processing in the commerce, it is not surprising that business of any types was among the earliest adopters of automated information processing technology.Historically, daily operation in commerce requires high accuracy and reliable process that only a small group of staff can handle such tasks. For this reason, the use of computers in commerce or trade in any industries has deliberately increased year by year since they are designed to handle sophisticated tasks like storing and retrieving large amounts of information and at making calculations and designs at highest accuracy. 1. 2 The Coming of Convergence Era In general, communicat ion refers to exchange of ideas between two people or more and it is slightly different from that of telecommunication.According to National Telecommunication and Information Administration in United States, telecommunication relates to any transmission, emission, or reception of signs, signals, writing, images and sounds or intelligence of any nature by wire, radio, optical or other electromagnetic systems. In fact, telecommunication supports the way people communicate and vice versa, especially in digital era. The coming of digital technology, known as the representation of two binary digits: ‘0’ and ‘1’, few decades ago has enabled us to convert any kind of information (voice, data, and video) into other forms.This advantage of digital age, in turn, enables us to experience the era where people can communicate in many forms: voice (through telephone, handy talky etc), data (short message services/SMS, facsimile etc), and video (video streaming, video con ference etc). This situation refers to the era people call as the convergence in digital technologies. The convergence of digital technologies including television, telephony, and computers has stimulated the reach of the innovations of the Internet that grew from inter-university computer networks in United States.Furthermore, the growing popularity in those multimedia services, in fact, has increased the demand for Internet bandwidth. However, there has been no convergence on either the economics or the future policy framework of the Internet. While emerging information and communication technologies have strengthened the Internet community, we lack of economic and policy issues that must exist to sustain the growth and expand the scope of the Internet. I. 3 Why A Company Need Broadband Access? I. 3. 1 Definition of BroadbandBy definition broadband is a high-speed transmission. This word is nowadays common in telecommunication and internet industry to describe Internet access via cable modems or DSL (Digital Subscriber Line), which provide faster connection than dial-up connection can do. Although, the terminology of broadband has been around for years, however, we will encounter different standard concerning the speed limit that the broadband provides. According to Answer. com, there are scholars that define broadband as connection with T1 (1. 5 Mbps) as the threshold.However, others might refer broadband as high-speed connection up to T3 (45 Mbps). For instances, after the turn of the century, South Korea refers broadband Internet as DSL connection that provides up to 50 Mbps while they call 1. 5 Mbps service as light â€Å"connection† although other countries might consider the 1. 5 Mbps connection as broadband access. In short, we might provide analogy for broadband vs. dial up connection likes a brand new sports car and a horse drawn carriage implying the distant difference between the two connections in terms of speed.I. 3. 2 Benefits of Having Broadband Access Although the term of broadband has been widely used in telecommunication and computer industry, we might entice to find out what the real benefits of using broadband connection for both individuals and corporations. In an article titled â€Å"why do I need broadband? †, there is at least five obvious benefits for both individuals or corporations in relation to the use of broadband. They are as following: ? Broadband refers to â€Å"always on† connection.Unlike dial up connection services that demand users to wait some time to get their costly modem connected into Internet, broadband provide more comfortable services since they should not wait for connections or invest in costly multiple modems ? Since broadband is an â€Å"always connected† services, the charging method for subscribers of broadband access is fixed price per month. This situation benefits both users and service providers since they are able to budget their expense every month ? B roadband connection is also relatively easy and simple to install (depending on how many PCs require broadband access)? Broadband connection has no relation with the use of telephone lines so that individuals or corporations can employ the lines more effectively for other purpose ? At minimum, broadband connection provides users 40 times faster than dial-up. In addition, subscribers can choose the broadband option best suited to their business I. 3. 3 Broadband, What for Once an individual or corporation has broadband access, they might question what the high-speed connection for if they do not have specific need for such high-speed connection.Therefore, as broadband connection likes DSL is only a medium or a pipe, we should first consider what kind of information that they can deliver through the pipe. A good example of the use of broadband access is the Marriott, a famous hotel chain. They employ broadband connections for the benefits of communications between hotels within the ch ain and for the customers as well. Their objective in relation to broadband access is to meet the inflexible demands of today’s meetings and business travel. Depending upon customers’ needs, they offer high-speed Internet connections, superb sound and lighting systems, LCD projectors, and printers.Moreover, Marriott provide an extraordinary level of connectivity and productivity with their high-speed wired Internet access. Perfect for real-time, interactive training sessions, rearrangement event schedules, and carry outing safe chat sessions, high-speed Internet gets 50 times faster than dial-up modem services (â€Å"Onsite Services†). In this manner, we can view what the Marriot do is match the customers needs. This is true since for some people, wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or WLAN connection will make business travel more productive.It possible to gaining the flexibility and freedom to work and play on the go with excellent mobile performance and wireles s LAN ability with the new Intel ® Centrinoâ„ ¢ mobile technology Mutual with limitless mobile positions, a Satellite Video Conference can present us: ? Capability to communicate in real time – without audio or video delay ? Infinite location flexibility ? Protected data broadcast through encryption services ? Television-quality production and distribution ? The alternative to distribute live or prerecorded programming? Two-way communication when grouped with audio conferencing services (â€Å"Onsite Services†) II. J. MILOPOYLOS LTD In this section, we will provide the use of Broadband for the benefits of a Greece company named J. MILOPOYLOS LTD. Things to be discussed including consideration in implementing broadband and mobile network within the company’s network and its strategy to employ the broadband into full potential. II. 1 Background of the Company J. MILOPOYLOS LTD was founded in 1984. The company is the exclusive or sole representative and import er of the Swiss ice creams named Movenpick.Nowadays, Movenpick are in the category of premium ice cream, they are prepared from materials of high quality and are addressed in all the consumers primarily of high incomes. The distribution includes the market catering (packing of 5 liters) in selectively hotels, restaurants and cruiser ship and the retail market in certain supermarkets. Movenpick range includes also the homonym coffee that is imported and distributed in the same channels as the ice cream. II. 2 Consideration of Implementing Broadband for J. MILOPOYLOS LTDIt is quite to tempting to associate â€Å"right technologies† with sophisticated new machines, robots, or any interactive holographic assistants. It turns out that the right technologies for small business might be merely a desktop computer or simply a digital voice recorder, depending on the type of business we compete. Lisa Kanarek (2004), the founder of HomeOfficeLife. com and the author of some books on hom e office business, offers six ways for home or small business in deploying appropriate technologies that will increase productivity effectively and efficiently as follows:In this situation, therefore, technology will help J. MILOPOYLOS LTD to save time while increase the company’s efficiency. More importantly, once J. MILOPOYLOS LTD finds out the benefits of broadband for the company’s business, they should define what things can be customized by broadband connection for their needs. Therefore, they should learn how to benefit the broadband connection and take time to use it. Equipping office of J. MILOPOYLOS LTD with the right technology will help the company to increase their productivity.However, the technology in like broadband connection, PC, printer, fax, or any other electronic equipment, is only tools. The person using them determines whether the tools effectively and efficiently help completing tasks or just become expensive and cute decoration on our workstat ions. Furthermore, users are responsible for maintaining their data and desktop computers while IT department, if any, are responsible to provide and create any supporting applications that helps users completing tasks efficiently and effectively.Under such circumstances, the most important consideration of subscribing broadband connection for J. MILOPOYLOS LTD is to ensure that the company knows what the technology can benefit them, define and create value added services based on the broadband connection, and make sure that all employees know how to operate them. II. 3 Broadband Strategy for J. MILOPOYLOS LTD The advancement in communications and internet technologies has spawn a new model of the world’s economy, borderless economy. The terminology refers to the existence of cross-nations or even cross-continents trade, commerce, and other economics process.In internet era, companies need to remember that the Web is inherently global – when a company launches a Web si te, it is accessible by a worldwide audience. Jennifer Lawton from the Kauffman Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, reminds that Once we look at an e-commerce solution, we will need to consider the flow of information from our Web site into back-office operations. For instances, what we want when a customer pushes a button on our website whether it bring the customer into a client database, send shipping instructions to a warehouse, or charge a credit card.Therefore, Lawton suggests that E-commerce is just a part of how we run business. The success of your online business lies on how attractive our products are. Under such circumstances, we suggest that J. MILOPOYLOS LTD create an attractive website in order to increase the sales volume from the increasing use of the distribution channels including the market catering (packing of 5 liters) in selectively hotels, restaurants and cruiser ship and the retail market in certain supermarkets.The web site also benefits the company since prospective buyers can find useful information regarding the company’s products ranging from the imported homonym coffee to ice cream from the company’s website. The condition suggests that J. MILOPOYLOS LTD should have sustainable Supply Chain Management in order to reduce inventory, referring to assumption that products are available when needed. Therefore, it will improve the time-to-market of products, reduce costs, and allow all parties in the supply chain to manage current resources and plan for future needs.In typical Japanese manufacturing, the idea of having the time-to-market of products is done through Just in Time (JIT) system. In addition, to obtain successful SCM, O’Brien and Springman (2004) suggests that companies should balance supply and demand since focusing entirely on the supply side may result in unnecessary capital expenditures, inventory investments or suboptimal solutions. Therefore, to best optimize the total supply chain, supply chain managers must have a detailed understanding of customer demand and then to manage this demand patterns of their customers.Above all, to provide reliable internet access for prospective buyers in looking at information of the company’s product and to sustain a large quantity of supply chain, therefore J. MILOPOYLOS LTD should subscribe broadband connection in order to prevent error in connection. Above figure is typical broadband connection for J. MILOPOYLOS LTD with connection speed up to 45 Mbps. The fast connection is important for the company in order to provide their customers with comfortable connection like being in a highway so that any transactions.In the picture, we use fiber optics as transmission medium since it provides greater reliability than coaxial or satellite. In the server, the company might place several pages of websites that are related to the company’s business like a page for conducting online transaction, pages for showing pictures of the comp any’s product, and a home page that navigating customers to browse over the websites’ contents. Bibliography Arnold, David. 2004, ‘Strategies for Entering and Developing International Markets’, InformIT, [Online] Retrieved June 2, 2005, Available at http://www. informit. com/search‘Broadband’, [Online] Retrieved June 1, 2005, Available at http://www. answers. com/topic/broadband Greguras, Fred M. ‘How is Electronic Commerce Changing Global Business? ’ [Online] Retrieved June 1, 2005, Available at http://www. fenwick. com/docstore/publications/corporate/Changing_Global_Business. pdf. Kanarek, Lisa. ‘Make the Most of Technology in Your Small Business’, SCORE. [Online] Retrieved June 2, 2005, Available at http://www. score. org/om_8. html Lawton, Jennifer. ‘E-commerce: Is It Right for my Small Business? ’ SCORE. [Online] Retrieved June 1, 2005, Available at http://www. score. org/eb_10. html McKnight, Lee W. and Joseph P.Bailey. 1995, ‘An Introduction to Internet Economics’, University of Michigan Press. [Online] Retrieved June 2, 2005, Available at http://www. press. umich. edu/jep/works/McKniIntro. html O’Brien, Kevin and Brian Springman. 2004, ‘Optimizing Supply Chains, Understanding Demands’, CRM Buyer. [Online] Retrieved June 1, 2005, Available at ‘Onsite Services’, 2005, [Online] Retrieved June 2, 2005, Available at http://marriott. com/meeting/meetings/onsiteServices. mi? WT_Ref=mi_left ‘Why do I need broadband? ’ Retrieved June 2, 2005, Available at http://www. startups. co. uk/YUAsx-poP66y3A. html

Saturday, September 14, 2019

System Archetypes

Every company strives to increase revenue and stabilize or decrease operating expenses. The Yellow Book once had a steady revenue stream, which coincided with the operating expenses. The steady rise in sales and revenues also means an increase in production while maintaining an equal level of customer service. This displays several archetypes, including limits to growth. The Yellow Book will continue to experience growth, however if deadlines are not met and mistakes are made in advertising, this will cause the direct customer to be influenced negatively, and ultimately reduce revenues with loss of customers. In order to maintain balance, production must be equal to revenue and customer service should be stable. Growth and underinvestment is an archetype that The Yellow Book is currently moving towards. The graphic designers and production teams are being stretched beyond their limits. While they are currently working hard to keep up production with demands, the overworked employees will not be able to maintain the motivation and morale needed with sales gradually on the rise. Advertising is not an area where performance standards can be lowered. If a 95% satisfaction rate is the current standard and the organization decides to decrease to 85%, there is a strong change that the 15% of unhappy customers will either not renew their ads, or could be granted free advertising, which will negatively affect revenue. The diagram below shows how growth and underinvestment and increase in demand causes a need to reinvest in production to stabilize customer satisfaction. The capabilities and core competencies give The Yellow Book a competitive advantage. The strategy it needs to adapt is a long term plan to maintain service levels year after year, not just book after book. A customer may give The Yellow Book a second chance if they experience an error, but it is doubtful there will be more chances and advertisers will be lost.

Friday, September 13, 2019

The U-boats Come to America, PDF attached and CITED Assignment

The U-boats Come to America, PDF attached and CITED - Assignment Example The mobilization for World War I was no easy task as the nation was still divided regarding Wilson’s decision to enter the way. Nevertheless, WWI became a focal point in American history because it gave an opportunity for America to assert its dominance as a foreign power and give rise to social reforms. Without a doubt, WWI was a turning point in American history because it gave an opportunity to America to display its awesome power. World War was a war that was indisputably fueled by American propaganda by portraying the Axis power as supreme evil. Unmistakably, this was a heavy task since so many European descents resided in America. The sinking of the U-boat was undoubtedly a huge catalyst that initiated the American involvement. This is greatly depicted via the article in the newspaper which states, â€Å"The U-boats come to America.† The author states that â€Å"It may be argued that the foreign assumptions are purely subjective.† (Skeet 2) However was evident that the United States Navy had to prepare itself for the worse and was already aligning itself with future Allies. It is clear that this was to issue somewhat of Propaganda to rally the American citizens. Europe’s condition at this point was tense, and the American aid to Allies illustrated the fact that America’s involvement was much needed (Michaels 40). Suddenly, the American economy was jolted with a huge shock as it began to produce war-related goods. The United States did not hesitate to supply its war-related products such as weapons, supplies, and ships in order to change the tide of the war (Ebert 9). Although American troops were sent overseas, they fought very little and were responsible for providing moral support. Secondly, World War I was a focal point in American history because it gave rise to social reform throughout the nation. Women and African Americans, in particular, were two groups that were able to take an opportunity to break their â€Å"cult  of domesticity†.

Thursday, September 12, 2019

Usability Engineering Quantitative Analysis Assignment

Usability Engineering Quantitative Analysis - Assignment Example The fields that were selected were: What did you read? , what was the reading medium? , what was the reason for reading? , what was your native language? , How old are you? And do you know any other languages? The data on gender in regard to whether one was male or female was deemed to be unsuitable for analysis since the number of males exceeds that of females by a far large margin. The missing data was filled using the results from the frequency distribution tables for the selected data and the redundancy that existed in the dataset was removed. Some fields such as the use of lectures notes was merged with paperwork and the use of slides was merged with the use of lecture slides. Data about websites was combined under the umbrella of websites. The descriptive statistics for the selected fields were computed as shown in the table below Through analysis of the statistics obtained in the table above, it emerged that the question of what was most read by the respondents was obtained through the mode. 128 people were determined to have read their emails. The laptop was found to be the most commonly used medium. A total of 380 respondents indicated that they had used their laptops to read. Most of the respondents indicated that English was their native language. The number of persons who were determined to have indicated that English was their native language was 72. The highest number of respondents also indicated that they were 25 years of age or younger as compared to those who were over 25 years old. The highest number of the respondents also indicated that they had knowledge of more than one language compared to those who were unilingual. This narrows down to 1.29 % using e readers while 12.56 % used papers as a media. These results from the sample population indicate that the people prefer to use the traditional medium of communication as compared to the modern media. A further analysis of the data on the media used

Global Information System - Software Piracy Research Paper

Global Information System - Software Piracy - Research Paper Example The availability of pirated software over the internet free of cost or a minimal cost is the main issue to be considered by the company. Internet laws in the Asian countries do exist but most of the countries such as Pakistan and Nepal do not take any action for the distribution of pirated copies of software. With the increase in broadband penetration and download speed, it is very difficult to manage the software assets by a company in Asian region. Torrents and other sites on the internet which charge a minimal price from the consumers for software are increasing every day. However, the main problem for the software companies is not the home users but the small businesses and firms, which purchase non-branded PCs and get pirated software bundled with it (Business Software Alliance, 2009). Many managers in the Asian countries fail to implement the policies of managing their software assets and they purchase pirated copies of software in order to cut costs. These managers and even owners to small and medium businesses fail to understand the benefits efficiencies of original software use. Most of the firms and management in these Asian countries do not get proper education or training on the issue of software piracy (Coombes, 2010). The global economic recession has caused many firms to give up their policies on software policies as they are not able to bear the huge cost of purchasing new software for their business needs. The buying power of the households has also fallen which is one of the many factors of increasing rates in piracy. However, the company should not forget that the Asia Pacific is the hardest hit region by the economic crisis in the world. The future economic improvements in these countries are also uncertain as these countries are under development and not yet part of the developed world. Another issue that the software firm has to consider is the spread of internet access which is driving up the level of piracy. Over the next five