Britain’s Relationship With Its African Empire In The Period 1870 †1981

Assess the significance of strategic concerns in influencing Britain’s relationship with its African empire in the period c1870 – c1981 The last three decades of the 19th century saw an unrelenting wave of expansionist policy followed by most, if not all of the major European powers over the African continent, and so has been dubbed as the â€Å"Scramble for Africa†. France, Belgium, Portugal, Germany, Italy and Britain all laid claim to vast swathes of African land and by the turn of the century controlled roughly ninety per cent of the continent. The question this essay seeks to answer is why this â€Å"scramble† was triggered.There are a variety of arguments that have been put forward by historians: the economic arguments are the most important as the vast availability of much needed and highly prized goods (precious metals, diamonds, metals, ivory, palm oil, etc. ) would ensure a rich market. The second most important factor could be argued as one of t he key triggers for the â€Å"Scramble for Africa† was the strategic factors of the Africa Continent, in terms of the protection of trade routes and of valuable assets. Also the â€Å"civilisation and evangelisation† argument plays a role, but largely as an appeaser for the British public.Upon completion of the Suez Canal in 1869, British interest in Egypt increased, as the canal opened up a much more effective trade route to the â€Å"Jewel in the Crown†; India. The Suez Canal drastically decreased the time taken for ships to sail from Britain to India, from a six week journey that entailed navigating the Cape, to a two week journey, resulting in better improvements in communications between the Viceroy and Whitehall and greatly increasing the profits of trading companies as shipments could be made more frequently.The importance of the Suez Canal to Britain was paramount; the Nationalist Rebellion in 1882 saw the occupation of Egypt by British forces, in order to protect the European population (an estimated fifty European civilians were killed in the rebellion), but most importantly, to protect, and maintain control of, the Suez Canal. The strategic motivation behind this was to reinforce British interests in the area, especially trade with Egypt as any unrest in the area could affect British trade with the rest of its Empire.Furthermore, the Canal was a significant link to India, which held absolute importance to the British. Protection of the canal, therefore, ensured protection of India. As well as that, the Ottoman Empire’s sphere of influence was expanding to envelop Egypt, which, if occurred, would have been a severe blow to British supremacy; as a vital trade link for its Empire, Britain would have to have secured the safety of the Suez Canal, which could have resulted in war with the Ottoman Empire, or a treaty and/or a tariff imposed, a move that would have severely damaged Britain’s image of â€Å"glorious isolat ion†.The occupation of several African nations can also be seen to have been motivated by imperial strategy. The Berlin Conference in 1885 set a precedence that would change the face of imperial expansion. Most empire building had previously been an informal process; the creation of trade posts, creating and strengthening of ties with local traders/chiefs etc. the conference, signed by the major European powers (including Britain) stated that a power much formally annex a territory if it were to become part of the empire.This triggered a rush to formally annex the territories informally controlled by said powers- a process that especially endangered Britain’s position in Africa, as it relied much more upon informal expansionist policies to build its empire. Territories such as Bechuanaland, Kenya, Sudan and Egypt were similarly annexed. In this way, Britain prevented the expansion of other European powers and protected its own sphere of influence on the Continent. The m ost important factor for the â€Å"Scramble of Africa†, is however, the economic factors.The Continent provided an untapped source of raw materials that were much needed by the European powers; fuel consumption was at an all-time high, much in part due to the later arrival of the Industrial Revolution in the newly unified Germany and Italy. Not only that, but goods such as gold, and diamonds were found in seeming abundance in parts of Africa- by the early 1900’s, the Rand (a strip of land in Southern Africa that encompassed the Transvaal State) was home to gold mines valued at  £700million and was a key factor that prompted the Second Boer War between 1899-1902.What one must also not lose sight of is that although Britain committed itself to the expansion of its Empire in Africa for strategic concerns, these reasons all link back to increasing Britain’s wealth, be it controlling new markets, controlling highly demanded products (such as Egyptian cotton)or bein g the first European access to much needed raw materials.Even the annexing of the original Dutch Cape Colony in the 1830’s was primarily due to economic factors; strategically important to protect the trade route with India, but only necessary due to the great economic importance of said trade route. It is for this reason that economic factors were the main reason to explain Britain’s expansion in Africa, not strategic concerns. There is also the â€Å"civilised and evangelise† argument to consider, dubbed by Rudyard Kipling as â€Å"The White Man’s Burden† argument.In the late 19th century, as the height of British Imperialism and expansion, a national pride in the Empire was rife. The British considered themselves to be the greatest race in the world, created by God to rule, justly and fairly, and civilise the world. This was done in the form of providing infrastructure, such as improved transport, civil service etc. in the hope that this would m ake the lives of Africans more civilised and productive. Christianity was also used to spread this, as it was it was hoped that it would instil a strong moral code amongst the â€Å"natives†.However, it is unlikely that this was a strong motivation factor for British expansion in Africa for many reasons, and was instead something used to pacify the British public; after all, the â€Å"average Joe† would have been more likely to submit to the idea of imperial expansion to help out Africans, rather than knowing that they were allowing the richer to get richer, as was the case with Cecil Rhodes, who, with funding from the British Crown, created a vast personal fortune, became Prime Minister of the Cape Colony and had a country named after him; Rhodesia.As well as this, there is little evidence to show that Britain tried to improve the infrastructure of any of its African colonies. To conclude, it is clear that strategic factors are not the most significant explanation for British expansion in Africa, as, although, important, were only made necessary by economic factors at the time. The â€Å"civilised and evangelise† argument is much less integral to the expansionist policies, but was perhaps instead a method of control over the native populations.

Fences Research Paper

Qualities and Flaws In the play â€Å"Fences† by August Wilson, Troy Maxson can be characterized as a responsible, fearless, unfaithful husband and a controlling father. Troy has acted insensitive and uncaring to his wife, Rose, his brother, Gabriel and his son, Cory. Troy can be seen as a man with both positive qualities and flaws. Even though Troy definitely has some good qualities but a lot of what he does is bad. Troy Maxson is a man who takes responsibility for his family. He is a man who assumes the responsibilities of father, husband, and provider. One of the best quality to describe Troy Maxson would be as a family man.He is very committed to the welfare of his family and provides them with basic needs. The author writes, It's my job. It's my responsibility! You understand that? A man got to take care of his family. You live in my house†¦ sleep you behind on my bedclothes†¦ fill you belly up with my food†¦ cause you my son. You my flesh and blood. Not 'c ause I like you! Cause it's my duty to take care of you. I owe a responsibility to you! (Wilson 1128). This proves that troy is a responsible person. He feels that it is his obligation to feed and take care of his family.He has well intentions for his family Troy considers fatherhood as being an obligation where he is forced to take care of his children instead of doing it willingly. Troy Maxson can be portrayed as a fearless person. He relates a story of how he caught pneumonia and was sent to the hospital. He says that he struggled with death for three days and eventually won the wrestling contest. The author writes, Death standing there staring at me†¦ carrying that sickle in his hand. Finally he say, You want bound over for another year? See just like that†¦ You want bound over for another Year? I told him, Bound over hell!Let's settle this now! (Wilson 1112). This quote reveals that Troy possess another positive quality of being fearless. This is my favorite quote fro m Troy, this quote reveals many characteristics of Troy. Mainly, his proud approach towards death is revealed in this quote illustrating how he fears nothing, not even death itself. Troy even dares to put a title to death as Mr. Death shows how he thinks of death as just another person who he wants to fight. The main reason this is my favorite quote is because Troy is characterized as a courageous person. Troy can be described as a selfish and unfaithful husband which is his biggest flaw.He betrays his wife and goes off to have an affair with another women Alberta. When his wife finds out that he has an affair with another woman. He tells her that he had been faithful to her for eighteen years and now he wants to have his own freedom. Troy thinks he is a good husband to Rose because he provides her with food and a house. However, he is a selfish and uncaring husband because he didn't give her love and compassion. She couldn't believe Troy would betray her because she devoted her lif e to him and he stabs her in the back by having a child with his mistress.She tells Troy, â€Å"I took all my feelings; my wants and needs, my dreams †¦ and I buried them inside you† (Wilson 1146). However, Troy's betrayal forces Rose to reassess her position. And according the essay, â€Å"On Fences† by Sheri Metzger. Harry Elam states that â€Å"affirm rather than assault traditional gender limitations. † This shows how women's rights are limited. Rose substitutes her church for her husband. Rose tells Troy that â€Å"This child got a mother. But you a womanless man† (Wilson 1151). This quote shows that she is asserting her independence from her husband.Elam quoted Patricia Collins's argument that black women learn independence at church, but they also learn to subordinate their interests to the greater good of the African American community. Baseball is used as a metaphor in Troy's life. Even though Troy never played baseball professionally, he us es the sport as a metaphor in his life. Troy's confrontation with his son, Cory, is also based on the ground of baseball game. Their fight is rather symbolic as well. They are fighting with a baseball bat, which is Troy's symbolic representation of his unrealized dream to become a baseball player.Troy tells Cory, â€Å"You swung and you missed. That's strike one. Don't you strike out! â€Å"(Wilson 1152). Throughout the play a fence, Troy is portrayed as a controlling father and this is his biggest flaw. Troy’s relationship with his son is bitter and tense. This relationship involves deep protectiveness on the father’s part. Troy's failure to play baseball in the Major League due to the color of his skin makes him grossly unjust towards his family, especially toward his son Cory. He denies him from everything he likes or feels passionate about. He does not allow Cory to play in the football team.Instead, he forces Cory to start working at A& P. His tough love is show n when he refuses to let Cory play football. According to the article, † Baseball as history and myth in August Wilson's Fences† by Susan Koprince. George Giles, a first baseman for the St. Louis Stars, recalled: â€Å"The racism we faced while I was in the Negro Leagues was one of the things that eventually pushed me out of baseball†¦. I was treated like a second-class citizen in my own country by people who knew they hated me before I could even say ‘Hello'† (Craft 44).Similarly, in the play fences, Troy says, â€Å"The colored guy got to be twice as good before he get on the team. That’s why I don’t want you to get all tied up in them sports† (Wilson 1126). We can see how blacks have been discriminated in the world of sports. However, Troy fails to recognize the fact that times have changed and Cory stands a reasonable chance to represent the football team in the Major League. Cory's complaint to his father is significant,  "You ain't never done nothing but hold me back. Afraid I was gonna be better than you. All you ever did was try and make me scared of you. (Wilson 1155). This sets up a huge â€Å"fence† between Cory and his father because Cory sees Troy’s not signing the permission papers as a boulder crushing his dreams. Cory tells troy,â€Å"How come you ain’t never liked me? † (Wilson 1145). Troy says that he doesn’t have time for this kind of talk and believes that Cory has to make his own way in life as his father did. Troy says, â€Å"Ain’t nobody gonna hold his hand when he get out there in that world. † (Wilson 1143) . Even though troy has good motives for his son but he is unable to except the fact that times have changed since his younger years.As Rose states, â€Å"People change. The world is changing around you and you can’t even see it† (Wilson 1146). In Conclusion, Troy is a person with both positive qualities and flaws. H e takes care of his family by providing them food and shelter. However, I believe he has more flaws because he is a unfaithful husband who cheated on his wife. Troy never cared for Cory. He wouldn’t' let him play football, the only thing Cory wanted to do. All of these examples show that Troy is an uncaring husband and a poor father.

Nat Turner Rebellion Essay

The Nat Turner rebellion caused a great uproar in Virginia. The aftermath of the movement actually moved some in Virginia to push the ideas of gradual emancipation. With the intensity of the slavery issue at the time, this rebellion had the effect of causing a chain reaction in the Virginian society. The initial reaction of the white population after the rebellion is rather complicated. One thing to note is the power of rumors and their destructive influence. People in Virginia started going crazy, as these rumors incited mass hysteria. Whites in Virginia mobilized towards Southampton county, numbering roughly three thousand units. With an overall sense of panic, and increasingly terrorizing rumors, it is no wonder that there were so many atrocities done to the black population. Militia came into the area with preconceived ideas as to the extent of the rebellion, and with it they just started killing random blacks. In a hypocritical way, whites mutilated the bodies of their victims. Whites decapitated approximately fifteen supposed rebels in Murfreesboro with the heads placed on poles for everyone to see. What could cause people to see this as a good idea? It is fascinating that the incoming militia had the capacity to mirror the crimes that they were there to prevent. In the very area in which Nat Turner’s rebels murdered the Vaughn family, the head of a murdered black man was put on display. This reaction shows the deep hatred that some white men had for slaves. This aimless killing obviously could not continue for long, as peoples started to realize that their property was being destroyed. Monetary compensation was only given if a slave was executed under the law. Since slavers were a key economic asset, it was only appropriate that the suspected rebels should be tried in a court. With the death sentence being issued by a judge, the slave owner could be compensated, and the blood lust could be sated. Shifting toward a more appropriate action, the death sentence was typically more humane that the random murders seen initially. Reaction on the side of the law was obviously very hostile, since every judge was white and very much emotionally compromised on the situation. With the racial opinions and dehumanization of blacks, this court wouldn’t be the fairest, but it was better than previous actions taken on the black community. The judges expedited the hearings of suspected rebels, allowing little time for them to build a proper defense. As there was a great deal of prejudice towards them before the Nat Turner rebellion, black men faced a  considerable amount of abhorrence in the aftermath of the revolt. Not only did the free blacks feel so much pressure that many of them fled the area, but some even chose to go assist in the colonization of Liberia. One important thing to note is that Virginia even took away the right of blacks, slave and free, to preach or conduct religious meetings. This is interesting with the knowledge that this country was founded upon religious freedom. In the mind of slave holders, slavery needed tighter controls. Pent up emotions concerning the abolition movements likely caused some of the more extreme reactions to the Nat Turner rebellion. The fear of losing their property and way of life was a battle that the South had been fighting since the country was founded. Their livelihood depended on the protection of slavery. Publications like David Walker’s Appeal to the Colored Citizens of the World, likely caused quite a stir in the Southern population. In the mind of Governor Floyd, these abolitionists and black preachers were the main culprits behind the Nat Turner rebellion. In reading the document encompassing Nat Turner’s confession, there are some problems when analyzing the text. What has been left out is unknown. In a joint effort between Thomas Gray and Nat Turner, the confession was made to give at least some account of the rebellion. Both men likely hated each other, which would cause some communication issues during the interview. While Turner was the voice behind the confession, Gray was ultimately the one that structured it. Most of the article is the synopsis of events that occurred in Turner’s life, which appear to be his own voice. Throughout the document, Gray interjects his opinions, especially in denouncing Turner’s acts of violence. When Turner addresses his supposed ministry, Gray seems to be fill with loathing concerning Turner. Though he recognizes the vast intellect of Turner, Gray also describes Turner in a manner that shows an overall disposition of enmity.

Down's Syndrome Children Require Unique Intervention Strategies For Essay

Down's Syndrome Children Require Unique Intervention Strategies For Them To Progress In Education And Socially - Essay Example The disorder manifest themselves in both neuro-developmental and neuro-psychological arenas but the simplest observation remains that it causes developmental delays which can range from mild to moderate learning disability to severe mental disability. (Deliz, 2008) Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder which occurs in approximately 1 in 1000 births. Chromosome 21's presence in the affected, which contains 225 genes which contribute to the phenotype and pathogenesis of Down syndrome is referred to as the main cause of this distinct neurobiological, genetic, psychological, developmental and medical disorder. (Hattori, 2000) It is recognized that a very high proportion of brain anatomy and verbal intelligence is governed by genetic control. These findings greatly influence the study of Down Syndrome patients, their genes and their resulting speech, memory, language and other cognitive functions. (Capone, 2004). Research has also shown that children. affected by Down syndrome have decl ining Developmental and Intellectual quotients and thus have deficits in verbal and linguistic skills. Patients may also possess weak sequential auditory memory skills but they remain more adept at visual-spatial based memory tasks (Varnhagen, 1987) . Researchers have concluded that early intervention programmes benefit the socially adaptive function but do little to improve the cognitive function or IQ. (Gibson, 1988). There is no uniform cognitive benefit of early intervention if specific learning and intervention strategies are not used. There are multiple reasons provided for these findings. They include complex neuro-behavourial syndromes which often means that the intervention method chosen for learning is not working at its prime and increasing the frequency or the intensity of the same method will not provide results. Rather there is a need for different intervention strategies specific to their needs. (Gibson D. , 1991) This means that early intervention of the right kind a t the right time is required for a positive cognitive difference. A common example of this phenomenon can be observed when a child does not achieve spoken language skills and phonological competence despite attaining cognitive skills and other language comprehension skills which support complex skills. (Kumin, 2000)These are a sign the verbal intervention means have failed and calls for intervention strategies based on vision-based communication. This vision based communication uses signs and pictures to lead to symbol-based language development. It should however be remembered that increasing the intensity of phonology based therapies is also frequently met with poor results. Another visible delayed or aberrant function in Down syndrome is the pervasive developmental disorder. Children might suffer from developmental regression or social, communication or behavourial impairment. These children then require prompt referrals for medical and neuro-developmental assessment leading to t he establishment of a vision based system of communication. The normal assumption regarding early intervention plans for Down syndrome children is that they are extremely beneficial. In fact most of these early intervention programs are mandated by the state and are provided free of cost. This directly results in a Down syndrome child receiving physical therapy and early education in the first year of his life. (Capone, 2004) Occupational and speech therapy often follow the course in the second year of life. Parents and therapists often assume that the purpose of this early intervention is to speed the pace of development and the role of this early in

Charity, Philanthropy, and Civility in American History Essay

Charity, Philanthropy, and Civility in American History - Essay Example The services of the Library foundation have been active since 1872. The library is not active for respective purpose but also working in a join with other 72 libraries in Los Angeles. The Library Foundation is also involved in undertaking advocacy services as well. This shows that Library Store is involved in supporting masses within the community. Unlike other fundraising events, this was less advertised among the mainstream celebrities. It is obvious from the charity events that it could not become successful in terms of raising funds for the cause until celebrity endorsement is undertaken. But Library Store’s Cancer Fund Raiser had common people as visitors more than celebrities. This charity event was created for the first time in the Library Store with its own affiliation of organizers. The goal of this charity was backed up by its vision of supporting other libraries in Los Angeles to maintain their services to the educational institutions for spreading literacy in Los Angeles. Considering this vision, the event was a success and organized relevant activities. The intriguing fact about the fundraising was the inclusion of different standing-comedians who participated to make the event a success. These standing-comedians had successfully taken place of celebrities coming to the event. According to the organizer of f undraising, the basic goal of the fundraiser was to assess the contribution of common people in Los Angles who are more than willing to contribute to the society. It will not be incorrect to state that this fundraising was far different than other charity events. It was because of low-light charity. The Library Store is an attraction for a majority of people living Los Angeles which automatically spread awareness regarding the fundraiser.

Pampers Health Spa (PHS) Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Pampers Health Spa (PHS) - Assignment Example 2325540 =? 2325540 1 – (Variable Cost / Sales)] 1 - 0.499 0.501 Break-even point= ? 4641796.41 (Atrill & McLaney, 2011) Margin of safety % = Current sales level – Break- Even Point Current sales level Margin of safety % = ? 2965000 -? 4641796.41 = (56.55) % (Atrill & McLaney, 2011) ? 2965000 Task 3 Payback period method Proposal 1 The project requires an investment of ?900,000 and it generates cash as follows: ?270000 in Year 1; ?295000 in Year 2; ?345000 in Year 3; ?325000 in Year 4. The payback period is 3 years ?270000+ ?295000= ?565000 in the first two years + ?335000 of the ?345000 occurring in Year 3). Payback period method= ?270000+ ?295000+?335000= ?900,000 ?335000/ ?345000 =0.971 Payback period= 2+0.971=3 years Proposal 2 The project requires an investment of ? 750000 and it generates cash as follows: ?160000 in Year 1; ?189000 in Year 2; ?225000 in Year 3: ?254000 in Year 4. The payback period is 3.7 years ?160000 + ?189000 +?225000 = ?565000 in the first thre e years + ?78000 of the ?254000 occurring in Year 4). ?160000 + ?189000 +?225000 +?78000= ?750 000 ?176000/ ?254000=0.693 Payback period= 3+0.693=3.7 years Accounting Rate of Return Accounting Rate of Return =Average net income / Average investment (Davies & Pain, 2011) Proposal 1: Average net income =90000 + 98000 +75000 + 65000 = 328000/ ?900,000* 100= 36.44% Proposal 2: Average net income = 60000 + 70000 + 95000 + 125000 = 350000/ ?750 000 * 100 = 46.67% Net Present Value methods NPV= -Co + C1/1+r + C2/ (1+r) 2 +†¦+ C n / (1+r) n (Davies & Pain, 2011) -Co= Initial Investment, C = Cash Flow, r = Discount rate, n = Time Proposal1 NPV= ? (900,000) + ?270000 / (1+0.893) + ?295000/ (1+0.797) 2 + +?345000 / (1+0.712) 3+ ?325000 / (1+0.636) 4 NPV= ? (900000) + ? 247865.60176 + ? 91353.8957 + ? 68755.2314+ ? 45368.2506 = ? (446,657.0206) Proposal 2 NPV= ? (750000) + ?160000 / (1+0.893) + ?189000 / (1+0.797) 2 + +?225000 / (1+0.712) 3+ ?254000/ (1+0.636) 4 NPV= ? (750000) + ? 84521.9 229 + ? 58528.4281 + ? 44840.3683 +? 35457.0328 = ? (526652.2479) Total Expenses Fixed cost (70%) Variable cost (30%) ? ? ? Motor Expenses 8900 6230 2670 Insurance 28700 20090 8610 Rates 20400 14280 6120 Premises 1680000 1176000 504000 Wages and Salaries 1445000 1011500 433500 Repairs & renewals 54700 38290 16410 Professional charges 17500 12250 5250 Advertising 67000 46900 20100 Cost of Sales 483700 Total 2325540 1480360 Contribution ratio = Sales/ total variable cost = ?1480360 / ?2965000 =0.499 Task 4: In order to ascertain the financial position of Pampers Health Spa’ (PHS) it is necessary to carry out a financial analysis as it measures the financial performance of the enterprise in terms of profitability, leverage, and liquidity in its operations. As the management of Pampers Health

Worldcom Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Worldcom - Article Example He managed his company indirectly and took the firm’s money to spend it on personal purchases which were extravagant in nature. The extravagant lifestyle left him in debt when the company started posting losses. The stock that he took a loan with from the company was the same stock he had used as security for the startup fee of the firm. This is one thing that he kept from the board of directors. He had taken a loan of $415 million and yet he had promised a $1 billion to the creditors, this became a major problem when he failed to meet the financial targets the following year. With the company losing its grip on the share of the market, the 2002 economic downfall of communication companies served as a major blow to the entity. On March of the same year, the SEC investigated the financials of WorldCom which was an economic giant at the time. They found improprieties that led to a 7% drop in the share of the market. This was attributed to the $415 million loan to Ebbers. The firm survived on merger reserves from there on, more inconsistencies were discovered on the reporting of revenues and altering of financial

Dakota men and the Pictographic Style Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Dakota men and the Pictographic Style - Essay Example Dakota men had painted in what is called the pictographic style for centuries, usually to record tribal histories and personal exploits. The arrangement of these points was usually according to one of a few traditional designs, one of the most popular being the Tahokmu or spider-web design. The Museum’s collection of over 6000 objects consists of paintings, drawings, prints, photographs, textiles, sculptures, and Native American artifacts and art. The objects are a cultural reflection of the work of local, national, and international artists. The emphasis however, is on the work of artists from South Dakota and the surrounding region. Dakota men had painted in what is called the pictographic style for centuries, usually to record tribal histories and personal exploits. Howe learned that Dakota artists frequently contemplated the painting surface, often for days, until and arrangement of â€Å"aesthetic points† appeared, the intersections for all lines subsequently drawn or painted in making the picture. The arrangement of these points was usually according to one of a few traditional designs, one of the most popular being the Tahokmu or spider-web design. (South Dakota Art Museum. Oscar Howe. Oscar Howe Biography. South Dakota State University).

Introduction to Planning and the Planning Hierarchy Article

Introduction to Planning and the Planning Hierarchy - Article Example lves environmental assessment, formulation of strategies, implementation of the strategies and the process of evaluation and control (Paul et.al, 2011). In this regard, the two are similar in the process of gathering the information. As the nursing process inquires information from the patient, the strategic planning process assesses the environment to establish the changes that are required. In project management the most effective plan is developed and implemented by the project manager and the team. In the nursing process, a nurse adequately develops and integrates a plan to care for the patient. Also, in the strategic planning process, evaluation of the implemented strategies is important to assess whether the objectives are met. In the same case, evaluation process is undertaken by the nurses to assess whether the outcomes are achieved (Sare and Ogilvie, 2010). Nevertheless, the two are different from one another in a number of ways. In strategic planning process, the assessment is done in different levels of a company and the strategy to be implemented is dependent on the decision made by the top level management. In the nursing process, the nurse is the decision maker and basically dwells on the clinical judgments to ascertain the plan to undertake which is not influenced by his or her superiors but the code of conduct. Also, in the nursing process, the nurse may come up with the decision alone something that is not possible in strategic planning process where a number of strategies have to first be developed and weighed against the companies’ vision, mission and goals and the involves a number of individuals at different levels of the organization. In this regard, the different nurse leaders or managers need to be familiar with the planning hierarchy and the various business principles to be able to effectively assess a health situation, develop proper initiatives to be undertaken and to properly integrate the needed plans to address a situation while

Home video game industry analysis Essay Example for Free

Home video game industry analysis Essay History In 1949 the video game was thought of for the first time by an engineer named Ralph Baer but it would be years before video games would enter the spotlight. 1 In 1972 Steve Bushnell started the first gaming company Atari. Until 1978 there were very few games for the home system. In 1982 Atari releases a newer version and sales start to sore. In 1985 Nintendo enters the market with the NES. Nintendo still outsells both companies 10 to 1. In 1995 Sega releases Sega Saturn three months before the projected date and there are not enough games released because of this and sales are dismal. The same year Sony releases the Playstation at $100 less than expected with a variety of different game titles, sales are strong. In 1996 Nintendo releases the N64 which is received well by the public. Sega lowers prices to stay competitive. In 1999 Nintendo and Sony are in an intense pricing war on their competing systems. Microsoft also announces they will be entering the market with the X-Box. Nintendo releases the Gamecube and the Gameboy advance the same year. X-Box is released in 2001 and is received well and is out of stock most places. With all of the systems and game prices very high, piracy is becoming more and more of a problem with Mod Chips being developed that allow for pirated games to be played on all consoles. In late 2005 Microsoft releases the X-Box 360. 2 The following year Nintendo releases the Wii and Sony releases Playstation 3 and the problem of piracy still continues to this day. SWOT Analysis Industry strengths include well developed brand image for the leading three competitors. Each of the three leading competitors has successfully exploited its target consumers in age categories. They all have excellent advertising campaigns and have high corporate attention and resources. Industry weakness include rising cost of materials and RD, the expenditures for developing additional high tech systems and games for the system at a reasonable price is becoming increasingly difficult leaving much lower profits for corporations. Opportunity exists when entry into the market is preceded by all others in the industry. Industry trends are leaning towards older population who appreciate graphics and complexity of games and have the resources to pay more for those games. Many gamers are ready to upgrade systems as new technology emerges. Threats to the industry include strong market competition, rapid development of technology, the cost of technology and the rating system given to games. Sub-markets are also gaining popularity including the handheld market and online gaming, which threaten market share. Business and Corporate Strategy Corporate and business level strategies for this industry are equivalent. The inferred industry mission is to provide entertainment through interactive technology. The industry as a whole falls into the maturity segment of the life cycle. Generic competitive industry average is differentiation among games, graphics, and abilities/extras of the game console. In the beginning the strategy focused on the hardware to make profits. 3 The strategy has shifted to software for increased growth. Functional strategies include; superior quality in game graphics and well built hardware. Games have evolved from single applications to cartridges to CD-ROM. Graphics have evolved similarly from 8 to 16 to 32 bit. Threats stated in the SWOT analysis can be minimized by staying at the forefront of the competition in RD and finding ways to keep down cost while offering superior products. A venture into a back to the basics approach with the Wii has proved successful to attract female and novice users. Structure and Control Systems Strategic managers in the Video Game industry have developed a set of strategies to build competitive advantage to achieve their goals. Then an organizational structure has been put in place to use resources to create a competitive advantage. To evaluate how well the strategy and structure are working, managers developed specific performance measures. The four building blocks of competitive advantage are efficiency, quality, innovation, and responsiveness to customers. Recommendations With the home video game industry evolving, there are a few things that need to be in mind as you try to improve. You need to stay technologically advanced by continuing to change games, software, and new models. These adjustments require this technology to be low cost to be successful in this industry. If costs are high, not only will the customer be lost but you may lose your competitive edge. Competitive advantage in this industry is a critical factor. If you are ahead in the industry at one point, another company can come out with the next best selling product with new features and graphics capturing market share. Furthermore, being competitive in the sense of efficiency, quality, and response to the customers is critical in this industry. It influences a customer to buy your product rather than the competitors. If you have good quality and low prices, the customers would be willing to upgrade to the newer product line. With the industry constantly changing, you need to be on top of your game to be on top of the home video gaming industry.

Environmental analysis of Nivea in Thailand

Environmental analysis of Nivea in Thailand In todays world, all businesses are facing the dynamic of world economy. In business world, there is always strong competition in the market with new business players and convergence of the industry. Companies have to adjust themselves in order to survive and to conduct good performances; even the market leader of the industry needs to be successful with improved performance, high profitability and competitive edge. To be successful, a business needs to set its overall direction for the company through business plan aiming to achieve business goals and objectives. One of the most important parts of the overall business plan is the marketing plan. In formulating an effective marketing plan, a company needs to follow segmentation, targeting and positioning (STP) steps as they are the foundation of marketing strategy (Desarbo et al., 2008). STP process is in the area of market-oriented approach, which primarily examines the external environment based on market needs so as to develop products which well respond to the market. Currently, while the overall markets are becoming more mature and customer needs are greatly diverse, the use of STP strategy is indispensable. In highly dynamic environment, most companies conduct segmentation research studying the changes in the marketplace and adapt themselves to the dynamic world. Therefore, it is very common that most businesses are increasingly segmenting markets and identifying each target market in order to explore new opportunities, develop right positioning to establish brand image and brand reputation, deliver proper communications to the target audiences, and also effectively invest resources and specific capabilities to the main marketing activities. The company will be able to create a value proposition specific to the target market by developing an effective marketing strategy, including marketing mix. By going through the STP process, a company will be likely to establish its own identity and differentiate itself from other competitors in the marketplace. This research studies the mens grooming product industry in Thailand. The methodology is to examine how the product owner develops its marketing strategy and how the STP process has vital role in formulating the strategy. In Thailand, mens grooming market is a high growth industry, with approximately 14 percent growth annually from 2005 to 2008 and the market size in 2009 expanded with the value of Bt5.5 billion. Growth of the industry in year 2008 mainly came from growth of mens skin care market, with 26% percent growth in terms of current value (Euromonitor International: Mens Grooming Products Thailand, 2009). Mens skin care market is considered not only an attractive market but also a very highly competitive market in Thailand. This paper uses a case study of NIVEA FOR MEN brand in Thailand, the line of products manufactured by Beiersdorf Thailand, as it is a good case study about mens skincare market. Moreover, it specifically concentrates on male skin care market which is segmentation method of NIVEA FOR MEN. Therefore, this case study is of interest of the author to study the whole process of STP which can lead to the formulating of marketing strategy of a leading brand in mens skin care market, NIVEA FOR MEN. Prior to this study, there have been some researches studying male consumers behaviors which claimed that men consumers are now much more a part of modern consumerism as women (Sturrock et al., 1998). In recent years, a number of researchers aim their interests at male consumers in order to study male consumption of products and styles which contributes to the production of self image (Firat, 1993), and also the construction of self concept (Thompson and Hirschman, 1995). In this paper, the qualitative approach, in-depth interview will be the main research method. The research will provide more details of the area of study and clarify the discussed concepts. 1.2 Purpose of the project Points of the authors interest in this research are the rapid growth of mens grooming product industry and the way a leading brand in this industry has employed marketing strategies. An overall purpose of the project is to study the thorough process of segmentation, targeting, and positioning (STP process) that is the main part in creating effective marketing strategy, and to examine how and to what extent the STP process can be applied to men skin care industry as well as to assess its implementation on a leading brand in men skin care market, NIVEA FOR MEN which is owned by Beiersdorf Company. 1.3 Design of the Project and Objectives This paper mainly deals with the scope of the process of segmentation, targeting, and positioning of a leading brand in men skin care market. As the stated process is the foundation and genesis of marketing strategy formulation, this research covers the linkage among these market-led marketing strategies. The paper will analyze market attractiveness in Thailand, and male consumers needs as well as Beiersdorf Thailand resources and capabilities. The investigation will be done by in-depth interview with marketers in Beiersdorf Thailand in order to gain insight information about the STP process and also the implementation of NIVEA FOR MEN marketing strategies. After all, the theory will be concluded and will also be used as a base of recommendation for the potential growth direction of NIVEA FOR MEN, a market leader in the very high growth industry. The objectives of this research are as follows to trace the origins of marketing strategy concept in real word situation in mens grooming products market and men skin care market in Thailand; to investigate the process of segmentation, targeting, and positioning of NIVEA FOR MEN brand; to examine the linkage among segmentation, targeting, and positioning as well as to study how STP process leads to the formulation of marketing strategy of NIVEA FOR MEN; to study the creation of competitive positioning and marketing plan as a market leader men facial care industry; and to make recommendation in respect of the maintenance of its market leader positioning according to consumers perspectives. 1.4 NIVEA International History and NIVEA Thailand History The case study of Beiersdorf Thailand, NIVEA FOR MEN is used in this research as it is the best case to study about the market-oriented approach with focusing on segmentation, targeting, and positioning process. Moreover, it is of interest of the author as NIVEA FOR MEN, with the various lines of products, is the leading brand in Thai rapid growth industry, mens skin care market. The history of Beiersdorf AG is briefly summarised (See Appendix [4-1]). Both NIVEA international history and NIVEA Thailand history are summerised to illustrate NIVEAs current conditions in world market and in Thailand. 1.4.1 NIVEA International History Figure [1-1]: NIVEA Worldwide Source: www.nivea.com NIVEA is one of the worlds leading international skincare industries, founded in 1911 in Germany by Oskar Troplowitz, who named the company NIVEA, from the Latin word nix or nivis, meaning snow, in reference to the colour of the product. Currently, NIVEA is claimed to be the worlds largest skincare brand with a strong international presence in around 170 countries and an enviable reputation. Also, Beiersdorf has had strong sales worldwide as during 2008 and 2009, Beiersdorfs annual sales in terms of worldwide products sales are at à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ 5,971 million and à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ 5,748 million, respectively. Beiersdorf had already established an international presence with a large number of products prior to World War II. Trademarks were registered in many countries in order to protect these brands. According to the Beiersdorf website (2010) after World War II, these trademarks were lost in almost all countries, particularly those for NIVEA, and the company tried in each of these countries to recover the trademarks. Beiersdorf began expanding internationally in 1952s. Among the countries involved in the first international expansion were the Netherlands, followed by Argentina, Switzerland and Brazil in 1958. The following overview shows when the rights were recovered in each country. 1961 Sweden 1963 Mexico 1966 Finland/Denmark 1968 African Commonwealth Countries (except South Africa) 1973 U.S.A 1974 France incl. former colonies, now Chad, Mali, Cameroon, The Congo, etc 1977 Hong Kong, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Gibraltar, Cyprus, Malta, Bermuda, Bahamas, Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago 1985 Norway 1992 United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, South Africa, New Zealand, India, Pakistan, Israel, Australia 1993 Romania 1998 Poland Besides guaranteeing continued high quality on individual products, NIVEA expanded their product range into new cosmetic fields, such as decorative cosmetics and hairstyling and made notable innovations in skincare. Moreover, NIVEA began expanding their product line to provide complete cosmetic care for the whole family and for style-conscious singles. 1.4.2 NIVEA Thailand History In 1984, the NIVEA brand was introduced in Thailand, imported and distributed by Beiersdorf (Thailand) Co., Ltd. The brand was introduced as the first mass market skincare cream and the worlds first true cosmetic moisturizer in the famous blue tin with the white logo. NIVEAs products included NIVEA Crà ¨me, Skin Lotion and Labello Lip Care. According to the Beiersdorf (2010) website, Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) chooses the NIVEA factory for shooting Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Introduction Video. Later, in 1995, NIVEA obtained the GMP certificate from the local FDA Public Health Ministry which was the first GMP certificated to a cosmetic factory in Thailand and NIVEA Research and Development (RD) presented the New Method in Non-Animal Allergy Testing, to the Dean and professors of Pharmaceuticals Science Faculty, Chulalongkorn University. (Nivea website, 2010). By 2008, NIVEA in Thailand was successfully growing and had achieved an excellent 32% market share in the Super Hypermarkets sales channel which is of strategic importance in the Thai market (Nivea website, 2010). Overall, in skin care market, Beiersdorf Thailand is market leader with 11.9 percent market shares in 2008. In this year, Beiersdorf Thailand overtook Unilever Thai Holdings to lead sector sales (Euromonitor International: Skin Care Thailand, 2009) (See Appendix [1-2]). In Thailand, NIVEA achieved market leadership in Mens grooming sectors in year 2008 with 23.4 percent market share, followed by Gillette by Procter Gamble with 14.1 percent market share (Euromonitor International: Mens grooming products Thailand, 2009) (See Appendix [1-3]). NIVEA is also number one in body care sector, with body care brand share 23 percent and 23.5 percent in 2007 and 2008, respectively. (Euromonitor International: Skin Care Thailand, 2009) (See Appendix [1-4]). The NIVEA brand is now available in Thailand in the following products: NIVEA Body NIVEA FOR MEN NIVEA Visage NIVEA Deodorant NIVEA Sun NIVEA Lip Care NIVEA Bath Care

Speaker Recognition System Pattern Classification

Speaker Recognition System Pattern Classification A Study on Speaker Recognition System and Pattern classification Techniques Dr E.Chandra,  K.Manikandan,  M.S.Kalaivani Abstract Speaker Recognition is the process of identifying a person through his/her voice signals or speech waves. Pattern classification plays a vital role in speaker recognition. Pattern classification is the process of grouping the patterns, which are sharing the same set of properties. This paper deals with speaker recognition system and over view of Pattern classification techniques DTW, GMM and SVM. Keywords Speaker Recognition System, Dynamic Time Warping (DTW), Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM), Support Vector Machine (SVM). INTRODUCTION Speaker Recognition is the process of identifying a person through his/her voice signals [1] or speech waves. It can be classified into two categories, speaker identification and speaker verification. In speaker identification task, a speech utterance of an unknown speaker is compared with set of valid users. The best match is used to identify the speaker. Similarly, in speaker verification the unknown speaker first claims identity, and the claimed model is then used for identification. If the match is above a predefined threshold, the identity claim is accepted The speech used for these task can be either text dependent or text independent. In text dependent application the system has the prior knowledge of the text to be spoken. The user will speak the same text as it is in the predefined text. In a text-independent application, there is no prior knowledge by the system of the text to be spoken. Pattern classification plays a vital role in speaker recognition. The term Pattern defines the objects of interest. In this paper the sequence of acoustic vectors, extracted from input speech are taken as patterns. Pattern classification is the process of grouping the patterns, which are sharing the same set of properties. It plays a vital role in speaker recognition system. The result of pattern classification decides whether to accept or reject a speaker. Several research efforts have been done in pattern classification. Most of the works based on generative model. There are Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) [3], Hidden Markov Models (HMM) , Vector Quantization (VQ) [4], Gaussian mixture model (GMM) [5] and so forth. Generative model is for randomly generating observed data, with some hidden parameters. Because of the randomly generating observed data functions, they are not able to provide a machine that can directly optimize discrimination. Support vector machine was introducing as an alternative classifier for speaker verification. [6]. In machine learning SVM is a new tool, which is used for hard classification problems in several fields of application. This tool is capable to deal with the samples of higher dimensionality. In speaker verification binary decision is needed, since SVM is discriminative binary classifier it can classify a complete utterance in a single step. This paper is planned as follows. In section 2: speaker recognition system, in section 3, Pattern Classification, AND overview of DTW, GMM, and SVM techniques .section 4: Conclusion. SPEAKER RECOGNITION SYSTEM Speaker recognition categorized into verification and identification. Speaker Recognition system consists of two stages .speaker verification and speaker identification. Speaker verification is 1:1 match, where the voice print is matched with one template. But speaker identification is 1:N match, where the input speech is matched with more than one templates. Speaker verification consists of five steps. 1. Input data acquisition 2.feature extraction 3.pattern matching 4.decision making 5.generate speaker models. Fig 1: Speaker recognition system In the first step sample speech is acquired in a controlled manner from the user. The speaker recognition system will process the speech signals and extract the speaker discriminatory information. This information forms a speaker model. At the time of verification process, a sample voice print is acquired from the user. The speaker recognition system will extract the features from the input speech and compared withpredefined model. This process is called pattern matching. DC Offset Removal and Silence Removal Speech data are discrete-time speech signals, carry some redundant constant offset called DC offset [8].The values of DC offset affect the information ,extracted from the speech signals. Silence frames are audio frames of background noise with low energy level .silence removal is the process of discarding the silence period from the speech. The signal energy in each speech frame is calculated by using equation (1). M – Number of samples in a speech frames, N- Total number of speech frames. Threshold level is determined by using the equation (2) Threshold = Emin + 0.1 (Emax – Emin) (2) Emax and Emin are the lowest and greatest values of the N segments. Fig 2. Speech Signal before Silence Removal Fig 3. Speech Signal after Silence Removal This technique is used to enhance the high frequencies of the speech signal. The aim of this technique is to spectrally flatten the speech signal that is to increase the relative energy of its high frequency spectrum. The following two factors decides the need of Pre-emphasis technique.1.Speech Signals generally contains more speaker specific information in higher frequencies [9]. 2. If the speech signal energy decreases the frequency increases .This made the feature extraction process to focus all the aspects of the voice signals. Pre-emphasis is implemented as first order finite Impulse Response filter, defined as H(Z) = 1-0.95 Z-1 (3) The below example represents speech signals before and after Pre-emphasizing. Fig 4. Speech Signal before Pre-emphasizing Fig 5. Speech Signal after Pre-emphasizing Windowing and Feature Extraction: The technique windowing is used to minimize the signal discontinuities at beginning and end of each frame. It is used to smooth the signal and makes the frame more flexible for spectral analysis. The following equation is used in windowing technique. y1(n) = x (n)w(n), 0 ≠¤Ãƒ ¯Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  n ≠¤Ãƒ ¯Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  N-1 (4) N- Number of samples in each frame. The equation for Hamming window is(5) There is large variability in the speech signal, which are taken for processing. to reduce this variability ,feature extraction technique is needed. MFCC has been widely used as the feature extraction technique for automatic speaker recognition. Davis and Mermelstein reported that Mel-frequency cepstral Coefficients (MFCC) provided better performance than other features in 1980 [10]. Fig 6. Feature Extraction MFCC technique divides the input signal into short frames and apply the windowing techniques, to discard the discontinuities at edges of the frames. In fast Fourier transform (FFT) phase, it converts the signal to frequency domain and after that Mel scale filter bank is applied to the resultant frames. After that, Logarithm of the signal is passed to the inverse DFT function converting the signal back to time domain. PATTERN CLASSIFICATION Pattern classification involves in computing a match score in speaker recognition system. The term match score refers the similarity of the input feature vectors to some model. Speaker models are built from the features extracted from the speech signal. Based on the feature extraction a model of the voice is generated and stored in the speaker recognition system. To validate a user the matching algorithm compares the input voice signal with the model of the claimed user. In this paper three techniques in pattern classification have been compared. Those three major techniques are DTW, GMM and SVM. Dynamic Time Warping: This well known algorithm is used in many areas. It is currently used in Speech recognition,sign language recognition and gestures recognition, handwriting and online signature matching ,data mining and time series clustering, surveillance , protein sequence alignment and chemical engineering , music and signal processing . Dynamic Time Warping algorithm is proposed by Sadaoki Furui in 1981.This algorithm measures the similarity between two series which may vary in time and speed. This algorithm finds an optimal match between two given sequences. The average of the two patterns is taken to form a new template. This process is repeated until all the training utterances have been combined into a single template. This technique matches a test input from a multi-dimensional feature vector T= [ t1, t2†¦tI] with a reference template R= [ r1, r2†¦rj]. It finds the function w(i) as shown in the below figure. In Speaker Recognition system Every input speech is compared with the utte rance in the database .For each comparison, the distance measure is calculated .In the measurements lower distance indicates higher similarity. Fig 7. . Dynamic Time Warping Gaussian mixture model: Gaussian mixture model is the most commonly used classifier in speaker recognition system.It is a type of density model which comprises a number of component functions. These functions are combined to provide a multimodal density. This model is often used for data clustering. It uses an alternative algorithm that converges to a local optimum. In this method the distribution of the feature vector x is modeled clearly using mixture of M Gaussians. mui- represent the mean and covariance of the i th mixture. x1, x2†¦xn, Training data ,M-number of mixture. The task is parameter estimation which best matches the distribution of the training feature vectors given in the input speech. The well known method is maximum likehood estimation. It finds the model parameters which maximize the likehood of GMM. Therefore, the testing data which gain a maximum score will recognize as speaker. Support Vector Machine: Support machine was proposed in 1990 and it is one of the best machine learning algorithms. This is used in many pattern classification problems. such as image recognition, speech recognition, text categorization, face detection and faulty card detection, etc. The basic idea of support vector machine is to find the optimal linear decision surface based on the concept of structural risk minimization. It is a binary classification method. The decision surface refers the weighted combination of elements in a training dataset. These elements are called support vectors. These vectors define the boundary between two classes. In a binary problem +1 and -1 are taken as two classes. The size of the margin should be maximized to characterize the boundary between two classes. The below example explains pattern classification by using SVM. In the fig 3(a), there are two different kinds of patterns taken for process. A line is drawn to separate these two patterns. In the fig 3(b),by using a single line the patterns are separated, the patterns are presented in two dimensional space. The similar representation in one dimensional space in the fig 3(c), a point can be used to separate patterns in one dimensional space. a plane that separates these patterns in 3-D space ,represented in the fig 3(d),is called separating hyper plane. . The next task a plane should be selected from the set of planes whose margin is maximum. The plane with the maximum margin i.e. perpendicular distance from the marginal line is known as optimal hyper plane or maximum margin hyper plane as shown in fig 3(f). The patterns that lie on the edges of the plane are called support vectors While classify the patterns, there may exist some errors in the representation, as shown in the fig 3(g), such types of errors are called soft margin. Sometimes ,these errors can be ignored to some threshold value. The patterns that can be easily separated using line or Plane are called linearly Separable patterns .Non-linear separable patterns (fig-j,k,l)are difficult to classify. These patterns are classified by using kernel functions . In order to classify non-linear separable patterns the original data’s are mapped to higher dimensional space using kernel function. CONCLUSION In this paper we have explained about speaker recognition system and discussed about three major pattern classification techniques, Dynamic Time Warping, Gaussian mixture model and Support Vector Machine. SVM will work efficiently on fixed length vectors. To implement SVM the input data should be normalized for better performance. In future, we have planned to implement these techniques in speaker recognition system and evaluate the performance. The performance of the models will also be evaluated by incrementing the amounts of training data. REFERENCES [1] Campbell, J.P., Speaker Recognition: A Tutorial, Proc. Of the IEEE, vol. 85,no. 9, 1997, pp. 1437-1462. [2] Sadaoki Furui., Recent advances in speaker recognition,Pattern Recognition Letters. 1997,18 (9): 859-72. [3] Sakoe, H.and Chiba, S., Dynamic programming algorithm optimization for spoken word recognition, Acoustics,Speech, and Signal Processing, IEEE Transactions on Volume 26, Issue 1, Feb 1978 Page 43 49. [4] Lubkin, J. and Cauwenberghs, G., VLSI Implementation of Fuzzy Adaptive Resonance and Learning Vector Quantization, Int. J. Analog Integrated Circuits and Signal Processing, vol. 30 (2), 2002,pp. 149-157. [5] Reynolds, D. A. and Rose, R. C. Robust text-independent speaker identification using Gaussian mixture speaker models. IEEE Trans. Speech Audio Process. 3, 1995, pp 72–83. [6] Solera, U.R., Martà ­n-Iglesias, D., Gallardo-Antolà ­n, A., Pelà ¡ez-Moreno, C. and Dà ­az-de-Marà ­a, F, Robust ASR using Support Vector Machines, Speech Communication, Volume 49 Issue 4, 2007. [7] Temko, A.; Monte, E.; Nadeu, C., Comparison of Sequence Discriminant Support Vector Machines for Acoustic Event Classification, ICASSP 2006 Proceedings, 2006 IEEE International Conference on Volume 5, Issue , 14-19 May 2006 [8] Shang, S.; Mirabbasi, S.; Saleh, R., A technique for DCoffset removal and carrier phase error compensation in integrated wireless receivers Circuits and Systems, ISCAS apos;03. Proceedings of the 2003 International Symposium onVolume 1, Issue , 25-28 May 2003 Page I-173 I-176 vol.1 [9] Vergin, R.; Oapos;Shaughnessy, D., Pre-emphasis and speech recognition lectrical and Computer Engineering†,Canadian Conference on Volume 2, Issue , 5-8 Sep 1995 [10] Davis, S. B. and Mermelstein, P., Comparison of parametric representations for monosyllabic word recognition in continuously spoken sentences, IEEE Trans. on Acoustic, Speech and Signal Processing, ASSP-28, 1980, No. 4. [11] Sadaoki Furui., Cepstral analysis technique for automatic speaker verification, IEEE Trans. ASSP 29, 1981,pages 254-272. BIOGRAPHIES Dr.E.Chandra received her B.Sc., from Bharathiar University, Coimbatore in 1992 and received M.Sc., from Avinashilingam University ,Coimbatore in 1994. She obtained her M.Phil. In the area of Neural Networks from Bharathiar University, in 1999. She obtained her PhD degree in the area of Speech recognition system from Alagappa University Karikudi in 2007. She has totally 15 yrs of experience in teaching including 6 months in the industry. Presently she is working as Director, Department of Computer Applications in D. J. Academy for Managerial Excellence, Coimbatore. She has published more than 30 research papers in National, International Journals and Conferences in India and abroad. She has guided more than 20 M.Phil. Research Scholars. Currently 3 M.Phil Scholars and 8 PhD Scholars are working under her guidance. She has delivered lectures to various Colleges. She is a Board of studies member of various Institutions. Her research interest lies in the area of Data Mining, Artificial Intelligence, Neural Networks, Speech Recognition Systems, Fuzzy Logic and Machine Learning Techniques. She is an active and Life member of CSI, Society of Statistics and Computer Applications. Currently she is Management Committee member of CSI Coimbatore Chapter. K. Manikandan received his Bsc from Bharathidhasan University, Tiruchirappalli in1998 and received his MCA from Bharathiadsan University, Tiruchirappalli in 2001. He received M.Phil in the area of soft computing from Bharathiyar university, Coimbatore in 2004. He has 12 years of experience in teaching. Currently, he is working as a Assistant Professor, Department Of Computer Science, PSG College of arts and Science, Coimbatore and pursuing PhD in Bharathiar University, Coimbatore.He has presented research papers in National and International Conferences and published a paper in International Journal. His Research Interest is Soft Computing . He is Life a member of IAENG. He has guided more than 4 M.Phil Research Scholars. Currently 3 M.Phil Scholars are working under his guidance. He has delivered lectures to various Colleges. M.S.Kalaivani received her BCA from P.S.G College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore, in 2005 and received her MCA from National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli in 2008.She has 4 years of working experience at software industry. Presently, she is working as a Research Scholar, Department of Computer Science, P.S.G. College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore. Her research interests are Machine Learning and Fuzzy logic.

Insider Trading Essay -- Business, Investment, Trading

It can fairly be said that an Investor considering an investment decision (whether to purchase, sell or hold stock) in publicly traded company acts on the basis of extensive information which is available by corporation to him until the last moment of his investing decision and try to determine the fair price of corporate stock. In the light of continuous creation of a particular impression of corporate affairs by the corporation, new information by corporate can vanish the importance of previous available information to investor. In the scenario only one kind of investors can get advantage over others, who is either very close to corporate operation (corporate officers) or can access nonpublic price-sensitive information to corporation (large shareholder). These investors are known as insider. To ensure fair platform of trading to all investor, the law of insider trading is one of the vehicles which is used by society to allocate the property right to information generated by firm and it can be ensured that by virtue of being insider, director or company’s officer cannot explore private information in trading of his or her company’s stock but many studies (e.g., Jaffe, 1974; Finnerty, 1976a,b; Seyhun, 1986, 1988a,b; Rozeff and Zaman, 1988; Lin and Howe, 1990) conclude that Insiders like to buy (sell) their own company stock before price-favorable (unfavorable) information disseminates in public and take the advantage of nonpublic information. For example, Jaffe (1974a) find the insiders are able to make abnormal return by taking position in their own stock but insiders’ short-term prediction power is greater than long-term predication. Several aspects of insider trading activity are debatable. Like is insider trading is... ...ces in compensation package to their executives between two groups. Graver and Graver (1995) find that intangible assets of a firm are important factor to determine the executives’ compensation and a large portion of their compensation derives from long term incentive compensation like stock option grants. When executive receivers a large portion of compensation in stocks, then his investment portfolio is subject to more idiosyncratic risk than any diversity investment portfolio or to survive, for example to pay home rent, he needs liquidity, which in turn, either to achieve diversify investment portfolio or to achieve liquidity, he sells his a part of his stake in open market even his stock in undervalued (Meulbroek, 2000). We assume that insiders selling of intangible assets’ firms are less likely to convey information to public than tangible assists’ firms.

Accounting :: GCSE Business Marketing Coursework

Accounting Accounting Project BAC 3AA Profile of an Accounting Department My interview with the accountant of Robin Hood Multifoods Inc. was one of the greatest interviews I have ever experienced. The person whom I interviewed was Mr. Jeff R. Scott. Jeff was a really nice person when I asked him questions. His desk was not as organized as I thought, because accountants are really organized. The reason is because he just got promoted from assistant controller to controller. As I asked him more and more questions, the answers that came back at me were pretty interesting. Jeff R. Scott is a Chartered Accountant acquired at the University of Western Ontario. His requirements of completing C.A. were a business degree, he had to join a C.A. firm – also know as an â€Å"article†, and completing the C.A. exam. Skills included aptitude with numbers, relationships between numbers, algebra, and high-level thinking e.g. summarized data, interpreting what 3-4 pages means in 5-6 years. What might this job lead to? This job will most likely lead onto intern al audit, managerial, and vice president of finance. How much influence does Jeff R. Scott have in the department/company? In his own words, â€Å"I’m in full control. I tell people what to do, whom to fire, whom to hire, what their salary should be. Why? Because I’m the controller†. He has leadership, teamwork. Does not really have a routine set for his staff, as long as the work is done. The working hours what the company refers to as â€Å"flex-time†. Hours of work for Jeff R. Scott is 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. For the staff, it is 7  ½ hours. The salary for Jeff R. Scott is between $90,000 - $120,000. Here are some extra information that I fount out. There are a total of 54  ½ employees working in the

Politically Correct Language Essay

Politically correct language is language that avoids offending or ostracizing particular groups of people – the word â€Å"homosexual† is the politically correct version of the word â€Å"faggot†. While politically correct language prevents conflict, and improves individuals and communities, it also has limitations. Sometimes it can disrupt the meaning and impact of the message we are trying to portray. Because of this, it is important to find an extent of political correctness that still enables freedom of speech. While people can define us by the language we use, the language we use also defines us. Being politically correct can make us better people. The way the receiver of our message construes our message determines whether it is politically correct. What is considered politically correct varies from person to person; while one Asian might find the term â€Å"chink† humorous, another might find it degrading. As a result, being politically correct requires assessing how the receiver of our message differs from ourselves, and how we can remain tactful despite these differences. This forces us to accept that people have varying beliefs; sometime sit even forces us to refine our own. Similarly, while we can define a community by the language the people within that community use, the language the people within a community use defines the relationships within that community. Being politically correct can improve the community we live in by creating an atmosphere where everyone is comfortable with sharing their ideas, without feeling restrained by the fear of being penalized for thinking differently. This enables us to productively debate diverse viewpoints, and broaden our own. It ensures that the future generation will learn how to be tolerant from a very young age, which is essential for the development of society. While being politically correct seems ideal, it also has limitations. Take the news. People trust the news to objectively impart what is happening in the world. One might debate that this gives them the responsibility to be politically correct, lest they create conflict or further segregate the world. However, being politically correct can disrupt the meaning of their message. The term â€Å"undocumented immigrants† could give people the impression that it is a slight mishap that the country forgot to document these immigrants, or that these immigrants were unaware that they had to be documented. On the other hand, the term â€Å"illegal aliens† makes it clear that these individuals are doing something illicit. It pressures them to do, and gives them no excuse not to do, what is right – get a citizenship, or leave. Being politically correct can also alleviate the impact of the news. If a child molester is on the loose, it is the responsibility of the news to warn society about it. Stating that a child has been â€Å"molested and terminated† instead of â€Å"raped and beaten to death† lessens the urgency parents will feel to be wary of their child’s whereabouts. While the latter is politically incorrect – it creates disturbingly vivid imagery – it is more effective in keeping the citizens safe. Nevertheless, the news should refrain from unnecessarily using politically incorrect language. They should use the world â€Å"black† instead of â€Å"nigger† because they are so interchangeable. If possible, the news reporter shouldn’t even label the people he is reporting about. This would conceal any irrelevant prejudices (which might inadvertently skew a viewer’s understanding,) that the reporter may have. It would also prevent the creation of unnecessary conflict and further segregation of the world. In conclusion, politically correct language – language that avoids offending or ostracizing particular groups of people – can improve individuals and communities. More importantly, it prevents the expression of prejudices that separate the world. On the other hand, political correctness also has limitations: it can disrupt the meaning and impact of our message. Because of this, it is important to find an extent of political correctness that does not disrupt the meaning or impact of our messages. Otherwise, we would no longer have freedom of speech, which is imperative to the progression of society.

Child Rearing in the Us and Colombia Essay

Early care-giving is a major factor for a child to feel secure to explore the world around them (Carbonell, Alzate, Bustamente & Quiceno , 2002). How different is this early care-giving between two cultures such as the United States and Colombia? This is a look at the differences and similiaries of raising girls, both born in 1988, in Colombia and the United States. Both girls were raised in nuclear families, with one older sibling, close enough in age to be a major part of each girl’s daily life. One was raised in Colombia, although she moved to the United States at the age of eleven, while the other was raised completely in the United States. Both parents of each girl were interviewed as well as the girl herself. The basic stepping stones, the times that parents love to videotape, the â€Å"baby’s first† moments all seem to happen relatively similarly in both girls. Self-reported by Paulina, was that she walked around the age of ten months. Similarly, Jane walked at the age of ten months. Both were somewhat delayed in speech, enough so to be taken to doctors. In each case, the parents were told that the child would speak if the family stopped following the non-verbal directions from the child. Paulina’s first words were â€Å"eso,† Spanish for â€Å"that,† and â€Å"Ma. † Jane’s first word was â€Å"Ah-yah† which was meant to be â€Å"Alex,† her brother’s name. Paulina stood alone at the age of eight months (personal communication with subject), as did Jane (personal communication with subject). Punishment is something all parents must figure out. Hispanics tend to mollify children and be more lenient (Figueroa-Moseley, Ramey, Keltner & Lanzi, 2006). Hispanic parents tend to try to calm their child rather than work towards developmental goals, which tend to be more valued in the United States. Neither girl was punished in the form of â€Å"grounding,† but both were warned with simple looks from their parents, such as glaring and both girls were yelled at as well. Corporal punishment was used for each girl as well. Paulina was â€Å"smacked,† and Jane was occasionally spanked. Jane would be sent to her room or made to sit in a chair as in a â€Å"Time Out,† however Paulina never experienced a â€Å"Time Out† and recollects that such a thing was not common in Colombia. Both girls were raised to speak their mind, and not wait to be spoken to, as long as what was said was respectful. Questions were welcomed by both families, but the girls were expected to know the time and place in which to ask questions. Each girl was also allowed to pick out her own clothes, which has been shown to be good for children, as children see it is important for them to make some of their own decisions, and identify with the choices (Ardila-Rey, Killen, 2001). Paulina’s mother tried to teach her what matched, but eventually gave up trying when it, although Colombian mothers tend to worry about the outward appearance of their children (Carbonell et al, 2002). When asked what Jane would choose to wear, Jane’s mother replied, â€Å"Anything that didn’t match,† although she, too, tried to teach her daughter matching. No major restrictions were set upon either girl, except to be respectful. Respect was emphasized in both situations. As respect was emphasized from child to adult, so was it shown from adult to child. Both children were kept informed of what was happening in the family. Children were expected to be a part of dinner conversation and were allowed to participate in the adults’ lives. Also, both children were given reasoning behind decisions and had things explained? â€Å"because I said so† was used only when the situation would be later explained, and the consequences of an action were described rather than a mere â€Å"don’t do it. † Chores were a part of each girl’s life as well. Both were expected to do what was asked of them to help around the house– dusting, vacuuming, clearing the table, etc. Jane was expected to help with dinner, which included getting food from the refrigerator, carrying things to the table, loading the dishwasher, setting the table, and occasionally stirring. Jane was given an allowance of approximately five dollars a week, but this was never in exchange for doing her chores. Paulina, too, was not paid for doing her chores. She states, â€Å"I was part of the family and therefore I was expected to work in the house without any sort of reward (personal communication, April 10, 2007). † Colombia tends to be a collective society that looks to the benefit of the group, rather than the individual (Pilgrim, Reuda-Riedle, 2002), which applies to this situation in that Paulina was expected to help keep the house in order, without ? payment’ because it was for the greater good of the family, being part of the group is an important aspects of a collective culture. Family relationships and interdependence? a common bond between family members, working together for the benefit of the family? tend to be much more emphasized in Hispanic cultures (Carbonell et al, 2002). A major part of any culture is food and dining, and children are a part of that. Children often lose some of their appetite between ages two and six, and because parents worry, bad food habits are put into place. Sugary foods are offered if a child finishes a meal, and many foods have vitamins and nutrients added. However iron, zinc, and calcium are seen to be deficient because juices and sodas are replacing milk, and cereals and processed foods replace fresh fruits and vegetables (Berger, 2006). It is also hard to maintain good eating habits during this age, because children often need meals to be â€Å"just right. † Children have very determined ideas for what should be eaten, how it should be eaten, and the entire situation surrounding the meal. Often times the food â€Å"required† is not healthy food, but rather sugary or similar to fast-food, like chicken nuggets or French fries. Paulina ate dinner together with her family every night, generally at eight o’clock, as is customary in Colombia. Her mother did most of the cooking, and after dinner, either her mom would not clean up, or her mother would, but with the help of her daughters, while her father did other household things. On weekends, most meals were eaten together. Breakfast was generally around ten o’clock in the morning and lunch was around three o’clock in the afternoon. Very few times, her father would cook, although he cooks more now that they live in the United States. Food was as healthy and fresh as possible. Snacks were fresh fruits, and there were never packaged foods in the house. Jane would eat dinner with her family as well, often around seven o’clock in the evening, when her father came home. She would eat breakfast and lunch with her brother until this was no longer possible because of school. Jane’s mother did most of the cooking, and the children were expected to help. Snacks were often dry cereal like Cheerios, apples, crackers, or cheese. Paulina started learning numbers and how to read and write at the age of four, when she went to preschool. The debate of how children should be taught to read can be broken into two sides; phonetics and whole language (Berger, 2006). Phonetics looks at each sound of each letter, while whole language, encouraged by Piaget, says that concentrating on the goal of fluency and communication is more important than individual words (Berger, 2006). Jane also attended a preschool at the age of four, but it was not as much structured, formal schooling. Both were taken to a part-day day-care or nursery school for the opportunity to socialize with other children. While at nursery school, Paulina was mostly made to play with toys. Jane attended a Co-op nursery school at a Unitarian Universalist church. In a Co-op nursery school parents take turns coming into the school to help supervise stations and participate in the nursery school experience. Stations were set up, such as a Reading Corner, Snacks, and a daily feature, such as tracing bodies on large sheets of paper or crafts. Co-op nursery schools are not typical in the United States, but Jane’s parents thought it was important to be involved with their children when possible and for their children to have the socialization experience. Both were read to everyday. Jane was read to a two to three times a day, for about fifteen minutes each time, but also had labels, signs, and anything printed read to her during everyday life. Jane was occasionally, but not often spoken to in â€Å"Baby Talk,† while Paulina was never spoken to in â€Å"Baby Talk,† as her parents thought speaking to her regularly would help her learn to understand. Both parents acknowledge that their children were not raised in a way that is typical to their individual cultures, and that is evident looking at the two girls in adolescence and early adulthood. Both girls realize that because their parents were stricter when they were young, that as the girls grew older; their parents didn’t need to be as strict. Each girl knew what was expected of her and was therefore given more freedom as she matured. Many times this appeared to friends as though the girl could do what she pleased, although this was not the case. The girls knew the limits of what they could do without being told. Both sets of parents relied more on their trust in their daughter than blatantly telling her what she could or could not do. Obviously, there are some differences and some similarities between raising children in Colombia versus the United States. Developmentally, the children seem to be similar, and most of the parenting is more alike than different. References Ardila-Rey, A. & Killen, M. (2001). Middle class Colombian children’s evaluations of personal, moral, and social-conventional interactions in the classroom. International Journal of Behavioral Development, 25 (3), 246-255 Berger, K. (2006). The Developing Person: Through Childhood and Adolescence (7th ed. ). New York: Worth Publishers. Figueroa, C. , Ramey, C. , Keltner, B. , & Lanzi, R. (2006). Variations in Latino Parenting Practices and Their Effects on Child Cognitive Developmental Outcomes. Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences, 28, 102-114. Pilgram, C. & Rueda-Riedle, A. (2002). The importance of social context in cross-cultural comparisions: First graders in Colombia and the United States. The Journal of Genetic Psychology, 163 (3), 283- 296. Posada, G. , Jacobs, A. , Richmond, M. , Carbonell, O. , Alzate, G. , Bustamante, M. , & Quiceno, J. (2002). Maternal Caregiving and Infant Security in Two Cultures. Developmental Psychology, 38 (1), 67-78.

An Indian Farmer Essay

* Introduction- India is an agriculture country. It is a land of farmers. They live in village and die in village. They lead a very simple life. Their houses are made of mud and straw. They are very small and simple. The farmers are the true sons of the motherland. Gandhiji said India lives in village. * His Dress- the farmers do not wear fashionable dresses. They wear simple clothes. Generally they wear dhoti, kurta and a cap. The women wear cheap and simple dhotis. * His food- The food of the farmers is also very simple and cheap. They eat rice, pulses, green vegetables and chapaties. Very poor farmers get only dry bread and mirch-masala. A few rich farmers take sufficient milk curd and butter. * His work- The work of a farmer is very hard. They have to work in their fields in all the seasons of the year. In rain or sunshine they must work. They work from morning till late in the evening. They plough fields, sow seeds and raise crops. Their woek is really very hard but very useful. Our farmers provides us food, vegetable and oilseeds. * Fairs and festivals- farmers take part in fairs and festivals with full enthusiasm. They wear colorful dresses, take rounds in merry-go-round, and buy some fancy goods and toys. * Bad habbits- some farmers have bad habits also. They drink wine. They are superstitious. They have bad customs. They are illiterate as well. We must try to remove their bad habits. * Politics- previously there was no politics in village. The life of villagers was simple. They loved and co-operated with each other. The elders of the village were the punches who settled their disputes. But now the politics of the cities has reached the villages too. It has spoiled the atmosphere of the villages. The elections of the punchayats are contested with much bitterness and quarrels. This situations needs reformation because villages are the roots of nation. If they are poisoned the whole of our nation will be destroyed.

EWI competence criteria Essay

Comply with all workplace health, safety and welfare legislation requirements: QCF 641 Communicate with others to establish productive work practices: QCF 642 Moving, handling and storing resources in the workplace: QCF 643 Installing External Wall Insulation In The Workplace: QCF448v2 QCF 448v2: 1.1 Page REF:IEI 7 Interpret and extract information from drawings, specifications, schedules, method statements, risk assessments and manufacturers’ information. QCF 448v2: 1.2 Page REF:IEI 7 Comply with information and/ or instructions derived from risk assessments and method statements. QCF 448v2: 3.1 Page REF:IEI 14a Use personal protective equipment (PPE) and access equipment/ working platforms safely to carry out the activity in accordance with legislation and organisational requirements when installing external wall insulation. QCF 448v2: 4.1 Page REF:IEI 18 Select resources associated with own work in relation to materials, components, fixing, tools and equipment. QCF 448v2: 5.1 Page REF:IEI 24 Protect the work and its surrounding area from damage in accordance with safe working practices and organisational procedures. QCF 448v2: 5.2 Page REF:IEI 24 Minimise damage and maintain a clean work space QCF 448v2: 5.3 Page REF:IEI 24 Dispose of waste in accordance with legislation QCF 448v2: 6.1 Page REF:IEI 27 Demonstrate completion of the work within the allocated time. QCF 448v2: 7.1 Page REF:IEI 29 Demonstrate the following work skills when installing external wall insulation: measuring, marking out, fitting, filling, finishing, positioning and securing. QCF 448v2: 7.2 Page REF:IEI 29 Prepare and install external wall insulation to given working instructions, relating to one of the following :pre finished installation systems/methods :non finished installation systems/methods QCF 448v2: 7.3 Page REF:IEI 29 Safely use and store hand tools, portable power tools and ancillary equipment QCF 448v2: 7.4 Page REF:IEI 29 Safely store the materials, tools and equipment used when installing external wall insulation Applying Surface Finishes To External Wall Insulation In The Workplace: QCF 449v2 QCF 449v2: 1.1 Page REF:ASF 7 Interpret and extract information from drawings, specifications, schedules, method statements, risk assessments and manufacturers’ information. QCF 449v2: 1.2 Page REF:ASF 7 Comply with information and/ or instructions derived from risk assessments and method statements. QCF 449v2: 3.1 Page REF:ASF 14 Use health and safety control equipment and access equipment safely to carry out the activity in accordance with legislation and organisational requirements when applying surface finishes to external wall insulation. QCF 449v2: 4.1 Page REF:ASF 18 Select resources associated with own work in relation to materials, components, fixing, tools and equipment. QCF 449v2: 5.1 Page REF:ASF 24 Protect the work and its surrounding area from damage in accordance with safe working practices and organisational procedures. QCF 449v2: 5.2 Page REF:ASF 24 Minimise damage and maintain a clean work space. QCF 449v2: 5.3 Page REF:ASF 24 Dispose of waste in accordance with legislation. QCF 449v2: 6.1 Page REF:ASF 27 Demonstrate completion of the work within the allocated time. QCF 449v2: 7.1 Page REF:ASF 29 Demonstrate the following work skills when: measuring, marking out, fitting, applying, positioning and securing. QCF 449v2: 7.2 Page REF:ASF 29 Apply finishes to external wall insulation to given working instructions, relating to dash finishes, synthetic renders and one of the following: mortar finishes, proprietary pre cast finishes, paint finishes, corner and surface beads, brick slips, brick effect render, reinforcing mesh. QCF 449v2: 7.3 Page REF:ASF 29 Safely use materials, hand tools, portable power tools and ancillary equipment. QCF 449v2: 7.4 Page REF:ASF 29 Safely store materials, tools and equipment used when applying surface finishes to external insulation.

Witness report 3 Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Witness report 3 - Research Paper Example This served as an encouragement to the audience because I told them that making a choice to surrender their life to Christ was the best way to enjoy His love and sacrifice. However, I made it clear I would not force them to make the choice, and they were free to make their decision when they were ready because God’s timing is the best timing. I told them that receiving Jesus Christ as their savior was a personal choice, and whoever chose to do so would marvel and share in the great love of our Father in heaven. They would suffer no more from worldly afflictions as they would see life from in a new perspective as a child of God (Westcott 2003, 64). Some of the listeners had their objections as they commented that they were not sure of love and freedom it would bring. My answer to them was that faith was what they needed as I quoted Hebrews 11:6. At the end of my witness, I asked for those interested in giving their to life to God to step forward and pray with me as they professed their acceptance of God’s love and will upon their lives. A few of them came, and we prayed together, and they accepted to live in the light of the word of

The future challenges faced by tourism developers in China Essay

The future challenges faced by tourism developers in China - Essay Example (Butler, 2006 Butler, R. 2006, 11-45) Currently, world tourism does not take pleasure in rapid development given that the effect of economic calamity in the west stated has not still entirely gone, nor has that of the monetary disaster in the East and South East Asian states. But China has a far unlike story to let know as its market prospective are very fine. (Butler, 2006 Butler, R. 2006, 11-45) China in fact stands among the world's top ten most visited countries; but however, the size of its worldwide tourism, in stipulations of both arrival and reception, is much minor as compare to other tourism states which are quite developed. (Cai, 2005) Close the predictable and very massive market of this business, the markets of industry, meetings and chats, examination and holiday tourism leave much room for extra encroachment and in truth, the return of Hong Kong and combination the World Trade association may generate new markets for China's all-inclusive tourism, and offer new chances for added development. (Butler, 2006 Butler, R. 2006, 11-45) The improvement has endorsed China's economic advance, and changed the way of thoughts of the Chinese citizens. There may possibly be a host of knotty trouble to deal with in the long course of improvement; however sufficient supply and low price rises may extra stabilize the country's biased and monetary condition plus political and fiscal stabilization may not only offer good conditions for tourism expansion, but also generate a latest attractiveness for foreigners. (Butler, 2006 Butler, R. 2006, 11-45) Also a sort of balance might add back economic amalgamation and exchanges of a variety of different terms between China and the other parts of the world and again this may activate the expand of all-purpose tourist activities as well as an array of sort of typical interest tours such as trade and dialogue travel. (Fan, 2005, 77-79) The growth of Chinese outbound tour and expansion of objective may also endorse collaboration in the field of worldwide tourism. (Mitchell et al., 2001 C. Mitchell, G. Atkinson and A. Clark, 268-84) According to some very dynamic analysis of a modern survey group it was evaluated that the Chinese industry for tourism is reaching towards its destiny and last nineteen twenty years are concluded as the golden age in this regard and the main stream of public and private sector has shown its capabilities and temperament for running its trade. (Butler, 2006 Butler, R. 2006, 11-45). But here one thing should be in mind that the issue of housing is yet to be resolved by the ministry of tourism to avoid any further panic in the industry. (Mitchell and Coghill, 2000 C.

Slave trade Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Slave trade - Essay Example The basic reason for the selection of this picture is the idea to identify the original way of living of the innocents before they were enslaved. The top three figures are of women of Kazegnut in interesting costumes. However, after being enslaved these beautiful dresses used to be snatched away for making them work naked. The left figure reveals Negroes climbing a palm tree. This action can be either for gathering food or for having fun. Whatever be the reason, this independence was lost after colonization. The lower middle portion of the picture shows a Negroe playing on the ballard or balafo. Such recreational activities were lost after being enslaved. The bottom right portion depicts huts of the Negros who never had a shelter of their own once they were traded. My perception that slave trade should have never been started is impeccably sound. Picture 2 Poster Announcing Sale and Rental of Slaves, Saint Helena (South Atlantic), 1829 This picture belongs to the category ‘Slav e Sales and Auctions: African Coast and the Americas’. This particular picture has been chosen with the objective of revealing that there existed no difference in the way goods were traded and men and women were purchased and sold in the name of slave trade.

Working out Alternatives Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Working out Alternatives - Case Study Example In retrospect, FAR one of the players of Adventure racing faces the challenges of inadequate revenue and from the influence of competitors. The company’s management predicts the company will continue making losses (Holland and Jackie 248). This influence has an impact of the return on investment value of the organization (R.O.I) In analyzing the external environment of FAR various aspects influence organizational performance. First FAR sponsors act as the first influence to the organizational revenue collection. Sponsors have been important in adding value to the organization due to their financial contribution to Racing events. On the other hand, local governments as well as national governments have an implication on firm’s operation (Hoang and Frank 739). It also comes into perspective that environmentalist have an influence on the organization. Environmentalists have an influence on the choice of the routes for the races. Their sentiments ensure that racing events does not influence the environment negatively (Vahlne and Neil 24). On the hand, customers have an important role to play on the success of the firm. Customers purchase tickets to racing events adding value to the revenue of FAR. An analysis on the revenue of FAR, reveals that the organization provides tickets affordable to every individual. The company’s president Zietsma maintains a low-ticket cost of $1,400 and $4,200 per team. The first price represents a 36-hour race while the next price concentrates on extreme race events. In comparison to other events within the region, FAR rate ranks low. British Colombia races and other races rate at $2000 for the 36-hour race and $5000 to $9000 for extreme races. Other races have higher costs due to increased costs translating from hiring of vehicles, staff and in renting equipments. Other related expenses that make the firm unique to competitors are that it does not incur

Future Trends in System Consolidation Research Paper

Future Trends in System Consolidation - Research Paper Example System consolidation is continuing to be used due to its advantages and positive technological changes taking place. Some of these changes are like the improvement on the processing power of hardware devices. Reduction in Cost of Doing Business Previously institutions had to acquire a system for each of their offices. Some of these systems did not take into consideration how they would be integrated to other businesses to serve the same purpose. So if the need arose in other departments the businesses purchase a new system for that department leading to higher cost. Organizations automate their different services to reduce cost. Automation will make sure the organization products are uniform and presentable. Reduction in redundancy in hardware Redundancy led to having lot hardware devices which were not utilized to their full capability. Installation of a system required different hardware devices to be purchased to cater for its requirement. A situation is like where a business has a payroll system developed for its offices in the United Kingdom and another one of its offices in the United States. ...   making Companies are trying to make decisions from data they collect over time as Waiter noted (businesses today have data mining systems) 2 to enhance decision making. This data can be a sale, purchases, and wages. Traditionally each of this data was stored on different servers because of the difference in the systems acquisition and usage. The decision maker to come up with a comprehensive decision will have first to try and consolidate the data from the different servers. This consolidation adds some more trouble. System consolidation comes into the place where one server saves all the data. The model builder will have data readily available from a central place. As Mathias notes (The model builder must define the problem, simulate the model, evaluate the model and implement the model) which increases the complexity of the program. The implementation also becomes easier because the system will embed the model into the main system. This reduces cost because there is no need of deploying models into different office location for usage. The building of models adds complexity (modeling for relevance must be considered) 1 due to the need of ensuring relevance. 1. Matthias Felleisen, â€Å"Journal of Functional Programming,† Complexity in Programming 45, no. 20 (2010): 32. 2. Weiter A, â€Å"Information Systems,† Business process mining 32, no. 5(2007): 725. Software construction complexity increases The changes that are coming with system consolidation are leading to a need for an increase in complexity of software. Some of these changes are making of distributed systems to be used by a company and improving on the network to cater for the distributed system.