Research In Motion Analysis Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

In Motion Analysis - Research Paper Example Security officials say the inability to monitor BlackBerry traffic undermines efforts to protect national security. RIM has so far said it cannot unscramble data of its enterprise customers because it does not possess the keys needed to do so. After several meetings, RIM proposed it could share the IP address of BlackBerry Enterprise Servers, and the PIN and IMEI numbers of BlackBerry mobiles. India says that is not enough because it doesn't provide access to mails (FACTBOX - Problems BlackBerry services face in India, 2010) The proposed solutions by RIM for solving the security related problems while using blackberry phones in India has not been solved fully yet. RIM is trying to convince the Indian authorities with the help of some simple modifications in its existing technologies rather than going for a complete change. Indian authorities on the other hand are not ready to accept RIM’s offers. It should be noted that other mobile phone companies are ready to obey whatever t he security measures suggested by the Indian authorities and therefore India do not want to accept the offers of RIM. RIM should realize that the necessity to market blackberry pones in India is theirs rather than India’s. No country will sacrifice their security measures for introducing a foreign mobile phone in its territory. â€Å"Research In Motion (RIM) founder Mike Lazaridis ordered a BBC reporter to end an interview after he was asked about his problems with India and Middle Eastern countries over security issues† (BlackBerry chief ends BBC interview after India query, 2011). It is evident from the above example that RIM is not ready to accept its mistakes and dealing the issues emotionally rather than... Even though the growth opportunities for Rim are not so good at present, it can still regain its supremacy if concentrate more on changing some of its traditional business concepts. As mentioned earlier, RIM should be ready to modify its technologies to suit the needs of Asian markets, instead of keeping an adamant attitude with respect to technology changes. It should be noted that mobile phone market is facing stiff challenges at present because of the ongoing recession. Asia is the only region which escaped with fewer injuries in this recession period. So, RIM should shift attention more towards Asian market. Google and Apple are some of the companies which are raising stiff challenges to RIM. Apple is currently the second biggest and most valuable technology company in the world and therefore their products are always accepted with both hands by the customers. The case of Google is also not an exception. â€Å"Cheaper Google phones are making inroads in Latin America, Asia and E urope, threatening the popularity of Black-Berry models such as the Curve†. In short, RIM needs a revolutionary product now to compete effectively with the products of competitors. It should be noted that Apple grabbed the smartphone market because of their innovative iPhone series products. iPhone 5 is about to enter the global markets. Same way, Samsung is going to introduce the 3d version of its revolutionary Galaxy S2 product series.

Listening Distractions Essay Example for Free

Listening Distractions Essay Distractions are the divided attention of an individual or group from the chosen object of attention, onto the source of distraction. Distractions are caused by: the lack of ability to pay attention; lack of interest in the object of attention; or the great intensity, novelty or alertness of something other than the object of attention. Distractions come from both external sources and internal sources. â€Å"Art of Public Speaking† by Stephen E Lucas In this assignment I will focus on five listening distractions and effective ways to combat them. In order to become an effective speaker, it should be known that success comes from being an effective listener. By understanding barriers to listening the speaker can eliminate or reduce distraction prior to delivery of the speech. Some distractors are listed below. 1.Noise: Intrapersonal, Semantic and Situational a.Intrapersonal; this comes from a listener’s internal dialog, daydreaming, or focusing on their internal thoughts â€Å"day dreaming†. By listening to their internal speech, the listener will lose concentration on the speaker and miss points and topics of the speech. b.Semantic; these are words or phrases used by the speaker that my trigger a process of thought out of line with what the speaker intended. These â€Å"trigger† words are based on several different aspects of the audience’s make-up, from gender to ethnical or country of origin and religion. c.Situational; this is the physical noise distraction that may come from the design of the lecture hall, an open door or window that allows outside noise to enter, or the rustling noises associated with the audience, i.e. cell phones, coughing, side bar conversation. 2.Speaker Perception a.This is the perception the audience makes in reference to the speaker, how the speaker presents themselves, does the speaker use filler words such as, â€Å"umh† or â€Å"you know†. Does the speaker utilize a slow methodical pattern which bores the audience, calling into question the speaker’s intellect? 3.Self-Perceptions and Personal Biases a.Comprises anything that is a barrier to understanding the speaker’s message an includes egocentrism, Ethnocentrism, and dogmatism I. Egocentrism focuses on the self-centeredness and may limit the listener because of the feeling â€Å"this doesn’t pertain to me†, â€Å"I’ve already heard this message†, or â€Å" I am too important to be listening to someone like that† II.Ethnocentrism is based on the perception of because we don’t share a creed, color, or back ground, the speaker cannot understand the message from â€Å"my† point of view. Likewise the speaker focuses, or centers their speech in a manner that is ethnically limiting. III.Dogmatism the problem of holding opinions without questioning the validity or ethical value. Unquestioned opinions can lead to defensiveness or the attitude of, â€Å"I know it all† This behavior can cause the listener to take offense to the message the speaker is conveying. 4.Physical discomfort caused by poor seating, temperature, or length of the speech without break for restroom or smoke breaks. 5.Lack of interest the speaker has lost focus, changed topic without smooth transition, and maintains a monotone which in-turn shifts the listener’s attention. May also be due to the speaker’s lack of interest in the topic resulting in poor public speaking techniques. The key to contending with these distractions are to practice the speech, become comfortable with the topic, know how long the speech will last, film the practice session and identify personal traits that may cause distraction. Have someone listen to the speech to identify patterns or behaviors that may be offensive or controversial. Understand the message, what is the purpose of the speech; focus on the transition of thoughts and ideas to ensure a smooth process. Avoid monotone voice patterns unless it is an essential part of the delivery. Have fun with the topic, the speech and the audience. Before speaking conduct a walkthrough of the lecture hall, identify distractors and eliminate them or strategize how to overcome them. Bottom line, be prepared.

Justification Of Violence Essay -- essays research papers

Justification of Violence Violence and the justification of it has been an issue for as long as the world has been in existence. There are many conflicting opinions on the subject, many in favor and many opposing the idea. I am personally split on the issue; I believe that in some cases, violence can be justified; however, I also believe that in others, it cannot be. In my opinion, the only instance in which violence can be justified is self-defense. I believe that if an innocent person is attacked for some reason and their life is put in danger, they have the right to fight back to save themselves. How can a person let themselves be attacked and do nothing to help themselves survive? It's almost unreasonable to believe that. There are plenty of situations that fit this example. One of them is rape. If a woman is being attacked and sexually forced to do something she did not consent on doing, she has the right to fight back and prevent it from happening. Rape does not only involve sexual assault; there is much physical assault involved, also. Many women are held at gunpoint, knife, tied or beaten by their attackers, and this is not right. Any woman under these circumstances should fight back and do what they have to do to save themselves before it's too late. Other situations which call for justifiable violence, in my opinion, are robbery at gunpoint and any other type of unprovoked violence. Other than self-defense, I do not believe violence should be tolerated at any cos...

Lies My Teachers Told Me Essay

As I watched the video and read parts of the books, I began to wonder why they would lie. Throughout school, they teach us to be honest and truthful in everything we say and do. So therefore why would they lie to us? According to James W. Loewen, â€Å"Taking ideas seriously does not fit with the rhetorical style of textbooks, which presents events so as to make them seem foreordained along a line of constant progress†. He goes on to say that including ideas would make history contingent. It would present uncertainty. That would not be consider a textbook learning style. Textbooks unfold history as melodrama, instead of with drama or suspense. An example would be John Brown. The treatment of Brown, like the treatment of Slavery and Reconstructino, has changed in American history books. John Brown was considered insane from 1890 until 1970, then slowly began to change back over into sane. Some textbooks emphasize the claim that no slaves actually joined John Brown. At times, I think it would just be easier to go back in time like in the movie Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure. Not only would we get the truth, but we would have seen bits and pieces of it. I think more and more students would enjoy history more if we actually got the truth rather than lies. I think that if we had the suspense and drama, we would learn more. To me in high school, history was a mixture of english and math. All of the boring parts of those two classes combined into one. The teacher was not much better either. I think if the teacher made it more exciting.

A report on Activity Based Costing Approach

a ) Activity-based costing ( ABC ) is a bing attack that assigns activity costs to be objects on the footing on cost driver use. Costss are assigned to each major activity instead than sections and step the resources consumed by cost objects more accurately. B ) Absorption bing absorbed all operating expenses into the cost of production. WWonka plc ‘s budged and selling distribution cost and entire list monetary value is ?990,000 and ?9,000,000 severally. Therefore, the soaking up rate is 11 % ( ?990,000/?9,000,000 ) . Planing an activity-based costing system involves four stairss: ( 1 ) placing the major activities and resource costs, ( 2 ) assignment costs to each activity, ( 3 ) find the cost driver for each activity, and ( 4 ) delegating the cost of activities to be objects. degree Celsius ) To: Management of WWonka PLC Report on activity-based costing attack In the 1980s, more and more houses adopted activity-based costing to replace the volume-based costing system. The volume-based system merely takes history of direct costs and uses an overhead rate that may over-cost or under-cost the merchandise. By implementing ABC, it shows the consequence of differences in activities and alterations in costs. It merely charges for resources consumed and generates the most accurate costs. Firms are benefited greatly by the acceptance of activity-based costing attack. ABC assigns cost more suitably and instructively so that company could accomplish better measurings on merchandise and client profitableness. This provides information to the company for doing better strategic determinations such as pricing and gives the company a cost advantage over rivals. Besides, ABC measures the activity-driving costs more accurately. This helps the troughs identify the value-added and non-value-added activities which enables the company to further value enhancement undertakings and procedure value by doing better determinations. Besides, ABC draws director ‘s attending on those inefficiencies so that betterments can be made and allocate resources to the most good merchandise. In add-on, the betterment on cost decrease causes better cost appraisal for planning and budgeting. ABC can used to supervise costs every bit good. By comparing the costs and doing accommodation, this hel ps the house to command the cost tendencies. Furthermore, ABC can be used as a benchmark to compare the public presentation with similar houses and do betterment. Furthermore, ABC bing helps to place and command the cost of underutilization of capacity. Generally, many workss have extra capacity in off seasons. The ABC system helps to pull off capacity degree of houses to cut down the cost of fresh capacity and set the monetary value suitably. Although ABC brings many benefits to the houses, there are some restrictions that need to aware. First, WWonka plc is presently utilizing soaking up costing, put ining a new ABC system is dearly-won and time-consuming. The cost may outweigh the benefits bring to the company. Second, companies do non hold big figure of merchandises have small benefit from ABC. As WWonka has merely two types of orders, ABC attack is non that worthwhile. Third, some concern prolonging costs such as belongings revenue enhancement and mill insurance require allotments to sections and based on volume steps. These costs are hard to delegate and necessitate to utilize the volume-based cost driver. Fourthly, some costs such as advertisement disbursals, research and development are omitted in ABC system because the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles regard these costs as period costs. ABC system provides elaborate information to directors for decision-making. By activity analysis, cost can be reduced in four ways: activity riddance, activity choice, activity sharing and activity decrease. First, the directors need to place the high-value-added and low-valued-added activities and merely maintain those that add value. In WWonka, wadding is a low-valued-added activity as it will non diminish clients ‘ satisfaction much if eliminated. On the other manus, bringing is a high-valued-added activity as it increases significantly the value of the merchandise to clients. The above pie charts show the per centum cost of activities in order A and B. From the informations in portion B, the merchandising and distribution operating expenses are a‚Â ¤101.88 for order A and a‚Â ¤182.48 for B. The list monetary value of order B is a‚Â ¤400 lower than order A, directors could set the list monetary value of order B somewhat in order to do order B more profitable. Besides, from the charts, we can see that the wadding costs occupy rather a big part of the entire operating expenses in both order A and B. As wadding is a comparatively low-value-added activity, WWonka could take down the wadding cost for illustration by utilizing cheaper or recycled wrapping stuff and go more environmentally friendly. Furthermore, WWonka could buy larger bringing vehicles which can transport more bundles in one clip. This could cut down the clip of going back to the house and shortens the bringing clip. Furthermore, in order B, the specific bringing distance is 48 stat mis which is about 5 times of order A ( 10 stat mis ) , it might be inefficient if present both A and B together by utilizing the same vehicle. WWonka could present order A & A ; B individually in order to use the bringing vehicles more expeditiously. In add-on, the other operating expenses contribute a high part of the operating expenses every bit good. These cost may deduce from reviews, blessings and rework. These activities can be eliminated by quality confidence methods such as ISO 9000 and entire quality direction. These can keep the quality of cocoas and some of the costs can be eliminated or reduced. Finally, WWonka can better public presentation and cut costs by concern procedure reengineering, the reengineering squads can utilize the informations in portion B and reengineer the procedure and do betterments in every facets. Through activity-based direction, directors can better efficiency and effectivity of the organisation and increase profitableness and fight. vitamin D ) Activity-based bing brings many benefits to the company. However, it is non the optimum costing system for every organisation. Generally, ABC is effectual for organisations that have intensive competition, diverse scope of merchandises, operating expenses are the chief cost of the merchandise and high handiness of information aggregation processs and resources. For individual merchandise houses, all costs are attributed to the individual merchandise straight, the operating expenses consumed by each merchandise are comparatively similar or equal and will merely creates small deformation of costs when utilizing volume-based-costing system. It is non worthwhile to run ABC. However, when there is a high diverseness of merchandises, ABC calculates the costs more accurately than volume-based costing. In a merchandise mix company, every single merchandise has different parts in ingestion of operating expenses because of different merchandise size, complexness, setup clip and procedure. Each single merchandise ‘s usage of resources differs from the usage of volume-based cost drivers so that it can non mensurate by the volume-based-costing systems. Otherwise, it may hold cost deformation and cause important errors in determination. Hence, ABC is effectual for merchandise mix instead than individual merchandise house. Besides, cost construction is a standard to make up one's mind the effectivity of a costing system. ABC will be most effectual when operating expenses have a important part of entire cost and big portion of the costs is non related to production volume straight. For illustration, in an accounting house, supplying professional services to clients is the chief occupation of the company. Wages are the largest cost while indirect costs merely constitute a low proportion of the entire costs. In this instance, labor costs are the bulk of the entire cost and ABC is less preferable as the costs could be traced easy. In contrast, a fabrication house will hold wholly different cost construction. The indirect operating expenses have a high proportion of the entire costs. For these types of houses, ABC is more effectual because the volume-based costing system causes inaccuracies in delegating costs and has negative impact on the company. Furthermore, the handiness of information aggregation processs and resources is one of the factors as good. In order to run a sophisticated ABC system, it needs plentifulness of financess and clip. Therefore, companies need to hold sufficient resources such as capital and professional technicians to run ABC. Furthermore, companies need to make research to construct up a set of singular processs for the system. If a company does non hold proper processs to roll up information that the system needs, it would non work decently and direction can non do the best determination and betterment for the house suitably. Therefore, insufficient of information can non ease an first-class activity-based costing system. The more information the company collects, the easier to put up the system and run more efficaciously. However, on the other manus, ABC system will non work successfully if the company does non hold sufficient information in puting up the processs. Hence, handiness of information is of import to impact the effectivity of ABC. To sum up, high handiness of informat ion aggregation processs and resources would ease an effectual ABC and frailty versa. In decision, activity-based costing system reduces deformation of costs and outputs information for direction to steer decision-making. Therefore, although implementing and ABC system is clip devouring and expensive, it is still worthwhile to run as the benefits from ABC normally exceeds the cost of put ining the system.

Hidden Figures Women Against All Odds Professor Ramos Blog

Hidden Figures Women Against All Odds Hidden Figures is a movie based on a true story about three amazing black women who work at NASA as mathematician in West Virginia 1961. They are not just trying to change the world, but they are trying to change history. They are battling with feminism, sexism, racism, discrimination and segregation. Despite everything thrown their way they continued to beat all odds to get their pilot John Glenn to space. They are the brains of the operations working in three separate departments of NASA. This movie is a five out of five and one to put on your bucket list if you haven’t already seen it.   Katherine Coleman Goble Johnson was played by Taraji P Henson. Her job position at NASA was consider a â€Å"human computer† in the space task force. She would calculate the trajectory computations for the capsule orbit and for its reentry into the Earth’s atmosphere.  She played a major part in making sure all the numbers and points matched.  She had to gain her trust  and spot  in the space task force, being she was the only female in that department, what  makes  matters worse is she was the only  black in that department as well. She had a lot on her plate and managed to make all ends meet.  Katherine had to deal with the math constantly changing and she couldn’t be briefed on all the information because she was a female. She had to miss out on a lot of data changes because she had to go to the bathroom which was a half of mile away because there was no black bathroom for her to use in her unit. â€Å"The limited number of women and people of color in the field make it problematic, in some cases, when entering predominantly  White male organizations† (Ballenger et al. 160).  Katherine’s boss Al Harrison played by Kevin Costner does not care about her race her gender he just wants her to be able to get her work done to help get a successful launch into space, and he made it very clear.   Mary Jackson who was played by Janelle  Monae’ worked in the engineer department, but was also known as a â€Å"human computer†. She strives to make the impossible possible and spoke nothing but the truth. Her boss Mr. Zelinski told her there was an opening in the engineer training program, Mary told him she won’t entertain the idea because she is a negro woman  an  that is impossible for her to be an engineer. She then sat out and pushed to work to become that engineer.  But she was told she was not qualified enough to have that position. Mary then had to go to court to be able to attend  an  all white  school too be able to be qualified to work at NASA as an engineer instead.  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Every time we have a chance to get ahead, they move the finish line. Every time.† (Mary Jackson).  Ã‚   The last mathematician and â€Å"human computer†Ã‚  is  Dorothy Vaughan played by Octavia Spencer. Dorothy was in charge of all the human computers in the West Area Computing without the title of it, which was the supervisor role. She was a natural leader, and she strives to get the position she worked for. She paid attention to what was going on throughout NASA and instead of them losing out on work she got ahead and stepped up to keep them employed. NASA was bringing in a machine called the IBM that did the math of over 24,000 workers. Dorothy had to teach her and her girls how to work the IBM machine without anybody aware of her actions, because if she didn’t, they would soon be out of work. â€Å"One area in particular where black women stand apart is in their reporting of having been passed over for the most important assignments because of their gender – 22% of employed black women say this has happened to them, compared with 8% of whites and 9% of Hispa nics.† (Parker and Funk 1). This is what Ms. Vaughan was experiencing, even though she had the knowledge and experience she wasn’t qualified enough because of  her race.  Dorothy boss Ms. Mitchell was a white woman who ignored all of Ms. Vaughan request and continues to let her know she should just be happy she has a job. Despite that Dorothy worked hard to make sure that her or any of her girls went unnoticed.  Ã‚   Hidden Figures is a must-see movie. I will proudly give this movie an A.  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Within  fifteen years of the enactment of Title VII, the wage income  of women increased by $22 billion, and more than four million women were  working in higher job categories.  Although women have continued to experience improvement in working conditions, employment discrimination against  women persists in various forms in at least three distinct categories: overt sex  discrimination, sex stereotyping, and disparate treatment.† (Gregory 38).  As a black female, it gives you light that no matter what challenges you encounter you too are capable of being whatever it is you want to be, it may be  a  challenge,  but it is worth it to make a difference in life.  If you haven’t seen this take the time out of your schedule get your popcorn and all your snacks and be prepared to enjoy a movie that won’t  bore,  you but will enlighten you on history in two ways. One Americans were the first to orbit Earth. Second, no matter what your race is you will be proud to watch these three ladies continue to hold their head up and make history by just doing their job and what they love. Hidden Figures won many awards this film and even nominated for Oscar awards. Here are a few they won, Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture,  Blue Ribbon Awards for Best Foreign Film,  MTV Movie TV Award for Best Fight Against the System, and  NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Motion Picture.  Please if not for yourself do it for me and watch this movie and understand the amazing  attributions these  phenomenal  women did  and what a game  changer  it  became and  now, they are known forever.  Ã‚   Annotated Bib   Ballenger, Julia, et al.  Women of Color in  STEM†¯:  Navigating the Workforce. Information Age   Publishing, 2017. Pp157-178  EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?              direct=truedb=e000xnaAN=1424273site=ehost-live. This book talks about the diversity   in the STEM workplace and how they feel working in a predominately white male industry. Scholarly Source. I will use this to show how the ladies if hidden figures may have felt the same as the ladies going through it today.      Gregory, Raymond F. Women and Workplace  Discrimination†¯:  Overcoming Barriers to Gender Equality. Rutgers University Press, 2003.APA (American Psychological Assoc.) Gregory, R. F. (2003)New  Brunswick, N.J.: Rutgers University Press.  http://web.b.ebscohost.com/ehost/ebookviewer/ebook/ZTAwMHhuYV9fMTA0OTIyX19BTg2?sid=e9944ffb-5817-404f-9eaa-96637b3315ba@sessionmgr120vid=2format=EBlpid=lp_28rid=0  Pp 38-47. This book talks about the women and their workplace. Scholarly Source. I will use this to show how women are affected by discrimination.   McElroy, Wendy, and Lewis Perry.†¯Freedom, Feminism, and the State. Vol. Second edition, Independent Institute, 2017.†¯EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=truedb=e000xnaAN=1530820site=ehost-live. This book talks about all the Feminist problems women have faced and are still facing. Scholarly Source. I will use this source to compare what the movie has dealt with in relation to what is still going on.   Melfi, Theodore  Hidden Figures.  January 6, 2017. This is the movie I am doing for my review. Primary Source. I will use this to explain my reasonings for my review.   Parker, Kim and Funk, Carl  pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2017/12/14/gender-discrimination-comes-in-many-forms-for-todays-working-women/  This cite talks about the stats of gender discrimination. Not scholarly, but  it shows  shows  the different discrimination for being women  and   for  women of color.  I  will use this to show the difference kinds of gender discrimination and how they all play a role in society.   WHITTAKER, E. W.  Solitudes of the  Workplace†¯:  Women in Universities. Montreal: MQUP, 2015.  Disponà ­vel  em: http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=truedb=e000xnaAN=1130821site=ehost-livegt;.  Acesso  em: 28  nov.  2018. This text talks about women being treated differently in their workplace. Scholarly Source. I will use this to show how women are treated in their work place even if they hold the same degree as a man.  Ã‚     

Human Geography - an Overview (Cultural Geography)

Human Geography - an Overview (Cultural Geography) Human geography is one of the two major branches of geography (versus physical geography) and is often called cultural geography. Human geography is the study of the many cultural aspects found throughout the world and how they relate to the spaces and places where they originate and then travel as people continually move across various areas. Some of the main cultural phenomena studied in human geography include language, religion, different economic and governmental structures, art, music, and other cultural aspects that explain how and/or why people function as they do in the areas in which they live. Globalization is also becoming increasingly important to the field of human geography as it is allowing these specific aspects of culture to easily travel across the globe. Cultural landscapes are also important because they link culture to the physical environments in which people live. This is vital because it can either limit or nurture the development of various aspects of culture. For instance, people living in a rural area are often more culturally tied to the natural environment around them than those living in a large metropolitan area. This is generally the focus of the Man-Land Tradition in the Four Traditions of geography and studies human impact on nature, the impact of nature on humans, and peoples perception of the environment. History of Human Geography Human geography developed out of the University of California, Berkeley and was led by Carl Sauer. He used landscapes as the defining unit of geographic study and said that cultures develop because of the landscape but also help to develop the landscape as well. In addition, his work and the cultural geography of today is highly qualitative rather than quantitative - a main tenant of physical geography. Human Geography Today Today, human geography is still practiced and more specialized fields within it such as feminist geography, childrens geography, tourism studies, urban geography, the geography of sexuality and space, and political geography have developed to further aid in the study of cultural practices and human activities as they relate spatially to the world.

Books for Boys Recommended by Librarians

Books for Boys Recommended by Librarians If you are looking for books for boys, from young children to tweens and teens, youll be interested in these reading lists recommended by librarians. The books on these reading lists include childrens books and young adult (YA) books that will appeal to a wide range of ages and interests. Even boys who complain they can never find anything good to read and, as a result, are reluctant readers, should be able to find books they enjoy on some of these lists. 8 Reading Lists For Boys Young Adult Books with Guy AppealTeen librarian Jennifer Kendall recommends 10 books that have proven to be very popular with teen boys. Science fiction, fantasy, action, and adventure continue to be genres that teen boys particularly like.Great Books for BoysThis article and list of books recommended for boys come  from The National Childrens Book and Literacy Alliance. It includes a list of books recommended by The Horn Book in these categories: Picture Books, Middle-Grade Fiction, Young Adult Fiction, Non-fiction Middle School/High School and Poetry.Adventures in History for BoysThis brief reading list from the Central Rappahannock Regional Library in Virginia includes cover art and a brief summary for under a dozen books of historical fiction recommended for older boys.Especially for BoysThis annotated reading list of recommended books for boys is from the St. Charles Public Library in Illinois. It includes cover art and a brief summary of 160 books recommended for boys, from p reschool age through eighth grade. To narrow your search, you can search by grade range, which is very helpful. Recommended books include Richard Pecks A Season of Gifts and several by Sharon Creech. Good Books for GuysThe Multnomah County Library in Oregon provides five reading lists, divided by grade levels: Small Fries: Pre-K, Young Guys: 1-3, Middle Guys: 4-6, Large Fries: 7-8, Older Guys: 9-12. While not annotated, the lists include cover art. Among the series recommended for boys in grades 4-6 are Percy Jackson and the Olympians.Chapter Books for BoysThis annotated reading list from the Salt Lake City Public Library in Utah includes three dozen books. The list includes Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary and My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George.Picture Books for BoysThe annotated reading list of 20 picture books includes  Where the Wild Things Are  by  Maurice Sendak. This is an annotated list from the Salt Lake City Public Library in Utah. Click on â€Å"check availability† to see the cover art. For General Information on Encouraging Reading Because the article covers a wide age range, all of the tips may not apply to your child. But some of the best tips include making sure your children see you reading on a regular basis, fully utilizing your public library, taking the time to help your child find books that match his interests and reading level and sharing books by reading them aloud and discussing them with your children.

Cooperative Strategy Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Cooperative Strategy - Case Study Example This is so especially when the industry wants to accrue most benefits from the collaboration. For the case of Apple inc. the joint ventures are the most appropriate. For instance through joint alliances with their companies such as HP, the company would benefit from designing software that will create network links with the two companies (Hitt, Ireland & Hoskisson 263). This combination will create a more competitive Apple as opposed to it working alone. The same applies for HP that would benefit for multiple partnerships from other companies such as IBM (Hitt, Ireland & Hoskisson 270). This will help HP create value for its products and still come up with a means of sharing resources and become more innovative in its creations. Hitt, Ireland & Hoskisson also say that through these alliances, firms gain access to their partners; thus, an increase in the chances of competitive advantage in the market

Critically assess the virtues and shortcomings of Britain's Essay

Critically assess the virtues and shortcomings of Britain's 'un-codified' Constitution. Critically assess the Pr - Essay Example For this reason, the acts and laws passed in parliament become the constitution, as long as they have respect to the sovereignty of parliament as well as the principles of governance and legislation. The parliament in this case is sovereign and superior to every other institution in Britain, which means that it has the mandate of interpreting the constitution, thereby representing the sovereign will of the people. The un-codified British constitution constitutes values and political ideas that are based on ideals and precepts rather than fundamentals that are based on texts or documents (Williams, 1998: p 57). This means that the constitution and laws are symbols of the embodiment of their political culture, traditions and values of the British society. One of the strengths of the un-codified British constitution is that it is flexible. Many countries with the codified constitution find it difficult to pass legislation since the government is accountable and the constitution is prote cts individuals. For instance, Britain was able to pass legislation meant to detain terror suspects for a long period after several terrorist attacks. Other countries with the codified constitution during this period found it difficult to do the same since their constitutions were protecting the liberties of individuals (Watts, 2007: p 204). For this reason, these governments were not able to detain the terror suspects for a long duration, as the relevant authorities continued with their investigations. Apart from the flexibility of the un-codified constitution, its other strength is that it is able to evolve. Individuals in society live according to the changes in the political climate. This gives the British parliament the power to change some of the laws that seem to be outdated, consequently changing the way people live in the society (Watts, 2007: p 202). The ability of the evolution of the un-codified constitution creates an environment that is comfortable for individuals to r eside. For instance, in 1867, sovereignty was given to parliament, after it was taken away from the monarchy, which was responsible for the creation of a democratic political environment. This change made it possible for individuals to know their place in society. On the other hand, other than the opposition in parliament, there are no provisions for checking the government. This is one of the major shortcomings of the un-codified constitution. The absence of the checks and balance mechanisms might lead to the creation of an unjust political system, where the government might be in a position to oppress individuals in the society selectively. Using the previous example on terrorism, the British government had the capability of holding suspects for long periods, and with the probability that they might be lacking enough evidence to charge them, the detainment would be an infringement on the rights of the individual. Contrary to this, the codified constitution presents an opportunity for the creation of a political system that is just (Williams, 1998: p 52). In this case, the government will not be able to oppress individuals in the society, unless they have concrete evidence that a suspect is a terrorist. Before charging the suspect, he or she will be able to continue enjoying some of the rights and freedoms in society.

Dynamism Development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Dynamism Development - Essay Example The paper will also discuss my personal insights from the interview. Gained formal and informal training in application of technology The administrator reported gained formal training, at high school and college levels, in application of technology. The gained skills involved development of ‘computer-based’ programs for administrative purposes that have facilitated its efficiency. General-purpose software used The ‘general-purpose’ software that was used by the administrator included windows, Microsoft office and Photoshop. Windows, as an operating system was used to run the schools administrative computers. Microsoft Office was however the majorly applied general software, used in data entry, processing and management. The main use of Photoshop was majorly to facilitate visual communication with both teachers and students. The general software therefore facilitated administrative purposes. Administrative software used The administrator reported application of ISIS and Pinnacle software. The administration applied Integrated Software for Imagers and Spectrometers for a variety of administrative purposes such as registration and monitoring of the school’s population trend. It was also applied in data processing and development of images for administrative roles. Pinnacle software was also used to edit ‘video-based’ presentations that are internally prepared for different communication purposes. Type of network used by the district The district reported application of a 10 Megabit Ethernet to link its computers. Used as a local area connection, the network facilitated instant electronic communication among administrative departments. It has also improved administrative efficiency through eliminating originally faced challenges in conducting manual oral or written communication. Type of wiring used to support the network Cat cables with wireless access points that linked all computers supported the network. Application of the wireless technology eliminated need for frequent maintenance due to accidental physical interference of wired connections. Frequency of using software in meeting presentations Application of software in presentations was reported to be frequent with Microsoft power point being the majorly used software. Power point presentations’ ability to make personalized and captivating projections was applied to facilitate successful demonstrations in meetings. Monitoring teachers’ use of technology Monitoring teachers’ application of technology was done through application of partial discharge monitoring that reports usage of every machine. A follow up survey, to ensure accuracy in monitoring and evaluation, was reported. Supportive software such as Discovery Learning, Gizmos and Achieve 3000 were also used to support the monitoring process. Biggest challenge to technology The biggest challenge to application of technology in the school was human factors. Both admi nistrative staff and teachers were sometimes not willing to adopt recommended applications. This was realized through resistance or lack of interest in implementing technology. The main reason for this challenge has been the general nature of people to resist change as well as the high rate of dynamism in technological development (Tan & Theodorou, 2009). Possible improvements to technology in the school The administrator recommended application of more PD related software for higher order thinking and engagement. This would be supported by availing laptops for every student besides offering digital curriculum. Helping teachers who struggle with technology Providing technologies’ manuals as well as use of mentors was applied to help teachers who were still struggling with technology. Possible role of technology in elementary school and how it

The aim of this assignment is to develop your planning and analytical Essay

The aim of this assignment is to develop your planning and analytical skills in the context of a complex project orientated environment. (MS project software required) - Essay Example EVM is one of the widely used techniques by project managers in order to analyse and keep an eye on the status of the project. EVM can be used by the project manager to analyse the project’s progress. There are three important factors that are used in measuring the performance of the project and EVM analyses the performance of the project on these three basis: So, using EVM a project manager is able to track the performance and make sure whether project is going in the right direction or not and whether the project will be completed within the deadline and within the cost. If the project is right on track then the project manager needs to make sure that same pattern is continued or followed so that it is completed appropriately. If the project is not on the right track, then he needs to analyse the problems and take corrective actions. The project in this report has been evaluated using EMV and PERT analysis techniques. EMV tool has been used by project managers in order to evaluate the progress of the project on the basis of time, cost and scope or quality. EMV has been an important tool for the project managers in not only analysing and identifying the project progress (Hamilton, 2004) but it is also an important for the project manager in order to evaluate the cost that has already been incurred in the project and thus, the project managers can also evaluate the cost that has already been incurred and the cost that would be incurred even in between the project duration. Before EMV, project managers used to face many problems in analyzing the progress of the projects however the problem has been solved to a great extent with the introduction of EMV. On the other hand, PERT analysis is the other technique that has been used. The word PERT is the abbreviation of Program Evaluation and Review Technique and this tool

Stakeholders of the software industry Research Paper

Stakeholders of the software industry - Research Paper Example Conspicuously, information on the quality of software products is the most sought by consumers. It is imperative that developers of software products disseminate this information not only in a timely manner but also ensure that the information publicized is accurate and detailed (Myers, 1999). To obtain this information about a product’s quality, design, requirements, and implementation, it is important that developers of software products carry out different tests at the various phases of their production line. Such testing processes not only give information on the quality of a product but also enable an independent and unprejudiced view of a product not only by its developers but also by its users (Myers, 1999). In addition, the developer of software product may have the opportunity to appreciate and understand the risks of the design, development, and execution software (Myers, 1999). Contrary to common belief among laymen, software testing extends beyond tests done to asc ertain whether a product can be executed or applied and testing to identify or discover bugs; it encompasses all the processes by which software is validated and verified. In addition, software testing seeks to establish whether a product has adhered to the design and development requirements and can be effectively executed with similar features. What is more, software testing seeks to establish whether the needs of all stakeholders have been achieved in a product (Willison, 2004). One fundamental facet of software testing is that it can be done at any stage of the development and implementation of software, depending on the type of testing advised or adopted. This paper explores the notion that software testing is used to show that software functions properly. More precisely, the paper discusses the use of software testing to prevent and/or eliminate faults associated with requirements, design, analysis, and implementation. Software Testing for Prevention of Faults Recent times hav e realized an increase in the popularity of software testing in the software development industry. Software testing in the software industry entails not only the activities in the development cycle of software but also beyond. The importance of software testing is best highlighted by the fact that quite many users have experiences of software not working as expected. Evidently, faulty software has quite huge impacts on organisations. Among the consequences of software that do not work include financial losses, time losses, damage to business reputation, injury or death for safety-critical systems (Willison, 2004). The first way by which faulty software may result in financial loss is due to non-compliance to legal requirements. Regrettably, the testing phase of software development is never accorded the seriousness it deserves from software developers and managers. This situation exists despite the fact that testing is the only way to ascertain whether an application is likely to fu nction properly after it is deployed to the market. Due to its importance in ensuring a product is correct, there are several recommended approaches to and reasons for software testing (Willison, 2004). Although it gets a little attention, software testing remains a rather integral and important phase of any project on software development. That is, it is only via software testing that a developer may ascertain whether a software project or product is poised to succeed in the market or is doomed (Willison, 2004). It is important that software developers must have an approach that focuses on functional testing, characterized by the verification of whether software

Listening to a radio program relevant to some of our class readings Essay

Listening to a radio program relevant to some of our class readings and discussions and providing a corresponding write-up of the program - Essay Example The more education one has, the more money he/she is likely to earn. Families comprising of two uneducated couples are likely to suffer poverty and at the end bring up poor children who have less opportunities for education and work (Carbone 22). Women in America have been provided with the opportunity to pursue careers outside the home. Educated women in this perspective earn a better pay. While this actually reduces the difference, changes incurred in men’s earning depending on their education are the major causes of the rising income inequality. There is the issue of moral decline. In this case, women have abandoned their culture which directs them to their responsibilities as house wives. In the contemporary society, both men and women are competing for various opportunities. In some cases, women are found to secure higher opportunities than their male spouses. This develops a feeling of independence within the woman and thus leading to the family breakup. This program analyses the grand dynamics that lead to the accumulation and the distribution of capital among families within the U.S. Inequality and the concentration of wealth as well as the prospects for economic growth are key values that lie in the hearts of the political economy. According to Piketty, the modern growth in economy and the diffusion of knowledge has diminished inequalities. However, extreme inequalities are feared to arise as a result of the tendency of returns on capital to exceed the economic growth rate in the contemporary society (Piketty 25). The most striking issue on this regards the remarkable break witnessed in the years between 1914 and 1945. Considering this period, there developed an impression that capitalism was becoming more democratic. The inherited wealth was no longer the matter behind an individual’s ability and position in the hierarchy of social-economic. Other provoking point discuses such circumstances like the two world wars, the debt fueled

Stakeholders of the software industry Research Paper

Stakeholders of the software industry - Research Paper Example Conspicuously, information on the quality of software products is the most sought by consumers. It is imperative that developers of software products disseminate this information not only in a timely manner but also ensure that the information publicized is accurate and detailed (Myers, 1999). To obtain this information about a product’s quality, design, requirements, and implementation, it is important that developers of software products carry out different tests at the various phases of their production line. Such testing processes not only give information on the quality of a product but also enable an independent and unprejudiced view of a product not only by its developers but also by its users (Myers, 1999). In addition, the developer of software product may have the opportunity to appreciate and understand the risks of the design, development, and execution software (Myers, 1999). Contrary to common belief among laymen, software testing extends beyond tests done to asc ertain whether a product can be executed or applied and testing to identify or discover bugs; it encompasses all the processes by which software is validated and verified. In addition, software testing seeks to establish whether a product has adhered to the design and development requirements and can be effectively executed with similar features. What is more, software testing seeks to establish whether the needs of all stakeholders have been achieved in a product (Willison, 2004). One fundamental facet of software testing is that it can be done at any stage of the development and implementation of software, depending on the type of testing advised or adopted. This paper explores the notion that software testing is used to show that software functions properly. More precisely, the paper discusses the use of software testing to prevent and/or eliminate faults associated with requirements, design, analysis, and implementation. Software Testing for Prevention of Faults Recent times hav e realized an increase in the popularity of software testing in the software development industry. Software testing in the software industry entails not only the activities in the development cycle of software but also beyond. The importance of software testing is best highlighted by the fact that quite many users have experiences of software not working as expected. Evidently, faulty software has quite huge impacts on organisations. Among the consequences of software that do not work include financial losses, time losses, damage to business reputation, injury or death for safety-critical systems (Willison, 2004). The first way by which faulty software may result in financial loss is due to non-compliance to legal requirements. Regrettably, the testing phase of software development is never accorded the seriousness it deserves from software developers and managers. This situation exists despite the fact that testing is the only way to ascertain whether an application is likely to fu nction properly after it is deployed to the market. Due to its importance in ensuring a product is correct, there are several recommended approaches to and reasons for software testing (Willison, 2004). Although it gets a little attention, software testing remains a rather integral and important phase of any project on software development. That is, it is only via software testing that a developer may ascertain whether a software project or product is poised to succeed in the market or is doomed (Willison, 2004). It is important that software developers must have an approach that focuses on functional testing, characterized by the verification of whether software

Seeing Through the Illusions of the Sports Hero Essay

Seeing Through the Illusions of the Sports Hero - Essay Example The researcher states that many young children idolize professional athletes; that’s why they are easily influenced by these athletes whom they regard as their heroes. If, for instance, they see their hero athlete using steroids, they may think that using steroids is just okay. An athlete should really project an impeccable image to the society. However, parents should take the responsibility to teach their children and be their role models. Parents should be there for their children and guide them about which sports figures should be held in high esteem. But athletes, as public figures, should mind what they are showing to the public especially the athletes who are always followed by media. High profile athletes, by virtue of their celebrity, should act like paragons of virtue, even if they weren’t. According to the article â€Å"Seeing through the Illusions of the Sports Hero,† the author pointed out that these sports heroes are actually being just manipulated and most of them are not that perfect as role models. People like Martin Luther King Jr., who paid the ultimate cost for his devotion to justice with his life; Mother Theresa, who selflessly devoted herself to bring hope to others; and Muhammad Ali, who was willing to give up his title and risked being imprisoned for his religious objections to the Vietnam War. These are the people who should be considered as role models. The phrase â€Å"role model† should be a special title for people who exemplify the essence of civic responsibility.

Ford Motor Company Essay Example for Free

Ford Motor Company Essay Ford Motor Company is the third largest automobile manufacturer in the world based on automobiles sold. Ford manufactures and distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents (Datamonitor 4). Fords brands include Ford, Jaguar, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo, Land Rover, Aston Martin, and Mazda. Fords key products include passenger cars, trucks, busses and vans, sport utility vehicles, vehicle accessories, after-sales vehicle parts and products and extended repair service products. According to Fortune Magazine in 2007 Ford was the seventh ranked American-based company listed on the fortune 500 list, which was based on Fords global revenues in 2006 of 160. 1 billion. The companys success comes from its ability to focus on customer satisfaction and loyalty, anticipating and meeting changing customer needs, and delivering innovative products that exceed quality standards and are price friendly and also environmentally friendly. The financial stability of Ford and the long-term stability of our world are met by Fords strategy to lead with its products. Several key strategies are used by Ford that help to develop products that are of high quality, affordable to consumers and that are in high demand. These strategies include; continuous improvement of quality standards and customer satisfaction, adjusting to consumer demands by developing state-of-the-art technology that is cleaner and more fuel efficient, and delivering customer-focused innovations faster. If these strategies are implemented correctly Ford can overcome many or the driving forces that control competition in the automobile industry. Driving Forces Driving forces in an industry are the major causes that change the industry and the competitive condition of that industry. The main driving forces that significantly alter the automobile industry include; competition and globalization, new technology and innovations, changes in cost and efficiency, regulatory influences and government policy changes, and changes in societal concerns, attitudes, and lifestyles. Globalization is when automobile manufacturers offer their products internationally. One reason manufacturers do this is to increase sales in faster growing markets. Also production costs can be cut due to lower labor costs in markets around the world. Ford Motor Company is a strong believer in globalization; it manufactures vehicles in six continents across the world. Ford focuses on three primary types of emerging markets. The first market is developing countries such as China, India, and Brazil. The economies of these markets are growing and so is the need for products like automobiles. Ford realizes the amount of money consumers make in these developing countries and adjusts products to make them accessible to these consumers. In 2006, production capacity in China increased to 200,000 units (For a More Sustainable Future 7.) Also in 2006 Ford ranked second for customer satisfaction in India by J.D. Power Asia Pacific. The second emerging market Ford is focusing on is revitalizing economies such as Russia that are experiencing periods of growth after long periods of economic stagnation. The third emerging market Ford focuses on is high-growth niche market across the U.S. and Europe. Ford has developed and will continue to develop hybrid vehicles, advanced clean technology, and smaller more fuel-efficient vehicles that suit customers in a certain region or customers with different driving conditions. New technology and innovations is also a major driving force in the automobile industry. The ongoing change in technology alters the pattern of competition by attracting more buyers. Innovations in production techniques allow manufacturers to produce products faster, more efficiently and cleaner. Ford focuses its innovation on design, technology, safety, and the environment. Fords innovations are based on customer demands. Today more customers want environmentally friendly automobiles and better fuel-efficient cars. Ford has and is also developing more advanced technologies that are environmentally friendly. Examples include biofueled vehicles, hydrogen internal-combustion engines and hydrogen fuel cell  vehicles. Ford also has an innovative manufacturing process, which is cleaner for the environment and also saves money for the company. Ford uses fluids blended from vegetable oil during engine production rather than using mineral oil. The associated waste in engine building is the most environmentally damaging part of the process. Ford also has improved its efficiency by enforcing strict energy intensive operations, such as the generation of compressed air for handheld tools on the production line. Changes in cost and efficiency also drive change in the automobile industry. In the past few years material costs, labor costs, employee benefit costs and oil prices have all been increasing. One way that Ford is combating high oil prices is its use of a soy-derived foam. The average vehicle made today contains 30 pounds of foam made from petroleum products. Ford is making an effort to replace 40% of the petroleum-based foam with a soy-based foam. To fight against decreasing profit, rising labor costs and employee benefit costs Ford has been implementing elements of its Way Forward Plan. This plan was developed in 2006. The plan calls for reducing the number of Fords North American manufacturing employees by 25,000-30,000 and also plans to idle 16 North American manufacturing facilities (For a More Sustainable Future 34.) Also in 2006 health care expenses for U.S. Ford employees, retirees and their dependents were $3.1 billion (For a More Sustainable Future 35.) Even though Ford values its past and present employees, the company cannot keep up with the rising prices of health care. In 2006 Ford had required retired employees to support a higher portion of their health care benefits, and active employees were asked to increase their health care contributions. Also in 2006 Ford employees were offered to leave the company. To make it appealing to employees Ford offered eight different incentive packages. A couple of these packages included early retirement and an educational opportunity package where employees with at least one year of service were eligible for up to $15,000 in tuition reimbursement per year up to four years (For a More Sustainable Future 34.) Another driving force that alters the competitiveness in the automobile industry is regulatory influences and government policy changes. One example of a regulatory influence would be the governments Corporate Average Fuel  Economy (CAFÉ) requirement, which measures carbon dioxide emissions. Ford has met the requirement every year since the program was first introduced. Altering societal concerns, attitude, and lifestyles are major instigators of industry change. Growing consumer concerns towards environmental safety is a major driver of change in the automobile industry. Ford recognizes that manufacturing and operating automobiles have a significant impact on the environment. Ford has several initiatives to protect the environment. The first initiative includes developing advanced environmentally friendly vehicles. Ford was the first U.S. automaker to offer a full hybrid vehicle, which was also the first hybrid from any automaker in the SUV segment. The second initiative for Ford is to meet and exceed new clean air standards established by the Environmental Protection Agency. Reducing the environmental impact of our environment is Fords third initiative to protect the environment. Ford also aims to recycle and reuse materials by contracting with suppliers to attain environmental friendly parts and components. An example is Fords Fumes-to-Fuel technology. A plants painting operations are its largest source of air emissions. Ford has developed a process that uses paint fumes to generate electricity for its plant. The last initiative for Ford is conserving natural resources by taking part in global environmental programs to conserver energy and water. Fords developed a software program called WET that creates a facility-wide water balance to quantify individual uses of water and identify areas of opportunity. Safety is another concern that drives changes in automobile designs. Not only does Ford develop innovative safety technology the company also educates drivers. In 2003 Ford teamed up with the Highway Safety Association and a panel of safety experts to create a program called Driving Skills for Life. This program teaches teenagers develop the skills necessary for safe driving, beyond what they learn in standard driver education programs (For a More Sustainable Future 30.) Five Force Analysis Intensity of Rivalry Among Competitors The automobile industry is one of the most competitive industries in the world. The top competitors globally and domestically account for most of the industrys market share. In the United States there are three top competitors known as the Detroit Three, formerly known as the Big Three. General Motors Corp., Ford Motor Co., and the Chrysler Group are the three companies that makeup the Detroit Three. According to Wards Automotive Reports in 2006 the Detroit Three brands accounted for 41.5% of passenger car sales in the United States; of this 41.5% market share, General Motors controlled 20.8%, Ford 14.1% and the Chrysler Group 6.6%. The Detroit Three market share is slowly dwindling due to globalization, which is another reason that leads to stronger rivalry among competitors (Autos Auto Parts Industry Survey 9.) In the United States, according to Wards Automotive Reports, the top three foreign competitors that are trying to take over the U.S. market include; Toyota Motor Corp., Honda Motor Co. Ltd., and the Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. In 2006 Toyota, Honda, and Nissan accounted for 36.6% market share in the U.S. Individually Toyota controlled 18.7%, Honda 10.8% and Nissan 7.1% of the U.S. market share; in the truck category the Detroit Three brands account for 67% of Truck Sales in the U.S. Toyota, Honda, and Nissan are the foreign companies trying to compete with the Detroit Three (Autos Auto Parts Industry Survey 9.) Lack of product differentiation is another factor that adds to the intense rivalry between competitors. Automobile manufactures products include cars, trucks and SUVs. Even though there is a lack of product differentiation within the automobile industry there are many things that a manufacturer can do to alter design and production that make a product standout from its competitors. The innovation of technology and production causes intense rivalry between competitors because if automakers want to sell make the most profit they need to develop innovative technology that is a step ahead of its competitors and meets the needs of consumers or they need to develop innovative production techniques that are more  efficient and cheaper compared to its competitors. Ford is known for its innovation throughout the years; one example would be the moving assembly line. This manufacturing technique allowed individual workers to stay stationary and perform the same task repeatedly on multiple vehicles that passed them, this technique allowed Ford to be more efficient by producing many more vehicles than its competitors. Threat of New Entrants Although the automobile industry has very strong rivalries among competitors the industry will not see many new entrants in the future. There are several reasons why there is a low threat of new entrants in the automobile industry. The automobile industry has reached economies of scale and to be successful in the industry new entrants must reach economies of scale. Manufacturers must mass-produce automobiles so that they are affordable to consumers. Another reason why there are very few new entrants in the automobile industry is the very high capital requirement. Manufacturing costs, research and development costs, start-up costs, and advertising and promotion costs are a few costs that require huge amounts of costs in order to be successful in the automobile industry. With rising oil prices, increase in employee benefit costs, higher healthcare costs and also rising steel prices the threat of new entrants will remain to stay very low in the automobile industry. The current situation of the Automobile industry and the U.S economy is another factor that will keep the threat of new entrants low. Rising gas prices, low consumer confidence and shrinking home values are all factors that are causing decreases in automobile sales. Strong brand preferences and high degrees of customer loyalty is another reason there are few new entrants in the automobile industry. It is hard for a new manufacturer to attract customers that have brand preferences and are loyal customers, unless the manufacturer has a huge advertising and sales promotion budget or offer price discounts, these two things decrease profit margin. Threat of Substitute Products The threat of substitute products is very weak in the automobile industry. Automobile transportation for people makes it easy and fast to get from place to place depending on the length of their trip. Walking, biking, and riding trains, planes or subways are all substitutes to automobiles. These substitutes depend on the location of the person. People that live and work in the city will probably either walk, bike, or take a subway to work in order to avoid traffic or to protect the environment. The threat of these substitutes will always be low because it is convenient to have a car and new innovations toward environmentally friendly automobiles. Bargaining Power of Suppliers and Buyers In the automobile industry the bargaining power of the supplier is weak. There are so many part manufactures in the industry to choose from it is easy for a company to switch from one to another giving supplier no leverage. The automobile part sector is so big that it is divided into four business units: original equipment manufacturers, replacement parts manufacturing, replacement parts distribution, and rubber fabricating. According to a press release by Ford, the company spends around $90 billion on parts from more than 2,500 suppliers. Compare to the bargaining power of suppliers the bargaining power of buyers is a lot higher. Automobile manufacturers make profit from the sales of its automobiles. This means that manufactures have to produce automobiles that meet consumer needs and standout from its competitors. This is why consumers have such a high bargaining power because if they do not like a certain automobile they can choose another automobile from a different manufacturer at a relatively low switching cost. Analyzing the bargaining power of supplier and buyers, identifying the threat of new entrants and substitute products, and also analyzing the intensity of rivalry among competitors will allow a company to assess the competitiveness of a certain industry. SWOT Analysis Ford is the worlds third largest automobile manufacturer, and their brands are sold domestically and internationally, which include Ford, Land Rover,  Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury, and Volvo. In 2006 Ford received 30th place in the BusinessWeek-Interbrand ranking of the top 100 global brands in 2006. Another one of Fords biggest strengths is its industry leading innovative technology which is shown through product design, safety and production. Fords large network base is a strength to the company. Ford manufactures and distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. Ford is also a very ethical company. For years, Ford has supported families in need. Ford encourages its employees to take two workdays per year to volunteer at an approved nonprofit organization. Although Ford is very successful it does have weaknesses. One weakness would be the decline in its market share. According to DataMonitor, Fords overall market share in the US has declined from 21.1 % in 2002 to 17.1% in 2006. Competition, globalization, low consumer confidence, and high gas prices are all factors that contribute to Fords declining market share. Another weakness of Fords is its declining profitability. At the end of 2006 Ford recorded revenues of $160,123,000 million which was a 9.5 % decrease from 2005. The operating loss of the company during 2006 was $16,950,000 million compared to a operating loss of $1,550,000 million in 2005. This means Ford had a net loss of $12,613,000 million in 2006, compared to a net profit of $1,440,000 million in 2005 (Datamonitor 4.) The automobile industry is full of opportunities. High gas prices and environmental issues have caused manufacturers to develop innovative technology. Ford is developing several technologies that are environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient. These vehicles include; biofueled vehicles, hydrogen internal-combustion engines and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Global demand is also an opportunity for Ford. Ford has developed strategies to bring its product to emerging markets like India, China and Brazil. The economies of these markets are continuing to grow along with its demand for automobiles. A major threat to Ford is its competition, which includes General Motors, the Chrysler group, Toyota, and Honda. Rising costs are also a major threat to Ford. Rising labor and employee benefit costs have forced Ford to reduce its  workforce and to close some of its vehicle assembly plants. The U.S. economy is also a threat to Ford. Consumer confidence is down due to rising oil prices and declining home values. The future of Ford and the automobile industry will continue to be worse in the near future if these threats continue. With rising costs and increased competition the U.S automobile industry does not look good. Industry sales are expected to decline in the future due to low consumer confidence, rising interest rates, and high gas prices. SUV and truck sales will decline the most due to the rising gas prices. There will be a higher demand for smaller cars that are fuel-efficient. The Detroit Three along with other U.S. manufacturers will increasingly focus its operations internationally to markets in Eastern-Europe, Latin America and the Asia-Pacific where production costs are cheaper. Environmental friendly technology and manufacturing will also continue to rise because of the growing consumer interest in protecting our world. Works Cited Autos Auto Parts Industry Survey. Standard Poors June 2007: 28 18 April. 2008. For a More Sustainable Future. Ford Motor Company June 2007. 19 April. 2008 Ford Motor Company. Datamonitor Business Information Center Nov 2007. Campbell University Electronic Library., Buies Creek, NC. 18 April. 2008 Ford Motor Company. 2008. Ford Motor Company. 18 April 2008 Ford.com/. Gamble, John E., Strickland, A.J. III and Thompson, Arthur A. Jr. Crafting and Executing Strategy. McGraw-Hill/Irwin, 2007. The North America Automotive Sectors. Mergent Oct 2007. Campbell University Electronic Library., Buies Creek, NC. 18 April. 2008

moralhf Moral Choices in Mark Twains The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn :: Adventures Huckleberry Huck Finn Essays

Huckleberry Finn - Moral Choices There were many heroes in the literature that has been read. Many have been courageous and showed their character through tough times. Through these tough times they were forced to make important decisions and this is where you get the real idea of who is deserved to be called a hero. The most influential though of all these was Huckleberry Finn. Through the innocence of childhood he is able to break through the societal pressures that are brought on him and do right. In Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn you meet a rebellious young teen named Huck Finn. Huck is not your everyday hero especially in the beginning of the novel but slowly through the story his mature, responsible side comes out and he shows that he truly is the epitome of a hero. Huck is forced to make many crucial decisions, which could get him in serious trouble if not get him killed. Huck has natural intelligence, has street smarts, which are helpful along his adventure, and is assertive. Huck has always had to rely on himself to get through things because he is from the lowest levels of white society and his dad is known more or less as the `town drunk." So when Huck fakes his death and runs away to live on an island he is faced with yet another problem, which revolves around the controversial issue of the time of racism. While living on the island he meets Jim who was a slave but Huck soon learns that he has ran off and now in the process of making his way up north to Canada. Here Huck is faced along with his first tough decision, to go with Jim and help him, or just go and tell the officials of a runaway slave and get the reward. Huck reluctantly joins Jim and promises him to get him to free land for the sake of a good adventure but he still feels guilty to be conversing with a runaway slave let alone help him escape. Along the way Huck has many challenges, which are just like this one. This is truly remarkable for a child to be able to break away from the influence of society and go with his heart and do what is right especially when it was considered wrong.

Images and Imagery in Macbeth Essay -- Macbeth essays

Imagery in Macbeth      Ã‚  Ã‚   Darkness, disorder, mayhem, fear, guilt, and hypocrisy are all important themes carried throughout William Shakespeare's "Macbeth" by the effective use of imagery in reference to ill-fitting clothing, blood, and light verses dark. Imagery in this play tiptoes its way though every scene to create a malevolent atmosphere of shame and false pretenses.    The contrast between light and dark during "Macbeth" clearly relates to the conflict between good and evil. Darkness is used throughout the play to create a desolate and disturbed atmosphere filled with disarray. Darkness is always prominent during murders and tragic events. When Macbeth realizes that Malcolm is named heir in act 1, scene 4, by the king, Macbeth becomes enveloped in jealousy and says, "Let not light see my black and deep desires" (I.IV.57-58). He hopes that darkness will hide his deepest desires. When Macbeth and Lady Macbeth discuss the murder of Duncan, Lady Macbeth calls on evil to wrap itself around her in a blanket of darkness so that she would not be suspected in the lines, "Come, thick night, /And pall thee in the dunnest smoke of hell," (I.V.53-54). The morning after Duncan was murdered; Scotland remained in darkness and obscurity. The events that involve immoral acts by characters are continuously done in the presence of darkness. Therefore, one can conclude that evil and death is demonstrated throughout "Macbeth" with the company of darkness. Light, conversely signifies all things good and sane during the play. Within the whole drama, the sun only seems to shine twice: Act 1, scene 6, where Duncan and most other characters are sitting in a serene area in front of the castle, all are in high spiri... ...ich is intriguing to the readers in order to hold their attention and further their perception of the play. As well, blood imagery is successfully used to illustrate the strong character shift experienced by Macbeth from a brave soldier, to a murderer, to a man filled with self-induced guilt. Macbeth was given the title thane of Cawdor, and he was easily corrupted by the power.    Works Cited and Consulted:    Bradley, A.C. Shakespearean Tragedy. Toronto: Penguin Books Canada Ltd., 1991.    Edwards, Terence. Twentieth Century Interpretations of Macbeth. New Jersey: Prentice-Hall Inc., 1977.    Shakespeare, William.   Tragedy of Macbeth . Ed. Barbara Mowat and Paul Warstine. New York: Washington Press, 1992.   Ã‚   Scott, Mark W. (Editor).   Shakespeare for Students.   Gale Research Inc. Detroit, Michigan. 1992         

Juvenile Violence Essay

In the increasing debate of child criminals and their proneness towards recidivism, there exists the issue of rehabilitation. In point of fact the entire issue of juvenile delinquency hinges upon the ability of the offender to re-enter society not as a criminal but as a redemptive individual ready to become a working part of society. In the questions that arise from the concern over juvenile delinquency the recurring question is this: Are children who commit crimes rehabilitated by the juvenile court system, or are they more likely to commit criminal acts as adults? In the answering of this fundamental question, aspects of the child criminal are brought to the forefront of the debate, and these include, the attachment the child has with parental figure and the morality that exists in the child because of that relationship or the amorality that exists because of lack of a relationship. Also, the connection the juvenile has with school and community becomes prevalent when after school programs are a deterrent to crime. Throughout this essay, such rehabilitation techniques will be dissected and examined, and a cause and effect scenario will be produced. Amalgamating facts on the juvenile delinquent and the process by which they become a delinquent is the aim of this paper. The reintroduction of a delinquent into society will be presented as the purpose of the juvenile court system and whether this system fails or should receive accolades is the determining factor in rehabilitation. Other factors in the rehabilitation of the delinquent, and the effectiveness of these alternative methods will also be presented. It must also be included in the paper the viewpoint of trying child criminals as adults for their crimes and whether or not such punishment is just and rehabilitative or merely a deterrent in the growth away from such delinquent behavior. In essence, the purpose of this paper is to reveal whether or not juvenile delinquents have a chance to become integral parts of a working society and whether the juvenile court system impedes or motivates the delinquent to become a model citizen. The question we must then ask is; are juvenile detention centers merely an impetus for juveniles to continue with their criminal lifestyle, and is trying them as adults paving the path towards them becoming a hardened criminal? The intention of this paper is to delve into the causes of juvenile violence, whether or not programs retarding recidivism work and the theory behind their efficacy, and a major section of the paper will introduce violent behavior and its causes (i. e. peer groups, parental control, and cultural background). Delinquent Behavior/Definition/Parents Juvenile delinquency is refereed as the act of committing serious crimes of a person ranging from ages of 10 through 17 years in the society. Juvenile delinquency had been a major problem because of the committed serious crimes. The social issues of juvenile delinquency cases are being monitored and the alarming effects made many lawmakers find a way to stop this. The Justice Department of United States defines a juvenile delinquent as the offender of the laws of the country as stated by the court and who is a minor. In view of delinquent behavior there must be a definition and applicable theory to first aid in deciding what causes such conduct (Quas et al. 2002, 247). In Hirschi’s book Causes of Delinquency (1969) there are presented three different theory types in regards to delinquent behavior. These theories have applicable grounds, by which the delinquent acts out, as Hirschi states, Three fundamental perspectives on delinquency and deviant behavior dominate the current scene. According to strain or motivational theories, legitimate desires that conformity cannot satisfy or force a person into deviance. According to control or bond theories, a person is free to commit delinquent acts because his ties to the conventional order have somehow been broken. According to cultural deviance theories, the deviant conforms to a set of standards not accepted by a larger or more powerful society. (Hirschi 1969, 3) The idea of conformity is a major part of the decision process of whether or not a child becomes a delinquent. Conformity to whom is the major question presented by each theory. The conformity to a society should discipline a child into model behavior while the conformity to a gang or group of friends whose lifestyle consists of criminal acts is merely another form of orthodoxy in that particular group. In the conformity of either gang or community the underlying current of thought for the delinquent is desire. Human desire to be a part of something and be accepted by that larger group is the impetus towards deliberating behavior. Humans are creatures whose desires propel them on towards actions, whether or not those actions are legitimated by society or a gang is not concerting but rather a person sometimes feels that their desires are above the law, and when that desire is about acceptance, many formal rules are broken, as Hirschi states, Having thus established that man is a moral animal who desires to obey the rules, the sociologist was then faced with the problem of explaining his deviance. Clearly, if men desire to conform, they must be under great pressure before they will resort to deviance. In the classic strain theories, this pressure is provided by legitimate desires. A man desires success, for example, as everyone tells him he should, but he cannot attain success conforming to the rules; consequently, in desperation, he turns to deviant behavior or crime to attain that which he considers rightfully his. (Hirschi 1969, 5). In defining the deviance of a juvenile his or her own personal issues towards conformity become apparent. There is of course the issue of morality with problems about crimes. For a delinquent, their understanding about crime, and their acts therein, depend independently upon who has previously governed their conceptions of the criminal lifestyle. On this issue, Hirschi states, â€Å"In strain theory, man is a moral animal. His morality accounts for the pressure that I built into the model. If morality is removed, however, if man is seen as an amoral animal, then tremendous pressure is unnecessary in accounting for his deviance† (Hirschi 1969, 10). A child, to a certain extent is not solely responsible for their own actions, because they mirror what has been presented to them. Parents should be highly considered when any discussion or debate about the morality of children and their proceeding stature as a criminal is discussed. The influence of the family in the juvenile’s criminal disposition is further emphasized through Aspy et al. ’s article which stating that, Many of these risk factors are related to the economic resources available to the family. Family income has been shown to be protective in that youth from wealthier families are less likely to be involved in weapon carrying (Blum et al. , 2000). Although the number of children below the poverty line is on the decline, overall, there remain racial/ethnic differences in family structure and poverty† (Aspy et al. 2004, 82). The use of family as a predictor in the violence and criminal behavior of a child is further emphasized through Ellickson and McGuigan’s research, For predatory violence, there were 6 predictors: frequency of using alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana during grade 7; higher levels of perceived drug use by one’s middle school peers; being male; being multiracial; coming from a nuclear family; and rebelliousness. However the last two variables had an impact was contrary to our predictors with adolescents from nuclear families more likely to be frequent perpetrators of predatory violence and rebellious youth less likely to be frequent perpetrators of predatory violence (Ellickson and McGuigan 2000, 570). With this understanding of the juvenile mindset, the parental control over the thoughts and sentiments that the juvenile has towards crime should be discussed. The amount of exposure a child has with their parents may be considered positive or negative in regards to rehabilitation or the furthering of the child’s life into crime depending on the morality of the parents. The juvenile court system lays great claim to the lack of control parents have with regards to their children and thus the child is sent to a more appropriate atmosphere. The juvenile court system sometimes takes control away from the parents and gives it to an institute. To keep on track, the child’s exposure to their parents may offer a great opportunity to examine the process of the making of a juvenile delinquent. Hirschi gives us the fact that parental control may be a great deterrent to a life of crime. In control theory it is believed that the greater the bond between a parent and a child, the less likely it is for that child to become delinquent (Hirschi 1969, 83). When a child contemplates a criminal act, according to control theory, and decides to either follow through with the act or to discard the act, depends upon the extent to which that their parents are moral beings have ingrained in that child such morality. On this subject, Hirschi states, â€Å"In the light of the cultural deviance perspective, the child unattached to his parents is simply more likely to be exposed to â€Å"criminogenic influences. † He is, in other words, more likely to be free to take up with a gang. His lack of attachment to his parents is, in itself, of no moral significance† (Hirschi 1969, 85). The attachment a child exhibits to their parents should have great influence on the juvenile court system as to whether or not the child can be rehabilitated. Since the morality of a parent seems to have great sway as to the sentiments and sometimes actions of a juvenile delinquent, the parent should be given custody and paroling powers over the child instead of a juvenile institution or prison. The socialization from the earliest stage of child development is dependent upon the parent. The conformity a child feels they must succumb to the conformity the parent instills in the child. Hirschi states that in control theory advocates of alternative law enforcement find the internalization of norms depends on the early socialization the child has been exposed to under the guidance of the parent. The emotional bond between parent and child delivers to the child the same mores and values held in esteem of the parent. The parent’s expectations of the child become well known and are fostered through this bond. If, however, the child is alienated or distanced from their parent, such bonds prove to be nihilistic. The feeling the child has of moral rules when the bond is severed or otherwise incapacitated proves to be the leading factor in the delinquent lifestyle. When the parent shows little concern for the child’s actions or is simply not in the child’s life, then that child is void of moral laws, codes and societal norms (Hirschi 1969, 86). The child’s development of a superego or conscious will not develop if such a bond is nonexistent. Of parental bonds and the forming of child delinquents, Hirschi goes on to state, The child attached to his parents may be less likely to get into situations in which delinquent acts are possible, simply because he spends more of his time in their presence. However, since most delinquent acts require little time, and since most adolescents are frequently exposed to situations potentially definable as opportunities for delinquency, the amount of time spent with parents would probably be only a minor factor in delinquency prevention. So-called â€Å"direct control† is not, except as a limiting case, of much substantive or theoretical importance. The important consideration is whether the parent is psychologically present when temptation to commit a crime appears. If, in the situation of temptation, no thought is given to parental reaction, the child is to this extent free to commit the act. (Hirschi 1969, 88). Parental concern and involvement, in regards to control theory, is thus proven to be a staple in the forming of healthy relationships between child and society and the deterring factor that limits delinquency.

History of African American Music Essay

The result is usually described as â€Å"soul music,† a mix of blues, rhythm and blues, and gospel voices. But, if Ray Charles was one of the â€Å"originators† of soul music, â€Å"Aretha Franklin reshaped it,† by bringing even more of her gospel background to bear on secular love songs (Wade and Picardie 27). By combining popular elements with her stunning voice, her great musicianship, and the feeling for a song that she learned in church, Aretha became one of the greatest soul singers to ever live. Aretha Franklin is a well-known pop, R&B, and gospel singer. She has been nicknamed â€Å"The Queen of Soul† and is an internationally known artist and a symbol of pride in the African American community. Her popularity soared in 1967 when she released an album containing songs â€Å"I Never Loved a Man†, â€Å"Respect†, and â€Å"Baby I Love You. † Throughout her career she has achieved fifteen Grammy Awards, Lifetime Achievement Award, National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences Legend Awards, and many Grammy Hall of Fame Awards. In 1987 she became the first woman inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Time magazine chose her as one of the most influential artists and entertainers of the 20th century. She sang at Dr. Martin Luther King’s funeral and at former President Bill Clinton’s inaugural party. Although she has all these accomplishments and awards there are other reasons that have driven Franklin to fame and landed her on the front cover of Time magazine on June 28, 1968. The reasons I believe allowed Aretha Franklin to become so successful are the following: Her family’s involvement with religion, the inspiring people that surrounded her, and the pain she suffered. It is clear that because her family’s involvement with religion would be one reason why Aretha Franklin became as famous as a Gospel singer. Some people would say that her love for religion is unbelievable, but after researching her childhood it is very believable. Her father, Reverend Clarence LaVaugh Franklin lived in Shelby Mississippi and preached while living the life of a sharecropper. As soon as he had enough money, he would move to Memphis, Tennessee to become a pastor of two churches. After a couple of years he attended LeMoyne College, and he studied Education and English Literature. With his education he was able to bring a more liberal view to his preaching’s. Then he moved the family to Buffalo, New York. When he had the resources, he moved the family again to Detroit, Michigan were he settled and became a pastor of a churched called New Bethel Baptist Church. He quickly became one of the most famous pastors in the city of Detroit. Aretha was two years old when they made their final move, she would grow up here and grab the emotion of Church and incorporate it into her music. Aretha Franklin’s mom, Barbara V. Skaggers, served as choir director and pianist. Aretha describes her mom as â€Å"a Superb singer, her voice was clear and distinctive†. (Franklin and Ritz, 6) Her parents taught her how to sing with great pride. This was a big issue because the late ‘50s, early ‘60s was a time of turmoil for African Americans. Her father especially tried to instill pride into her. He was a Civil Rights activist and he was a close colleague with Dr. Martin Luther King. With her parents keeping her involved in Church she was bound to become one of the world’s greatest singers. At around age 12, the father recognized Aretha’s talent as a singer. So he took her on the road with his traveling gospel show. This was important because it shows the kind of support Aretha received from her family. It was said, â€Å"She was a spellbinding performer at the age of fourteen. † (Franklin, 3) So her family really supported and inspired her to become a gospel singer. What also made her a great artist was that she had inspiring people all around her. Aretha grew up in Detroit which at the time was a rousing city or a city of hope for the African Americans running away from the brutality of the South. Though Detroit still had its problems such as race riots, many famous musicians grew up there. Also since New Bethel Baptist Church was so prominent, many musicians and political leaders used Reverend Franklin’s pulpit as a platform to sing or speak to the Black’s of Detroit. Aretha was introduced to classical music by Smokey Robinson’s sister Sylvia Burston. She listened to well known local DJ’s like Ruth Brown and Senator Brystal Brown. When Aretha was younger, she would ride her bike to the local park, and on her way home she would stop by a night club where you could here B. B. King perform. She says, â€Å"You could hear the soft sound of his guitar all the way to the sidewalk (Franklin and Ritz, 22). National and local political leaders would give there speeches. Speakers such as Dr. Adam Clayton Powell, Sr. , Dr. Martin Luther King, and Reverend Jesse Jackson would speak powerfully to the church. Aretha was directly influenced by Miriam Anderson, Sammy Davis, and Roy Wilkins. Detroit was overflowing with talent and speakers which I believe also contributed to Aretha’s success. Pain was probably what really drove Aretha Franklin’s success. As stated before, Franklin’s family was highly religious and was continually involved in the Church. But that doesn’t mean that she hadn’t been through a tremendous amount of pain. Early in life her mother and father got a divorce. The father was better suitable to raise Aretha and her four Siblings. The mother moved to Buffalo, New York and tried to make regular visits to see her children. She was supported her children in the best way she could, but when Aretha needed her, she still was not reachable. Matters became worst a few years later when Aretha’s mom dies of a stroke. Aretha described her mom by saying â€Å"she was the absolute lady† (Smith, 3). At age 15 she had her first child and two years later another would come. But Aretha still wanted to go out and be with friends, so her grandmother usually babysat for her periodically. In a time when Black Activism, Feminism, and Sexual Liberation were high, she needed to provide for herself. So when Aretha was old enough and was ready to start performing, she hired a man named Ted White to be her manager. He later became her husband. In the future she would divorce him for a famous actor which would end in divorce, too. Even though in 1968 to 1969, Franklin’s career was rising rapidly. She was still described by her Producer Jerry Wexler as â€Å"a person whose depressions runs deeper than the sea† (Ritchie Unterberger, 3). Then one of Franklin’s highest admirers, gospel giant Mahalia Jackson died. Right after her death a extremely emotional gospel album was released my Aretha â€Å"Amazing Grace† This record was considered to be one of the most emotional records of its time. Much of the pain that Aretha suffered was not really publicized, but still it had to be one of the reasons for her to have such a powerful voice. Aretha Franklin was a successful artist and still inspires musicians today. Her voice is still described as incredible. She has all the awards that she needs to show her talent. Works cited Franklin, Aretha, and David Ritz. Aretha: From These Roots. New York: Villard, 1999. Print. Carroll, Jillian. Aretha Franklin. Chicago: Raintree, 2004. Print