Women like Chanel Bags Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Women like Chanel Bags - Essay Example In a period when luxury products have been the subject of intensive discussion and debate, current consumers are willing to offer considerably higher amounts of money for luxury products as a display of a particular product brings prestige to the owner apart from the functional utility. Luxury items are becoming a necessity as more than 51 percent women in Tokyo purchase Chanel bags. It is further important to mention that luxury consumption is influenced by factors such as brand image, quality, fashion, store atmosphere and patron status. There are contrasting views from Vigneron and Johnson who believe that categorization of luxury products, hedonist and perfectionists are more interested in pleasure derived from the use of luxury products and less interested in price rather than the quality of product, and its performance which leaves the debate open for discussion whether luxury products are bought for quality or just for the sake of prestige. The market for a luxury product is increasing with increasing income among the middle and high society which forces the manufacturers to provide fashionable items to its consumers which are durable and utilized optimally. Schroeder (1291) mentioned that typical turns in an art, artists, and aesthetics in management and marketing often involve ill-defined groping for innovation, creativity or play. The viability of a fashion brand is dependent upon the efficacy and appropriateness of the decisions of those responsible for its management.

How a Guitar Works Essay Example for Free

How a Guitar Works Essay A guitar can be defined as a musical instrument having â€Å"a long, fretted neck, flat wooden soundboard, ribs, and a flat back, most often with incurved sides† (Kasha, 1968) and believed to exist over 4000 years ago. The instrument was believed to be derived from the Greek instrument kithara, â€Å"a square-framed lap harp or lyre† (Guy, 2001). Today the guitar comes in many different forms but still follows the same dynamics to create beautiful melody. Music classifies a guitar as a chordophone or a string instrument. Physics describe a chordophone is any â€Å"instrument whose standing wave constraint is that at each end of the medium there must be a node† (Lapp, p. 61). A guitar has four essential components namely its hollow body, its neck, the head and its six strings. The body is the enclosed part of the guitar composed of the soundboard, a flat wooden piece that comprises the front of the body, supported by the wooden ribs and braces connected to the back board of the guitar to form the body cavity where air vibrates. The soundboard is etched with the sound hole, the hole where which the sound from the vibration travels out into the air. The bridge, which is mounted on the lower part of the soundboard, anchors each of the one ends of the six strings of the guitar. A thin piece is attached to the bridge, which is called the saddle, on which the strings rest. The guitar neck is made up of the fingerboard, the face of the neck where the fingers of the player are placed while pressing on a string. Frets, pieces the separate the fingerboard at definite intervals, are also part of the neck of the guitar. The end of the neck is made up of the nut, on which the other end of the strings rest, functioning similarly as the saddle. The head of the neck are where the ends of the string are affixed. The strings are tied onto a string post which can be freely rotated through worm gears. The tuning knobs provide for the control of the movement of the worm gears. Turning these knobs, enables the player to increase or decrease tension in the strings. The strings are the one who provides the tone that the guitar plays. Guitars have strings with different thickness for steel string guitars or densities for nylon string guitars, having its thickness or density increase gradually from top to bottom. The vibration of the strings determines the sound that the guitar plays. The vibrating strings alone are hardly audible. In order for the sound produced to be recognizable, the structure of the guitar is made as such in order to transfer the string vibrations to the plate of the soundboard through the bridge and saddle. The body then vibrates in all directions; however the ribs inside the body cavity keep the plate flat, despite these disturbances. Amplification, in the strictest definition of the word, is never the function of the guitar body. The small volume of sound produced due to string vibration is mostly due to the inefficient conversion of the energy from the plucking of the string into sound energy. The guitar body provides an efficient medium for this energy conversion due to its large surface area. The simple schematic below, cited as Fig. 1, demonstrates the transfer of energy as a guitar string is plucked. Figure 2. Energy Transfer in the Guitar Physics in Guitars Sound is any fluctuation is pressure resulting from the displacement of matter. However, what men recognize as being heard are tones, which are sounds that are repeated at a specific frequency. Humans can only recognize tones with frequencies between 20Hz and 20kHz. Musical notes, however, are collection of tones with specific frequencies that were found pleasing to one’s senses. The basic notes of the musical scale and their specific frequencies are as follows: 264Hz is middle C or middle do; 297Hz is D or re; 330Hz is E or mi; 352Hz is F or fa; 396Hz is G or so; 440Hz is A or la; 495Hz is B or ti; and 528Hz is the higher C or higher do. The masterful combination of these basic set of frequencies by musical composers enabled the conception of melodic harmony and symphony. The vibration of the strings of the guitar can be characterized as standing waves. The standing wave condition needs that the ends be terminated by a fixed node. The frequency of the vibration is determined by the length of the string and the tension experienced by the string. Therefore, in order to produce the different musical notes, the different frequencies of vibration should be achieved by the strings. The first mode of vibration or the fundamental harmonic of the string can be illustrated by the Fig. 2, where L is the length of the string and ? represents the wavelength, the length of one cycle of vibration, an upward movement and its corresponding downward movement along the string. Figure 2. Fundamental Harmonic of String (Lapp, p. 62) ? can be found to be twice of the string length, L. Since frequency is the ratio of the speed of vibration and the wavelength and the tension of the string is the product of the mass density or mass per unit length of the string and the speed of vibration, an expression of the frequency of vibration, expressed as f, in terms of the string tension, expressed as T, mass density of the string, expressed as ? , and L can be derived, thus the expression: These factors determine the frequency of the vibration, thus the tone that is played. An increase in ? and L decreases f, which results in a lower pitch. On the other hand, an increase in T, increases f, resulting in a higher pitch. The guitar provides control for all these factors. The difference in the density of the strings from top to bottom provides control for ?. The tuning knobs manage T while L is controlled by the player by pressing on the string against the fret. However, as the guitar string is struck, it does not vibrate solely on its fundamental frequency. Instead overtones are formed, which are harmonics with frequencies that are integer multiples of the fundamental frequency, which can be demonstrated by Fig. 3. These overtones provide the richness of sound, which seem to reverberate in one’s ears, instead of a flat sound of a tone with only a single harmonic. Figure 3. (from top to bottom) 1st, 2nd, and 3rd overtones (Hokin, 2001) â€Å"The guitar can be considered to be a system of coupled vibrators† (Fletcher Rossing, 1998, p. 240). Along with the vibration of the string as it is plucked, all other parts of the guitar vibrates, and with it energy is transferred through them as demonstrated in Fig. 1. A significant part of the production of tones of a guitar is the vibration of the body along with air inside its cavity. The movements and modes of vibration of the guitar body and the air inside it, in response to the string being plucked, are referred to as internal resonances, which provides for the increase in volume of the tone produced similar to hitting a snare. The frequency of thses internal resonances of the guitar body are determined by the volume of air that the body encloses and the size of the sound hole, one of which that has lowest frequency is termed as Helmholtz resonance. These modes of the vibration can be observed through the use of lasers in holographic interferograms, as exemplified by Fig. 4, wherein the vibrations are manifested as ripples in the guitar body. Figure 4. Guitar Body Resonances (Fletcher Rossing, 1998, p. 246) However, these resonances can affect the quality of the tone produced when its frequency is close to harmonics that the plucked string produces. Certain harmonics are attenuated further than usual resulting in higher or lower pitches. The appropriate placement of the ribs and braces inside the guitar body, aside from supporting the soundboard, keep these resonances at a minimum. The ribs and braces of the guitar are illustrated below. Figure 5. Bracings of a Guitar (Billington, 1999) The masterful combination of the components of a guitar through its development has enabled it to be a source of beautiful melody throughout generations. The guitar is concrete evidence how man can create harmony from chaos. References Flectcher, N. H. Rossing, T. D. (1998). The Physics of Musical Instruments. 2nd ed. New York. Springer Science+Business Media, Inc. Billington, I. (1999). The Physics of the Acoustic Guitar. Retrieved from http://ffden-2. phys. uaf. edu/211. web. stuff/billington/main. htm. University of New South Wales. Guitar Acoustics. Retrieved from http://www. phys. unsw. edu. au/music/guitar/. Hokin, S. (2002). The Physics of Everyday Stuff. Retrieved from http://www. bsharp. org/ physics/ stuff/guitar. html. Lapp, D. R. The Physics of Music and Musical Instruments. Retrieved from http://www. tufts. edu/as/wright_center/workshops/workshop_archives/physics_2003_wkshp/ book/pom_book_acrobat_7. pdf. Brain, M. How Acoustic Guitars Work. Retrieved from http://entertainment. howstuffworks. com/guitar. htm. Guy, P. (2001). A Brief History of the Guitar. Retrieved from http://www. guyguitars. com/eng/ handbook/BriefHistory. html Parkkali, R. (2006). A Well Compensated Guitar. Retrieved from http://www. newmillguitar. com/ millen2. htm

Installing A Car Stereo System :: essays research papers

Installing A Car Stereo System Throughout this project, each component will be required to be compatible with the other components chosen. The dual purpose for this is to keep cost factor low and facilitating installation. Several adaptors can be eliminated by having compatible components. Five major components will be used in this system, the head unit, the front speakers, the rear speakers, the subwoofer, and the subwoofer amplifier. Head Unit The head unit is the most important component and must have certain features to make it adequate for this system. Some of the features we will not be using immediately but will require in case expansion is later desired. There are four major features required in the head unit, they are internal amplifier, Pre-amp out RCA jacks, CD controller and a face-off security feature. The head unit must have an internal amplifier that can produce at least 25 watts-per-channel so it can adequately power a decent pair of speakers. Reproduction of higher frequency sounds (i.e. violin, flute) as well as lower frequency sounds (bass violin, tuba) require more power to be heard at the same level as a midrange sound (voice, trumpet). The internal amplifier in the head unit must be able to generate enough wattage for the SPL (sound pressure level) of the higher frequencies to be heard clear in a space the size of the AEROSTAR. Pre-amp Out RCA Jacks To allow for low-level amplification without using an in-line power reducer, the head unit will require low level pre-amplification output jacks. Head units ordinarily come with either front and rear, or just rear RCA jacks. This situation will only require rear jacks since the head unit produces enough wattage sufficient for the front speakers. The sub-woofer system will be powered by an additional external amplifier by using these jacks. CD Controller Although cassettes are more versatile at this point in time, CD's are readily available and deliver a more quality sound. It would be a very good choice to assure that a CD Controller is built in. One that controls more than just a specific multi-CD player. Face-off Security Full-Panel detatchable security feature will also be required. Most head units have this as a standard feature making this feature, although indisposable, readily available. A unit that has mechanical fast-forward, rewind, and eject buttons will be preferred over a unit that has all these as electronic features. The reason for this comes apparent if ever a cassette tape is left in the unit and the tape is to be ejected without having the ignition key to power the unit. In the tuner section of the unit, local/distance switchting , dolby Installing A Car Stereo System :: essays research papers Installing A Car Stereo System Throughout this project, each component will be required to be compatible with the other components chosen. The dual purpose for this is to keep cost factor low and facilitating installation. Several adaptors can be eliminated by having compatible components. Five major components will be used in this system, the head unit, the front speakers, the rear speakers, the subwoofer, and the subwoofer amplifier. Head Unit The head unit is the most important component and must have certain features to make it adequate for this system. Some of the features we will not be using immediately but will require in case expansion is later desired. There are four major features required in the head unit, they are internal amplifier, Pre-amp out RCA jacks, CD controller and a face-off security feature. The head unit must have an internal amplifier that can produce at least 25 watts-per-channel so it can adequately power a decent pair of speakers. Reproduction of higher frequency sounds (i.e. violin, flute) as well as lower frequency sounds (bass violin, tuba) require more power to be heard at the same level as a midrange sound (voice, trumpet). The internal amplifier in the head unit must be able to generate enough wattage for the SPL (sound pressure level) of the higher frequencies to be heard clear in a space the size of the AEROSTAR. Pre-amp Out RCA Jacks To allow for low-level amplification without using an in-line power reducer, the head unit will require low level pre-amplification output jacks. Head units ordinarily come with either front and rear, or just rear RCA jacks. This situation will only require rear jacks since the head unit produces enough wattage sufficient for the front speakers. The sub-woofer system will be powered by an additional external amplifier by using these jacks. CD Controller Although cassettes are more versatile at this point in time, CD's are readily available and deliver a more quality sound. It would be a very good choice to assure that a CD Controller is built in. One that controls more than just a specific multi-CD player. Face-off Security Full-Panel detatchable security feature will also be required. Most head units have this as a standard feature making this feature, although indisposable, readily available. A unit that has mechanical fast-forward, rewind, and eject buttons will be preferred over a unit that has all these as electronic features. The reason for this comes apparent if ever a cassette tape is left in the unit and the tape is to be ejected without having the ignition key to power the unit. In the tuner section of the unit, local/distance switchting , dolby

Rage Against Machine Three Rebels Essay

The protagonists of the novels Emma by Jane Austen, My Name is Asher Lev by Chaim Potok, and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain all share a rebellious streak that both serves them well and causes them trouble in their respective novels. However, these protagonists didn’t operate with a wild disregard to the rules of their society and times. Rather, all three characters are constrained in the end by the mores of Victorian England, Orthodox Jewish society and 19th century Southern values respectively. Exploring such aspects of Emma, My Name is Asher Lev, and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, as theme, historical context, and psychological traits, it will be shown that despite Emma Woodhouse’s disdain for the institution of marriage, Asher Lev’s living in the two seemingly opposite worlds of art and Jewish society, and Huckelberry Finn’s lack of respect for social refinement and rules, the three protagonists did not entirely succeed in their goals of living lives that went against the grain of their societies. Emma Woodhouse was described in the pages of Emma as a â€Å"†¦ handsome, clever, and rich†¦ † (Austen, p. 1, 1816) young woman who was the apple of her doting father’s eye and the mistress of Hartfield, their family estate. Taking credit for the union of her former governess and a Mr. Weston, Emma decided to further hone her â€Å"matchmaking† skills by setting up her friend Harriet Smith with various men of higher social status. This interest in Harriet Smith’s marriage prospects directly contradicts Emma’s own quest to remain single in a society that offered women only bleak alternatives to marriage. Despite Emma’s twin resolves to remain single and find Harriet a suitable mate, Emma eventually caved into the demands that were made on women of high social status when she gets engaged and realized that Harriet marrying a farmer named Robert Martin would forever alter their relationship. Asher Lev, the protagonist of My Name is Asher Lev, had loved to draw ever since he was small. His father, an important figure in the Ladover community, tried to discourage his son from getting too serious about his art while his mother implored Asher to draw pictures that were â€Å"pretty†, an assault to her son’s melancholy artistic temperment. Despite reading in an art book that an artist should be free of religion, country, etc, Asher decides that he will try to balance being a devout Jew with being a passionate artist. Under the guidance of Jacob Kahn, a non-practicing Jewish artist, Asher’s art and his knowledge flourishes as he explores the use of crucifixes in his work. Asher is uneasy about showing the crucifixion pictures in a show, but he goes through with it, being true to his calling as an artist. The crucifixes ultimately prove to be Asher Lev’s undoing as he is shunned by his parents and the Ladover community in general. Huckleberry Finn, the protagonist in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, is an adolescent boy who enjoys looking for trouble with his friend Tom Sawyer way more than trying to become a civilized boy at the hands of the widow and Miss Watson. After running away from his drunkard father, he decides to travel with Jim, who left Miss Watson’s house after he found out that Miss Watson was thinking of selling him. Even though Huckleberry Fin grows attached to Jim, he harbors doubts throughout the story about hiding a runaway slave. He even thinks about turning Jim in before deciding that having a conscience just wasn’t worth the mental agony of losing his friend. In the end, the protagonist’s rebellious act of helping a slave escape his captors prove to be for nothing as Miss Watson, his former master, decides to set him free. All three novels have themes that somehow relate back to rebellion or freedom. In Emma, the protagonist told her friend Harriet Smith that she never intended on getting married, a bold pronouncement in Victorian England. Her reasons are simple: â€Å"Fortune I do not want; employment I do not want; consequence I do not want; I believe few married women are half as much mistress of their husband’s house as I am of Hartfield†¦ † (Austen, p. 74, 1816) What Emma was saying was that her social status allowed her the freedom to chart her own course throughout life, an option given to few women at the time. Another way that Emma tried to rebel against the social customs of Victorian England was to find her friend Harriet a mate of high social status. Since Harriet’s bloodline was unknown, most people would have scoffed at a pairing of Harriet with a man like Mr. Elton or Frank Churchill. Mr. Knightley echoes this sentiment when talking to Mrs. Weston: â€Å"Hartfield will only put her out of conceit with all the other places she belongs to. She will grow just refined enough to be uncomfortable with those among whom birth and circumstances have placed her home. † (Austen, p. 31,1816) Freedom is the overarching theme of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. At the beginning and end of the novel, the protagonist yearns to be free from the rules and civilization of 19th century polite Southern society. For a boy that seemed to be hemmed in by clean clothes and spelling lessons, floating on a raft must have seemed like heaven: â€Å"Other places do seem so cramped up and smothery, but a raft don’t. You feel mighty free and easy and comfortable on a raft. † (Twain, p. 134, 1985) The novel even ends with Huckleberry Finn promising to run away looking for more adventures, claiming that he â€Å"been there before† (Twain, p. 296, 1985) with the civilized life. One of the themes of My Name is Asher Lev is the protagonist’s struggle between life as a devout Jew and life as an artist dedicated to his craft. This battle is evident on the first page as Asher Lev introduces himself to a reader that is already familiar with his work. In this passage, Asher tears himself apart yet defends himself at the same time, showing uncertainty years later with his decision to show the crucifixes: I am an observant Jew. Yes, of course, observant Jews do not paint crucifixions. As a matter of fact, observant Jews do not paint at all-in the way that I am painting†¦ I am a traitor, an apostate, a self-hater, an inflicter of shame upon my family†¦ Well, I am none of those things. And yet, in all honesty, I confess that my accusers are not altogether wrong; I am indeed, in some way, all of those things. (Potok, p. 1, 1972) It was established earlier that Emma rebelled against Victorian society by resolving to stay single and fix up her friend Harriet with a man above her social status. As the novel ended with Emma’s engagement to Mr. Knightley and Harriet’s engagement to Robert Martin, Emma realized that rebellion wasn’t quite her cup of tea, deciding to let her friendship with Harriet fall to that of social goodwill: â€Å"The intimacy between her and Emma must sink; their friendship must change into a calmer sort of goodwill†¦ † (Austen, p. 435, 1816) At the start of the novel, Emma wanted to live her life according to her rules, but by the end became caught up in the social mores of Victorian England. Sharing the psychological trait of rebelliousness with Emma Woodhouse, Huckleberry Finn did everything he could to escape the stifling life of rules and convention, even traveling the length of the Mississippi River with a runaway slave. However, the protagonist almost gave in to social conventions several times when he seriously thought about turning Jim in to the authorities. Huckleberry Finn even wrote a letter to Miss Watson telling her of Jim’s whereabouts, feeling better afterward. However, as Huckleberry Finn thought of all the things that Jim had done for him, he tears up the letter, saying â€Å"All right, then, I’ll go to hell† (Twain, p. 223, 1985) The rebellious streak in Asher Lev started early. Even at a young age, Asher was willing to defend his gift, no matter the situation. For example, when Asher was called into the mashpia’s office for drawing a sinister picture of the Rebbe, Asher boldly stood up for his art to his disapproving father, something a polite Orthodox Jewish kid did not do in those times: â€Å"Foolishness is something that’s stupid†¦ Foolishness is something a person shouldn’t do. Foolishness is something that brings harm to the world. Foolishness is a waste of time. Please don’t call it foolishness any more, Papa. † (Potok, p. 129, 1972) Like Huckleberry Finn, Asher Lev knew how he wanted to live his life at a very young age. Also like Huck Finn, Asher was willing to thwart social conventions in order to communicate this. Despite the rebellious streaks of Emma Woodhouse, Huckleberry Finn, and Asher Lev, the time periods in which the three novels take place largely serve to mute the three protagonists’ individuality. In Emma, for example, women of her class were expected to be married. Those who didn’t were largely seen as pathetic beings on which to take pity. The character of Miss Bates was presented as a ridiculous character, seen as a clown-like figure by Emma and others, and seen as an object of sympathy such characters as Mr. Knightley. Even Harriet Smith saw Miss Bates as someone to be pitied. However, Emma, Harriet, and even Jane Fairfax, thought to be doomed to a governess position, escaped Miss Bates’ fate by marrying according to the social customs of Victorian England. Rebellious in her youth, Emma realizes the â€Å"error† of her ways and did her womanly duty. The vile tradition of slavery provided a subtle color to The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Yes, the protagonist became close friends with a runaway slave. However, it was obvious that Huckleberry Finn was conflicted about this friendship. One example of this conflict occurred when the protagonist meets his friend Tom Sawyer , who was on his way to visit relatives. When Tom suggests that they steal Jim away from the Phelps’ farm, Huckleberry Finn is flabbergasted: â€Å"Well, I let go all holts, then, like I was shot. It was the most astonishing speech I had ever heard-and I’m bound to say Tom Sawyer fell, considerable, in my estimation. † (Twain, p. 235, 1985) In other words, it was ok for Jim to travel with Huck when they were in no danger of getting caught. Once caught, Jim was no longer Huck’s problem. He was even surprised that anyone would go to the trouble of breaking the law to help a slave escape. Huckleberry Finn wasn’t a bad person. He was just a victim of pre-Civil War America. Growing up an Orthodox Jew who was also a gifted artist in the mid 20th century was a unique situation for Asher Lev. Throughout My Name is Asher Lev, the protagonist had tried valiantly to combine being a devout Jew with being an even more devout artist. He observed the Jewish faith despite studying under a non-practicing Jewish artist and living in Europe for a while. At the end, something had to give in Asher’s struggle between Judaism and art, and it ended up being his place in the Ladover community. As Asher walked down the street after the Rebbe cast him out of the community, he contemplates his life thus far: â€Å"I was demonic and devine†¦ Asher Lev†¦ was the child of the Master of the Universe and the Other Side. Asher Lev paints good pictures and hurts people he loves. † (Potok, 367, 1972) From this passage, one can see how Asher Lev wondered whether the sacrifice was actually worth the love of his parents and his community. The protagonists of Emma, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and My Name is Asher Lev all sought to do things that were not really done in their times. Emma Woodhouse sought to raise the social status of her friend by marriage while remaining single herself in a time when both acts were looked down upon. Huckleberry Finn wanted to escape civilization while bringing along a runaway slave for company. Asher Lev wanted to combine the life of faith with the life of art in a time when no one would even think about the two concepts together. Ultimately, the times of the three rebel protagonists proved to be too much, dulling their mutinous acts.

Acct 504 Case Study 2

ACCT504 – Accounting and Finance: Managerial Use and Analysis| Case Study 2| Evaluation of LJB Company’s Internal Controls| | [Type the author name]| Due: Feburary 10, 2013| Table of Contents Paragraph Introduction1 Accounting regulations2 Establishing a Control Environment3 Segregation of duties4 Segregation of record keeping form physical custody 5 Policies for petty cash6 Pre-numbered invoices 7 Distribution of paychecks8 Hiring policies9 Independent internal verification 10 Conclusion 11The following is an evaluation of LJB Company’s internal controls, based on the information provided by the President of the company in an effort to prepare his company for the requirements needed to be a publically run company. First, I will establish the legal requirement needed and the importance of internal controls for an organization. Then I will review the current policies and establish better internal controls for each area of concern. Once these policies have been ins tituted by the LJB Company, they should be ready to proceed with their plan to go public.There are many accounting regulations required by a public company. All accounting reports must follow the FASB and SEC guidelines. However, the newest accounting guidelines fall under the Saranes-Oxley act of 2002. The Act mandates reform to improve financial disclosure from companies and to reduce fraud. It requires that senior management must verify the accuracy of the reported financial statement. Plus it requires that management and auditors maintain a system of internal controls and report the methods of these controls.If the company doesn’t comply with the requirements, they could be subject to hefty fines. Before establishing internal controls, it is essential that the company establishes their control environment. The company’s management must clearly outline its goals, standards and ethics since they â€Å"set the stage† for the atmosphere and integrity for the ent ire organization. With the control environment in place, management can then implement its internal controls. I will review what control activities the company is doing right and what the company will need to change.The following control activities will be reviewed; segregation of duties, establishment of responsibility, adequate documents and records, physical control over assets and records and independent checks on performance. Currently, the LJB Company has one person who serves as the Treasurer and Controller. His responsibility includes purchases and paying for all of the supplies. This policy leaves the company venerable to fraud and increases the chances of errors. The company must establish a segregation of duties.Responsibilities should be separate, so no employee should be in the position to both make and conceal errors or fraud in the normal course of their duties. Therefore, I would recommend one person should be in charge of purchasing the supplies and that all purchas es should be approved by a supervisor. Another person should be in charge of paying for the supplies and verifying that the purchase is accurate and approved. This should reduce the risk of undetected errors and limit the opportunity for fraudulent behavior.In addition to the purchasing/paying duties, the accounting person also receives the checks and completes the monthly bank reconciliation. When one individual is responsible for both activities, the potential for errors and irregularities is increased. There should be a segregation of record keeping form and physical custody. The accountant should not have custody of the checks and be responsible for the monthly band reconciliation. There should be a policy in which the work is either separated or reviewed by a supervisor. Next, I will review the company’s policy for petty cash.The current system allows every employee access to the cash and they are only required to leave a note if they remove any funds. This policy violat es many proper internal control activities. The company needs to establish who is ultimately responsible for handling the petty cash. Only authorized personnel should have access to the funds. Expenses paid from the petty cash fund can only be made for the purpose the fund was authorized and must be supported by a receipt. When it is not in use, the petty cash box must be placed in a locked safe or cabinet.An independent count of the receipts and cash on hand must be performed regularly by an accounting officer or supervisor. The new policy of using pre-numbered invoices is an excellent way to insure that all documents are accounted for. It will also help errors such as, entering the record in more than once or missing entries entirely. Any gap in the numerical sequence may indicate a problem and possibly catch errors. I would also recommend the purchase of indelible ink machine to print checks. This will insure that the ink cannot be erased or washed away for fraudulent use.Next we will review the controls set up regarding issuing paychecks. The current procedure has the accountant picking up the paychecks and leaving them in his office for pick up. The checks are locked into a safe if he leaves for the weekend. When you pay employees, certain controls are needed to reduce the risk of fraud or errors. Whenever possible, the accountant should hand the checks directly to the employee, and always lock up undistributed paychecks. Another solution would be to have your employees set their paychecks to be automatically deposited directly into their personal bank account.The next step is to review your hiring policies. I would recommend counting the policy of having both the President and the accountant interview and make decisions on hiring an individual. However, I would also recommend implementing the following policies. If an employee handles cash, the company should have that employee bonded to protect the company from theft. A thorough background check should be run on each employee. All credentials should be verified by phone or by receiving a copy if applicable. After the employee has been vetted, be sure to cross train employees.This will be useful when you require employees to take vacations and rotate employee’s duties. All of these practices should lower the risk of employee theft. To ensure the reliability of the accounting information, an employee’s duties should be verified by others who do did not do the work themselves. I would also recommend that the company sets up a system for an independent internal verification. The company should audit data prepared by an employee periodically. This person should be independent of the activities or department of the person being audited.All discrepancies will need to be reported to management, so corrective action should be taken. In conclusion, establishing a system of internal controls will create a system of checks and balances that will reduce fraud, errors, increase ef fectiveness and insure they are fully compliant will all laws and regulation. Each internal control is the means by which an organization’s resources are directed, monitored and measured. These recommendations will help the company establish specific policies and procedures they will need to reach their goals of becoming a publically traded company. Resources

Literary Analysis of Fisherman by Kurt Brown Essays - Fisherman

Literary Analysis of Fisherman by Kurt Brown Essays - Fisherman Literary Analysis of Fisherman by Kurt Brown English 100 Effective College English I Prof. Stef Donev April 27, 2012 Literary Analysis of Fisherman by Kurt Brown In Kurt Browns poem Fisherman, he reveals how life can be related to the action of fishing in the ocean. The poet tries to interpret how a man goes about his daily life fishing, with hope of trying to find something greater within him. He states this in the first and second lines of the poem, A man spends his whole life fishing in him for something grand.(1-2) He gives the reader the emotion and feeling of ones persistent journey to discovering their worth in life but even though hes on a search to finding this, he has his own self doubts about himself. He gives you the sense of agony, confusion, and courage in the writing. Brown also conveys how finding something grand within ones self is like catching a big fish. But there are some things shadowing that and are unexpectedly preventing the fisher from accomplishing the big catch. The poet is metaphorically trying to portray that no matter what you encounter day by day, to keep striving and never give up. In the first lines of the poem opens up with A man spends his whole life fishing in him for something grand(1-2), figuratively refers to men as fisherman. For that reason, the fisherman is trying to discover something greater within and is constantly finding a means to improve himself for the better. This goes to show how one must keep striving, and not worrying about how difficult the path may be. As you continue reading the poem, the line Its like some lost lunker, big enough to break all records (2-3), represents how the fisherman contemplates on an attempt to overcome other fishermans achievements and exceed to do greater than their accomplishments. The poet portrays the determination to do so and keep his hopes high, in order to become better than the rest. The fisherman struggles and lacks confidence in himself which the poet states in the lines He only felt the shadow of something enormous darken is life. Or as he? (4-5) Brown tries to embody that its quite intimidating how other people can be better but when encountering any adversity, you should not stop no matter how challenging it is. The fisherman tends to continuously doubt himself, for the fact that there are many others being more successful than he is, which shows in the line Maybe its the shadow of other fish, greater than his, the shadow of other mens souls passing over him(6-7) Hes also indicating after the witnessing others being more accomplished than what he has completed, his self-confidence began to sink, questioning himself if one day he can become successful with finding his worth in life. The poet then presents Each day he grabs his gear and makes is way to the ocean. At least hes sure of that: Or is he? (8- 9), emphasizing that the fisherman does not give up and continues, striving to keep searching but undoubtedly shows a non-stop feeling of frustrating uncertainty constantly questioning himself. Through out the poem, the poet asserts that the fisherman is always facing that prolonging emotion of disbelief. Consequently, the poet stresses the fact that we are always faced with disappointment but we have to overcome that fact and succeed. Giving up is not an option but to maintain your will and have an on going fight is what He shoves off, feeling the land fall away under his boots (12), is trying to imply by the writer. Thinking negative will never get you anywhere, but having faith in yourself will definitely become a factor for completing what needs to be done and increase self worth in themselves. When the positive thinking begin to ease, the hope also grows which connects to It could be today: the water heaves and settles like a chest Hes not far out. (14-15) But the man still inclines that he is troubled and not so sure about moving forward. Therefore, continuing through the poem, the writer suggests that after one day of not finding his self worth, he moves on to discover what his unknown desires are at another

The Fall of the Roman Empire Essay Example

The Fall of the Roman Empire Essay Example The Fall of the Roman Empire Essay The Fall of the Roman Empire Essay In the year 610 A.D. the Roman Empire had reduced to only that area east of Pannonia and the transition from a Pagan culture to a Christian culture was one in which the continuity of the empire was virtually nonexistent.We can follow these difficulties from the early migrations to Justinians quest for one God for the empire. In the beginning, the Roman Empire ruled by an extraordinary military and the subsequent expansion which could continually finance the empires many endeavors.This trend seemed to last until the third century. The Macomannian Wars put an end to expansion and produced disorganization in the political system.In addition to these problems, a manpower shortage, caused by both the lack of expansion and disease, hurt the economic status of the empire. Diocletian took control of the empire through a military coup in 284 A.D.He immediately recognized the need for the division of the vast empire.Diocletian divided the empire into halves and developed a tetrarchy to rul e the two regions.This, however, did not solve the problem of succession and after his retirement in 305 A.D. war ensued once again. Constantine took control in 324 A.D.He immediately reorganized the military structure in that he removed the jurisdiction of the praetorian prefects, nominated a magister militi, and developed the comitatus; a more mobile, more prestigious, central army.He also organized many new offices designed to carry out civil service.In addition to these changes, he also established Constantinople, formerly Byzantium, as the new capital in the East.His most important contribution to the fate of the empire was, however, his recognition of Christianity. The conversion of the empire to Christianity was a very difficult event.The empire possessed a tradition of Pagan forms and this transition would bring about contradictions and even denials toward its past.The conversion of Constantine himself is

These Shining Livesâ€A Play by Melanie Marnich

These Shining Lives- A Play by Melanie Marnich These Shining Lives revolves around  the real-life circumstances of women in the 1920s who worked in a watch factory painting watch faces  with glowing radium-rich paint. While the characters and company in These Shining Lives are fictitious, the story of the Radium Girls and the toxic and deadly levels of radium poisoning of over 4,000 factory workers is true. The real-life Radium Girls took their company to court and achieved a long-lasting victory over corporations with poor workplace conditions and worker’s compensation that is still in effect today. The Plot The women in These Shining Lives are delighted to find high-paying work in the early part of the century. They earn 8 ¢ for each watch face they paint and if they are fast enough and neat enough, they can earn over $8 a day. That kind of money could change the entire circumstances of a woman and her family in the 1920s. Catherine, also called Katie, is leaving home for her first day of work. She has twins and a loving and supportive husband. They are barely making ends meet and she sees the opportunity to work and bring home money as a huge boon to her family. At the factory, she meets her tablemates, Frances, Charlotte, and Pearl and learns how to paint the watches: Take the brush and twirl it between your lips to make a sharp point, dip it in the paint, and paint the numbers. â€Å"It’s a lip, dip, and paint routine,† Frances instructs her. When Catherine comments on how the paint glows and tastes, she is told that radium is medicinal and cures all kinds of maladies. She quickly becomes adept at the work and loves her new identity as a working woman. Six years later, however, she and every girl working on the watches have health problems. Many are fired for needing too many sick days. Some die. Catherine is afflicted with severe pains in her legs, arms, and jaw. Eventually, Catherine finds a doctor willing to tell her the truth. She and all the others have toxic levels of radium poisoning. Their condition is fatal. Instead of fading into the background, Catherine and her friends decide to risk their names, images, and reputations and take the watch company to court. Production Details Setting: Chicago and Ottowa, Illinois Time: 1920s and 1930s Cast Size: This play is written to accommodate 6 actors, but there are as many as 18 roles if the doubling recommended in the script is ignored. Male Characters: 2 (who also double as 7 other minor characters) Female Characters: 4 (who also double as 5 other minor characters) Characters that could be played by either males or females: 4 Roles Catherine Donohue is a proud working woman. She is vibrant and competitive. Although she insists that her job is a temporary one, she enjoys working outside of the home and she is unapologetic about it. Frances has a keen eye for scandal. She loves the time and attention she gets from her work companions. The actress playing Frances also plays Reporter 2 and an Official. Charlotte is a tough taskmaster and a determined woman. She works hard at her job, doesn’t make friends easily and she doesn’t let go of the friends she has made or let them give up. The actress playing Charlotte also plays Reporter 1. Pearl is a shameless gossip who sees her work as an opportunity to know everything about everyone. Not a single symptom of scandal or sickness escapes her notice. The actress playing Pearl also plays the Daughter and Judge 2. Tom Donohue is Catherine’s husband. He is head-over-heels for his wife and family even though he is somewhat troubled by having a working wife. The actor playing Tom also plays Dr. Rowantree and Dr. Dalitsch. Mr. Reed is the boss at the factory. It is clear that he has information about the effects of radium poisoning but he abides by company policy and does not inform his workers. He wants to make the factory profitable. Although he is invested in his workers and their lives and even considers them friends, he knowingly allows them to continue to be poisoned and sicken and die. The actor playing Mr. Reed also plays the Radio Announcer, the Company Doctor, the Son, Judge, and Leonard Grossman. Content Issues: Negligible Production rights for These Shining Lives are held by Dramatists Play Service, Inc.

Popular Culture (paraphrase) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Popular Culture (paraphrase) - Essay Example   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Both heroes and celebrities are admired by the public, and as such amass followers or 'fans'.  This is for varying reasons: heroes for doing good, celebrities because they are ubiquitous and unavoidable.  Heroes are generally held in such high esteem for their personal achievements and qualities: Karoly Tacakz, for example, is a national hero in Hungary. After a 1938 accident in which a grenade exploded in his shooting hand, making an amputation necessary, he trained with his left hand and won Olympic gold medals for shooting in 1948 and 1952 (Ruben). Celebrities, on the other hand, can become famous for less admirable traits, such as their looks, wealth, or acting ability.  Some celebrities are even focused on for doing bad things, O.J. Simpson being one prominent instance of this.  The nature of celebrity is  that  they accumulate vast numbers of fans all around the world, whereas heroes may not be widely known, partic ularly outside of their native country  Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚  most non-Hungarians have never heard of Karoly Tacakz. The wide fanbase of celebrities, and  typically  narrower fanbase of heroes, reflects the fact that both heroes and celebrities are leaders in their chosen fields.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Heroes are recognized as leaders and pioneers because they are most often knowledgeable or skilful, with abilities beyond the realm of common experience. However, some celebrities clearly fall into this category: in England, many actors and actresses have been recognized by the same institution which recognized, for example, Sir Isaac Newton, and at the same level. Dame Judi Dench is one of these hero-celebrities, who has been awarded a damehood for her impressive and expressive acting skills. However,  it is demanded of celebrities  to make public appearances in a way that heroes are not – both male and female celebrities are expected to present th emselves  happily  for  often cruel  judgment on their clothes, body and looks. The daily movements of heroes are not generally recorded in tabloids or magazines, whereas sensationalized facts and even speculation of celebrities' whereabouts are readily available. Every detail of a celebrity's life, however irrelevant,  is scrutinized, such as in the recent  Rolling Stone  interview of Justin Bieber  in  which, inexplicably,  the teen pop star  was asked  his opinion on abortion (Grigoriadis).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Both heroes and celebrities have great influence on society, regardless of the level of exposure society has to them (greater for celebrities and less for heroes). Usually, although not always,  heroes inspire whereas celebrities influence: women such as Aisha Humad, whose achievements teaching Sudanese women about their rights, inspire others to follow her footsteps (McKellogg). Celebrities, on the other hand, can i nfluence people's beliefs by speaking out about certain issues, such as the Canadian athlete Clara Hughes. Her campaign to help people battle depression is an example of celebrities' words affecting how people think. Similarly, the typical lifestyle of a

Overcoming Shyness Via Writing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Overcoming Shyness Via Writing - Essay Example This granted me the ability to edit my thoughts and create much more informative or effective thought patterns that I often translated into effective verbal speeches. More importantly, the exercises and assignments in this course gave me an opportunity to improve myself as an analytical writer. That is because the exercises and assignments demanded that I have a thorough understanding of the topic offered up for discussion. As a writer, this class helped me improve my brain functions as well as my written and spoken speech skills. I had no idea before attending this class that there were so many different writing styles available to people. Oftentimes, I would just use the normal, everyday practice of writing notes or using text messaging when communicating with others. Through this class, I learned how to express myself through the written word in different styles. Which I will admit, made me seem like a more interesting person than I actually was. I also learned that using different styles for different occasions signifies a high sense of respect and value that one has for the person I am communicating with. Not being a native speaker of the English language, I will have to admit that the topics being discussed in class, and assigned for the written assignments were somewhat alien to me. That unfamiliarity proved to be a problem for me as the class progressed because I needed to spend quite some time familiarizing myself with the topics up for discussion. However, I will admit that this challenge also proved to be beneficial to me because it helped me improve my writing styles and skills. I learned how to write in a specific style depending upon a specific writing format and also the kind of information that I needed to present.  

Various topics in paper included 2 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Various topics in paper included 2 - Assignment Example There are certain ways through which an entrepreneur can come up with a business plan for an already existing businesses or a new venture (Jones & Jayawarna, 2013, p.1). For instance, an entrepreneur can consider using business simulation method to create its appropriate plan. One of the most common business simulations encompasses the SimVenture, which reflects reality and gives an entrepreneur the opportunity of the respective start up and how run own virtual business. SimVenture is commonly rampant among experienced entrepreneurs whereby it has proved to be extremely helpful to thousands of upcoming entrepreneurs (Jones & Jayawarna, 2013, p.148). In the assignment provided, it is evident that the Company mentioned is not successful; hence, using SimVenture to develop a new and appropriate business plan. In order to ensure the success of the Company, the most important issue that should be considered first is having the knowledge about the Finance, Marketing, Operations and HRM sectors of the Company. Through getting all the available information concerning these sections of the Company, then using SimVenture becomes much easier since one can now recognize the origin of the problem and where to put much focus. Looking at the financial sector of the company it is possible to note that there are high possibilities that the company is wasting away some of its finances. This is because, the Company is said to have had a regular sales income after trading for 8 months. This is evidence that the company is not making any considerable profit. Additionally, the Company has operated for the 8 months yet its sole employee still has no office. To mean, resources are not being well managed. Moreover, the Company’s cash that is available in the bank is around  £8,500. Considering the HRM factor, it is evident that the Company has only one employee who has the responsibility of managing the Company’s resources and the

Discuss how and why leaders are able to influence their followers Essay

Discuss how and why leaders are able to influence their followers. Illustrate your answer by using examples from different power - Essay Example It can be inferred that a person possessing these qualities form a good role as a leader. A leader demonstrates high self-esteem and positive attitude. He emphatically works towards the achievement of objective but never gets aggressive for it. A continuous training, self-study, and evaluation in life develop the traits of leader. Situation can never be as per our desire but response to those situations remains under our control. A good leader not only responds in a positive manner but also inspires other members of group to see the brighter side of the situation. Why Leaders Influence Followers Influence and leadership are complementary. It is considered as one of the integral elements of power. A potent leadership cannot sustain without influence because that is the fundamental aspect of leader. Influence forms part of the core components of leader’s traits. Influence is the ability of leader to maintain respect and position of power within an organization. Certainly, influe nce in a flourishing organization must not be used negatively and should be used positively to influence subordinates and co-workers. Leaders use influence in order to demonstrate their control and autonomy. Leaders need to influence followers to: Alter their schedules and plans Provide timely and relevant information Support and approve proposals and plans Carry out and accept new tasks Control inappropriate behavior How Leaders Influence Followers There are numbers of tactics that are utilized by leaders in order to influence followers. Power Use Model predicts tactics of leaders in terms of hardness and softness. Hard tactics include legitimating, exchange, assertiveness, pressures, coalitions, and upward appeal. Soft tactics include inspirational appeal, personal appeal, ingratiation, consultation, and rational persuasion. Three possible outcomes are revealed as a result of these tactics. They include resistance, compliance, and commitment. A successful leader is the one that un derstand what tactics will work best for specific group of individual or particular situation. If the anticipated outcomes are not attained, it indicates that an inappropriate tactic has been used. If leaders intend to drive a change, the art of influence must be learnt. 1. Reward Power Reward power comes from the perception of employee that supervisor or leader has the capacity to provide specific reward to deserving individuals. It is the leader’s ability of rewarding those employees, who demonstrate desirable behavior. Some examples of reward power include promotions, pay increase, status symbols, work schedules, bonuses, recognition awards etc. Even a simple privately or publicly admiration for a job done well is considered as reward and can be proved as a beneficial management tool. For instance, if an employee suggested a process enhancement that ultimately saves money of the respective department would be rewarded and in this way, reward power spurs motivation and prod uctivity at workplace. It is human nature to go that ‘extra mile’ for the sake of additive benefits. Many researchers argue that power is usually perceived. One has power only if he really believes he has it. 2. Coercive Power Coercive power is considered as having the perception of fear among employees. It is that power, which comes from the authority of an individual to punish. Leaders demonstrate this type of power by threatening others. According to

Building the Boeing 787 Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Building the Boeing 787 - Term Paper Example The lightness of this Boeing 787 translates into large savings in terms of costs and fuel consumption. In addition to that, the Boeing 787 includes other notable innovations such as state-of-the-art electronics connected to the passenger compartment and to the flight deck, greater headroom, and larger windows. In order to accomplish the building of the Boeing 787, the company had to outsource part of its work (Hill, 2011). This paper will seek to provide the benefits of outsourcing to foreign suppliers and the risks involved in such dealings. To begin with, when a company outsources part of its work to either foreign or local suppliers, it reduces the risks involved in producing the intended materials. Since Boeing was dealing or otherwise gambling with very risky materials, it was a crucial step to have its suppliers manufacture part of the materials on the company’s behalf (McIvor, 2010). Particularly, risks involved in technological complexity are immense and can result to significant meltdown of a company’s resources. It is agreeable that manufacturing aircraft materials especially composite ones is expensive, time consuming, and technological irrational (Sparrow, 2003). Therefore, for Boeing to outsource 70 percent of the total content needed to build the jet to other manufacturers in other countries helped them minimize the risks it would stand to incur in case of mistakes. Therefore, outsourcing helped Boeing share among its suppliers the risks involved manufacturing such materials as well as in the building of such a risky technologically multifaceted aircraft (Brindley, 2005). Outsourcing makes the contracted companies feel being as part of the overall manufacturing process, which in turn brings a sense of contribution and ownership. Research findings show that such a feeling is pragmatic for business support (Hill, 2011). The Boeing’s outsourcing idea was critical. In fact, it made the partners feel included in the

Discuss how and why leaders are able to influence their followers Essay

Discuss how and why leaders are able to influence their followers. Illustrate your answer by using examples from different power - Essay Example It can be inferred that a person possessing these qualities form a good role as a leader. A leader demonstrates high self-esteem and positive attitude. He emphatically works towards the achievement of objective but never gets aggressive for it. A continuous training, self-study, and evaluation in life develop the traits of leader. Situation can never be as per our desire but response to those situations remains under our control. A good leader not only responds in a positive manner but also inspires other members of group to see the brighter side of the situation. Why Leaders Influence Followers Influence and leadership are complementary. It is considered as one of the integral elements of power. A potent leadership cannot sustain without influence because that is the fundamental aspect of leader. Influence forms part of the core components of leader’s traits. Influence is the ability of leader to maintain respect and position of power within an organization. Certainly, influe nce in a flourishing organization must not be used negatively and should be used positively to influence subordinates and co-workers. Leaders use influence in order to demonstrate their control and autonomy. Leaders need to influence followers to: Alter their schedules and plans Provide timely and relevant information Support and approve proposals and plans Carry out and accept new tasks Control inappropriate behavior How Leaders Influence Followers There are numbers of tactics that are utilized by leaders in order to influence followers. Power Use Model predicts tactics of leaders in terms of hardness and softness. Hard tactics include legitimating, exchange, assertiveness, pressures, coalitions, and upward appeal. Soft tactics include inspirational appeal, personal appeal, ingratiation, consultation, and rational persuasion. Three possible outcomes are revealed as a result of these tactics. They include resistance, compliance, and commitment. A successful leader is the one that un derstand what tactics will work best for specific group of individual or particular situation. If the anticipated outcomes are not attained, it indicates that an inappropriate tactic has been used. If leaders intend to drive a change, the art of influence must be learnt. 1. Reward Power Reward power comes from the perception of employee that supervisor or leader has the capacity to provide specific reward to deserving individuals. It is the leader’s ability of rewarding those employees, who demonstrate desirable behavior. Some examples of reward power include promotions, pay increase, status symbols, work schedules, bonuses, recognition awards etc. Even a simple privately or publicly admiration for a job done well is considered as reward and can be proved as a beneficial management tool. For instance, if an employee suggested a process enhancement that ultimately saves money of the respective department would be rewarded and in this way, reward power spurs motivation and prod uctivity at workplace. It is human nature to go that ‘extra mile’ for the sake of additive benefits. Many researchers argue that power is usually perceived. One has power only if he really believes he has it. 2. Coercive Power Coercive power is considered as having the perception of fear among employees. It is that power, which comes from the authority of an individual to punish. Leaders demonstrate this type of power by threatening others. According to

Ecological Footprint Calculator Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Ecological Footprint Calculator - Assignment Example beef from a properly grazed cow can both be qualified as meat, but their production, development and preparation all have serious impacts on one’s ecological footprint. The quiz also lacked clarity at certain points. One question had to do with how much trash I generate. This question is easy to answer at first, but after some thought it actually becomes quite difficult. Do items recycled and composted count as trash? The quiz does not answer this question. Nor are there further questions relating composting and recycling. I can only cite the example of my own family. In our case, my mother would frequently refer to recyclable containers as trash, even though we used the environmentally friendly method to dispose of them. If other Americans use the same language as was used in my household, this particular question may produce skewed results and leave people with a very inaccurate perception of their ecological footprint. Ultimately the quiz does what it’s supposed to do. The Footprint Network is an organization designed to promote environmentally friendly lifestyles. It does this by giving you a result that projects your ecological footprint (however inaccurate it may be) and then listing ways you can improve your lifestyle to better the entire planet. However, it would be more useful for the website to give you a more accurate appraisal of your environmental situation. These are problems that could easily be fixed by introducing a new level of clarity to the questions

Maya Angelou Essay Example for Free

Maya Angelou Essay As a woman you are created with a special gift, it’s like little extra ingredients that all women have within them. The poem â€Å"Phenomenal Woman† by Maya Angelou, she speaks about the elegance of a woman, her inner being the way she glow without saying a word Maya expressed how men are amazed by her presence â€Å"men themselves have wondered what they see in me† (line 31-32). It’s hard to put your finger on it all women were born with the power. In the poem â€Å"Still I rise† by Maya Angelou she described the struggles of life trials and tribulations you face in society and the way people may judge you. As if she was writing about a woman â€Å"does my sassiness upset you? †She also wrote in another stanza â€Å"does my sexiness upset you? †She used this comparison to show she is a sexy woman who demands respect. Maya’s attitude in this poem is portraying a confident black African American woman. She is really laughing at men challenging them. They cannot stop her from rising above all expectation. This poem gives you not only inspiration encouragement to be fearless; to the end of it all you must believe you still rise above it all. The title gives a sense of entity and power. This masterpiece the poem â€Å"phenomenal woman† has also empowered women to get more in touch with their inner beauty. Maya describes in great detail the mystery of women and the behavior of men and their reaction. It shows women to not only love your-self but to embrace every aspect of your mind, body and soul. Maya show that sexuality isn’t only related to outer beauty, or by the way you dress it more about how you feel within your own skin . she shows you instead of hating your body love it from the crown of your head to the sole of your feet. In society today women enhances their body by doing plastic surgery to feel accepted. She feels inferior clearly stating that every part of a woman is beauty. In comparisons to â€Å"Phenomenal Woman† and â€Å"Still I Rise† both poems Maya speaks about not bowing to the â€Å"oppressor†. You can feel her compassion in every word in Phenomenal Woman â€Å"now you understand why my head’s not bowed† (lines 47). Still I Rise forth stanza â€Å"with head bowed and eyes lowered? †Within these lines she stresses that she will not conform to what society made her out to be, that she will soar above and beyond everyone expectations. The little gives a sense of entity and power. In conclusion these two poems have few similarities; Maya characterized the strength of an African American woman. By using powerful words she described the emotional aspect of inner beauty, standing proud professing no one will ever bring her down not by the color of her skin nor the fact of being a woman that there’s more within.

Social democracy as a force in contemporary britain

Social democracy as a force in contemporary britain In this essay I will attempt to firstly define Social Democracy and what advantages and disadvantages it brings to a state. Then I will move on to showing how Social Democracy is still existent within contemporary Britain through the means of public spending on education and benefits. I will explore Labours contemporary policies to show that Socialism is still present in Labour. However I will then explain how the Labour Party, which has its foundations in Socialism, has changed and moved towards the Third Party or New Labour which also values Capitalist aims. I will then argue that Britain is becoming more of a Capitalist state under New Labour and how globalisation has affected this. Giddens described social democracy as: Social Democracy moderate, parliamentary socialism built upon consolidating the welfare state. (Giddens. A, 1998, p4) He recognised how Social Democracy differed to Marxism. Social Democracy saw free market capitalism as producing many of the problematic effects Marx diagnosed, but believed these can be muted or overcome by state intervention. (Giddens. A, 1998, p8) The advantage of Social Democracy is that Socialism uses the welfare state to abolish exploitation within the market system and destroy the division of society in class groups. They aim to remove all inequalities whether its economic or political using state intervention when needed. (Przeworski. A, 1985, p29) This gives everyone an equal start in life. Giddens told of the state intervention as government intervening in family or individual life when needed. Social democracy saw that there was a vital need for state benefits to help those who are unable to fend for themselves. (Giddens. A, 1998, p9) The advantage of this is that it closes the income gap between the different classes. However Giddens coined the main disadvantage of a Social Democratic state. The economic theory of Socialism was always inadequate, underestimating the capacity of Capitalism to innovate, adapt and generate increasing productivity. Socialism failed to grasp the significance of markets as informational devices, providing essential data for buyers and sellers. (Giddens. A, 1998, p4-5) In the Labour revolution of 1945-1951 Britain was a planned economy, nationalised industry and expanded welfare state, a Social Democratic state. (Reitan.E.A, 2003, p27) However toward the 1970s Britain faced lowest productivity within the major industrial states, high unemployment and inflation. There was unwillingness of workers to move around to find employment. Managers were also slow in introducing technology that would improve productivity. (Reitan. E.A, 2003, p141) this shows that at that time the British state was unable to keep up with the market changes and generate increased productivity backing up Giddens claim that Socialism is unable to increase productivity and adapt to the market. (Giddens. A, 1998, p4-5) There are characteristics of the welfare state within contemporary Britain. We see the state still providing free education. Just recently there are reports saying that there have been increased spending on education. The figures showed that the spending has been increasing for more than 50 years. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/8562405.stm The graph below shows the figures of increased public spending on education. Education spending (Derived from http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/8562405.stm) The graph shows how in the U.K. the state is spending money on education has increased from 50% to almost 140% in 2005-2006. Spending money on education in the UK will giving everyone an equal start in life and removing inequalities which are characteristics of a social democracy. (Przeworski. A, 1985, p29) Another demonstration of a Social Democracy within contemporary Britain is the benefit system. The British government provide benefits for those who are disabled, low income, unemployed, have dependent children, aged over 60, pregnant or recently had a child and those who are caring for another. http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/BenefitsTaxCreditsAndOtherSupport/index.htm This is a clear indicator of Socialist practise as they are using the welfare state to eliminate the inequalities within a state. (Przeworski. A, 1985, p29) By providing people who are less off with benefits it closes the gap that Capitalism has created for them. (Giddens. A, 1998, p8) Britains current government Labour still has policies that are indicators of Social Democracy. We want to rebuild trust in politicsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦put more power in the hands of individual citizens so that they can influence the decisions which affect themselves, their families and local communities http://www.labour.org.uk/democracy_and_citizenship This aims to equal chances to voice individual opinions. This ensures that power isnt just given to a certain class and that it is equally distributed between the classes. http://www.labour.org.uk/democracy_and_citizenship There are also ways of creating equality between genders. Introduced the National Minimum Wage two thirds of the beneficiaries are women and it has played a substantial part in narrowing the gender pay gap. http://www.labour.org.uk/Equalities Labour believes everyone is entitled to equality. They aim to be fair to those regardless of gender, disability, sexual orientation, age, race, religion or belief. http://www.labour.org.uk/Equalities This demonstrates Social Democracys existence within contemporary Britain. But there are clear indicators that the British state is moving away from Socialism. Currently Britain is under the Labour Party governance. Social Democracy essentially underpins the British Labour Party with the Labour Parties motto A future fair for all. http://www.labour.org.uk/future-fair-for-all This clearly indicates that their main aim is for equality within the British state. However there has been speculation. The evidence shows that labour has become split into two clearly differentiated constituencies: those with secure employment (insiders) and those without (outsiders). http://www.oxfordscholarship.com/oso/public/content/politicalscience/9780199216352/toc.html?q= There has been speculation that theres a new labour party. This was seen arising when Blair was in power. The new labour seemed to embrace capitalism and abandoned classical social democracy for the third way revised social democracy. (Driver. S, Martell. L, 2006, p26) The Third Way was used to mark out Labours departure from the politics of the Social Democratic state, signifying a reconfiguration of relationships between the economy and state. (Newman. J, 2001, p40) The Third Way is in favour of growth, entrepreneurship, and enterprise and wealth creation. It also values social justice. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/458626.stm However we see how the Labour Party who once was based on Social Democracy edge away and heading towards Capitalism. However does contemporary Britain still value social justice over Capitalism under the Third Way? In recent times we see lowered public spending. Weve already spent  £4bn less on unemployment benefits and income support for the unemployed than was anticipated. Comment Alistair Darling to the BBC. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8406670.stm We see lowered welfare spending which raises questions about Labours a fair future for all. However New Labour sees this less as a social right and more about personal responsibility and social duty. http://www.oxfordscholarship.com/oso/public/content/politicalscience/9780199266722/acprof-9780199266722-chapter-2.html?q=#acprof-9780199266722-chapter-2 This clearly shows how the Third Way governance is prioritising economic issues over social issues. The contemporary British state however has many characteristics of a Capitalist state. Globalisation has also contributed to the breakdown of welfare state in contemporary Britain. We see now that due to globalisation instead of business fighting over market share but now we see states fighting. States remain interested in survival at the very least, and pursuing power at the most. (Aydinli. E, Rosenau. J.N, 2005, p127) Globalisation is described as the denationalisation of politics (Aydinli. E, Rosenau. J.N, 2005, p127) which essentially means that states are no longer deciding policies that benefit them but in fact they make policies that suit globalisation. The emergence of a global market economy and the need for global competitiveness have handed neo liberalism a powerful new weapon with which to contain and neutralise the counter pressures of domestic politics. (Mishra. R, 1999, p3) There is also the belief of the hyperglobalisation thesis where states believe that if their state does not increase incentives for businesses to invest in their state businesses will go elsewhere. States are constantly competing for foreign investment. Therefore they lower corporation tax to increase the incentive. (Ravenhill. J, 2008, p343) So now we see states producing policies that are business friendly. State aims are to lower inflation and a steady currency which is argued to attract businesses as lower inflation would mean lower raw materials for businesses and steady currency means there is less of a risk for the business to be exposed to fluctuations in exchange rates. (Mishra. R, 1999, p5) States constantly fighting over investment has caused them to jeopardise domestic policies. The incremental tightening of domestic environmental policies has sometimes been delayed or blocked for the fear of incurring economic competitive disadvantages. (Holden. B, 2000, p186) This shows that states are more concerned about economic growth and not about equality within the social classes. Not surprisingly a higher level of insecurity, poverty and equality has become accepted in many countriesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦the retreat from the mixed economy and the welfare state is visible everywhere with the Anglo Saxon countries leading the way. (Mishra. R, 1999, p3) A good demonstration of the British state favouring Capitalism over Socialism is recently to the bank crisis. We see the state pouring money into the financial sector instead of using it to close the gap of inequality. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7666570.stm It could also be argued that the states increase spending in education http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/8562405.stm is purely for Capitalist reasons. Better-educated workers are likely to be more productive at their own jobs; they may, at the same time, raise the productivity of their colleaguesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦their importance has valuable implications for the role of public financing as well as for the organisation of education. (Miles. D, Myles. G.D, Preston. I, 2003, p121) States invest in human capital to make their domestic workforce more productive. They also benefit an increase in technological progress. States with high economic activity are generally those with a state financed education system. (Miles. D, Myles. G.D, Preston. I, 2003, p121) This can be used to argue that Britains public spending on education is purely for Capitalist reasons and not Socialist. Therefore indicating Britains welfare system is Capitalist based. In conclusion I think the British state still had characteristics of a social democracy but with the changes in the economy due to globalisation states has started to prioritise the market over social equality. The contemporary British state produces too many policies that are Capitalist friendly and they have became even clearer with the recent recession. We see Britain moving away from a Social Democratic state towards a more market driven Capitalist state.

The Role of Chance in William Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet :: Romeo and Juliet Essays

The Role of Chance in Romeo and Juliet In William Shakespeare's classic Elizabethan Tragedy "Romeo & Juliet" we are asked to determine what events in the story are chance, coincidence or fate. Although some scholars are persuaded to relate as to how chance and coincidence are tools of fate, I feel as though everything is either chance or coincidence. If everything was controlled by fate then life would be pointless. We would have no decisions to make, it would all be predetermined. That is why I don't believe in fate, and so, naturally I have determined that "Romeo & Juliet" is not controlled by fate. I was also told that people in the Middle East believe in fate full out. So much that they travel at crazy speeds in their cars around corners without thinking twice. They believe that if there is a car around that corner, then it was fated to happen and they would still die if they were going the speed limit. I believe that Romeo & Juliet dug there own holes with bad decisions. Chance plays a major part in the story. Everything starts in the very beginning when Montegue and Capulet servants just happen to cross paths in a public place. This is a chance meeting. Coincidence cannot be involved now because it is too early in the story. Also by chance, the servants are talking of their hatred of the other family and there unwillingness to bear insults. The opening line of the play is, "Gregory, on my word, we'll not carry coals. "(pg.6)" Meaning he will not stand for any insults. This results in the fight that forces Prince Escalus to make the decree that "If ever you disturb our streets again your lives shall pay the forfeit of the peace." (pg.14) He is saying that the next person who starts a fight will be executed. This decree results in Romeo's banishment, and his banishment is the reason for Juliet faking her death, which caused both of them to die. Another act of chance is when Romeo climbs over the Capulet house's wall right next to Juliet's room. The very first coincidental event is on page 4, before the actual play begins, it is that the Montagues and Capulets are fighting.

Impact of social media marketing Essay

Over the years communication has evolved into a revolutionary platform, through the invention and development of Internet. The Internet has evolved from a means to facilitate data, to a platform of public communication through social media. Social media has opened up a plethora of opportunities for businesses to advertise, promote and market themselves to customers. This research paper discusses how social media has changed the scope of the traditional customer relationship marketing in today’s business world. IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA Since the beginning of time, communication has always played a major role in normal day-to-day activity. Communication has evolved and gone through significant changes through out the years and has shifted the way humans interact with each other. Through new technologies and inventions such s the Internet, communication has grown significantly from the traditional face-to-face interaction. The Internet has revolutionized everyday human interaction and communication through incorporating social media. Social media has impacted every aspect of human interaction from personal lives to the business world. The business world however, has especially been impacted by the application of social media. As social media continues to grow as a marketing tool, Many companies have incorporated social media into their daily business activity for brand awareness, target market reach, business expansion and customer interaction. However, since companies have incorporated social media marketing, traditional customer relationship marketing is decreasing because companies are relying heavily on social media marketing. What Social Media Is Social media is a means or forum in which individuals, groups, or organizations interact and share information, thoughts or ideas. Adam J. Mills defines social media as â€Å" Internet and web-based technology platforms designed to encourage social interaction between individuals, groups and organizations.† (Mills, 2012). Social media has become increasingly popular because of its ability to serve as away to connect with others in the world that may or not be in the same region. Mills goes on to say that, â€Å" Social media are IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA part of the phenomenon known as ‘Web.2.0’. Web 2.0 is best understood as the result of the evolution of technology and application form the proverbial early days of the internet where communications were largely one-way and the Internet was used as a source of information retrieval.† (Mills, 2012). Social media consist of many tools and platforms where individuals and organizations interact. These tools play a major role in the existence and stability of the social media network. Social Media Tools and Their Functions Social media tools are those elements that are used by the public, organization or businesses and little or no cost to communicate or network. One of the top social media tools today is Facebook. According to Emily Raush who quoted â€Å"Top 10 Websites† â€Å"Facebook is the number one most visited, taking up 10 percent of all Internet visits. It is also by far the most widely consumer-used social media site.† (Raush, 2011). Facebook is a social media tool that everybody in all age groups and in all backgrounds are familiar with. Facebook has created ways in which users can create profiles and interest groups that cater to an individual or organizations needs and motives. Facebook users can exchange messages, receive notifications, add friends and subscribe to areas of interest. Another social media tool is Twitter, which is a micro blogging site that â€Å"allows users to send out real-time updates to followers for a quick and easy read.† (Raush, 2011). Twitter consists largely of opinion sharing and short messages. Twitter is a forum where individuals follow people or companies of interest to send or read what others are IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA saying about any given subject. This forum can be used through a desktop or mobile device. YouTube is another social media marketing tool that has become very popular over the years. â€Å" YouTube is currently one of the biggest search engines being used today. YouTube is a video-sharing website that is primarily updated by subscribed users who upload videos. Individuals, subscribed or unsubscribed, have the ability to watch videos, like them and comment on their thoughts of the videos. Social Media in the Business World Since the development of these various social media tools, companies have used they’re development and growth to gain competitive advantage in the markets. Companies use social media tools to market their brand and interact with their target market. One of the primary reasons businesses utilize social media to market is because social media marketing reduces the cost of advertising. With forums such as Facebook, companies have the opportunity to create a profile for their product or service and inform their target market about what they are all about and the benefits of their product with out having to spend a dime. Social media marketing is one of the most cost effective ways for a company to gain exposure and advertise a company. Social media also creates spreadability or exposure for a company among consumers. Mills states â€Å"spreadability refers to the ease with which a campaign flows across social networks.† (Mills, 2012). The ability for a brand or company to spread through social media tools such as Twitter and YouTube, give the company leverage and helps the business get their name out without much effort. The ability for the companies IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA name to get out can be through word of mouth on these social media tools, where customers share videos or share their opinions of how the product or service worked for them. â€Å" Since people are most interested in what their friends have to say about something, a friend’s review of a company can go along way in helping generate exposure for that business† (Raush, 2011). Social media marketing can also promotes brand engagement. Companies can engage their target market by creating interest groups for their product or service. By utilizing social media tools like Facebook, business can set up an interest group specifically catered to their brand and consumers can interact by liking the group, commenting on the company profile and making suggestions and sharing the content with others to expand the companies reach. Donna Hoffman and Marek Fodor of the MIT Sloan Management Review state that â€Å" highly engaged social media campaigns involve user-generated content on the part of the consumer, reinforcing loyalty to the brand and making the customer more likely to commit additional effort to support the brand in the future.† (Hoffman and Fodor, 2010). Brand engagement also creates a way for companies to know what is that a consumer wants and needs. Interest groups can contribute to the marketing research efforts of the business. As stated by Hoffman and Fodor â€Å"social media can improve the efficiency of market research efforts when, for example, marketers set up online prediction markets to crowd source new ideas or mine online forums that allow customers to comment on product concepts and offer improvements for existing products.† (Hoffman and Fodor, 2010). Social media marketing has revolutionized the way that businesses utilize social media tools to expand and grow their business. However social media has affected and negatively impacted customer relationship marketing. Social Media Marketing vs. Customer Relationship Marketing Over the years customer relationship marketing has played a major part in the growth of any business. Customer relationship marketing is what most business are all about. Customer relationship marketing is where businesses learn their customer’s needs, build customer loyalty and trust. Companies now rely so heavily on social media marketing that, they have neglected and forgotten the importance of customer relationship marketing. The problem with social media marketing is that the public primarily controls the content. Companies might find themselves trying to defend their brand based on what individuals have said to discredit that business. Customer relationship marketing is important in this aspect because business can have that one-on–one interaction with their, customers to ensure that the customer has the experience for themselves, and is not going based on the opinions of others. The businesses have the opportunity to build trust between themselves and the customer if customer relationship marketing is retained. Trust is an important part of a relationship between customers and businesses. Sometimes social media marketing can impede that trust because the opinion of others can impact and or form the mind of potential customers and could in turn shorten the intended reach of a customer. Social media marketing can also become over bearing and create a situation with customer where the customer feels like the company is being intrusive or annoying. Social media marketing also strikes concern because as Jack Yan discussed in IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA his article, sometimes, social media tools can bee unreliable. Yan stated that Twitter, which is much harder to patrol and easier to manipulate, has its share of fake accounts with programs adding followers and tweeting fake messages.† (Yan, 2011). Conclusion Social media marketing is a great way for businesses to market their brand and get awareness out there about their product or service. Social media tools such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube have hand a tremendous impact on the advertising and growth of companies. Social media tools have allowed consumers to engage in the advancement of brands in that customers can suggest improvement or give their opinion on a brand.   However, because social media has evolved, customer relationship marketing has been impacted. Businesses rely heavily on social media marketing and in turn are leaving their brands and reputations in the hands of those who can alter their customer brand and market strategy. Social media is constantly growing and in turn social media marketing will continue to grow and revolutionize. Social media, if used correctly, can create the tools necessary for a company or business to have a competitive advantage and create stronger brand equity. IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA Reference Hoffman, D. L., & Fodor, M. (2010). Can you measure the roi of your social media marketing? MIT Sloan Management Review, 52(1), 41-49. Mills, A. J. (2012). Virality in social media: The spin framework. Journal of Public Affairs, doi: 10.1002/pa.1418 Raush, E. R. (2011). Social media: Revolutionizing the business world. (Unpublished master’s thesis, Liberty University), Available from Berkeley Electronic Press. Retrieved from http://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1267&context=honors Yan, J. (2011). Social media in branding: Fulfilling a need. Journal of Brand Management, 18(9), 688-696. doi: 10.1057

Introduction to Routing and Switching Essay

1. Introduction – Computer Network A computer network is a setup which comprises of multiple computers and devices to create connection in order to support the communication of all such devices. This facilitates sharing of information and resources to all the users present in the network. The following are the main purposes that the network provides to its users:  · Communication- networks allow free flow of communication among all the users. These include chat, messages, emails, conferences, etc.  · Sharing of Resources – Resources can be shared among all the users within a network. These include: o Hardware – The different computers in a network can also make use of a single hardware attached to the network. Consider the example of a shared printer attached to multiple devices in the network like in case of a university or office environment. o Software- Network also allows users to share software application programs through their computers o Files and other data – Files and data can be shared among systems in a network environment through authorized access. This helps members to work and submit tasks on the same domain and within deadlines, thus saving from hassles. 2. The Open Systems Interconnection OSI Model The hardware components of the network operate at the layers of the OSI model which are briefly discussed below: Physical layer This is concerned with the functions that carry a stream of bits over a physical medium at the mechanical and electrical level. Hubs and Repeaters operate at the physical layer of the OSI model. Data link Layer This layer categorizes data from network layer (upper layer) into frames and handles errors of the physical layer to provide to the network layer. The Bridges operate at the Data link layer of the OSI Model. Network Layer The delivery of the packet is the responsibility of the network layer which can include multiple links. Network layer can be used in cases of multiple networks where there are some links between the networks. Routers operate at the Network layer of the OSI model. Transport Layer The transport layer is also responsible for delivery of packets but it also recognizes relationship between messages. This is done in proper order and the layer also ensures control of error and flow at the source as well as the destination. Session Layer This layer controls dialog and synchronizes interaction within the network. Presentation Layer This layer is also one of the most important layers as it is looks into the syntax and semantics of the data being transferred within the network. Application Layer This layer involves interfaces and other supporting frames for the user to access the network. 3. Hardware Components within a Network The following re the basic hardware components within a network to interconnect devices (Sosinsky 33): 3.1 Network Interface Cards (NICs) These are the components used to connect to another networking medium. The NIC has a unique identification number known as Media Access Control address (MAC address) that is provided by the manufacturer. 3.2 Repeaters Repeater is a device used to transmit signals after cleaning them by regenerating the original bit pattern. 3.3 Hubs Hub connects multiple devices in the network so that they appear as a single device, therefore, it has multiple ports. 3.4 Bridges These are also hardware components that connect multiple segments of the network. 4. Network Hardware Components – Routers and Switches Routers and switches are important components of the computer network that support the above mentioned purpose of a network. These are discussed in details as under: 4.1 Routers Router is a software or device that helps in transmitting data between users in a predefined manner, thus helping in serving the purpose of the network. The data is in the form of packets that travels along the network, where the routers process the data present in the packet. In many cases there is a pre-defined forwarding or routing table used to direct the information to the appropriate destination (Beasley 62). The main tasks of the routers include:  · Ensures information forwarding to the required destination  · Keeps track and avoids information from reaching where not needed 4.1.1 Characteristics The following are the characteristics of Routers:  · The routers correspond to internet Protocols such as the internet Protocol, internet Control message Protocol, etc.  · Provides interfaces between the packet networks through the required functions  · Sends and receives datagrams  · Chooses destination for the datagram according to the routing database  · Provides support facilities for network management which includes status and exception reporting, debugging, etc. 4.1.2 Routing Routing is the process of sharing information by connecting networks and translating protocols between them. It functions at the network layer of the OSI model, acquiring addresses from the IP header of the layer to get the sources and destination. Here the Routing Protocols are used. Routers also use the routing tables to decide the destination of the packets. The routing tables include:  · Address information  · Connection Priorities  · Traffic Rules Routing differs in its delivery schemes which include the following:  · Delivery to a single node (unicast) where the node is predefined.  · Delivery to multiple specified nodes (multicast)  · Delivery to all the nodes that are part of the network (Broadcast)

Misdoubt Chamber of Commerce Essay

Introduction Misdoubt Chamber of Commerce (MSCC) is a non-profit organization created out of the need for legislature that directly addressed transportation access, an issue that was affecting the business and economic development. As time progressed and the business grew, the executive board acknowledged the need to migrate to computer technology to use information at their disposal efficiently. The goal of this case study is to analyze and list the changes that occurred as a result of MSCC acquiring new systems for handling business operations. Background After a thorough analysis MSCC’s computer systems were found to be lacking proper integration and documentation, had very little maintenance and support and were not Y2K compatible at the time of the evaluation. To help grow revenue at a rapid rate and to reduce staff and programs Leon Lassiter was hired in December 2000. Lassiter brought 12 years of marketing and sales management experience working with American Brands. He believed that working with MSCC would have afforded him the opportunity to make a bigger difference than he would have been able to make with his former employers. His vision, along with the newly hired computer programmer Simon Kovecki, was to incorporate a computer system that enabled the organization to run its principal functions more efficiently. Len Lassiter was a strong advocate for the organization purchasing a new system called UNITRAK. Although this may have been a smart business decision, employees were disillusioned as they felt that they should have been consulted when decisions of that magnitude needed to be made. Simon Kovecki, who never received the promotion that he felt was merited, also voiced his concerns about the fact that access to data was too easily accessible. Eventually, Lassiter’s demonstration of the new UNITRAK System was persuasive and powerful enough to convince the MSCC to purchase the system. The purchase of the new system, which in itself was fraught with delays, brought on some new challenges. The implementation of the project was late with staff and users raising concerns. However, it was deployed and Lassiter was adamant that two days of training was required by all employees to understand this new system. Initial reactions were that this system was not as user-friendly or efficient however Lassiter allayed these concerns stating that the system as a new one and as such would require employees spend some time getting comfortable and familiar with this system. One of the requirements of the UNITRAK is that older data had to be altered and or converted to a new system for effective application. This process was not without its problems as there were errors converting data, data was corrupted, and backups accidentally erasing crucial data. Jeff Hedges, in charge of computer operations, rarely followed up on system purchases and uses as he was preoccupied with other facets of the organization. All these problems led to an uncertainty as to whether the organization would have been able to face the upcoming Y2K changes . Discussion With all the changes that MSCC was facing, the need to list problems and solutions was imperative as we can see here: Lack of required skills of the computer department personnel: oProblem: Simon Kovechi had very little experience was disappointed with the fact that he did not get the promotion that he felt he deserved. He was also unable to acclimate to the new system in a timely manner due to his lack of IT experience. oSolution: Experienced personnel are essential to any system changes within an organization. Appropriate delegation of work: Problem: Jeff Hedges was unable to give the new system the attention that it warranted as he also had other responsibilities. In the case of Leon Lassiter, he was put in charge of computer operations although he was not the employee responsible heading computer operations. oSolution: Personnel with IT knowledge should head the computer operations department and in a situation where the company is transitioning, should be their primary focus. Supporting applications and software: Problem: UNITRAK was unable to provide adequate data conversion support. oSolution: It is imperative that when an organization is the moving to a new computer system they select one that provides adequate reliable support. compatibility Consistency of data: Problem: Separate databases run on one system. Solution: Integrated database should be utilized to allow for more efficient data entry. Lost data: Problem: Old information lost in previous backups due to lack of proper implementation. oSolution: Proper documentation of software so that backups are not corrupted. Y2K compatibility: Problem: System incompatible with Y2k Solution: Systems should be updated in a timely manner so that compatibility is not an issue. Based on these problem and solution sets MSCC should implement the following: †¢Ensure that IT department has employees with the necessary skillsets for data conversion; †¢The board and management of the organization should be actively involved in the implementation of any new systems; †¢Request adequate support from UNITRAK along with proper documentation for the new system. †¢Ensure the organization has an efficient backup system in place †¢An outside consultant should be hired to help make the system Y2K compatible in a timely manner. Reviewed and made more concise. Conclusion MSCC relies heavily on data that is accumulated within their computer systems. In this instance, they were found to be negligent in protecting and securing their most important assets thus almost claiming bankruptcy in the process. MSCC should have had a strategic plan for implementation of a new system to achieve a seamless transition with very little loss to the business.