Hand Foot and Mouth Disease Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Hand Foot and Mouth Disease - Essay Example HFMD is very often confused with foot and mouth disease but foot and mouth disease is predominant in cattle and sheep. This disease is also found in swine and it is also known as hoof and mouth disease. It is very important not to confuse between these two diseases. There are various symptoms with which the HFMD starts. The most common symptom is fever and loss of appetite. Sore throat is another symptom of this disease but fever is the most common of all the symptoms. This disease is basically caused because of the entero virus genus. This is a communicable disease and spreads when an infected person comes in contact with a healthy person. The virus spreads through contact like handshake etc. HFMD is mutually exclusive to human beings and the disease does not spread either from or to animals. To the dismay of many people who are affected with this disease, it is found that there is no specific treatment for this disease. The following part of the paper will discuss the preventive me asures and the possible treatment of this disease. When a person gets fever and is feared to have this disease, it is best to reduce the fever first and this can be done by taking antibiotics. The affected people often experience pain in this disease but this can also be dealt with by taking appropriate medicines like ibuprofen, or other over-the-counter pain relievers.

The Importance of Researching High School Dropout Trends Essay

The Importance of Researching High School Dropout Trends - Essay Example However, the number of high school drop-outs is still high: The U.S. High school dropout rate is higher than Germany and Japan (Wooldridge, 1993). Drop-outs represent an economic cost to the country as a whole. According to the Alliance for Excellent Education, only about two-thirds of children entering high school will eventually graduate. In 2004, more than 2.1 million kids in the United States dropped out of high school in 2004, at a cost of "more than $325 billion in lost wages, taxes, and productivity over their lifetimes," (Holt 2006). That cost is just for the dropouts of 2004; it doesn't include the ongoing cost of dropouts from prior years, and doesn't begin to calculate the cost to the competitive advantage of the U.S. A closer look at the numbers reveals other trends. The U.S. Census shows that overall, Hispanic adults over 25 hold the fewest degrees, with just 58.4 percent reporting a high school diploma or higher degree. That trails the nearest minority group by far: 80.6% of African Americans over 25 have at least a high school diplomas, compared with 86.8% of Asians and 80% of Non-Hispanic whites (Education Attainment in the United States, 2005).

What Is The Sources Of Skepticism Philosophy Essay

What Is The Sources Of Skepticism Philosophy Essay It is maintained that epistemological skepticism is different in theme and scope. There are two types of skepticism: knowledge skepticism and justification skepticism (Moser et al, 1998). While unlimited knowledge skepticism suggests that no one knows anything including the claim itself (reference), unlimited justification skepticism suggests a radical point of view that no one is even justified in believing anything including this view itself (reference). Epistemological skepticism differs in theme and scope. Two noteworthy types of skepticism are recognized: knowledge skepticism and justification skepticism (Moser et al., 1998). Unrestricted knowledge skepticism implies that no one knows anything including this claim itself. Unrestricted justification skepticism implies extreme view that no one is even justified in believing anything including this view itself. Another discrepancy is related to the level of skepticism. In its first level, skepticism claims that it impossible for an individual to know anything. In its second level, skepticism proposes that an individual does not know that he has knowledge. I t is probably that one knows P, but he does not know that he knows P ( Brenecker and Dretske, 2000). The other difference concerns the order or level of skepticism. In its strongest form, first order (or direct) skepticism implies that it is [impossible of] logically impossible for anyone to know anything. Second order (or iterative) skepticism is a weaker thesis that we cannot know that we have knowledge. Maybe you know P, maybe you do not, but you cannot know that you know P (Brenecker and Dretske, 2000). Regardless of the shape or size taken by skepticism, it is believed that is stimulated by one sole thing: seeking unlimited knowledge. Whatever form or magnitude skepticism takes, it is thought to be motivated by one thing; the search for true unrestricted knowledge. Pyrrhonians utilized skepticism in their search for true knowledge, which led them to suspending judgment of truth. However, ancient skepticism used to be unlimited with no conditions. It is believed that ancient skepticism is motivated by the nature of social and intellectual turmoil that existed in those times which invited deep questions about right and wrong, and truth and false (reference). Ancient skepticism placed for discussion more extreme doubts and maintained more radical attitudes than those familiar in modern skepticism. For instance, Sextus uses Gorgias argument to conclude that nothing exists (and that if it did we could not know so, and that we could not communicate it even if we knew (reference). (1) Skeptics in the ancient world particularly Pyrrhonians deployed skeptical behavior in the infinite quest for knowledge and truth. They suspended judgment of truth of any claim. Ancient skepticism was unrestricted and unconditional. It is believed [Thought] to be motivated by the nature of social and intellectual turmoil that existed in those times which invited deep questions about right and wrong, and truth and false. Ancient [ancient] skepticism raised more radical doubts and adopted more extreme positions than those we see in modern skepticism. An example which Sextus favors is Gorgias argument for the conclusion that nothing exists (and that if it did we could not know so, and that we could not communicate it even if we knew)  [1]  . The basic themes of ancient skepticism are belief, suspension of judgment, criterion of truth, appearances, and investigation (reference). However, modern skepticism mainly focuses on knowledge, certainty, justified belief, and doubt (reference). (2) The core concepts of ancient skepticism are belief, suspension of judgment, criterion of truth, appearances, and investigation. Modern skepticism is more concerned about knowledge, certainty, justified belief, and doubt  [2]  . The skeptical challenge has indeed many sources in the epistemological context. One of these sources is that we obtain our knowledge about the outside world through senses. We, however, may be deceived by these senses, and therefore, skepticism, due to the epistemic priority of the senses, becomes an unavoidable issue (Okasha, 2003). There are many sources or root causes for the skeptical challenge in the epistemological context. One such source is the fact that knowledge about the external world is principally informed by senses. As we will see later, those senses might deceive us in many ways. The epistemic priority of the senses makes skepticism unavoidable (Okasha, 2003). The epistemic priority of the senses has indeed a catastrophic effect on the human knowledge. When we agree that one type of knowledge comes before another as an underlying component of our philosophical understanding, we cannot be satisfied by a different idea (Stroud, 1989). (Stroud, 1989) believes that such epistemic priority has fatal consequences on the understanding of human knowledge. Stroud argues that once we accept the idea that one kind of knowledge being prior to another as an essential ingredient in the kind of philosophical understanding we seek, it immediately becomes difficult to imagine, let alone to find anything that could satisfy us (1989, p. 312).

Abortion is Morally Wrong :: Argumentative Essays

In my argumentative coursework I am arguing that abortion is wrong and not to be mistaken with 'Abortion should be made illegal.' I will explain later why I have made this statement. Abortion is the termination of an unborn child in its mother's womb for up to twenty four weeks of the pregnancy or in special circumstances e.g. Disability diagnosis a termination right up until the mother goes in to labour. I think the above definition is an easier and less harsh way of saying that abortion is the murdering of a human being. There are several reasons why abortion is legal and several reasons why it shouldn?t be. I believe there are five3 main ways of preventing abortion and this is why it is wrong and should be illegal. My first point that concerns the prevention abortion is contraception could be made more easily available. I believe that this is the best and most effective way of reducing abortion because the fact is that it is not as accessible as it could be and that a large population does not know how to use contraceptives. My second point is that sex education should be taught properly by a teacher or that teenagers should be made to take a course which explains all the aspects of sex and pregnancy. Research tells that a large number of teenagers do not know how reproduction works or even know what is going on in their bodies. Although teachers are meant to teach this, a lot of teenagers will not understand or may just dismiss the matter and will learn from television or other teenagers and may be misled in to believing certain things about the matter e.g. The hit television soap ?Coronation Street? had a story line involving a teenage girl who got pregnant and her life turned out fine with no disadvantages. Although some girls may believe this can happen, it is very unlikely. I also feel that parents should not have to bear this burden as it may be embarrassing or uncomfortable explaining this to a

Peplau’s Contribution to the Advancement of Nursing Knowledge Essay

Peplau’s Contribution to the Advancement of Nursing Knowledge in Support of Multidisciplinary Science Nursing is still a young profession that is still evolving. It is still developing its theoretical support for the nursing practice and how its discipline is unique from other disciplines (Johnson, B. & Webber, and P.). Many of the nursing theorists have drawn from other disciplines (psychology, sociology etc.) in forming their nursing theories. Hildegard Peplau is one of those theorists who used another discipline in formulation of her Interpersonal Relations in Nursing Theory. In this paper, I will describe her career development and how she contributed to nursing’s body of knowledge, showing her support of multidisciplinary science. I will also describe how her theory has been adopted within the nursing field by reporting the results of a current literature review. Peplau’s Career and How She Contributed to Nursing’s Body of Knowledge It is important to know Peplau’s nursing education in order to understand how she came to think and perceive the nursing profession, its practice and theory, particularly with an influence from the science of psychology. Peplau entered the nursing profession after earning a diploma in nursing at a hospital in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. She took a variety of nursing positions and within a few years, she earned her Baccalaureate Degree in Psychology. It was then that Peplau really began to form her ideas about psychiatric nursing and the nursing profession (Holden, 2002). She worked in psychiatric nursing afterwards and was greatly influenced from working with Eric and Frieda Fromm, who were highly influential and successful psychologists at that time. She was also in contact with and influenced by Harry Stack Sullivan. During World War II she stationed in London at a neuropsychiatric center. While she was there she had conversations with many significant people in psychiatry. During her shifts, the psychiatrists would discuss their cases and it became an extension of her psychiatric course work from her Bachelor Degree in Psychology (Holden, 2002)Afterwards, over several years, Peplau earned her Masters and Doctorate Degrees at Teacher’s College at Columbia University and her Doctorate in Education (Parker & Smith, 2010). She was also certified in psychoanalysis by the William Alanson White Institute of New York City, in the early 1950’s. In her career she not only developed the Interpersonal Relation  Theory of Nursing but developed several graduate psychiatric nursing programs (Holden, 2002). Hildegard Peplau received special recognition by the ANA Council of Advanced Practitioners in Psychiatric/ Mental Health Nursing. Because of her extensive education and exposure to the science of psychology (and some of its finest professional member’s), she was able to pave the way for psychiatric nursing within the nursing profession. Up until her influence, it was the nurse’s responsibility to simply administer the medication the psychiatrists ordered and assist the patient with basic health care as needed. Peplau’s Support of Multidisciplinary Sciences in the Field of Nursing It is obvious that Peplau’s development of the Interpersonal Relations in Nursing Theory also was birthed out of her psychology/psychiatry education and experience. It was her goal to bring psychiatric nursing to more that nurses giving medication and caring for basic physical needs. She was the mother of psychiatric nursing. She paved the way for nurses to practice psychotherapy by first training them to â€Å"talk to patients†. Her theory was greatly influenced by Sullivan’s Interpersonal Theory. Sullivan was the first American psychiatrist to develop a Comprehensive Personality Theory and saw psychiatric problems as being developed from bad interpersonal relationships. (Slide show site). Peplau also utilized the discipline of â€Å"education† to further her development and promotion of the Interpersonal Relations Theory. She also utilized it to train other’s in more advanced ways of practicing as psychiatric nursing (Holden, 2002). Peplau did not only show her approval of using the multidiscipline sciences in nursing by utilizing them in her practice and teaching, but she taught that this was the best practice to do in the field of nursing. In an interview that was done in 1999 she was questioned on the use of other disciplines by nursing and was it acceptable for nurses to practice using someone else’s knowledge. She answered by first saying that she promoted scientific research in neuropsychiatry, genetics and biochemistry and had served on government committees regarding them. She believed that it was important for nurses to continue to study and know about human beings biologically and about their existence in the environment (Spray, 1999). She confirmed that she always supported the development of all social sciences. She hoped that â€Å"the  basics of science (neuroscience, biology, and brain research) and the social sciences (the psychosocial humanistic piece), that is, the connections and the integrations of these, will be identified and formulated â€Å" (Spray, 1999). In saying that she validated the use of all knowledge, coming together so as to serve nursing in becoming its best. The writer believes, with many others, that Hildegard Peplau was a great pioneer in the nursing profession and not only supported multidiscipline of sciences for use in nursing but exemplified it wonderfully. Literature Review on Peplau’s Theory of Interpersonal Relations Theory of Nursing A literary review, using the subject for research as â€Å"Peplau’s Interpersonal Relations Theory of Nursing† was done using ProQuest’s website for peer-reviewed literary articles. The result is that the subject was discussed in 95 peer reviewed journals and two trade journals. Using Google Books a research was done using the same. There were too many books, including psychiatric text books by Brunner and Saddarth and Lippincott, which included a full description on Peplau and her founding nursing theory. It is quite obvious that her theory has been adopted by nursing profession. She has been called the â€Å"mother of psychiatric nursing† (Holden, 2002). References Gregg, D. (1999, Jul-Sep ). Hildegard E. Peplau: Her contributions. Perspectives in Psychiatric Care, 35(3), 10-12. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/200788729?accountid=34574 Holden, M. (2002, Nov.). Hildegard Peplau: Psychiatric Nurse of the Century. Military Medicine, 167(12), 111. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/217052138?accountid=34574 Parker, M. (2010). Nursing Theories and Nursing Practice. Philadelphia, PA, United States of America: FA Davis. Spray, S. L. ( 1999, Jul-Sep ). The evolution of the psychiatric clinical nurse specialist: An interview with Hildegard E. Peplau. Perspectives in Psychiatric Care, 35(3), 27-37. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/200788948?accountid=34574

The Effects of Parenting Styles on Children

There are many ideas and opinions on how to raise children and how to be a â€Å"good parent. † Often, parents get advice on how to parent from their own parents, from their close friends, and even experts. There are three main types of parenting styles: authoritarian parenting, permissive parenting, and authoritative parenting. Authoritative parenting is a parenting style characterized by strict rules, harsh punishments and little warmth. Permissive parenting is characterized by parents who are responsive to their children, but lack rules and discipline.Authoritative parenting is characterized by parents who hold high expectations and set clear guidelines, but are responsive and loving to their children. Parenting styles determine the behaviour of children. The most effective parenting style, the authoritative style, can help lead to positive outcomes for children. It is significant to know what impact each parenting style has on a child's behaviour due to certain parenting s tyles having a negative effect, and certain styles having positive and healthy effects on a child's behaviour.A national longitudinal survey was conducted by Social Development Canada and Statistics Canada that observed over 4,100 children over a eight year period. The results supported many of research psychologist, Diana Baumrind's, findings. This included, that an authoritarian parenting style lead to children who are obedient, competent, good at following rules; but they lack in self-esteem, social skills and happiness, and were more likely to be aggressive. An authoritative parenting style, results in children that are balanced, competent, successful, and happy.Lastly, a permissive parenting style resulted in children having poor academic records and they were more likely to clash with authorities. Diana Baumrind believes that: While it is unreasonable to expect any parent capable of committing to one style and never deviating from it, having an end result in mind – what kind of person you want your child to become and what type of relationship you want to have with them – can provide the extra motivation and reasoning behind your choice of parenting style and disciplinary strategies. (Smith, 2011, www. suite101. om) This is a very good suggestion for parents because if one truly looks into how they want their child to turn out, they will probably want them to be happy, responsible, competent, social, successful, and balanced, and they will realize that there is a way to achieve that. This would be achievable by them being a role model for their children, showing them a prime example of who they should look up to. An authoritative parenting style is a balance of setting rules, giving love, but at the same time letting children know that the parent is in charge.An article about how parenting styles impact children states: Balanced (Authoritative) parents:†¢ Guide their children’s activities explaining why rules are important †¢ Consider their child’s point of view when they refuse to behave as requested. In this way, the parent is accepting of their child’s individuality while setting standards for future behaviour †¢ Keep communication open and clear†¢ Enforce consistent consequences (Bornstein, 2007, www. ealthunit. com) This is a true method of balanced parenting, according to Rick Trinkner, a doctoral candidate at University of new Hampshire, he suggests, â€Å"Our data offers further evidence that the authoritative parenting style is an effective way for parents to successfully socialize their children and that its influence works largely through its effect on youth perceptions of parental legitimacy† (Wyman, 2012, www. howtolearn. com).The references above, show that the authoritative parenting style is the best way to raise a child. A disadvantage when researching the effect that parenting styles have on child behaviour is that some parents may deny that the result of their child's behaviour is due to their parenting style. It could also offend some parents if it were said, for example, that their child is unhappy and aggressive because of their authoritarian parenting style.Although surveys and observations have been done on this subject, and that there is research to prove that parenting styles do have an effect on a child's behaviour, everyone always has their own opinions, and may not agree with this research. References Bornstein L, Bornstein MH. (2007). Parenting styles and child social development. In Tremblay RE, Barr RG, Peters RDeV, eds. Encyclopedia on Early Childhood Development [online]. Montreal, Quebec: Centre of Excellence for Early Childhood Development.Smith, L. (2011). Parenting Styles: Authoritarian, Authoritative and Permissive. In Parenting Methods [online. ] Retrieved Monday, October 15th, 2012, from http://suite101. com/article/parenting-styles-authoritarian-authoritative-and-permissive-a361151. Wyman, P. (2012). How Yo ur Parenting Style Affects Your Child’s Behaviour. In Articles [online. ] Retrieved Monday, October 15th, 2012, from http://www. howtolearn. com/2012/02/how-your-parenting-style-affects-your-childs-behavior.

The Effect of Interactivity with a Music Video Game on Second Language Vocabulary Recall Essays

The Effect of Interactivity with a Music Video Game on Second Language Vocabulary Recall Essays The Effect of Interactivity with a Music Video Game on Second Language Vocabulary Recall Essay The Effect of Interactivity with a Music Video Game on Second Language Vocabulary Recall Essay This research has been done by Jonathan deHaan. W. Michael Reed and Katsuko Kuwada. Jonathan deHaan is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of International Relations at the University of Shizuoka. He earned his Ph. D. in Educational Communication and Technology from New York University. His research focuses on 2nd linguistic communication acquisition and learning with games and simulations. As for W. Michael Reed. he was a retired professor of Educational Communication and Technology at New York University and the IRB/IACUC Administrator for Radford University in Virginia. His research involvements spanned over a 25-year period and focused on educational computer science. problem-solving. metacognition. and composing procedures. Meanwhile. Katsuko Kuwada is a doctorial pupil in the International Cultural Studies plan at Tohoku University. She investigates linguistic communication and civilization ; her current research compares the usage of first-person topics in Nipponese and English based on different cultural backgrounds. The intent of this research is to cognize physical interactivity of a 2nd linguistic communication music picture game is manipulated to look into the consequence of interactivity on vocabulary acquisition and cognitive burden ( deHaan. Reed A ; Kuwada. 2010 ) or in simpler manner is to look into whether the interactivity ( and at the same time presented text. sound and life ) of picture game is immaterial cognitive burden ( therefore holding a negative consequence on larning ) or germane burden ( therefore holding a positive consequence on larning ) ( deHaan. Reed A ; Kuwada. 2010 ) . Overview The research inquiry that been highlighted here is to see interactivity of 2nd linguistic communication on music picture game on remembering vocabulary. This research captured my attending due to the use of media in learning English as 2nd linguistic communication to undergraduate Nipponese pupils. As we all know. multimedia engineering has been implemented in linguistic communication acquisition to pull every bit good as to actuate 2nd linguistic communication user to be able to comprehend. learn and bask English linguistic communication. This research is important to this aeon. in which multimedia is being integrated in linguistic communication acquisition. Thus Professor deHaan. Prof. Reed and DR. Kuwada focal point on what represent a game instead so what can be added to a game to do it accessible and gratifying in learning and larning procedure. In this research it has depicted that human cognitive architecture consists of a limited short-run memory’ ( Baddeley. 1992. Miller. 1959 ) . and a game’s complex elements ( e. g. usic. captions and wordss ) can make an inalterable high demand on working memory ( intrinsic cognitive burden ) . it is of import to understand whether a media characteristics. such as interactivity. show a pupil with unneeded immaterial cognitive burden. which interferes with larning. or germane burden. which enhances acquisition ( deHaan. Reed A ; Kuwada ; 2010 ) . Analysis This research has been done to see video game interactivity would assist or impede the noticing and callba ck of 2nd linguistic communication vocabulary. ( deHaan. Reed A ; Kuwada. 2010 ) . Here the three research workers have used interactivity. linguistic communication proficiency and picture game proficiency as independent variables while cognitive burden vocabulary written callback. and participant sentiments as dependent steps. Eighty undergraduates in which 65 of them are males and 15 of them are females in a scope of age about 18 to 24. from Computer Science University in rural Japan. Subjects’ female parent lingua is Nipponese and has 6 to 11 old ages of formal English instruction. Participants were paired and one participant in each brace was indiscriminately assigned to either drama or watch the picture game. and this been conducted in research lab. for 20 proceedingss long. Professor deHaan. Prof. Reed and Dr. Kuwada. instructed the participants to play or watch the game and larn the words of the blame. The video game degree was repeated five times by all braces. The participants were non allowed to take notes or utilize their lexicons and even non allowed to see and what more to interact with one and another. The stuff that was used in this research was Parappa the Rapper 2. Straight after cease with the experiment. participants would be given subjects from the game and were used as written cloze trial. where participants were required to compose the losing words from the game’s blame in the text’s spaces. This trial been repeated once more after 2 hebdomads. The consequence after the trial depicted that watchers of the picture game recalled significantly more vocabulary points compare to the participants. Therefore because spectators focus merely on the objects in the game and the sentences depicting the images without even have to incorporate with the game console. Meanwhile. the participants have to both focal points on the integrating with game and with console every bit good as their integrating with the sentences depicting the images. to such a grade the participants are holding cognitive tonss. Critique and Evaluation This research is focus on consequence of interactivity with music picture game on 2nd linguistic communication vocabulary callback. After exhaustively read the research paper I have found out that Professor deHaan. Prof. Reed and Kuwada pay cogently attending to cognize whether video game ( multimedia engineering ) would assist or impede noticing and recall 2nd linguistic communication vocabulary. Here the three research workers focus on cognitivist position in which harmonizing to Jean Piaget ( 1977 ) . mental procedure of an single usage in reacting to their environment. Cognitivism trades with how people think. work out jobs and do determinations. When the participants interact with the game they are utilizing their cognitive ability to prosecute with the stairss that they need to result in order to travel up to the following degree of the game every bit good as to convene on the wordss given in the game. Here the participants are reacting to their environment. nevertheless being cognitive tonss between fixating on the game and prosecuting to the wordss somehow has distracted them from concentrating on the vocabulary. Therefore has made them failed to remember the vocabulary during vocabulary recall trial. Meanwhile. the spectators do non confront the cognitive burden due to entirely one manner interaction ( having the input ) between them and the picture game. therefore has given them clip to give great item utilizing memorisation method. which is one of the 6 cognitive acquisition schemes ( Rubin A ; Wenden. 1987 ) . to indulge in the game. Furthermore. this research has proven that by utilizing video game can assist to help linguistic communication larning in 2nd linguistic communication leaner. As been reference by Hubbard ( 1991 ) . linguistic communication acquisition may go on with video game as linguistic communication is involved in the drama. It is easy to accept linguistic communication larning evolves through game as linguistic communication and job resolution are correlated and what more pupils seem to bask it. Despite that. the research has significantly highlighted that by watching the media ( game ) . in rebelliousness of affecting in it. can do the scholars notice and remembering more vocabulary items’ ( deHaan. Reed A ; Kuwada. 2010 ) . as they have merely to concentrate on the wordss merely. Hence consolidate that use of multimedia engineering ( game ) in linguistic communication category does non impede the linguistic communication acquisition. However. instructors must size up type of game that they want to utilize in their linguistic communication category. Nevertheless. in larning 2nd linguistic communication it is non adequate by merely interact with game and the wordss. To go competency in a linguistic communication 1 must besides portray the intent of utilizing the linguistic communication instead than merely simply know the linguistic communication yet non pass on it in purposeful conversation to reenforce the acquisition. therefore communicating is of import in linguistic communication acquisition. Like what has been mentioned by Douglas Brown ( 2000 ) . communicating is non simply an event. something that happens ; it is functional. purposive and designed to convey about some consequence. Due to that. 2 hebdomads after the research has been done. the participants been called to try 2nd trial to measure their vocabulary in remembering the game wordss. Here both participants and spectators have shown drastically cut downing of vocabulary if comparing to the old trial. This has proven that without purposeful larning pupils will non be able to prolong the vocabulary. On my behalf. I strongly believe that communicative support can heighten on linguistic communication larning via engineering. as one linguistic communication acquisition and no purposeful practise will impede the linguistic communication larning procedure. Through this research I have learnt to assent. without coaction with larning schemes ( between memorizing. recalling and pass oning via multimedia tool ) . the linguistic communication acquisition will non go purposeful and will do one larning a failure. Decision It can be concluded that physical interaction of this game has immaterial cognitive burden consequence on the participants. therefore non contributing to larning and seemed to hold unnecessarily diverted the players’ attending from the vocabulary and impede callback. Meanwhile. the spectators of the game have non exposed to the extra immaterial burden and have been able to give more cognitive resources to the intrinsic burden of the game and its linguistic communication. As a effect this research I have learnt that suited game ( multimedia ) can help linguistic communication larning procedure as pupils seemed to bask such activity. In any regard with purposeful support such as germane communicative support can counterbalance linguistic communication acquisition better. Furthermore. deduction of this research on future survey. instructors will be more selective in taking multimedia stuff for their categories and they will do certain balance input been given in the sense of interactivity and linguistic communication acquisition so that no cognitive burden will happen and impede linguistic communication larning via multimedia.

“Cheating is now mainstream in America” Essays

â€Å"Cheating is now mainstream in America† Essays â€Å"Cheating is now mainstream in America† Essay â€Å"Cheating is now mainstream in America† Essay Article â€Å"Cheating is now mainstream in America† Name: Course: Institution: Instructor: Date: Article â€Å"Cheating is now mainstream in America† Cheating in America has taken a different toll on the lives of those affected. It was socially acceptable to cheat in taxation, on highways and lines. However, this has changed today; people are cheating in their personal lives. During the days of our ancestors, the youth were very respectful to grown-ups and each other. Edward Morrissey (2012) asserts that â€Å"the generation of â€Å"I’m ok, you’re ok† has stronger ties to moral relativism than to moral fortitude†. This means that young people today do not value the importance of transparency and openness in life. Cheating has become so rampant that examinations for college admittance have been constricted. Many students pay ‘experts’ to sit for these exams on their behalf. These ‘experts’ are also alias ‘ringers’ and it is purported that the parents of these students pay for such services. This scheme has been on going for a while as more blow average students were enrolled into prestigious colleges. This of course denies the students who are worthy of the admissions into these high-status colleges a chance to live their dreams. The new system of testing by use of photo identification is a brilliant method of curbing cheating however, it does not put to shame those caught cheating. Those found guilty should be punished and made to realize their mistakes. This humiliation will perhaps teach them a lesson or two about cheating. There is also the possibility of these students developing new ideas of getting around the new method to work to their advantage. What these students choose to ignore is the fact that as much as they have ‘earned’ their admittance in to Ivy League colleges, it is a continuous struggle to stay in these colleges as you have to keep your grades high, which is a concept these students do not understand. Cheating is not only done in academics, spousal cheating is increasing becoming popular. It has become a common phenomenon in families and relationships. Cases of spousal infidelity are not new today. Unfaithfulness has been around since before civilization and with the invention of the internet, it has become easier, cheaper and discrete. A good example is the Ashley Madison website, which offers its married clients the chance to cheat on their partners with other married people on the same site. In conclusion, cheating was witnessed in the Bible and the old days, but modern man has turned it into an industry. The stability of families and communities depended upon collective responsibility, but that is not the case today. The systems that guided people long ago have since perished, or maybe we are simply ignoring them. Moral relativism is what dictates the direction of our everyday lives because we do not like being judged over other people’s actions. This judgment is only acceptable if directly affects or touches our personal lives. Therefore, we should complain about the extent to which cheating in exams and marriages have developed. Reference Morrissey, E. (2012). Shameless! Cheating Is Now Mainstream in America. The Fiscal Times. 1-2.

How to Reverse-Outline Your First Draft

How to Reverse-Outline Your First Draft How to Reverse-Outline Your First Draft How to Reverse-Outline Your First Draft By Mark Nichol You know that producing an outline is an effective strategy for helping you organize your writing. Whether the content is a novel, an interview, a review, or any other form of prose, preceding the actual writing with some sort of framework a hierarchical vertical list, a bullet list, an interconnected web of words or phrases provides a structural scheme. But have you ever used a reverse outline? A reverse outline is an evaluative tool you create after you’ve written the content. Although any kind of outline is suitable for this task, for your first reverse outline, use the traditional roman numeral/roman alphabet structure. If you’re reverse-outlining a novel or an essay of more than a few pages, start with a single chapter or a section so you don’t overwhelm yourself. Number each paragraph. On a separate sheet of paper, or in a new online file, list the main point (I), followed by the ancillary points (A, B, C). Rinse and repeat, on or in a single document, for each paragraph. Once you’ve completed the outline, review it and determine whether a paragraph is weighed down by more than one point, whether the points you’ve identified are the ones you want to emphasize, and whether any points are superfluous or misplaced. In addition, consider whether the outline’s organization, and by extension the chapter or article’s organization, reflect your intentions. If not, decide whether you need to revise your intent or the output. (Hint: It’s much easier to adapt a topic or a thesis statement to a piece of writing than the reverse.) Reverse outlining helps you reorganize not only paragraphs but also the entire work. On a paragraph level, determine whether you need to combine, divide, insert, delete, or move. For the work as a whole, revise as necessary to build an argument or carry a narrative. Repeat the process as necessary for a longer piece and if, for example, an extensive article has five sections that you’ve reverse-outlined in as many steps, reverse-outline the whole article as well. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Fiction Writing category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:50 Idioms About Legs, Feet, and ToesComma Before ButHow Many Sentences in a Paragraph?

ACME Inc. DRAFT Report Pt. 2 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

ACME Inc. DRAFT Report Pt. 2 - Assignment Example This makes it hard for the attackers defacing or reading the data. Also, personal firewall must be installed on computers in a network. The antivirus must be updated with the latest malicious code definition or virus signature. When using the internet facilities in public, online transactions must be avoided at all costs. The intrusion prevention system must be installed on organizational networks in order to enhance detection and prevention of further attacks from eavesdroppers. All internet services must be used with the mutual authentication like the public key infrastructure (PKI). This enhances the authentication of the transactions by the server reducing the man-in-the-middle attacks (Michael, 2012). Port redirection is potentially risky as many people skip over the details while creating the FTP replacement system. The risks can be mitigated through creation and communication of policy against creation of tunnels or remote access within the organization. There should be an emphasis of encryption or tunnelling technologies outside the official remote access programs and the VPN toolsets. The consequences of creating private VPN into the organization must be stated clearly. The default accesses must be tightened to identify any malicious act involving the configuration so as to evade the policies and deceive the organization. The review process must be created so as to approve the SSH access to the key devices o internet. SSH may be run on various ports or tunneled into HTTP, with the precedent being set to prevent the default outboard SSH. High-level inspection tools must be installed to enhance detection of the tunnel traffic. Also, the WAN and firewall router logs must be inspected to establish the long-term and persistent connections (Trompeter & Eloff, 2001). Smurf attacks involve the attacker sending moderate traffic quantity that causes the virtual explosion of traffic

Extra Credit Methods Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Extra Credit Methods - Essay Example It is thought that once the egg has been fertilized and it becomes slowed or there is blockage of the passage to the uterus, the fertilized ovum is forced to implant before getting to the uterus. Implantation may now erroneously occur in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, abdomen, or other regions outside of the uterus (Clarence, 2009). Causes There are many factors which contribute to the likelihood of a mother experiencing an ectopic pregnancy. The most common contributing factor to the development of an ectopic pregnancy is the Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) (Kamwendo, 2000).This is caused by the upsurge of scar tissue in the oviduct or fallopian tubes that causes damage to cilia. Cilia are hair-like structures found on the inner surface of the fallopian tubes and they help in transporting the egg that has been fertilized to the uterus. Damaging the cilia or blocking of the oviduct is likely to cause an ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancy can also be caused by post effects of tubal surgery or other factors including tubal ligation, use of Intrauterine Devices (IUD), endometriosis, use of birth control pills that contain progesterone only, inborn or congenital defect of the fallopian tubes, advanced age of the mother and smoking (Clarence, 2009). Apart from physical defects, high estrogen and progesterone levels may possibly increase ectopic pregnancy risk since the hormones are associated with slowing down the transportation of the fertilized ovum through the oviduct (fallopian tube) (Clarence, 2009). There is also a great risk for developing an ectopic pregnancy for women whose mothers took DES (diethylstilbestrol) medication during pregnancy (Clarence, 2009). However, the actual manner in which this happens is still under investigation. According to medical statistics, seventy percent of pregnancies that take place after tubal cautery turn out to be ectopic and also a similar percentage of pregnancies that occur after tubal clips are in the line of the uter us (Kamwendo et al, 2000). This is because reversal of tubal sterilization increases the chance for ectopic pregnancy. It is riskier if more unhelpful methods of tubal ligation like partially removing of the tubes or tubal cautery are used than techniques which are less destructive like tubal clipping. This risk cannot be mitigated by removal of the affected tube whether the other tube appears normal or not. Signs and Symptoms During the early stages of pregnancy, it is hard for a mother to know whether she has an ectopic pregnancy or not since the symptoms are often absent or mild. Clinical observations occur at around 7.2 weeks after last menstrual period normally within 5 to 8 weeks (Clarence, 2009). Later appearance becomes more widespread where communities are dispossessed of up to date diagnostic ability.The early signs include mild pain and discomfort (Clarence, 2009). However, a corpus luteum found on the ovary in a normal pregnancy and may also give the same symptoms. Mild vaginal bleeding is also an early symptom. Falling progesterone levels from the corpus luteum, which is associated with ectopic pregnancy, cause withdrawal bleeding (Clarence, 2009). Late ectopic pregnancy is characterized by bleeding and pain. Bleeding is usually vaginal and internal. External/vaginal bleeding is caused by falling levels of progesterone while internal bleeding is caused by hemorrhage from the tubes affected (Clarence, 2009). Severe internal bleeding

Summary of a book chapter Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Summary of a book chapter - Assignment Example The chapter focuses on the value system of terrorists and states that terrorists believe that they are fighting against enemy who lack traits and characteristics of human beings. Terrorist even believe that they are elite members of the society and are victims and they chose terrorism as an involuntary response (Combs, 2012, p.56). They even believe that the crimes they commit such as murdering innocent people is a moral act. They even believe that if their victims are closely associated with the enemy then they are even enemies. There are certain common characteristics that all terrorists share. These characteristics include high dedication towards the cause and all of them indulge in a brave act since they face the threat of being harmed (Combs, 2012, p.65). All terrorists lack emotions of regret as well as shame and that is why they kill people. They are very intelligent as they have to collect and analyze information and are involved in sophisticated activities such as living and flying in first class hotels and airlines. They are highly educated as they are able to communicate in various languages such as English language. Individuals become terrorists because they believe that they are the victims and are fighting evil. Joining terrorist groups even provide individuals with a sense of belongingness (Combs, 2012, p.68). They believe that indulging in acts of terrorism is a way to attain revenge against those who have done wrong to people they are associated with. Terrorists in the past were motivated by the aim of attaining social liberty, but now their aim has become quite political. Terrorists in the 21st century are quite away from reality and are quite irrational and that is why they prefer being recognized as prisoners of war (Combs, 2012, p.71). A major reason that drives terrorist activities in the 21st century is that

Mandatory Recycling in the USA Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Mandatory Recycling in the USA - Essay Example Air pollution that coming from the process of burning fossil fuels is one of the common factors that causes acid rain. (U.S. Geological Survey and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1999) In other words, electric utility plants are among the major sources of emitted sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide that are present in the atmostphere. As explained by Science, global warming and the nitrogen oxide present in the acid rain could cause negative impact on the environment aside from declining the annual crop yields due to the presence of flood caused by typhoon and/or prolonged hot season that often leads to the growth of new pesticides and fungicides. (Hampton, 2008; Union of Concerned Scientists, 2006) For this reason, income from agricultural activities becomes lesser. On the other hand, the thinning of the ozone layer could cause human beings to suffer from skin cancer and other related health detriments. (The Daily Galaxy, 2007) Aside from causing serious damage on agricultural products, acid rain could also severely damage our natural sources of water such as lakes and streams. (U.S. Geological Survey and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1999) Given the fact that trees absorb water from the ground, there is a higher chance that trees and other plants would die caused by high amount of acid found in the ocean, lakes, streams, rivers, and water reservoir. For this reason, forest degradation is most likely to occur.

State of current US Economy Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

State of current US Economy - Term Paper Example The rise in growth is primarily due to the contribution of positive factors such as increase consumption, increased volumes of exports and growing in domestic investments. The increase in imports was also registered in the second quarter. This increase was likely influenced by the stronger dollar. The real GDP and the potential GDP were closely compatible in the years that preceeded the great recession. However, the real GDP shrunk dramatically during the recession. This contraction continued for some time until in 2009 when a slight improvement was registered. Despite the increase, the contraction of the real GDP is still evident since the output gap in the second quarter of 2014 stood at $655000.2 The stronger GDP figures have also been tied to stronger job reports. For example, the growth between January and October was registered due to 200000 additional jobs on monthly. The low-skilled and low paying sectors of the economy also played a crucial role in resuscitating the economy. These sectors include retail and drinking places. The lowest unemployment rate was recorded and it stood at 5.8%. The unemployment is said to be the lowest since 2008. Thus, it indicates that the US economy is on a positive trajectory. Even though there was a lower rate of unemployment, the rates remain high. Some people are employed on part time in the United States and account for 7 million of the employed class. 2.2 million People are marginally attached hence indicates the existence of weak labor participation in the job markets. There has been reduced labor participation since 2009. This rate has been less than 66%. The implication of the low labor participation is that United States economy underutilizes its labor resources.3 Under normal economic circumstances, the economy should be able to encourage a high participation of the labor resources. People with various skills and talents should be willing to take part in the recruitment process to enable them

Analysis of data from the practical class (guinea-pig ileum Lab Report

Analysis of data from the practical class (guinea-pig ileum experiments) - Lab Report Example Fill in the table (see next page) for all 4 types of agonist/antagonist combination used. Using appropriate statistical tests on the class data, examine whether in each case the presence of the antagonist increased the log EC50 value of the agonist significantly (in other words, made it less negative)*. (ii) With reference to the class practical results in the table (page XX), describe in detail what the experimental evidence is for your answers to question 3(i). This justification of your conclusions is a very important part of this practical write-up. X- Due to the introduction of the drug x, there was contraction response on acetycholine as seen by the less negative values after the introduction of the drug. He drug acts on cholinergic nicotinic receptors, where acetycholine derives it actions. Y-As a result of the introduction of the drugs, the histamine action was strongly altered as seen by less negative values than in the absence of the drugs. In which case, it can be concluded that they are H2 antagonists because they are the ones that inhibit the action of histamine at H2 receptors. Through the action of H2 receptors, histamine is able to secrete gastric juice. 4. The experimental protocol for this practical involved determining two log concentration – response curves, the first one in the absence of the unknown antagonist and the second one in its presence. Could this experimental protocol lead to any error and, if so, and how might it be avoided (e.g. by modifying the protocol)? Paradoxical potentiating effects: Very low concentrations of aacetycholine sometimes produce a potentiation instead of antagonism and this would interfere with the measurements. More attention should be given when measuring the concentration to ensure that it is

State of current US Economy Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

State of current US Economy - Term Paper Example The rise in growth is primarily due to the contribution of positive factors such as increase consumption, increased volumes of exports and growing in domestic investments. The increase in imports was also registered in the second quarter. This increase was likely influenced by the stronger dollar. The real GDP and the potential GDP were closely compatible in the years that preceeded the great recession. However, the real GDP shrunk dramatically during the recession. This contraction continued for some time until in 2009 when a slight improvement was registered. Despite the increase, the contraction of the real GDP is still evident since the output gap in the second quarter of 2014 stood at $655000.2 The stronger GDP figures have also been tied to stronger job reports. For example, the growth between January and October was registered due to 200000 additional jobs on monthly. The low-skilled and low paying sectors of the economy also played a crucial role in resuscitating the economy. These sectors include retail and drinking places. The lowest unemployment rate was recorded and it stood at 5.8%. The unemployment is said to be the lowest since 2008. Thus, it indicates that the US economy is on a positive trajectory. Even though there was a lower rate of unemployment, the rates remain high. Some people are employed on part time in the United States and account for 7 million of the employed class. 2.2 million People are marginally attached hence indicates the existence of weak labor participation in the job markets. There has been reduced labor participation since 2009. This rate has been less than 66%. The implication of the low labor participation is that United States economy underutilizes its labor resources.3 Under normal economic circumstances, the economy should be able to encourage a high participation of the labor resources. People with various skills and talents should be willing to take part in the recruitment process to enable them

The sublime Kant & Burke Essay Example for Free

The sublime Kant Burke Essay In Neil Hertz’s essay, The Notion of Blockage in the Literature of the Sublime, Neil uses the work of William Wordsworth to makes a connection to the very distinguished and particular notion of the mathematical sublime by Immanuel Kant. The mathematical sublime is the perception that reason has this superiority over imagination because reason and logic is boundless whereas imagination is limited to what we have personally experienced through our senses. When in the presence of something that embodies the overwhelming magnitude of an idea that we cannot comprehend at first glance (the sublime), Kant believes that reason has the upper hand over the senses. By means of reasoning, we as individuals can determine that there is some claim to final totality. When this reasoning comes face to face with an agent of the sublime, our logic is able to understand the failure of our ability to grasp the enormity of something so thought shattering that it eventually leads to the realization that our reason is more reliable than our senses. The sensory faculty bases its understanding on empirical evidence and in this case would have no influence over our train of thought because we have never experienced anything quite like the sublime. Kant labels this as the blockage and associates it with a negative feeling, this feeling of displeasure stems from the fact that in order to grasp the concept of the sublime the individual must realize that their previous cognitive limits were not developed enough. Hertz has a different idea about the result of experiencing the mathematical sublime, he believes that it brings us pleasure by means of displeasure but the pleasure and power of overcoming our imagination’s shortcomings bring us a greater satisfaction than we could have experienced without this knowledge. Hertz then applies several excerpts from book 7 of Wordsworth’s The 1805 Prelude. Wordsworth’s literary works reinforce Hertz’s position upon the sublime and his concept of blockage. Before he begins analyzing the literary works, Hertz lays down the foundation of the sublime and states, with the use of Weiskels argument that â€Å"The cause of the sublime is the aggrandizement of reason at the expense of imaginative apprehension of reality and at the expense of reality. †(Hertz, 51) After attaining this level of consciousness is it easier to assess the effect of the sublime and how it creates a new insight by means of comprehending that the sublime consists of structure and disagreement. Kant voices a very similar idea as Weiskel just a couple sentences later, â€Å"the very moment in which the mind turns within and performs its identification with reason. †(Hertz, 51) He uses this notion of blockage in relation to Wordsworth’s poems, and how we have difficulty in grasping the concept before we recognize and understand the sublime and how it unites the mind when it is filled with such a grand sensation. Unto myself, The face of every one That passes by me is a mystery! Thus have I looked, nor ceased to look, oppressed By thoughts of what and whither, when and how. All laws of acting, thinking, speaking man Went from me, neither knowing me nor known. (Hertz, 58) Wordsworth is making reference to the publication and how everyone is the same but different at the same time, whilst making allusions to the sensory approach and how he does not understand the incident to its furthest degree. He is stuck on the mathematically sublime until he advances in his text analysis and stumbles upon the blind beggar. Or emblem of the utmost that we know Both of ourselves and of the universe, And on the shape of this unmoving man, His fixed face and sightless eyes, I looked, As if admonished from another world.

International Business In Saudi Arabia Business Essay

International Business In Saudi Arabia Business Essay This research paper attempts to find article in newspapers that pertain to Saudi Arabia and the relationships it has in international business. The newspaper articles are selected in accordance with the topic under research and the summary is provided. Saudi Arabia being a strategic partner in international business has been in the forefront to promote it by having in place political, legal, economic and social-cultural environment where such can thrive. In this respect, the paper analyses cases that have been reported in the media and which relate directly to the scope of international business. 1. What Is International Business Cover page: May 18th 2011 Global economic climate brightens again, ICC/Ifo survey reveals Paris, 18 May 2011 Article Summary: The article states that the global economic climate indicator stands at 107.7 points in April, 2011 which is far much higher in the last few years. The figure is derived from a survey of 1000 economists in over 120 countries in which they responded to positive global economic growth. There are however factors that could affect this optimism such as budget deficits, high inflation and unemployment. The ICC (International Chamber of Commerce) secretary attributed this as a sign of economic recovery. He urged governments to work together to encourage a multilateral trading system that facilitates global economic growth. Although interest rates are expected to rise, emerging economies are worried but this will not affect the consumer prices much. The only risks that are expected include excessive movements in international capital and potential oil price shocks due to tensions in supply. (Note: Saudi Arabia is an oil producing country). The overall economic growth in the world is expected to reach 3.2% in 2011. Among the countries to benefit from this are the US in terms of employment and increased productivity. The Asian countries may fail to realize benefits in the short term since they expect growth in private consumption, capital expenditure and exports to weaken. In Europe, benefits will materialize especially after the Euro stabilizes. Perhaps the most interesting part is the observed improvements in Saudi Arabia amongst other neighboring nations. Relevance: International business involves all commercial transactions that occur between two or more countries or regions in a way that the political boundary is crossed. The business may be incorporated in areas such as private and government sectors, investments, logistics and transportation, and sales in various products. The reason for doing international business differs in regard to who is participating for instance private corporations do it for profit while governments seek profits and political gains. In general, economic resources get transacted across borders in form of skills, capital and people so that they enable production in banking, insurance, construction and finance sectors among others. This article is relevant to international business because it recognizes the role individual countries play as well as the factors of economic growth. It is evident that as long as individual countries economies are doing well, such countries are bound to trade with each other. Saudi Arabia being an oil producing country has over the recent past been affected by the declining economic growths in many countries all over the world. But considering that international business involves trans-border transaction such as exporting oil, (a resource), Saudi Arabia will in the long run engage and derive profits at a higher scale. Critique and Insight: Despite the implication that world economies are in the verge of growth, Saudi Arabia may still have to wait a bit longer before it can fully enjoy the benefits. In this same article, the issue of currency values is mentioned albeit shallowly. Oil as it may originate from Saudi Arabia may meet a market in crisis in regard to disagreements over currency undervaluation. This in effect means that a country like Saudi Arabia in its search for international market must be aware of such issues as well as high interest rates and inflation.   Attached Article: http://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20110518133330 2. Globalization of Markets and the Internationalization of the Firm Cover page: Bottom of Form MENASART FAIR By ARAB NEWS: Published: Apr 27, 2011 18:22 Article Summary: The boutique style exclusive exhibition is very famous amongst artists, collectors and art professionals from all parts of the world. The Middle East region is attracting these from as far as North Africa and South Asia. The interest people are showing towards long neglected art and contemporary art in this region has become a success story in the international arena. Art fair manager dHauteville in Beirut noted that there is need for an international event which recognizes the growing demand for art whose sales value is estimated as more than $200 million for the last three years. This is why MENASART aims to provide a base in the region for art enthusiasts and collectors so that it can be done in a professional and cultural environment. Artists from Middle East and North Africa (MENA) are being encouraged to seek newer media which will drive the regional governments.   In addition it will provide a repository for global art and culture enabling them to become a world class destination. Cities in Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are investing a lot in building museums with the most notable being Nabatt â€Å"A Sense of Being† which is contemporary art from Saudi Arabia. This exhibition will enable Saudi contemporary art to experience international visibility. There also international auction houses in the region in the making and which are forecast to include all countries in the region. The Video Box has also been incorporated in which films and children arts are considered for display. But it is not art only that is being considered but also conferences for dealers, curators and collectors with an aim to address recent trends in South Asia.   They will discuss challenges that can oversee merging of all artists in these regions in the light of globalization. MENASART past fair attracted a number of visitors and they expect it to rise in later events. Relevance: Globalization of market s and internationalization of the firm both imply a situation where a business is opened up so that it can operate on an international arena. It means moving away from just considering local demand and supply but focusing on a wider area. International business as already discussed operates across borders. This article is relevant in the issue of market globalization and internationalization of the firm since it states that contemporary had been long neglected. Prior to embracing boutique style exclusive exhibition it seem that MENASART was confined to local markets; it at all it even took place. But with the opening of such exhibitions, there is a greater chance that more collectors, dealers and curators are likely to take part in the process. Considering too the interest people around the world have shown interest, it is clear that the market is opening up towards becoming global. In line with creating and building museums and trade fair the contemporary industry in fact moving from local settings to being run on an international scale. True to the article, Saudi Arabia especially will experience international visibility where their long forgotten and less traded art work will be done on an international arena. Critique and Insight: This article would have been more resourceful had they indicated some examples of art work that is associated with MENA regions. Attached Article: http://arabnews.com/lifestyle/art_culture/article374698.ece 3. Organizational Participants that Make International Business Happen Cover page: Foreign Policy The Middle East Channel: Need for a new social contract: Posted By Dag Detter, Steffen Hertog: Wednesday, May 4, 2011 11:00 AM Article Summary: There are reports that vast state assets have been misappropriated in the wake of recent uprising in the Middle East. The Arabic sector is fermented and numerous strikes are taking place for example in Misr Spinning and Weaving textile plant.   The crony capitalists who have enriched themselves through skewed privatizations deals have also been loosing support. The article points out that mismanaged public sectors have been a pivotal in the uneven growth and corruption. The State Owned Enterprises (SOEs), in some MENA countries manufacturing sector have undermined competition thus reducing growth. Many companies are unable to be productive enough to allow reasonable wages and dignified work conditions. The state appointed management has been a crucial cause by allowing cannibalizing of state assets as well as denying workers their bonuses. One Ahmed Ezz has already acquired strategic bits of steel sector by manipulating political connections in Egypt. In all other MENA countries corruption has contributed to companies ending up in looses.   In Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Basic Industries Corporation is usually run secretively though efficiently. The MENA authoritarian systems have employed political conditions such that monopolies seem to work but more institutionalized recipes by the government are required. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has reached a consensus that centralized ownership function is the best way to manage SOEs while at the same time protecting them from political machinations. Centralization allows conflicts between political and industrial imperatives to be dealt with and at the same time enable introduction of professional corporate governance skills to be utilized. The Board of Directors is strengthened in its endeavors such that the whole system runs accountably either in cases of success or failure. In order to utilize commercial funds effectively, the incorporated commercial borrowing tool comes in handy. It must however be set in under professional management that can be subjected to checks and balances for example in accounting and auditing. Instead of back financing, credit rating and use of bond market will instill more discipline. The National Wealth Funds have been observed to produce value internationally if they are well managed and accept transparency as a core principle. Reforms as studies have shown are expected to take place especially in the public sector and the management of SOEs. They must also be accompanied by labor market policy that allows migration from public to private sectors and at the same time allowing social security. Relevance: This article is relevant to the topic at hand since it addresses the organizational participants that make international business happen. In the article introduction, it is shown how different companies in MENA region including Saudi Arabia are being run corruptly leading to their collapse. Since the topic is dealing with organizational participants the State Owned Enterprises are in this case appropriate examples as they too engage in international business. The public sector is composed of so many organizations that make it possible for international business to take place and if it fails, so does the whole system. As noted in the article, SOEs including energy, telecoms, transport and real estates form an untapped resource fro driving economic growth and transforming the social contract. This in effect implies that it is organizations in these sectors that contribute to a country being able to engage in international business.   Their management is essential if it is done in an organized and structured manner as the benefits filter down to the economies in the region. This is the reason such concepts as decentralization, competitive policy and deregulation are noted as ones that will lead to sustainable profit and competitive prices to citizens.   The government on the other head is noted as the player and referee or in other terms as a market participant as well as the regulator. This is in line with the topic which discuses organizational participant who eventually allows international business to take place. In this case the Saudi Basic Industries Corporation has been successful due to being run efficiently but important to note is that the company itself serves the whole region; which is a case of international business. The OECD is another organization that set a platform for international business to take place and it has done so in the MENA region where Saudi Arabia is located. The article further proposes that if companies are run as incorporated commercial holding companies, they are more likely to perform in the international arena as Singapores Temasek which is a National Wealth Fund has done. Finally, both SOEs and the private sector are in real sense contributors to international business in a country.   If both are managed well, they become profitable and in turn will expand beyond the countrys borders so as to indulge in international business. Critique and Insight: In as much as the article traces the causes of the current events in the MENA region, it fails to give adequate examples of how each country is fairing. It would have been more appropriate to specify the rate of interaction among the MENA member countries in regard to how they actually do business. It seems that the article is only relying on the call for political reform in the running of the public sectors and dealing with corruption. However I tend to agree with the author when he asserts that a regional reform program is necessary especially in the SOEs.   Both the financial and social enterprises sectors need to be reformed so as to take a global relevance.   It is only through globalization that organizations which play a vital role in international business will be able to accomplish their goals. Attached Article: http://mideast.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2011/04/29/a_new_social_contract 4. Theories of International Trade and Investment Cover page: Colombo Page: Sri Lanka Internet Newspaper Leading News from Sri Lanka Saudi delegation to visit Sri Lanka to explore new areas of business cooperation Fri, May 20, 2011, 10:07 am SL Time, Colombo Page News Desk, Sri Lanka. Article Summary: The Saudi Arabias Commerce and Industry Minister, a Mr. Abdulla Zainal Alizera noted that peace in Sri Lanka has made it possible for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to establish new trade relations. This was discussed during a visit by the Sri Lanka Minister of Industry and Commerce a Mr. Rishad Bathiudeen in Jeddah. The Saudi minister cited recent unrest in North and East Sri Lanka as having hindered trade but now is willing due to the peace that has been realized. The new chapter in trade will be initiated by a Saudi delegation to Sri Lanka with an aim of exploring new areas of cooperation between the two countries. On the other hand, the Sri Lankan minister has already identified sectors which trade can take place.   These include; tourism, industry, garments, information technology, fruits and vegetable cultivation and gem and jewelry sectors. The Saudi government will too volunteer by sending a technical team to identify new areas in agriculture under the King Abdullah Initiative for Saudi Agricultural Investment Abroad. The two countries have eventually agreed to form a Business Council to promote bilateral trade which currently stands at $ 246 million. But both countries are hoping to improve on this figure and especially the $ 43.8 million Sri Lankas export to Saudi Arabia. In a bid to initiate this trade, the Sri Lankan minister has already allowed garments export to Saudi and they be made according to Saudi businessmen specifications. He further is optimistic in that he encouraged trade which would soon yield attractive gains. The Sri Lankan minister also ventured in to other ministries in Saudi Arabia such as the Electricity and Finance ministry in pursuit of international business. Relevance: Theories in international trade and investment can be explained in two distinct ways. One of them concerns the national level and deals with questions like why nations trade and how they can enhance their competitive edge. The other level is firm oriented and seeks to give insight in to why firms institutionalize and how it helps in giving sustainable and competitive edge. The various theories covered here include; mercantilism, factor proportions, absolute advantage, new trade index to name a few. This article fits well with theories of international trade and investment since the visits by the Sri Lankan minister seeks to initiate trade. The theory of mercantilism for instance is the basis for the visit because Sri Lanka realizes that their national prosperity is the result of a positive balance of trade. Both countries exercise mercantilism in regard to maximizing their exports and minimizing their imports. Under the theory of absolute advantage principle, it is evident that the proposal by the Sri Lankan minister that Saudis import garments if well founded.   Sri Lanka must be aware of the few resources it utilizes in production of garments and why it seeks Saudi businessmen to buy them. In regard to the comparative advantage principle, even though Saudi Arabia has an upper hand in case it exports oil to Sri Lanka, which might be more expensive, the only cause for their wish to trade is in the cost of production of garments. This concept of specialization will eventually benefit both countries; Saudi Arabia in oil and Sri Lanka in garments and agricultural production. Both countries also Critique and Insight: This article provides an insight in to how international business is initiated.   It provides a clear glimpse that goes with trade delegations for a certain country visiting another.   For international business to take place, each participating county must be in a position to make deals that will last and be beneficial to both parties. Another notable fact is that peace is very important for trade to take place as is evidence by past failures between the two countries. In addition, countries must be guided by international trade and investment theories in order to make the most out of trade. Finally the article reveals the likelihood of business to occur if the initiating party has also something to offer in the course of bilateral trade. The importance of trader councils cannot also be underemphasized. Attached Article: http://www.colombopage.com/archive_11/May20_1305866256CH.php 5. The Cultural Environment of International Business Cover page: Arab News.com Saudi women gaining ground after long struggle By ABDULHAI YOUSEF | ARAB NEWS Published: May 12, 2011 01:03 Updated: May 12, 2011 01:03 RIYADH: The late introduction of womens education in Saudi Arabia has not limited their ability to make considerable gains and rights. Article Summary: Saudi women have now been able to reach official decision making positions in Saudi Arabian government. In international arena they have had chances as high executives in international organizations but not at home front. So many stories have been circulating pertaining to Saudi women strive for legitimate rights in education and work as well as ability to make personal decisions in their affairs. Historically, it was impossible for them to realize education dreams whereby their culture considered it as an act of sedition and a source of corruption. According to Islam, women were confined to their husbands will until their death. King Saud however contributed a great deal by allowing for girls to attend schooling and over the years many of them took up the challenge. Currently, many of them have joined all sectors of investment, government ministries, medicine, and engineering and in business as well. One Hallima Muzaffar is already an accomplished writer and literally critic but confesses the struggle is not over yet. She cites that she still cannot run her own business despite being knowledgeable. In addition, she laments that the society is ready to open up for everything but for women. Many other women in Saudi Arabia claim and endeavor to fight for their rights sometimes with little or no success.   Finally the article notes that a number of Saudi women are well placed locally and internationally for example Thuraya Obaid who is in the UNPF and Lubna Olayan, a renowned investor in the international financial markets. Relevance: The culture environment of international business is a very important that should not be overlooked.   It involves the understanding of various cultural elements in a country that one is willing to engage in business with. Such cultures may have diverse and unfamiliar languages, value systems, behavior and beliefs. In a cross border business, it is always necessary to have a clue of the lifestyles, consumption behavior and norms that are characteristic of the people a country intends to deal with. Culture comes about in the unique communication, symbols and ideas they express and if underestimated could pose certain risks. The risks in international business associated with culture include country risk, commercial risk, and currency risk and cross-cultural risk. Failure to consider carefully each of these risks might result in the trade ties deterioration and eventual death of any business however successful it was. In international business such processes as developing products and services, communication and interaction, screening for foreign distributors, negotiating, advertising and exhibition all must be accompanied by detailed analysis of the culture in question. This article is very relevant to the issue of cultural environment of international business considering Saudi Arabia has unique culture. It is evident that women in that country are treated differently when it comes to their involvement in business. The article points out the various struggles women undergo and their plight can be harmful to the international business in the long run. Considering for instance those women in other parts of the world can engage in business and run them profitably, it is ironical why such can not be practiced in Saudi Arabia. But in essence it is important to understand different cultures as already discussed prior to initiating business with them.   In this case, an investor who prefers to engage in a business that involves women roles in America may be forced to change his mind while dealing with Saudi women. This is in line with understanding the cross cultural risk associated with international business and to counter it would entail leaving out any involvement with Saudi women. Critique and Insight: The article gives an insight in to how different cultures behave in regard to business. This is very helpful so that investors may seek information on cultural environment before engaging in business that may later pose risks once established. The article however fails to highlight what Saudi women are actually doing to promote international business in the light of globalization. Attached Article: http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article396218.ece 6. Political and Legal Systems in National Environments Cover page: Arab News .com By DR. KHALID ALNOWAISER | ARAB NEWS Human rights issues in Saudi Arabia Existing sponsorship system no longer conforms to the life in the 21st century Article Summary: The article discusses human rights in Saudi Arabia in respect to women, youth and foreigners. However it is the political and civil rights part that pertains to political and legal systems in national environments. The author notes the fundamental worth of everybody to be free and safe. The right not to be arbitrarily arrested and freedom of expression in any business they engage in is emphasized. Among all these rights, the writer notes that the Saudi citizens must be free to participate in management of public affairs either directly or through elected representatives. Individuals have a right to vote or run for office in fair elections as declared in the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights issued by the United Nations in 1966. The article concludes with a question of whether the Saudi government is ready and willing to make significant political decisions for its people so that they may participate in any business of their choice. Relevance: The political system involves institutions, political organizations and interest groups and their relationships and rules that govern them in a country. This may happen along individual or community settings where each has assigned rights and roles. It is very common for any country to operate along a certain political ideology such as democracy or a totalitarianism setting. Each of these systems is designed to improve standards of living, communication and economic progress. But on the other hand, failure of any particular system may lead to risks especially in regard to international business. The risks can however be reduced substantially by stimulating local economy, offering national employment, and encouraging shared business ownership and engaging in activities that show political neutrality and civility. The legal system too is composed of civil, customary, theocratic and common laws which are meant to govern how people interact and dissolve disputes. In international business, the intellectual property rights are very important to understand as they define the right of benefit of any tangible property an individual may have invented. This article is relevant in the way it emphasizes the need for political systems based on legal foundations that are recognized internationally. In such a system, international business thrives if conditions where human rights are upheld and this comes from the political and legal system that is in place. Critique and Insight: The article is well presented and has all the facts that are crucial for international business to take place.   A country that denies its own citizens basic human rights cannot enjoy benefits in international business. Attached Article: http://arabnews.com/opinion/columns/article408235.ece?comments=all 7. Government Intervention in International Business Cover page: PH rejects Saudi bid to cut Filipino maids pay By Philip C. Tubeza Philippine Daily Inquirer 6:18 am | Friday, May 20th, 2011 Article Summary: The Philippines has rejected the request by Saudi Arabia for a pay cut for Filipino maids working in the Kingdom. According to Labor Secretary, the $400 minimum salary for maids working abroad will remain despite the Saudi government wish to have it reduced to $200. Because of the salary dispute, the Saudi government has suspended the deployment of Filipino maids to the Kingdom.   The matter has been referred to Geneva where bilateral trade is meant to be discussed and resolved. Relevance: The role of the government is very important in international business. Governments impose restriction in international business mainly due to political, cultural and economic reasons. In cases where the government wants its domestic business in exports to thrive, intervention is necessary. Another scenario is during difficult economic times so as to reduce imports and therefore shield its workforce from being laid off. Political motives are may be cited by a government in international business if it wants to protect jobs, preserve national security, gain influence and to respond to unfair practices.   The economic motives involved may pertain to protecting incoming industries that are in the growth path or in order to pursue a strategic trade policy.   Culturally, the government may intervene in order to preserve its national identity. All these measure have a basic motive which is to secure jobs for its citizenry. This article is relevant in that the Saudi government has intervened in the dispute so that its own maids may have better terms than those of foreigners. The economic motive is evident in the article because the Saudi government wants job security that could be threatened by the highly paid Filipino maids. Critique and Insight: The article is well presented and bears all facts that would call for a government to intervene in order to secure its citizens jobs.

Working Essay -- essays research papers

Work And The Indivdual   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Simply put, work is a major contributor in shaping an individual's life. Our lives revolve around the work we do and the rewards that we get from our work. Work provides the individual not only income to live by, but also identity, value, social belief, social relation and respect. The type of work we choose to do determines our status in society and measures our level of success in life.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In this society, being without a job is almost like being invisible. Every one has to be involved in some type of work whether it is for self or for someone else. We do work to survive. The only means we have to get what we need is money. And money is earned, not given. Money is most commonly earned through work, which makes work the center of our life. This being said, it would be easy to assume that studying and analyzing the history of work can lead to understanding ourselves as society and as individuals. For example, two hundred years ago, most people did not go to work; instead they worked at home on the farm. In the 1800s about 90 percent of Americans were farmers. People did not use clocks. They worked with the sun and seasons. People made a living by growing their own and trading. They did not rely on wages. As industrialization hit America, within a century most farmers came into cities and became part of the industrial wage system. As a result, they had to adapt to changes that affected their liv...

Bill Gates :: essays research papers

Skinny, shy and awkward, teenaged Bill Gates seemed an unlikely successor to his overachieving parents. His father, powerfully built and 6'6'' tall, was a prominent Seattle attorney, and his gregarious mother served on charitable boards and ran the United Way. While he showed enormous talent for math and logic, young Bill, a middle child, was no one's idea of a natural leader, let alone a future billionaire who would reinvent American business. Born in 1955, Gates attended public elementary school, and enrolled in the private Lakeside School at age 12. The following year, Gates wrote his first computer program, at a time when computers were still room-sized machines run by scientists in white coats. Soon afterwards, he and his friend Paul Allen wrote a scheduling program for the school—which coincidentally placed the two in the same classes as the prettiest girls in school. Still in high school, Gates and Allen founded a company called Traf-O-Data, which analyzed city traffic data. Gates set off for Harvard University intending to become a lawyer like his father. Still shy and awkward, he rarely ventured out to parties unless dragged by his friend Steve Ballmer, whom he later repaid by naming him president of Microsoft. One day in December 1974, Allen, who was working at Honeywell outside of Boston, showed Gates a Popular Mechanics cover featuring the Altair 8800, a $397 computer from M.I.T.S. computing that any hobbyist could build. The only thing the computer lacked, besides a keyboard and monitor, was software. Gates and Allen contacted the head of M.I.T.S. and said they could provide a version of BASIC for the Altair. After a successful demonstration at the company's Albuquerque headquarters, M.I.T.S. contracted with Gates and Allen for programming languages. The pair moved to New Mexico and started Micro-soft (they dropped the hypen later). Although the company's first five clients went bankrupt, the company struggled on, moving to Seattle in 1979. The following year, IBM asked Gates to provide an operating system for its first personal computer. Gates purchased a system called QDOS (Quick and Dirty Operating System) for $50,000 from another company, changed the name to MS-DOS, and licensed it to IBM. The IBM PC took the market by storm when it was introduced in 1981—and licensing fees streamed into Microsoft, ensuring the company's survival over the next several years. Microsoft continued concentrating on the software market, adding consumer applications like Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.

Disaster Management Cycle

Disaster Preparedness and Management Assignment No. 1 [pic] Submitted to: Sir Muhammad Akmal Khan Submitted by: Tayyab Hasnain Janjua Reg # 14DD-410004 D. DRM Second Quarter Fall 2010 Disaster Management Cycle Disaster Risk Management includes sum total of all activities, programmes and measures which can be taken up before, during and after a disaster with the purpose to avoid a disaster, reduce its impact or recover from its losses. The three key stages of activities that are taken up within disaster risk management are as follows [pic] INITIATIVES TAKEN [pic] Figure 1. Three phases of disaster management cycle 1. Pre Disaster Phase Before a disaster (pre-disaster). Pre-disaster activities those which are taken to reduce human and property losses caused by a potential hazard. For example, carrying out awareness campaigns, strengthening the existing weak structures, preparation of the disaster management plans at household and community level, etc. Such risk reduction measures taken under this stage are termed as mitigation and preparedness activities. 2. During disaster Phase During a disaster (disaster occurrence). These include initiatives taken to ensure that the needs and provisions of victims are met and suffering is minimized. Activities taken under this stage are called emergency response activities. 3. Post disaster Phase After a disaster (post-disaster). There are initiatives taken in response to a disaster with a purpose to achieve early recovery and rehabilitation of affected communities, immediately after a disaster strikes. These are called as response and recovery activities. Explanation The Disaster risk management cycle diagram (DRMC) highlights the range of initiatives which normally occur during both the Emergency response and Recovery stages of a disaster. Some of these cut across both stages (such things as coordination and the provision of ongoing assistance); whilst other activities are unique to each stage (e. g. Early Warning and Evacuation during Emergency Response; and Reconstruction and Economic and 48 Social Recovery as part of Recovery). The DRMC also highlights the role of the media, where there is a strong relationship between this and funding opportunities. This diagram works best for relatively sudden-onset disasters, such as floods, earthquakes, bushfires, tsunamis, cyclones etc, but is less reflective of slow-onset disasters, such as drought, where there is no obviously recognizable single event which triggers the movement into the Emergency Response stage. According to Warfield (2008) disaster management aims to reduce, or avoid the potential losses from hazards, assure prompt and appropriate assistance to victims of disaster, and achieve rapid and effective recovery. The disaster management cycle illustrates the ongoing process by which governments, businesses, and civil society plan for and reduce the impact of disasters, react during and immediately following a disaster, and take steps to recover after a disaster has occurred. Appropriate actions at all points in the cycle lead to greater preparedness, better warnings, reduced vulnerability or the prevention of disasters during the next iteration of the cycle. The complete disaster management cycle includes the shaping of public policies and plans that either modify the causes of disasters or mitigate their effects on people, property, and infrastructure. The mitigation and preparedness phases occur as disaster management improvements are made in anticipation of a disaster event. Developmental considerations play a key role in contributing to the mitigation and preparation of a community to effectively confront a disaster. As a disaster occurs, disaster management actors, in particular humanitarian organizations become involved in the immediate response and long-term recovery phases. The four disaster management phases illustrated here do not always, or even generally, occur in isolation or in this precise order. Often phases of the cycle overlap and the length of each phase greatly depends on the severity of the disaster. ? Mitigation – Minimizing the effects of disaster. Examples: building codes and zoning; vulnerability analyses; public education. ? Preparedness – Planning how to respond. Examples: preparedness plans; emergency exercises/training; warning systems. ? Response – Efforts to minimize the hazards created by a disaster. Examples: search and rescue; emergency relief. ? Recovery – Returning the community to normal. Examples: temporary housing; grants; medical care. To analyze the scope of disaster management in the revised context, it should be studied the cycle of the phenomenon (Figure 2). Disasters are as old as human history but the dramatic increase and the damage caused by them in the recent past have become a cause of national and international concern. Over the past decade, the number of natural and manmade disasters has climbed inexorably. From 1994 to 1998, reported disasters average was 428 per year but from 1999 to 2003, this figure went up to an average of 707 disaster events per year. Figure 3 presents the deadliest disasters of the decade (1992-2001). Figure 3. Reported Deaths from all Disasters: World Scenario (1992-2001) Drought and famine have proved to be the deadliest disasters globally (45%), followed by floods (16%), technological disaster (14%), earthquake (12%), windstorm (10%), extreme temperature and others (3%). Global economic loss related to disaster events average around US $880 billion per year (CBSE, 2006). Conclusions There has been a dramatic increase in disasters and the damages caused by them in the recent past. Over the past decade, the number of natural and manmade disasters has climbed inexorably. Accordingly to the statistics, the number of disasters per year increased with 60% in the period 1999-2001 in comparison with the previous period, 1994 -1998. The highest increase was in the countries of low human development, which registered an increase of 142%. In these countries, the responsible institutions should play an important role but, in general, the disaster management policy responses are influenced by methods and tools for cost-effective and sustainable interventions. There are no long-term, inclusive and coherent institutional arrangements to address disaster issues with a long term vision. Disasters are viewed in isolation from the processes of mainstream development and poverty alleviation planning. For example, disaster management, development planning and environmental management institutions operate in isolation and integrated planning between these sectors is almost lacking. Absence of a central authority for integrated disaster management and lack of coordination within and between disaster related organizations is responsible for effective and efficient disaster management. State-level disaster preparedness and mitigation measures are heavily tilted towards structural aspects and undermine nonstructural elements such as the knowledge and capacities of local people, and the related livelihood protection issues. In conclusion, with a greater capacity of the individual/community and environment to face the disasters, the impact of a hazard would be reduced. ———————– DURING 2

Mercedes Benz’s E-Biz Solution Essay

The fact that we would be one of the first car manufacturers in the United States to have a factory delivery program would be seen as a very positive thing in this regard. † – William Engelke, Assistant Manager, IT Systems, Mercedes Benz US International, commenting on the FDRS. Linking Customers By 2000, Mercedes Benz United States International (MBUSI), builder of the high-quality MClass sports utility vehicle (SUV), established itself as a company that also delivered superior customer services. One such service was the delivery option where by the customer could take delivery of the vehicle at the factory in Alabama, US. The program called the Factory Delivery Reservation System (FDRS), enabled MBUSI to create and validate 1800 orders per hour. FDRS also automatically generated material requirements and Bills of Material1 for 35,000 vehicles per hour. The Customer Relationship Management (CRM) solution that made FDRS possible was based on Lotus Domino2 and IBM Netfinity3 server4. Analysts felt that with its innovative use of the new program, MBUSI not only managed to improve its customer relations by providing the best service, but also demonstrated its commitment to customers by making them an integral part of the process. Customers were, in a way linked directly to the factory floor – which was a powerful sales tool. Background: Mbusi and its Business Challenges MBUSI was a wholly-owned subsidiary of DaimlerChrylser AG. 5 In 1993, Daimler Benz realized that the ‘Benz’ brand could be extended to wider market segments. Traditionally, Mercedes Benz6 appealed to older and sophisticated customers only. Daimler Benz wanted to attract customers below 40 years of age, who wanted a rugged vehicle with all the safety and luxury features of a Mercedes. Daimler Benz decided to develop a SUV known as the M-Class. It expected strong demand for the new vehicle and therefore planned to build its first car-manufacturing facility – MBUSI – in the (Tuscaloosa, Alabama) US. The MBUSI facility had many advantages. First, labor costs in the US were almost half that of in Germany. Second, the US was the leading geographic market for SUVs. Third, as the vehicles were assembled in the US, they could be distributed to Canada and Mexico more efficiently. In January 1997, the factory started production at partial capacity and by the end of the year, it was producing at full capacity. By 2000, the factory was rolling out around 380 vehicles per day. The new M-Class „allactivity’vehicle represented a new concept for the company. Also, mass customization required that each vehicle be treated as a separate project, with its own Bill of Material. To deal with these challenges, Daimler Benz decided to implement an enterprise wide Information Technology (IT) system, with the help of IBM Global Services7. To further strengthen the image of Mercedes Benz in the US, MBUSI planned to deliver vehicles at the factory, becoming the first international automobile manufacturer in the US to do so. MBUSI also wanted to enrich the customers’experience. Commented William Engelke, â€Å"The factory delivery option gives Mercedes-Benz customers something that they do not get from other automobile manufacturers which is why we think the program will resonate with our customers. We think that having the factory delivery program available to Mercedes customers adds to the overall experience of the customer. † The Design of FDRS The FDRS program was proposed in the first quarter of 1998. In the third quarter of 1998, MBUSI entered into a contract with IBM. A development team was constituted with IBM Global Solutions specialists and IBM e-commerce developers, who worked closely with MBUSI. The program became operational by the first quarter of 1999. The IT team at MBUSI had a clear set of functional specifications for FDRS. However, they relied on IBM to transform the concept into an e-business solution. The FDRS was designed in such a way that customers buying the M-Class SUV could specify that will take delivery of their new vehicle at the factory. They could place the order at any of the 355 Mercedes Benz dealers in the US. An authorized employee at the dealership entered the factory delivery order the web interface. Timing was the most important aspect of the FDRS’functionality, as it was closely linked with MBUSI’s vehicle production schedule. Mercedes Benz United States of America (MBUSA)8, based in Montvale, NJ, was the first link in the FDRS program. It was the point where the dealer actually placed the order. MBUSA’s role was to coordinate the distribution of vehicles to dealers across the country. Later, it had to add the order to the company’s Baan Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)9system, which scheduled the order for production. About three months before the production date, the dealer could schedule in a window, the date and time of arrival of the customer at the factory for delivery. The window was then automatically computed by the FDRS to give the dealer, the possible delivery dates. Apart from the delivery date, the customer could also specify the accessories for the car and also request a factory tour. FDRS was based on Lotus Domino (Refer Exhibit I), Lotus Enterprise Integrator10 and IBM Netfinity servers. It also interfaced with IBM S/390 Parallel Enterprise Server, Model 9672-R45 located in Montvale, NJ (Refer Figure I). There were two Domino servers – an IBM Netfinity 5500 and an IBM Netfinity 3000. FIGURE I SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE OF FDRS Source: MBUSI The former that acted as the „internal Domino server’was placed behind a firewall 11. It replicated databases through the firewall to the external server. The replication, which was encrypted, represented the primary means by which the FDRS system achieved security. Netfinity 3000 acted as an „external Domino server. ‘It had public information and was also the primary communication linkage for dealers. The ack-end of the FDRS was equipped with an Oracle database that updated the internal Domino server database with order information. The updation was done using Lotus Enterprise Integrator. The data which was replicated to the internal Domino server included lists of valid dealers and lists of order numbers. When an order was placed by the dealer on the FDRS system, the data was first stored on the external Domino server, a fter which it was replicated to the internal Domino server. Then it was replicated to the back-end database via the Lotus Enterprise Integrator. Data replication between the Lotus Notes servers happened every 15 minutes and data exchange with the back-end database three times per day. There was also a link between the back end database and an IBM S/39012 mainframe based system located at MBUSA via a T113 line. MBUSA managed the flow of vehicles to Mercedes dealers across the United States. This mainframe based system, received new vehicle orders (as opposed to factory delivery reservation requests) from individual dealers. The orders were then sent to MBUSI’s Baan system and also to the back-end database. The vehicle ordering and factory reservation data were coordinated with each other when the back-end database uploaded the data to the internal Domino server. This coordinated the production and delivery information. FDRS Implementation One of the most challenging aspects of the implementation seemed to be the complexity of the Lotus and Domino scripts. The development team had to group all the information from diverse systems. Commented William Engelke, â€Å"There was a substantial amount of very complex coding involved in the FDRS solution. This application involves a lot more than having our dealers fill out a form and submitting it. There are many things the servers have to do for the system to function properly, such as looking at calendars and production schedules. We built a solution with some very advanced communication linkages. † IBM faced many technical challenges during the implementation of the program. One of them was the different timing schemes of the Lotus Notes databases and backend databases (ERP). This led to discrepancies in the data. Domino server was a Near Real Time (NRT) Server14, and MBUSI’s backend activities were both real time15and batch processing16. Also, to get the best results, the Domino server was an optimised subset of the ERP table set17. However, the development team achieved a balance between the two „sides’of the solution by focusing on issues of timing, error detection schemes, and alerts. Customer Satisfaction: FDRS Primary Benefit MBUSI seemed to measure FDRS’success in terms of increased satisfaction of its customers. The company also believed that the marketing and customer satisfaction aspects outweighed the significance of more traditional cost-based benefits. Apart from the factory delivery experience, the program also offered the customer a factory tour and ride on the off-road course at a low cost. The company also seemed to gain strategic marketing benefits from the FDRS program, as it was able to establish Mercedes-Benz as a premium brand. (Refer Table I for advantages of FDRS in different areas). Customers could also visit the various tourist spots in Alabama after picking up their M-class vehicles. TABLE I ADVANTAGES OF THE FDRS PROGRAM AREA Strategic Marketing Benefits Cost Savings ADVANTAGES FDRS was expected to improve customer satisfaction and brand loyalty, as it enriched Mercedes’ customer’s experience. The program also strengthened the brand image of Mercedes in the US. Development of a web-based solution enabled MBUSI to offer the factory delivery program at substantially lower costs, due to less reliance on administrative personnel. â€Å"Package Marketing† the FDRS program with a ride to tourist sites, enhanced the image of Alabama as a tourist destination. The creation of a similar – albeit smaller – factory delivery system to the European Customer Delivery Center in Sindelfingen, Germany, reflected favorably on the MBUSI business unit. Source: MBUSI Regional Economic Development DaimlerChrysler AG Future of FDRS In 2000, MBUSI planned to leverage FDRS’platform by adding a range of other services. MBUSI built an advanced platform to create communication links to its suppliers. Through the link, MBUSI provided them feedback on the quality of supplies it received. The dealers and suppliers had a user-ID and password, which the system recognized. It then routed them into the appropriate stage of the FDRS. The company also planned to extend the innovative system to include transactional applications such as ordering materials and checking order status on the Web. The company expected that the new system based on FDRS, would be more cost-effective than the Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)18 system. ] Bill of Material keeps track of all raw materials, parts, and subassemblies used to create a finished product. 2] A product of IBM Corp. , Lotus Notes and Domino R5 are the industry’s leading client/server combination for collaborative messaging and e-business solutions. 3] The IBM Netfinity server offers solutions for file-and-print and application computing needs. 4] A comput er or device on a network that manages network resources. For example, a file server is a computer and storage device dedicated to storing files. Any user on the network can store files on the server. A print server is a computer that manages one or more printers, and a network server is a computer that manages network traffic. A database server is a computer system that processes database queries. 5] DaimlerChrysler AG was the result of a merger between two leading car manufacturers – Daimler Benz of Germany and Chrysler Corp. of the US in 1998. 6] A luxury brand of passenger cars, Sports Utility Vehicles from DaimlerChrysler. 7] IBM Global Services is the services and consultancy division of IBM Corp. that offers extensive ebusiness solutions. 8] MBUSA is the wholly owned US subsidiary of DaimlerChrylser. ] ERP attempts to integrate all departments and functions across a company onto a single computer system that can serve all those different departments’ particular needs. 10] A server-based data distribution product that enables data exchange between Lotus Domino and a number of host and relational applications. 11] A system designed to prevent unauthorized access to or from a private network. Firewalls can be implemented in both hardware and software. Firewalls are frequently used to prevent unauthorized Internet users from accessing private networks connected to the Internet, especially intranets. All messages entering or leaving the intranet pass through the firewall, which examines each message and blocks those that do not meet the specified security criteria. 12] The IBM S/390 servers offer direct high speed access to the e-business application and are used for Enterprise Computing. 13] A dedicated phone connection supporting data rates of 1. 544 Mbits per second. A T1 Line actually consists of 24 individual channels, each of which supports 64 Kbits per second. Each 64 Kbit per second channel can be configured to voice or data traffic. 14] The NRT Server System supports real time distribution of near-real time data. 5] Real time refers to events simulated by a computer at the same speed that they would occur in real life. 16] Executing a series of noninteractive jobs all at one time. The term dates back to the days when users entered programs on punch cards. They gave a batch of these programmed cards to the system operator, who fed them into the computer. Usually, batch jo bs are stored up during working hours and then executed whenever the computer is idle. Batch processing is particularly useful for operations that require the computer or a peripheral device for an extended period of time. Once a batch job begins, it continues until it is done or until an error occurs. Note that batch processing implies that there is no interaction with the user while the program is being executed. 17] The ERP tables are the database tables, (thousands of them), on which the package is built. The programmers and end users must set these tables to match their business processes. Each table has a decision „switch’that leads the software down one decision path or another. 18] EDI connects all the suppliers in and out of the US. www. icmrindia. org/free resources/casestudies/Mercedes Benz-IT&Systems-Case Studies. htm