Behavioral Finance and Technical Analysis - 1899 Words

Behavioral Finance and Technical Analysis (within Behavioral Finance): Introduction Behavioral Finance is more often referred to as Behavioral Economics (This area of enquiry is sometimes referred to as behavioral finance, but we call it behavioral economics. Behavioral economics combines the twin disciplines of psychology and economics to explain why and how people make seemingly irrational or illogical decisions when they spend, invest, save, and borrow money. Belsky and Gilovich (1999)) Behavioral Finance is a field that uses scientific research on human social, cognitive, and emotional functioning in order to better understand human decision-making within the financial context. Understanding this helps economists, businesses, and all people involved with finance plan and formulate better scientific decisions in regards to aspects such as market prices, returns and the allocation of resources. It is especially helpful for understanding investor behavior. Behavioral Finance integrates psychology and neo-classical economic theory in its approach and works towards u nderstanding both the effects of market decisions as well as those of investor behavior. It does so by combining prediction (mainly made with technical analysis) and behavioral components in order to better understand peoples rational (or irrational) decision-making within the context of finance. History Economics, at its birth, had a close tie with psychology. Adam Smith, for instance, produced hisShow MoreRelatedSap for Atlam1706 Words   |  7 Pageswholly owned organization of MICT Berhad. The management of ATLAM had been asked to upgrade its accounting system with the PETRA group-wide SAP system. The person who is responsible to the changes of the accounting software is Zulkifli Osman, the Finance Manager of ATLAM. He had to severely assess the risks associated with the decision. The main problem arises is not on the cost of implementing SAP or Systems, Applications and Products in ATLAM but rather on the acceptance of the new system by theRead MoreHuman Psychology And Market Efficiency988 Words   |  4 Pagesactive investor may use strategies such as technical analysis, fundamental analysis, or other advanced trading techniques. Algorithmic trading – also known as â€Å"black box trading† involves using a computer platform to buy or sell securities using predetermined variables including timing and price. When the market exhibits the desired characteristics the transaction will automatically execute. Behavioral finance – is a relatively new field of modern finance concerned with studying the relationship betweenRead MoreThe Basic Function Of The Securities Market1618 Words   |  7 Pagescomprehensive, correct, seasonable and rational judgment of the information disclosed. Which is said that it is futile to use the current and historical prices to predict the future prices. It is argued that the technical analysis of the stock price will be ineffective and the basic analysis may also help the investor to achieve excess profits.(Barnes,2009). In order to achieve that goal, investors must seek information not only the historical price information but also other useful data. In thisRead MoreCapital Budgeting II And Efficient Markets1418 Words   |  6 Pagesassociated with the movement of the market. Efficient Markets II Dr. Lo argues that behavioral finance and rational finance are both correct and incorrect theories. Both theories are correct as applied to certain circumstances. Behavioral finance is a considered a collection of anomalies. The adaptive market hypothesis, introduced by Dr. Lo, is a theory that combines behavioral finance and rational finance to account for market conditions, environmental conditions and the human decision makingRead MoreEfficient Market Hypothesis and Behavioral Finance – Is a Compromise in Sight?6423 Words   |  26 PagesEfficient Market Hypothesis And Behavioral Finance – Is A Compromise In Sight? By Nikolai Chuvakhin Legend has it that once upon the time two economists were walking together when one of them saw something that struck his mind. â€Å"Look,† he exclaimed, â€Å"here’s a great research topic!† â€Å"Nonsense,† the other one said, â€Å"If it were, someone would have written a paper on it by now.† For a long time this attitude governed the view of economists toward the stock market. Economists simply believed thatRead MoreBusiness Process Reengineering And Erp Essay1646 Words   |  7 PagesERP and also gives the phases of BPR process to the micro level view of the phrases. This paper also list out the factors which affect the BPR process. The factors are categorized into different aspects of organization like Managerial, Operation, Technical and Financial aspects. 2. Introduction: Michael Hammer is the pioneer of the concept of BPR during 1990’s. They define BPR as â€Å"the fundamental rethinking and radical redesigning of business process to achieve dramatic improvement in critical contemporaryRead MoreAn Analysis Of Assess And Balance Financials1441 Words   |  6 Pagesequipped with the necessaries for their role in the county. Assess and Balance Financials is in search of filling a position for a budget analyst. Currently, there are two interns in the firm, a staff accountant, a purchasing coordinator, and the finance director. This firm works closely with the county manager as well. The firm is struggling to function with the employees that are currently working, but they can provide the minimum required information, so the firm is able to stay afloat. HoweverRead MoreThe Business Process Reengineering ( Bpr ) Essay1573 Words   |  7 PagesERP and also gives the phases of BPR process to the micro level view of the phrases. This paper also list out the factors which affect the BPR process. The factors are categorized into different aspects of organization like Managerial, Operation, Technical and Financial aspects. 2. Introduction: Michael Hammer is the pioneer of the concept of BPR during 1990’s. They define BPR as â€Å"the fundamental rethinking and radical redesigning of business process to achieve dramatic improvement in critical contemporaryRead MoreEssay on The Efficient Market Hypothesis1845 Words   |  8 Pagesof neoclassical finance, asserts that financial markets are efficient on information. The efficient market hypothesis suggests that there is no trading system based on currently available information that could be expected to generate excess risk-adjusted returns consistently as this information is already reflected in current prices. However, EMH has been the most controversial subject of research in the fields of financial economics during the last 40 years. â€Å"Behavioural finance, however, is nowRead MoreFinancial Investment Ch 97298 Words   |  30 PagesChapter 09 Behavioral Finance and Technical Analysis    Multiple Choice Questions    1.  Testing many different trading rules until you find one that would have worked in the past is called _______.   A.  data mining B.  perceived patterning C.  pattern searching D.  behavioral analysis    2.  Models of financial markets that emphasize psychological factors affecting investor behavior are called _______.   A.  data mining B.  fundamental analysis C.  charting D.  behavioral finance    3

Tutorial of Enterpreneur Free Essays

Tutorial 8 (topic 7) Preparing A Proper Ethical And Legal Foundation Q1. In general, do entrepreneurs tend to overestimate or underestimate their knowledge of the laws that pertain to starting a new firm? What does answer to this question suggest that entrepreneurs do before they start a firm? In general, entrepreneurs tend to overestimate their knowledge of the laws that pertain to starting a new firm. Before entrepreneurs start a firm, they should seek for lawyer to get some legal advice, get sources and information about the business, refer to book, or search the information thru the internet about the legal issue that they face. We will write a custom essay sample on Tutorial of Enterpreneur or any similar topic only for you Order Now Q2. Describe what is meant by the terms code of conduct and ethics training programs. What is their purpose? The term code of conduct is a formal statement of an organization’s values on certain ethical and social issues. Which means it is a set of formal statement for a firm or company to concern and emphasis on the values on ethical and social issues. For example, value that an organization expect employee to carry out some task, the method on how employee serve customer, social responsibility for an organization, privacy, and others. Then, ethics training programs is teaching business ethnics to help employee deal with ethical dilemmas and improve their overall ethnical conduct. It means, ethics training program is a set of system or some courses that use to lead employee deal with ethical dilemmas, which is a situation that employee involve some activities that is beneficial to oneself or the organization, but may be unethical. For example, an employee using company’s computer to carry out new program, thus this may raise an issue whether the new program is the property for an organization or the particular employee. Also, improve overall ethical conduct can be done by implementing an ethics training program because it can help employee to deal or response to ethical dilemma. The purpose for code of conduct and ethics training programs is to promote a healthy climate of business ethics and avoid lawsuit in a firm. Also, the purpose is to establish a strong ethical culture and avoid litigation. Q3. Describe what a founders’ agreement is and why it’s important for a team of entrepreneurs to have one in place when launching a venture. A founder agreement is a written that deals with issues such as the relative split of he equity among the founders of the firm, how individual founders will be compensated for the cash or the â€Å"sweat equity† they put into the firm, and how long the founders will have to remain with the firm for their shares to fully vest. It means founder agreement is a formal document that mention about the profit sharing between the founders by following the amount of initial investment between the founders. Items that include in a founders’ agreement are nature of the prospective business, a brief business plan, legal form of business ownership, buyback clause, description of the initial operating capital and others. It is important for a team of entrepreneurs to have one in place when launching a venture because it can avoid the conflict such the problem between the founders regarding the profit sharing and distribution of stock at the end of the business, avoid litigation, and to know the expectation of their own role in the organization. Therefore, founders’ agreement is important to act as a set of rules or guideline while founders are conducting their business and it can reduce most of the issues that can harm the performance of a business. Q4. Describe the purpose of a non-disclosure agreement and the purpose of a non-compete agreement. Non-disclosure agreement is a legal document or contract sign between two parties, which is restrict the access or by third party. The purpose of a non-disclosure agreement is a promise made by an employee or supplier who does not disclose the trade secret between the firm to the third party or outsider. Also, a non-disclosure agreement is a contract through which the parties agree not to disclose information covered by the agreement. On the other hand, non-compete agreement is a contract between one party such as employee agrees not to pursue a similar profession or trade in competition against another party such as employer. The purpose of a non-compete agreement is to avoid the possibility that upon the termination or resignation for an employee might begin working for a competitor firm or starting a new business which is related or similar with the employer’s business in a specific geographical area and time frame. Q5. What are the advantages and disadvantages of organizing a new firm as a sole proprietorship? Is sole proprietorship an appropriate form of ownership for an aggressive entrepreneurial firm? Why or why not? The advantages of organizing as a sole proprietorship are being the simplest form of business tructure. Then, creating a sole proprietorship form is easy and inexpensive so a starting cost can be reduced, and then an owner maintains complete control of the business without any intervention in decision making, and profit is own retain by the owner, business losses can be deducted against the sole proprietor’s other sources of income, and the business is not subject to doubl e taxation because the income earned by a sole proprietorship passes directly to the personal income tax return of the owner, and then business is easy to dissolve due to without any partners and complex agreement. Whereas, the disadvantages of a sole proprietorship are liability on the owner’s part is unlimited so if a business is facing deficit, owner is responsible for all the losses. Then, the business relies on the skills and abilities of a single owner in order to manage the business wisely. Furthermore, raising capital can be difficult because of only owner is running the business without any help from partners. Moreover, the business ends at the owner’s death or loss of interest in the business, the liquidity of the owner’s investment is low due to low capital and cash flow can be used in generating more profit. A sole proprietorship is not an appropriate form of ownership for an aggressive entrepreneurial firm. An aggressive firm will probably need to raise capital early in its life because it is important for an aggressive firm to have a huge amount of capital in competing the earlier stage in the market, thus it is not possible under the sole proprietorship form of ownership. Also, in an aggressive entrepreneurial firm will be taking more risk in the investment, hence a limited liability form of company is more suitable in an aggressive entrepreneurial firm, which owner can limit their personal losses. How to cite Tutorial of Enterpreneur, Papers

Alzheimer’s Disease

Question: Give a brief discussion on Alzheimers disease as a factor that will influence in my nursing career. Answer: Introduction Alzheimers disease is a very common disease seen in older adults which makes the communication difficult between the health care providers like nurses and the patients and their family. Patients with Alzheimers disease do not remember things and get frustrated frequently. Most of the time Alzheimer patients are recommended to nursing care facilities so that they can get best services and care which they cannot get at home. This article will help the nurses how to communicate with the patients and treat them and how they can make their interactions less stressful for the patients and will help them in getting success in their nursing career. About Alzheimers This disease starts with the short term memory loss and with its continuation they also start forgetting the long term memory. Gradually this disease worsens with time and has no cure. Patients cannot think in normal manner when they reaches the last stage and become very dependent on others and at this stage the role of nursing staff becomes very crucial. How nurses should communicate with Alzheimers patient The major role nurses and health care providers should play is to manage the uncertainty which the patient and family members are undergoing after diagnosis and during treatment of the disease. Nurses should properly communicate the disease to the patient and his family members by easing their experiences. Providing detailed information about the disease to the family members is the most common and social support that nurses can provide. Nurses should feel the importance of educating the family about the disease not only by educational material like pamphlets or through websites but also by using analogies and metaphor. For eg neurons in the brain are misfiring, there is a object which is rolling around and cutting string and thus causing the disease of memory loss (Anee, 2013). Effective Communication Techniques When the patient enters a new environment filled with everything new and strange to him will increase the anxiety, agitation and confusion within him. Thus through effective communication techniques the nursing staff can provide better deal with the patients and ease their anxiety they are undergoing because of the disease. To deal with the behavior problems the nurses should know the patient and his family members very well. For e.g. knowing what kind of things lead to poor behavior in the patients and should smartly deal with those situations like if the patient is less agitated and confused in the morning than he should be taken for both in the morning. The nurse should eliminate all those physical, emotional and communication things which trigger the patient. Should patiently listen to the patient and spend quality time with them. Make the sessions interactive by making them eager to share their feelings and when required repeat back to them to make sure they regain and understand what you are saying. While communicating the nurse should always begin by telling her name always and calling the patients name. Nurse should always speak from front not by side ways, speak slowly clearly and specifically. Should always show warm and friendly facial expressions. Should patiently listen to the patient and give him plenty of time to speak because it is difficult for him to recall the memory. One should never test the patients memory by using words like do you remember or you are losing your memory etc such sentences will increase their resistance. While dealing with the patient, the nurse should give him simple directions one at a time so that he can recall easily. During his personal care, the nurse should inform and explain each step she will be doing so that the patient every time recalls the procedure and become comfortable. Managing disruptive and dangerous behaviors Patients usually at last stage of Alzheimers disease show unacceptable behaviors, sometime they become violent and controlling them become a difficult situation. In such condition the nursing staff should (Joseph, 2015): Make the patient calm and sit. Speak calmly and politely. Stop the task whatever you are doing give full attention to the patient. When patient become violent, still be calm and protect yourself from injuries. Do not fight back or pull away and remove the person from injury. Always try to study the cause of such behaviors. Patients when they are hungry, thirsty, dirty or wet make such types of noises and behaviors so try to meet the patients need. Conclusion Caring the Alzheimers patient requires skill, patience and a team effort. The Nursing staff plays a very important role in dealing with the Alzheimers patient as they are in personal touch with the patient always. A proper communication and behavior should be followed to ensure that the patient and his family members get highest quality of care, dignity and respect. References Anne M. Stone. (2013). Communicating About Alzheimers disease. Communication currents knowledge for communicating well. A publication of the National communication Association. Vol 8, Issue 2. Retrieved from https://www.natcom.org/CommCurrentsArticle.aspx?id=3603 Joseph. (2015). Acute Hospitalization and Alzheimers disease: A special kind of care. National Institute on Aging. Retrieved from https://www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers/publication/acute-hospitalization-and-alzheimers-disease

Peace and Conflict Resolution

The main idea put forward in film, The Fog of War directed by Errol Morris explores whether those who took part in the Vietnam War are contrite, or excusatory for the negative effects brought about by the war. The director supports his claims by staging a series of interviews with the then secretary of defense. He also uses other media resources such as television news and press reports dating back to the time of the war.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Peace and Conflict Resolution specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Through these sources, the audience gets direct information about how the war started, proceeded, and ended. Through interviews, the director vividly brings out McNamara’s character and life history. McNamara’s endeavor to avoid the one question that seeks to know whether he was really doing the will of the people when he masterminded the war that killed many, shows some guilt or fear of judgment (Holden Para.9). He responds by saying that his actions always hinged on tall orders from the president of people-by-people; therefore, obeying everything that the president said, meant doing the will of the people. McNamara’s career during the time he was the president of central bank, his family life including death of his wife, and his tenure as defense secretary are valuable pieces of information that the director explores. Through the interaction between the director, McNamara, and a series of events like numerous phone calls during the interview describing events during the war, the audience is able to get a clear view of the Vietnam War and its effects. Morris, the director of the film is concerned about the historical, economic, and social setting that prevailed during the Vietnam War. During the interview with McNamara, the director’s choice of questions seeks to unveil the historical events that accompanied the Vietnam War. The mention of the fire ly nching of Japanese nationals by firebombs and the bizarre bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki brings out the historical setting of the film. The life of McNamara at this historical time also underscores the social setting that Morris seeks to explore. At one point during the numerous series of interviews, McNamara talks about his social life. He talks about the hard family life he led before engaging in any government duty or his time as a Defense Secretary. He talks of a tumultuous life that subjected his family to depression; something he believes accelerated the unfortunate demise of his wife (Powell Para.16). His life after serving as the President of Central bank also comes out.Advertising Looking for essay on art and design? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More A revelation comes out pointing out that during this period; he spent most of his time in activities to benefit the poor, as well as those inclined at making the world a better place. Conventional wisdom holds that, the Vietnam War caused mass destruction and downward slump of the economy (Risen Para.9). This fact underscores the director’s interest in the then economic setting as shown when Morris and McNamara talk about issues such as comparison of bombing of a series of Japanese towns to bombing of an equal number of U.S towns that are of similar size. In this comparison, Morris seeks to explain the extent of damage to the Japanese economy courtesy of the war. The film finds a lot of relevance in contemporary happenings. All over the world, political enmity exists between different nations and absence of an amicable solution to the same would result in similar war as the Vietnam War. The statement by McNamara, which explains why he did what he did, finds significance in the current society. It shows how those working under powerful men are torn between doing what is right and wrong, since they act under directions from their superiors (Ka plan Para.12). When asked why he willingly, as a Defense Secretary, approved the war, he categorically says that he was carrying out the orders of a democratically chosen president; after all, a president chosen by people would represent the people so his/her will is the will of the people. True to the theme of this film, peace between nations is an important tool for coexistence. In the current world, there exist states that are purely enemies to one another; for example, the recent enmity between Iraq and the United States led to the death of thousands of Iraqis and U.S soldiers. Failure to resolve the impeding animosity resulted in forceful entry of the U.S soldiers into Iraq and bloodshed resembling the Vietnam War case ensued. This phenomenon indicates the importance of international peace. The Fog of War film is relevant to peace and conflict studies since it carries the theme of conflict and peace. During an interview in the film, McNamara says that in the period preceding th e Vietnam War, there had been a long period of cold wars.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Peace and Conflict Resolution specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In other words, McNamara implies that even though there was nothing direct to insinuate war, there was tension between the two nations. The presence of cold war means absence of peace, which is a subject of discussion in the peace and conflict resolution studies. Learning the failures by those engaged in this war, students would learn how the concerned parties should have resolved the conflict that led to the war as a way of conflict resolution. Works Cited Errol, Morris, dir. The Fog War: Eleven Lessons from the Life of Robert S. McNamara. Radical Media, 2003. Film. Holden, Stephen. â€Å"The Fog War.† The New York Times, 2003. Web. Kaplan, Fred. The Evasions of Robert McNamara: What’s true and what’s a lie in  The Fog of War, 2003. Web. Powell, Bonnie. â€Å"Robert McNamara, Errol Morris returns to Berkeley to share lessons Learned from Fog of War.† UC Berkeley News, 2004. Web. Risen, Clay. â€Å"The Fog of War.† Flak Magazine, 2003. Web.Advertising Looking for essay on art and design? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This essay on Peace and Conflict Resolution was written and submitted by user Aubrianna Mccarthy to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here. Peace and Conflict Resolution Introduction In the world there have been many conflicts in human interactions. These usually result from struggle for getting access and control over various natural resources such as land, minerals and water among others and due to differing political interests. There are usually disagreements between the parties involved which sometimes lead to wars.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Peace and Conflict Resolution specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More When these wars arise, sometimes the member parties require external intervention in bringing it to an end. There are various means of preventing arise of conflicts. The method of approach to each conflict is usually different from each other. This is mainly due to the root cause of the conflict in reference to internal and external factors and the possible consequences of the intervention to the parties involved, citizen and the world as a whole. Thus in undertaking any intervention, it is good to observe the best way out of the conflict. This paper seeks to look into peace and conflict resolution taking critical analysis of the cases in Rwanda and Libya. It is to evaluate whether intervention by external organizations such as the UN was necessary citing the similarity and differences in both cases. Rwanda Genocide The Rwandan genocide was as a result of conflict between the Hutus and the Tutsi. There had been power competition in Rwanda with the tribe in power being oppressive. It was easy to identify the ethnicity of a person from the national identification card. There had been other conflicts before the genocide that left many people dead. They played significant role in dividing the people in ethnic lines. Rwanda was a dictatorial country by the end of 1980’s. There were even regulations restricting interaction between the Hutus and Tutsi for example in the military forces. There were many refugees outside Rwanda who were denied access back to their mother country. This led them to organize themselves into various groups and find their way back. These troops such as the Rwandan patriotic front attacked Rwandan government from outside the country in 1990-1992. This led to the rise of more ethnic tensions, displacement and the death of so many Tutsi.Advertising Looking for essay on international relations? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The death of the Rwandan president in 1994 from an assassination led to the eruption of the massacre. The Hutus attacked the Tutsi killing them. In response to the attacks, the Rwandan patriotic front fought for about three months to overcome the Hutus. This led to more than half a million people dying. There were meeting on how to settle the disagreement in Tanzania before the genocide. France was observed to take side in support of the government. The international intervention to stop the genocide was not present despite t he information about the planning. This led to the killings of many civilians in respect to the tribe they belonged to. This was because there was information about the planning of the massacre yet nothing significant was done. Libya Crisis Muamar Gaddafi has been the leader in Libya for over forty years. During this time he has strengthened his political strength by appointing selected member to be in charge of crucial sectors of his government. There has been uneven distribution of resources and power. This led to the emergence of rival groups. The country is well developed. There have been the revolution movements in most of the North African nations aimed at initiating change in the governance but stopped when it landed on Libya. There was a delay in provision of housing by the government to the citizens and allegations of misuse of power that led to the protest. In response to the protest Gadaffi used his military on the civilians. The rebels on the other hand started fighting aiming to capturing the oil towns. This has led to the death of many in the struggle for power. The civil fighting in Libya has attracted the intervention of the western country. These countries have deployed military intervention in Libya to help in calming the situation. The military intervention was backed up by the United Nations. This intervention has led to the destruction of many properties. In the case of Libya, other means of solving the problem could have been used with the military intervention being the last option. Despite the intervention bringing peace in the country, there are many other repercussions that follow. This is evident in cases of Iraq and Afghanistan.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Peace and Conflict Resolution specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More There have been intentions by the some countries arming the rebels with more weapons. This step is not right as it is likely to encourage the continuous persistent and development of the war. This means that more people are to lose their lives and that this will create more and more separation (Simpson 1). The civil wars in Rwanda and Libya have similarity. In both there were specific persons who were at power and denied the others their rights. This led to the emergence of opposition and eventually civil war which caused loss of lives to many. In the Rwanda genocide, there was no intervention by the United Nations despite the information about the planning. In the Libya crisis, the United Nation intervention was very fast. It has taken sides and though intervention is good, on the other side it has its repercussions. The bloodshed in Libya is less than that of the Rwandan genocide with both parties armed with warfare machinery such as grenade and missile launchers. The intent of civil war in Rwanda was due to ethnical differences which is not the case in Libya. There are argument that the quick intervention is based on t he oil that is present in Libya and the lack of cooperation between Gaddafi and the west. Work Cited Rwanda. Rwanda: How the genocide happened. BBC, 2008. Web. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/1288230.stm Simpson, John. Halt to rebel advancing creates Libya divide. New Africa, 2011. Web. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-12901820 This essay on Peace and Conflict Resolution was written and submitted by user Ella Salinas to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly Free Online Research Papers Locked-in syndrome is a condition when a person is completely awake and aware of their surroundings but cannot move any voluntary muscle except their eyes. Locked-in syndrome is caused by strokes that cause lesions to your brain stem and damage the ventral pons. (TS) An episodic adventure through the eyes of Bauby shows us what it is like to live with locked-in syndrome. (PS)At the age of 44 Jean-Dominique Bauby the editor-in-chief of Elle magazine suffered a severe stroke. (SS) He finally awakes from a twenty day coma in the hospital and is unable to speak or move any part of his body except for his left eye. (SS) Dr. Mercier then diagnoses him with Locked-in Syndrome.(PS) His speech therapist comes up with a communication code which consists of the French alphabet and the blinking of Baubys left eye. (SS) As the therapist recited the alphabet Bauby would blink when heard the letter he wanted. (SS) At first he didnt want to cooperate saying things like â€Å"It won’t work, Leave me alone† and â€Å"I want to die†. (TS)Realizing he still had his brain and memories he finally excepts his fate and decides to make the best of it. (PS)Before his stroke he had a contract with a publisher to write a book. (SS) Bauby did not let his disability stop him from reaching this goal. (SS) He asks his therapist to call her and tell her that he was still able to fulfill the contract. (SS) Amazed the publisher sends Claude to take dictation of his book. (PS) This task was very tedious but he never gave up. (SS) It took over 200,000 blinks of his left eye to finish the book. (SS) Every morning he would wake up and memorize what was going to be dictated that day. (SS)Claude would then come in and write his dictation down in words. (SS) Four-teen months later the book was finished. The Diving Bell and The Butterfly is an episodic adventure of what Baubys life was like before and after his stroke. He recalls the time he spent with his children at the beach on Fathers Day, going on a trip to Lourdes with his girlfriend, and his memories of food and how they tasted. he described his current condition as feeling like he was trapped inside of a diving bell and the only way out was through his memories he referred to as the butterfly. Bauby lives just long enough to see his book published. Dying just two days after the French Publication. Research Papers on "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly"Effects of Television Violence on ChildrenThe Fifth HorsemanQuebec and CanadaThe Spring and Autumn19 Century Society: A Deeply Divided EraLifes What IfsAppeasement Policy Towards the Outbreak of World War 2Comparison: Letter from Birmingham and CritoTwilight of the UAWWhere Wild and West Meet

Period Goes Inside Quotation Marks

Period Goes Inside Quotation Marks Period Goes Inside Quotation Marks Period Goes Inside Quotation Marks By Maeve Maddox Derrick Grant writes: Ive always been perplexed on whether the period goes inside the quotations or outside, when the sentence is not quoting someone. For example: They didnt describe it as a budget cut, they called it streamlining services. Does the period go inside the quote or outside? Ive seen it, in professional publications, done both ways, leading me to think that both are correct; however, I have the ALWAYS put a period INSIDE the quotes statement burned into my head from my old English high school teacher. If both methods are correct, Im inclined to think putting it outside the quotes, in the above example, looks more appropriate. Thoughts? The two most popular U.S. authorities agree with Derricks high school English teacher. AP Style book: Periods always go inside quotation marks. p 361 Chicago Manual of Style: Periods and commas precede closing quotation marks, whether double or single. This is a traditional style, in use well before the first edition of this manual (1906) Section 6:8 The CMS goes on to describe exceptions for textual studies and British usage, but for practical purposes, writers of American English can go with the ALWAYS put a period INSIDE the quotes mantra. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Punctuation category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Bare or Bear With Me?15 Words for Household Rooms, and Their SynonymsEbook, eBook, ebook or e-book?

Communication Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 9

Communication - Essay Example the film’s running time of 87 is generous, considering the genre. This was a massive box office hit film generating more than $5 million on the first week of release. City Lights was the first Charles Chaplin’s first production after the technology in talking movies was first introduced. Nonetheless, the film did not the technology in its development, wisely so, since the sound equipment used would have trapped the film in sound sets and stages. Since the movie was built on the comedy genre, the actors staying up close to the equipment and this would not have produced the bouts of laughter an expectation, the audience relished. After watching the film, one must contend that the few sound used underscore the silent comedy without any overbearing the audience. In the opening scene, where the mayor unveils a civic statue only to find Charlie Chaplin on its arms enjoying slumber, the speech is shown by sounds sounding like shrills and screeches. Additionally, when Charlie Chaplin swallows the whistle and accidentally causes a concert to stop, followed by a scene in which he makes a call for cab to a stop and then another in which he surrounds himself with dogs. The first and the sequence of scenes as mentioned above, provide, perhaps the only moments when sounds is used. According to Gehring (12), the character, Little Tramp dwelt in the language understood all over the world then, pantomime. A part from these, music is only used in the film, when the synchronized score is used to aid with the movement of the comedy. The music a composition, partly by the director-Charlie Chaplin helped in alleviating the need for talkies The main character in the story, Tramp falls overhead with a blind flower-girl and pulled along by a drunken millionaire, and ends up doing a shift as a municipal manure sweeper and in the ends up winning the

Ottoman Empire Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Ottoman Empire - Essay Example The great disruption of the Ottoman economy was caused by the inflation due to the inflow of gold, silver, and other precious metals from the New World. "The Ottomans experienced the impact of the increased flow of precious metal before the 17th century. The flow of American silver probably began to affect the Ottoman economy by 1580. While the first effects of the New World silver were experienced in Ottoman Anatolia by 1580, the most significant response of Ottoman prices occurred between 1585 and 1606." (Bulut, 65) Therefore, the effect of gold and precious metals on the economy as well as social life of the Ottoman Empire is important to recognize and this paper makes a reflective analysis of the impact of precious metals on the Ottoman Empire. In a profound exploration of the impact of precious metals on the Ottoman Empire, it becomes lucid that the Empire was self-sufficient with regard to the availability of various precious metals. The political supremacy over the neighboring nations offered an important opportunity to the Ottomans to import metals which were not available in the Empire. Thus, it may be noted that grain and other foodstuffs, iron, copper or cloth for everyday use were manufactured in sufficient quantities with the territories of the Empire. The Ottomans were largely autocratic in terms of war materials and the other precious metals were imported into the Empire. The Ottoman political elite and the better-off townsmen consumed Indian spices and Yemini coffee. "All these Indian and Yemini imports led to a significant outflow of silver and gold, but precious metals were mined on Ottoman territory only in very moderate quantities. Although by the middle of the sixteenth century, most of Hungary was in the hands of the sultans, the mines that had supplied raw materials for the country's famous fifteenth century gold- and silversmiths remained outside Ottoman control and, moreover, were less productive than they had once been." (Faroqhi, 14) Therefore, the impact of precious metals on the Ottoman Empire is unquestionable and the introduction of gold and precious metals to the Ottoman Empire had a vital influence on their economy as well as social life. It is important to realize that the introduction of gold and precious metals had a vital impact on the Ottoman economy. Significantly, the introduction of various precious metals played a major influence on the European economy. Similarly, gold and precious metals played a major impact on the various aspects of the economy and these metals contributed to the increase in prices in the Ottoman Empire towards the end of the sixteenth century. "The great change in the European economy wrought by all this precious metal also had its effects on the Ottoman Empire. Since European merchants traded in Ottoman territories, some silver from the New World found its way to the Ottoman lands. The Ottoman rulers encouraged the import of these coins. The Ottomans could not find a way to use these coins as investments in their economy. They tried to keep this money within the country. As an important factor the import supplies of silver contributed to the inflation." (Bulut, 65) Thus, a reflective an alysis of the various aspects of the Ottoman economy confirms that the impact of gold and preci

Personal Philosophy Essay Example for Free

Personal Philosophy Essay Educational philosophy is sometimes referred to as the immediate objectives of education. Immediate objectives on the other hand are purposes which a subject at a given time must aim to achieve through the courses of study or the curriculum. Its aims constitute a very important aspect of the total education. They are more specific and they can be accomplished in a shorter period of time, maybe a day or a week. These, too, are considered goals of specialization. This study aims to develop an educational philosophy and relate its important to one’s classroom teaching. Role of the teacher. The life of the teacher everywhere is full of responsibility. The teacher should recognize that the welfare and interest of the child is the principal objective of his profession. The school is for the children and the teacher’s first thought should be for them. At least during the time the pupils are in the school the teacher stands for the parents. The teacher should guard the health, moral, and well-being of the pupils with intelligent care. He should also be alert to discover physical defects of his pupils, and prompt to inform and interest the parents so that relief may be offered. Curriculum. Through the years, schools have taken on many new subjects without dropping old subjects. Schools must relinquish subjects that can be learned readily outside the school system and should be child-friendly and child-centered school. It should provide a variety of programs to meet the special interests and talents of the students. The Child. The child is the center of the matter. The teacher must know the nature of the child to be motivated, directed, guided, and evaluated. To understand the child, the teacher must know him as a biological organism with needs, abilities, and goals. He must know the social and psychological environment of the child and the cultural forces of which the child is a part. The behavior of the child at any given moment is the result of biological environment factors operating simultaneously. The child behaves as he does because he is a human being with needs and motives, and because he is surrounded by environmental and cultural forces which determine his behavior, these needs and motives shall be met. Methods of Education. The literature on the subject of teaching generally makes no distinction between method of teaching and technique of teaching. Writing on educational theory and practice has presented different classroom procedures as methods of teaching/education or techniques of teaching. These two terms have different meanings and values, but both are integrated in any teaching and learning situation. The method of education covers the psychological processes involved in learning, and the technique of teaching covers the use of devices and the application of principles in teaching in order to effect the proper development of the individual student. In addition, method relates to the learning performance rather than to the teaching performances, and method of education involves steps to guide the mental processes (Demiashkevich 43-48). Aims of Education. The philosophical aims of education require all public and private schools in this country to pursue, in the development of every child, regardless of color, creed, or social status. All educational institutions shall aim to inculcate love of country, teach the duties of citizenship, and develop moral character, personal discipline, and scientific, technological, and vocational efficiency. The study of the Constitution shall be part of the curricula in all schools (Peterson, pp. 64-69). The State shall provide citizenship and vocational training to adult citizens and out-of-school youth, and create and maintain scholarship for poor and deserving students. Moreover, philosophy of education is one of the major ground bases of education as field of profession; hence, focused study of such condition is essential. The case study involves the subjects of philosophical perspective of education linked with the condition of determining the future trends of the system. Utilizing five aspects of contributing factors, such as standards of teaching, bilingual education, cultural diversities, special education and the public policies, we shall determine the possible implications of such factors in professional philosophy of education. As a conclusion, as for the philosophy of education, and the continuity of learning and the aspects of continuous teaching without regards to any exceptions as incurred by the society, divine law, and human rights. Every minority with no considerations to race, gender, and possibly realistic health conditions should be deprived with education. The philosophy of education involves the general principle of conducting education as a means of providing universal treatment for the development implicated in a universal perspective. Furthermore, the philosophy of education, on the perspective of professionalism, involves that the educator must also be under the said umbrella of development and continuous learning despite of the governed tasks of teaching. Reference: Demiashkevich, Michael (2003). An Introduction to the Philosophy of Education. Pp. 43- 48American Book. New York. Peterson, Michael L. (2000). Philosophy of Education: Issues and Options. Pp. 64-69, InterVarsity Press. Downers Grove, IL.

Jesus Christ and the Red Cross Knight Essay -- essays papers

Jesus Christ and the Red Cross Knight In his first book of The Faerie Queen, Edmund Spenser recites the tale of the Red Cross Knight and the many trials and tribulations that he encounters along his quest to save Princess Una's kingdom. Throughout the tale Spenser makes many allusions to the Red Cross Knight being a Christ-like character. All of the qualities and attributes which Red Cross develops along the way lead up to his personification of Christ on the third day of the dragon fight. Many of these allusions are contained in small images and references. The first image that Spenser uses to relate the tale's significance to Christianity and Christ appears in canto I stanza iv: A lovely Ladie rode him faire beside, Upon a lowly Asse more white then snow, Yet she much whiter,... Seemed in heart some hidden care she had, And by her line a milke white lambe she lad. (I.iv.) An image from the New Testament can be grasped from this scene. Picture Red Cross as Joseph on his way to Bethlehem leading the Virgin Mother Mary, Princess Una, who is riding on an ass carrying Jesus Christ the Lamb of God in her womb or in this case behind her. Although through this image Red Cross is seen as Joseph and not Christ, it is understood later in the story that the lamb represents what Red Cross could become through the help of Una and the trials he will face during his quest. The vision of Una as the virgin Mother of Christ solidifies her as having such characteristics as chastity, truth, and innocence. Each of these cement Una in the role of a perfect Romance maiden, one who can lead her champion to his utmost potential: that of a true romance hero. The adventures of Red Cross mirror the temptation in the dessert ... ...dragon with his sword, which represents "God's Word", he aims at the mouth of the beast, "exemplifying Christ destroying Original Sin at the source and or Satan. (pg.150; foot#6)" By ideologically "killing Satan" Red Cross has reached his full potential and in the future will become St. George. In this first book of The Fairie Queen Edmund Spenser embodies in his main character, the Red Cross Knight, humanity's battle with Satan and evil. Throughout the epic the Red Cross Knight and even Prince Arthur are, continually representing Jesus Christ and his victories on the Cross and at the end of time. They are both representing Jesus Christ in all that they do and the qualities of a good Christian. This personification of Christ culminates at the end of the story with the Red Cross Knight's victory over the dragon. Bibliography: Edmund Spenser's Fairie Queen

Automated Evaluation of Grades System

Sample CS Capstone Projects from 2005 – 2009 2005 Simulate a Radio Interface The team built a message simulator to test radio communications with munitions systems. The simulator used RS232 communications and ran on PCs. It included a user interface that allowed users to construct and send messages as well as log and display all message traffic. The system included support for error checking (ACK/NAK, CRC) of messages. The interface could be configured for baud rate, com port, parity, # of bits, # stop bits, etc.Election Results Visualization This team built a system for use on the website of a news/communication company. The system displays election results in a visual manner and supports selecting from multiple race results. Results for a county can be displayed on a precinct level map in a color coded manner. Color shading was used to indicate results (e. g. red to white to blue shading for a two party race, white to dark green for a yes/no referendum) and actual vote count s are also shown for each precinct as that precinct is scrolled over.Automated Test Suite for Denial of Service and Intrusion Attacks This team built an extensible framework for an automated suite of test cases that ran on a Linux platform and simulated Denial of Service and Intrusion attacks. The tool included a GUI interface to select and run tests. Around 50 different network attacks were included with the system. An audit log and error log are produced as the system runs. Automation Data Collection This team designed data collection code to gather information from equipment on a manufacturing floor.A baseline group of PLC code samples was produced for the collection of data. Code timing (infeed, cycle, outfeed, idle, etc. ) and error routines was developed. Factory Floor User Interface This team designed and prototyped a user interface that presented live and historical information from the equipment on a manufacturing floor. The design was for a web based solution that used a S QL database that contained the data related to machine performance. Proposal and Job Setup SystemThis team designed and developed a PC based sales proposal and job setup program for a heating company that allows the comfort consultant to efficiently and effectively produce a â€Å"job specific† price quote for the customer on the first appointment. The system included BTU calculations and furnace suggestions as well as pictorial tours showing what is involved in a furnace replacement. A job set-up document can also be produced immediately upon the closure of a sale. A database keeps track of all prices, eliminating confusion. The database also helps with sales management tracking. Test PrioritizationThis team developed processes, reporting and supporting utilities around code coverage and test prioritization tools (from an internal company research team) that provided the best test coverage for each software check-in. There was a base-line component that would run nightly and run each test, collect coverage data and save traces for each test. The developer’s side included a Windows application for automatically selecting the tests a developer should run. Ensuring Data Integrity This team developed a program that would run nightly to do integrity checks of critical manufacturing data.The Engineering (relational) and Manufacturing (Oracle) databases previously needed to be periodically manually verified to be in sync. Web-based Tutorial/Learning Tool This team developed an on-line tutorial and training tool for use in a university setting. The tutorial was based on policies and procedures for safe computing practices. A database of questions was also created with questions randomly selected for an on-line quiz. The results of the quiz could be emailed to the person who took the test and a teacher or supervisor.Identity Preservation in a Grain Mill This team developed a system to track the product (grain) throughout the growing portion of the proces s. The ability to add and update all aspects of field information (plant and field variables, chemicals applied, harvest information) can be managed on-line by direct farmer input or by a system administrator. Data can be exported to Excel spreadsheets and all updates and inserts into the database are tracked. A website was established and set up for use by the cooperative. Web-based Survey SoftwareThis team developed a web-based application that runs on top of a survey processing engine and allows users to create and maintain surveys for use on their web-sites. Multiple surveys and various kinds of questions can be created and edited (e. g. multiple choice, drop down choice, text choice, file choice). The survey processing engine was previously built by the sponsoring company. Code Generation Utility This team developed a utility that auto-generates C# code based on code that exists within a company proprietary prototype development environment today.The system reviews C# code and associated metadata then analyzes it to see what areas can be generated, rather than having to have developers create it. For example, it will generate the required business entities and database mappings. 2006 Web-based Survey Tool Web based survey tool to collect and manage SEI training evaluations for one company as well as to be used for vendor surveys for another company Intrusion Monitoring System Development of host based intrusion monitoring and prevention application software for IBM eServer iSeries Web-based File ViewerDevelop a web based file viewer to be able to view data from old Cobol applications Marketing Study for New Product Offering Perform a marketing study on new product offerings to create a Managed Services offering that includes the areas of proactive network monitoring, data backup, security and trending. Sarbanes-Oxley Critical Function Auditing Tool Critical Function Auditing Tool – design database tables, develop an admin tool to maintain and creat e the data for the tables, define and transfer the security info for users from current system to Oracle, create a tool using VB.Net to administer this system Web-based Employee Directory Develop a web based employee directory that can find employees in a hierarchy list, view the list, add picture IDs, and update Active Directory from the source data Server Network Performance Monitoring Tool Develop a tool to monitor and report on the performance and efficiency of a number of remote servers. Legal Citation Data Mining Tool Create a Citation Mining Tool Interface to enable team members without SQL skills to run reports and perform analysis. Web-based Competitive Analysis ToolDevelop a tool to automatically search competitors websites to determine what they are charging for products making sure to not be detected doing the search. 2007 Sports Score Database for Communications Company Create a web application that allows registered users to input sports scores (and related statistics) into a standardized database from which other media outlets (radio stations, TV, newspapers) can pull this stored information. In keeping with this, an administrator can alter posted scores, create sports schedules, manage sports, manage teams, and the like. Database Search and Update UtilityCreate  a Web Application for searching and updating the Bermuda Information Database. The Bermuda Information Database contains information on how the Bermuda system is called and configured for various content types. The Web Application will have a password protected maintenance utility that will allow users to update the database. The database was built in standard Microsoft Access and XML, but will be migrated to Oracle during the development of the Web Application. Web-based product review recording system The scope of the project is to develop a web-based collection of work product reviews.This system will improve the customer’s world by setting a standard for product review proc edures with a central storage place for viewing results later. Intrusion Monitoring System – phase 2 Development of host based intrusion monitoring and prevention application software for IBM eServer iSeries. Modify the system to be a server-side application, improve the performance and add several new features. Update a freeware database refactoring tool Develop additional functionalities for Database refactoring tool useful for developers working in agile methodology.The sponsoring company had already developed a refactoring tool with minimal functionalities using Java. Using Agile methodology this team had to add more functionality to the existing tool. Competitive Benchmarking Tool This project developed a process and web based system to consistently support competitive bench marking in all products groups and support teams. Products include snowmobiles, ATVs, motorcycles, etc. Web-based Trouble Logging System Develop a web interface to replace an existing paper based tro uble log system.The web interface will allow the remote users to submit a trouble log directly into the system rather than having to mail it in. The system will also allow the company to monitor and track the progress of all of the trouble logs by going to one place. In addition, since the data is being stored in a database, the data can be accessed over many years to help track the usage of the trouble log system in general. Production Line Monitoring System Develop a web-based application for production line monitoring. This application displays status of  batches and parts in the process of producing a final product.This application is intended to make it easier for observer or shift manager to keep track of work progress on the production floor. Embedded Computing Research Provide software development help with research in nanomaterials and nanotechnology. As a part of its Conformal Computing program, it is exploring how to leverage the power of multi-processor parallel archit ecture for large displays and eventually build a tera-scale experimental architecture. The vision therefore is to use such hardware architecture for simple to complex computer graphics applications.Simple computer graphics applications may comprise static graphics algorithms: flood fill, displaying circle, line etc. Complex computer graphics applications may comprise displaying 3D objects, texture mapping, volume rendering, animations and so on. 2008 OneNote 2007 and Team Foundation Server (TFS) Integration Provide an integrated solution where developers using OneNote 2007 during their Agile development Scrum meetings could make updates to TFS work items such as requirements, bugs and tests, directly in OneNote. Customer Request RepositoryBuild a secure web-based tool that can access the company employee or customer requests for changes or additions to products. Allow the customer to easily collect, categorize and prioritize these requests as well as do searches and report generatio n. Test System for a Claims Processing Automation System Build a system to help automate the testing of an automated claims processing system. The system should allow for test data entry and modification, test process control and the comparison of original claims data and final claims data from the test.Cell Phone Application Development Using the Open Handset Alliance Android development environment, develop prototype cell phone applications. The team built applications for a Message Scheduler, sending Email from the phone, Gtalk Instant Messenger interface, Google Calendar interface, Access to Driving Directions and a Reverse Geo Coder to get the address of a phone. Open Interface to Company Applications Based Web Services Convert current applications interfaces from HTTP requests with XML responses to one based on Web Services.Build sample application interfaces and user access routines to demonstrate to developers and users how to take advantage to this kind of interface in the future. Role-based Training System Develop a system to manage training data such as courses and employee training records, required courses per role and grades. Allow users to see their own training history and what courses are available, supervisors to view their employee training records, and implement an administrator function to allow for adding/deleting courses, assigning courses to roles and roles to employees and keeping track of supervisor/employee relationships.Active Directory Automated Updating and SharePoint Learning Management System Build an Active Directory update utility that will take data from the Payroll database and run automated updates every week and create reports on the update. Also, create a SharePoint application to manage employee training data. ASCII Message Simulator to test Satellite Communications Develop a tool to generate ASCII text messages for network delivery as TCP/IP messages simulating satellite communications.This simulator supported logging, error injection, creation of test messages with predefined spacing and error rates, importing of TCP streams as new message profiles, stored data using XML and allowed using the tool in an automated fashion. Automated Unified Data Collection from a Virtual Automated Call Distributor (ACD) Develop a system to automate the real-time collection of unified date from various databases associated with a virtual ACD. The system needed to be extensible for adding more functionality and easy to build reports from.The reporting needed to be up to the minute and also required saving data for long-term information reporting to track trends. 2009 Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) Skin Viewer Application Develop a Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) application (Skin Viewer) that allows users to create sets of controls that can be used to build applications that have a common look and feel. For example, each division of a company could easily build websites that have a unique look and feel. Time Recording UtilityDevelop an application to track timesheet information incorporating approval workflow and integration with a commercial project management tool (Jira) as well as the billing system (Quickbooks). Data Reduction Tool Develop a tool that will convert binary log data into a human readable format. The tool has to be able to separate different message fields, unpack the data, apply scaling factors and graph selected field values against each other. An associated tool is also needed to easily define message formats and save the message format information in an XML structure.This XML structure will be used to define how to parse the binary log files. Evaluate the Usability of the IBM WebSphere sMash Toolset Create a set of sample web applications that address a specific business problem, select the most appropriate then develop a prototype of that application using sMash and report on the ease of use or and any problems encountered. Replace Specialized FTP Interfaces with Standard Web Services Calls Develop software to replace specialized FTP interfaces with standard Web Services calls. Integrate the associated changes on both the client and server sides.User Security Auditing Tool Develop a tool to populate a central database with application user security information (i. e. who has access to which applications) and a set of tools to report this information in various forms. Asset Management System Develop an asset management system that unifies data from several sources. A second phase automates the current lease exchange process. Digital Signature System Develop a digital signature system using DSA-digital signature algorithm signatures. The system includes adding CRCs and SHA-1 (Secure Hash Algorithm) when building the message.A second phase adds encryption of the final file. Mobile Phone â€Å"Planning Poker† Application Develop a â€Å"planning poker† application to run on mobile phones running the Android system. The applica tion is multi-user using a peer to peer model and is integrated with Google Docs. XML Parsing Tool Develop a tool to parse SML files so that comparisons can be made between old and new versions of files. JMX Aggregator/Proxy Develop a tool that exposes custom attributes which are based off values of one or more backend JMX data source. 010 Facebook Applications Develop Facebook applications, web based and desktop, to demonstrate how these kinds of applications can be built – included producing documentation on how to build these applications. Course Management/Testing Application Develop tools to allow the user to create questions/tests, students to take tests and administrators to manage the system and create reports. Web Based Network Configuration Application Create a web based tool that allows a network accelerator to be configured for various conditions.This task included building activity log files, managing multiple interfaces and providing online help functionality. G eneralized Data Reduction Tool, Phase II This project built on the previous year’s work by adding graphing capabilities, cleaning up the user interface, handling header blocks, exporting message definitions to Word documents, etc. Cloud Based Customer Dashboard Develop tools to collect call event data from a cloud based ACD deleting data when calls complete and aggregating data to be used on a dashboard that displays system status. Acoustic Imaging ApplicationBuild an application that processes acoustic data coming into an array of receivers and identify the source of the sound (first single source then multiple sources). Create a parallel processing version of the algorithms using Cilk++ running on a multi-core platform. Performance Driven Compensation System Develop an application to manage a performance driven compensation/bonus system. This system also needed to provide support for year-end performance evaluations. Web Based Image Management System Develop a system to man age software images replacing an older version.Includes the ability to view and compare side-by-side two different images. Framework for Mobile Applications Develop two prototype systems (running on Android and Blackberry platforms) that access web services provided by the sponsoring company. Statistical Process Control Recording and Charting System Build an application that is used in a manufacturing environment to automate the recording of data (from networked scales) and analyze this data according to SPC rules for the station to determine whether or not samples are out of range. Workflow Automation of the Software Promotion ProcessDevelop a workflow automation application (using ShareVis and InfoPath) to manage the process for moving software status (e. g. development to test to alpha to beta to production) Data Reduction Tool (different customer than one above) Build a tool that can analyze data coming from any device and display the messages in human readable form. This was do ne by building a wizard to enable easy message definitions, an XML parser to convert messages into human readable form and a sophisticated user interface that made it very easy to filter and display messages.

Evolution of an Urban Area

James L. Minter, III PD 120 Assignment #2: Evolution of an Urban Area Location: Atlanta, Ga. / Fulton County I have chosen to do my research on the city of Atlanta, Georgia within Fulton County. Atlanta is the largest city within Fulton County and has significant value to the Black community. It is of interest to me as Black/Latino man who has been astonished by how quickly so many minorities have jumped at the opportunity to head south when we not so long ago were heading north at a record pace for the same reason, opportunity. I will discuss what I have read, researched, and learned from my own experiences as well.In this country, so many squirm at the very mention of the suburban â€Å"White Flight† of White persons buying suburban homes every since WWII. However, the fact remains that in this country no matter what race you are if you are presented with a better alternative for living and working you will gravitate towards that lifestyle. This is extremely evident in my re search, as so many Blacks headed back to where their mother’s and father’s fled to either escape death, racism, slavery or was just simply looking for a job to make a living.Within my community the state of Georgia was not looked upon favorably, in fact, when I was a child, 40 years ago, it would have been considered just about crazy to leave progressive New York for the racist south, especially Georgia where cotton was a mainstay to the economy. Nowadays, it’s becoming just the opposite; the businesses are leaving for the south (along with the jobs) and the racism being experienced up north, I believe, is because of the shrinking market for jobs and the disdain for someone in a minority group â€Å"taking† what used to be â€Å"yours job†.So for those reasons, I’d like to take you on a journey to understand what Atlanta has become and why many Blacks affectionately refer it to as â€Å"Chocolate City†. Fulton County in 1900 had a pop ulation of 117,363 persons and has grown to 816,006 in the 2000 census. Whereas, the City of Atlanta in 1900 had a population of 89,872 persons and has grown to 537,958 since the 2000 census. Fulton county since the early 1900’s has steadily been in the low single digits as far as foreign born persons residing within the county ntil 2000 where the foreign born rate climbed to 10%. Although historically in Atlanta and Fulton County the predominant immigrants are those whose ancestry are from Russia, Germany, UK, Italy, Ireland, and Greece it wasn’t until the 2000 census that Africans were migrating to Atlanta as the 4th largest migrating group on record. It further demonstrated that those of African descent and those who were American Blacks looked upon Atlanta as a chance for minorities to â€Å"get ahead† and share some form of American success.Many Blacks from the north began migrating south, just the opposite as the early 1900’s, as industries such as auto plants began downsizing, steel plants were shutting down more and more, affirmative action was being frowned upon, and the large incomes that were being made within the construction industries (both via developing and trade unions in the west and north east) was not being shared with northern & western Blacks. The trade unionist, still to this day, struggle to â€Å"give up† what they perceive to be their own trade with minority groups (i. e.Italian cement masons & laborers, German Operators, Irish Iron Workers, etc. ). This shutting out phenomenon of varying industries, especially within the northeast, has caused many minority groups (esp. Blacks and Latinos) to migrate south for opportunities that were not present to them at home. When you couple the â€Å"black/brown migration† south to Atlanta along with subsidies being given to oil companies and big corporations to relocate headquarters along the â€Å"Sunbelt†; there is no wonder that opportunity was available for those who were willing to work non-union and compete for low paying jobs against migrant workers.Since the immigration laws were eased via legislation in 1965, the most extreme documentation of â€Å"Sunbelt† workers in Fulton County have been those of Spanish speaking origin for various reasons. Since the 1970 census, Hispanic ethnicity in Fulton County went from 8,260 to a whopping 48,056 in the 2000 census. Whether it be Cubans fleeing communism, Mexicans looking to just make a decent living, or Blacks fleeing being shut out during the up rise of our economy during the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the fact remains that Atlanta was viewed as a city where minorities could go and make a better life for themselves and their families.This â€Å"black/brown migration† was not going unnoticed by the native White’s of Atlanta. As Blacks became the majority group in Atlanta by 2000 at 60% of the city’s population, Whites continued to move a way to their suburban homelands of Fulton County, as they made up 66% of the suburbs population in 2000. Atlanta and Fulton County continued to grow but it was evident that it was growing into a more extreme segregated population. However, there was a transformation-taking place, the Black suburb.The more populated the city of Atlanta was getting; the more Blacks began populating the suburbs themselves. Along with the pattern of the housing market targeting low and middle-income residents to buy homes from the mid 1990’s through the 2000’s. Blacks (and other minority groups) began buying suburban homes attempting to gain the â€Å"American Dream†. As a political foresight to the â€Å"black/brown† migration, the affluent suburb of Buckhead was annexed and became part of Atlanta, as many believe, to keep the majority-voting block in the city White.So, now being part of Atlanta, many Blacks began buying beautiful homes in Buckhead and other surrounding subu rbs creating the vision of a â€Å"Black suburb†. However, since this annexation there has been increased feuding with the northern residents of the more affluent White suburbs with the collection and distribution of taxes towards the southern portion of the county. The feeling amongst the northerners within the county is that they are subsidizing the south because that’s where the most local support service dollars are being spent.So after the 2000 census Blacks now make up at least 28% of the Fulton County suburbs, and still maintain over 60% of the population in the city of Atlanta, thus justifying the affectionate name of â€Å"Chocolate City†. Another varying phenomenon is the research numbers that show that even with a heavy influx of Asian/Pacific Islander into Fulton County and the city of Atlanta less than 1% actually migrated to the city while over 4% migrated immediately to the suburb.This further shows the trend of those even born in another country knows that to live in the suburbs in America is a matter of status more than anything else. Especially when the suburbs in European cities represent all the ills of their societies, and it’s literally vice versa. Our affluent residents look to leave the central cities, while European affluent residents look to live as close to the center of the city as possible (Paris, for example).Between 1950 and 1960 is when the greatest changes came to the region, with the city growing by almost 140,000 persons due to its annexation of the Buckhead suburb. The city of Atlanta varies from its suburbs in Fulton County for one main reason, the highway structure and volumes of headquarters for major corporations and media outlets. While the suburbs in Fulton County are littered with strip malls and sub divisions, the City of Atlanta is filled with tall corporate buildings surrounded by winding and crisscrossing highway roads.The Fulton County suburbs are predominantly White (with a heavy infl uence of Russian and German ancestry), clean and quiet within the neighborhoods, while the City of Atlanta is predominantly Black, loud and busy (especially during the day), with stand still traffic on the highways during the morning and evening rush hours, covered under a layer of fog from vehicle emissions. The problem that â€Å"Chocolate City† and Fulton County will be facing soon is the lack of jobs even in this economy that may be on the rise.The burst of the dot com bubbles, the failing oil refineries, and globalization of businesses will surely have the residents of this once bubbling land of opportunity in Atlanta possibly fleeing again for greener pastures elsewhere, or fighting for jobs for even less pay with migrant workers or desperate residents willing to take almost anything that you would not, if you had a choice. So â€Å"Chocolate City† has been good to many minority workers, especially over the last two decades, however the sun may be rising and the chocolate sweetness of success may be melting sooner than one might think.

Ninjas vs. Samurai essays

Ninjas vs. Samurai essays There is a vast difference between Ninjas and Samurais but there are also some similarities. This will explain each ones history, weapons they use, and also their codes of honor. Lets begin by first looking at their histories. In 794-1192 A.D. the new civilization flourished and with it, a new class of wealthy, privileged families. These families fought with one another in attempts to make or destroy emperors. The need for spies, informants and now assassins grew as these families dueled for power. They were suspicious and jealous of one another and would resort to any means necessary to eliminate any possible threats. Therefore, the practitioners of nonuse were in great demand. With this, the ninja was born. As the ninja gained popularity, so did the stories of their superhuman abilities. This reputation was often encouraged by the ninja themselves. Powers like having the strength of ten men, ability to turn into animals, fly and become invisible at will. Many small farmers in the 9th century depended on the landowners for their living, and loyal bonds developed between master and servant. Gradually a network of clans or "families" grew, each with its landowner and followers. The government of the country was no longer in control, and law and order was kept by the clans. The clans armed themselves to protect their own land and people, and so the warrior class of Samurai grew. His sword was his whole life, his soul. With this he followed the warriors code of honor, the Bushido. Ninjas have been known to use a variety of weapons such as small and large swords, bow and arrows, knives, bo (staff), scythe and chain, shuriken and many others. When empty handed the ninja are dangerous, when armed they are very deadly. They have also been known to use various other weapons. Samurai basically just used Katanas, The Wakizashi which is Shorter than the Katana, this sword was worn indoors by the Samurai, because the Katan ...

Percentage and Percentile

Percentage and Percentile Percentage and Percentile Percentage and Percentile By Maeve Maddox The following paragraph occurred in the denunciation of a certain person in a letter to the editor in my local paper: He has obstructed the most wholesome and necessary programs which provide for the common good, and has awarded massive financial advantages to a small percentile of the rich. This erroneous substitution of the word percentile for percentage merits attention. This is not the first time Ive encountered it. Some speakers and writers may feel that percentile sounds more high class than more ordinary percentage; the word may therefore be in danger of catching on as a genteelism, like disinterested for uninterested. A percentage is a part of a whole expressed in hundredths. It can also mean, as the letter writer intended, an indeterminate part of a number. Merriam-Webster defines percentile as the value of the statistical variable that marks the boundary between any two consecutive intervals in a distribution of 100 intervals each containing one percent of the total population called also centile The College Board site explains the use of percentiles this way: Percentiles compare your scores to those of other students who took the test. Say, for example, your critical reading score is 500. If the national percentile for a score of 500 is 47, then this means you did better than 47 percent of the national group of college-bound seniors. (NOTE: An NPR score reports comparative rank among test-takers, not necessarily mastery of a subject.) The only time to use the word percentile is when talking about statistics. For everything else, theres percentage. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Misused Words category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:45 Synonyms for â€Å"Food†Yay, Hooray, Woo-hoo and Other AcclamationsHow Do You Pronounce "Often"?

Software Testing Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Software Testing - Research Paper Example We are dealing with the banking system from Pennywise National Bank. Therefore, experimental design is the best method of testing software (Basili and Selby, 1987). According to Gelperin and Hetzel (1988), we are going to deal with phase models and life cycle models. In the phase models, we have a demonstration and destruction phases. Demonstration ensures that the software satisfies all its specifications. Destruction involves detection of the implemented faults that may lead to errors during the software functioning. In the life cycle models, we have an evaluation and the prevention stages. In the evaluation, one detects requirements, design and implements faults. In prevention, requirements, design and implementation faults are prevented. Review of software requirements is not considered as testing. Prevention testing involves analysis and review besides improvement of the software specifications and design. Moreover, the code is improved before test execution (Gelperin and Hetzel, 1988). We are going to test the coding, structural and functional properties of our software. Code reading will be tested using the stepwise subtraction. The structural testing will be done using 1005 statement coverage criteria. Finally, the functional testing will be done using equivalence partitioning and analysis of the boundary value (Basili and Selby, 1987). The primary goals of testing are; to demonstrate that some parts of the software specifications are functional and meet their tasks, to detect faults and finally to prevent faults. Formerly constructive approach was being used in testing yielding unsatisfactory results in that it contained tests that the software could pass. Currently, the demonstration strategy is being used. Tests always are hypothesized that the software is not perfect in its specifications in that it can not lack even a single fault. A set of test T is built and applied to the software. In the long run, at least a single

Hollywood Farmers Market Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Hollywood Farmers Market - Assignment Example I noticed that the produce are clearly marked and can be classified into non-organic, certified organic, unofficial organic and no spray produce. The market also provides resources and information about organic farming and foods; this gives consumer’s knowledge on decision making on whether to purchase organic or non-organic foods. A number of certified organic products in the market had the USDA logo, and they were clearly classified and arranged in different stalls from the rest of organic products which enabled the customers to choose wisely. Enquiring on regulations, I found out that some of the farmers and vendors who had a gross turnover of 5000 were exempted from the certification process but they faced regulations and inspections by the government. In the market organic produce included a number of fruits, oranges, tomatoes, mangoes and vegetables which included spinach, kales and herbs. There were also some free range chickens, with some natural eggs which were certif ied organic produce. Some of non-organic products included vegetables, herbs and fruits that were produced using genetically engineered seeds, chemicals, radiations, chemically based fertilizers and pesticides. I got a unique experience from the live chickens in the nooks and crannies of the store display counters (Clark, 1). I figured out that it was great fun carrying out open air shopping and having meals in the restaurants around the farmers market. A number of un-official products like omega XL a natural supplement, natural wine CSA and other minerals like Fulvic ionic were present in the market. After enquiring from one of the vendors, I realized that there are 100% organic product which contained certified contents. Examples of such products included fruits, vegetables, milk, orange, juice, cheese, eggs, chicken and beef. Upon talking to a number of farmers and vendors, it came to my realization that a number of farmers in Hollywood market have complied with a number of organ ic restrictions but they have not taken or given any certification with some arguing that the cost of getting the certification is high and if one is acquired the burden can be passed to the consumers. After walking around the market, I interviewed some farmers and vendors regarding their products, their farming methods and the justification for using the methods that they do. On the methods that are used to produce particular vegetables which are mainly organic, majority of their responses was that the vegetables were purely grown using manure through compost or droppings from a number of animals. Most of the people I interviewed said that they used artificial fertilizers. They further said that the vegetables were exposed to harsh environment and were not covered or housed in any greenhouse. They also used natural ways of preventing pests such as mixing farming with plants like pyrethrum which repel pests away. The farmers also gave me some perceptions that are used in organic far ming, majority of their fields are planted with grains such as corns, oats, soya beans, wheat and cover crops so as to build soil fertility. Other farmers outlined the guidelines used to get organic certification in their farms, which included a number of aspects like land requirements, pesticides used, seed selected and growing practices (Clark, 1). On their farming methods the farmers argued that some conventional methods are used to raise cattle where they are fed with diets

Online education Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Online education - Essay Example With advanced technology, the world today has adopted everything to be digital. With learning institutions not left behind, today traditional form of learning is being replaced with online learning.Many higher learning institutions and colleges are offering Massive Open Online Courses where students register and learn online. Initially, people get updated with dynamic changing demands in profession, education, industries and commerce. There is more use of blogs, e-portfolios, and smart phones, projectors among others (Zane and Lin 357). Online education is widely used by people aging between 30 years and above since they find it hard to be in a classroom with young people. In addition, online courses offer freedom to learners as they can attend classes at their own convenience. That is there is no time table as to the time and venue where the course will be taken. This makes it flexible and convenient to full time workers, employers, parents and any other person who cannot afford tim e to attend classes. Online education discriminates the poor who cannot access internet or computers at their homes (Rina 55). Since every development and advancement has both benefits and limitations, online learning has social, economic, social and technological limitations. By comparing the traditional mode of learning and the online education, traditional learning method has more beneficial factors to online education. Traditional education was not only gaining knowledge but it encouraged social interaction. By interacting with other people, one is able to gain courage and understand the real life experiences. In addition, group discussion is a motivating factor that helps students to face life with courage. Majority of those who support online education argue that it is time saving and cost effective. To be relevant, it saves the traveling time to students but to educators, it is not time saving compared to traditional education. This is because the educator has to respond to e very student’s query which is all different. It is difficult to address the requirements of students’ different backgrounds and cultural beliefs which might be different from the educational culture provided online (Siddiqui 92). In addition, online education is not convincing enough since the learner does not get the argumentative point to a response. To support traditional method, students and teachers are more exposed to subjects as they learn from each other (Yukiko 96). For instance, a student learns from another student views, the teacher’s stand, and this leads to better educators, therefore, better system. In addition, in one has access to a variety of materials to study like student’s centre, library, laboratories and writing centre. These facilities are not available in online learning and the learning environment may not be conducive for learning due to interruptions of children, unexpected visitors among other family issues. Online education l imits thinking capacity and narrows the development process of children (Dominguez 17). In the growth and development of children, it is important for them to interact socially and play together. With the introduction of online education, children sit behind a computer and perform his or her task. This is so boring to them and they may end up developing some flimsy characteristics. Traditional education gives room for interaction and sharing of idea in and out of classroom. This is because all students participate in group discussions and during break time, they are able to interact freely. Additionally, learning is not only books and exams, there is need to discuss factors affecting like. In traditional learning, instructors teach students social life as he or share life experiences (Beers 512). This is a way of guiding students on how to

Morgan Motor Company Case Study

Morgan Motor Company Case Study Automobile industry has a long history, since 19th century it has been continuously developed. The auto industry is often thought of as one of the most global of all industries. Its products have spread around the world, and it is dominated by a small number of companies with worldwide recognition. In this assignment I am going to discuss Morgan Motor companys strategic position which includes: marketing position, culture of the company, competitiveness and the future development. Profile of the Company The Morgan Motor Company is unique in building cars in England since 1909 and still being privately owned by the Morgan family. Indeed in its 100-year existence only three Morgans have headed the company. Since the first four-wheeled car in 1936 the factory has only built sports cars. The traditional Morgan is still being built using the separate steel chassis, with an ash body frame panelled in aluminium, but using excellent modern drive trains from Ford. This combines the pleasure of driving a real classic with a modern day performance and new car reliability. The launch of the all new Morgan Aero 8 in 2001 was the first all new Model since 1936. It was also an all aluminium super car incorporating the very best of British race car chassis technology in a stunning road car. Powered by a BMW 4.4 V8 the Aeros bonded aluminium chassis followed the Morgan tradition of great strength yet lightweight. Built alongside the traditional cars, the Aero 8 is proving its outstanding competence to a new breed of Morgan owners. The product market mission Morgan is unique in a car industry. They consistently keep making the hand- made and ash-framed cars. They dont have as much customers as other car companies and its niche market is relatively small than others. Their output is also small in comparison with other car brands. Morgan is not trying to change its cars to more modern cars and to increase its production number, this is what gives Morgan its uniqueness. If they start producing more modern cars and increase its output they may loos its uniqueness. This does not mean that Morgan is consistently using the same technology of producing cars as they used to, they are continually improving the quality. Morgan is a niche operator and it does not compete with others. If they moderate their production with increasing the output and produce more modern cars they will face the competition with other car manufacturers. They are always staying at the position they are now and keeping the same strategy, if they keep doing this they will n ot have many competitors in the market. There are number of approaches to understand the product market mission in deep. I will discuss some of them below. Porters Generic Strategy Porter (1980, 1985) suggested that some of the most basic choices faced by companies are essentially the scope of the markets that the company would serve and how the company would compete in the selected markets. Competitive strategies focus on ways in which a company can achieve the most advantageous position that it possibly can in its industry (Pearson, 1999). According to Porter, there are three generic strategies that a company can undertake to attain competitive advantage: cost leadership, differentiation, and focus. Focus Companies that use Focus strategies concentrate on particular niche markets and, by understanding the dynamics of that market and the unique needs of customers within it, develop uniquely low cost or well-specified products for the market. In Porters Generic Strategy model Morgan Motors can be placed in differentiation focus, because Morgan cars price is quite high so it can not follow the cost leadership strategy, they are not selling their product in a standard market price. Morgan do deliver high quality product and service, their cars are unique in car industry market, as already mentioned above, Morgan is the oldest hand-made car manufacturer. The company concentrates on a particular niche market and is different from other mass production car manufacturers. Parnells Idea Parnell suggested that valuable resource is more important for the company than cost leadership and differentiation. He believed that valuable resources could help the company to achieve more success. He said that if company can have inimitable, rare and valuable resources it could help the company to gain the competitive advantage. Organizations possessing rare, valuable and inimitable resources possess a greater capability to perform a strong value proposition than those without such resources (Parnell, 2006) In case of Morgan the idea of Parnell can be aplicable because Morgan uses valuable resources and they are inimitable. What are their valuable resources and what makes them to be inimitable will be discused after. Strategy Clock The strategy clock is another appropriate way to analyze a companys competitive position to cost or differentiation advantages (Bowman Faulkner, 1996). The strategy clock uses differentiation and focused differentiation in a similar manner to that of the generic strategy model. As it is already explained above in Porters Generic Strategy Morgan Motors in Strategy Clock takes the same place which is the focused differentiation. Morgan Motors product price is high and the market niche is relatively small it concentrates on particular niche market. Customers perceived value is also high. Strategy Cube A model that allows the discussion of competitive strategy from both market and resource perspectives has been described by Jenkins (2004). A framework is proposed in which products/services are described by three variables: Relative level of consumer perceived product benefits Relative product price to the customer Relative product cost to the producer If we compare the cube with porters generic strategy and strategy clock point A in the cube is similar to Differentiation Focus in above mentioned models, which means that the companies which are placed in this point has got high price, high benefits, particular market niche. The point E is similar to Cost Focus in Porters generic strategy and it is similar to 1 and 2 positions in strategic clock. In the case of Morgan Motors Company in this model it is positioned in a point A because of its high cost, high perceived benefits, low market niche and high price. The Cultural Web, which I will discuss below will help us to understand the Companys culture. The Cultural Web identifies six interrelated elements that help to make up what Johnson and Scholes call the paradigm the pattern or model of the work environment. By analyzing the factors in each, the companies can begin to see the bigger picture of their culture: what is working, what isnt working, and what needs to be changed. The six elements are: Stories Rituals and Routines Symbols Organizational Structure Control Systems Power Structures Company has been owned by Morgan family since it has been established. Company has about 150 employees. The managers seat together with the employees on a traditional tea break and talk with them, this is the way to know better all employees and share their thoughts. For the Company it is very important to have high skilled staff. Company is situated at the same place as it was since it has been established, most of the employees have worked for the Company for more than ten years, mainly the employees are from the same area and moreover they are from the same family. All the employees have a very close relationship with each other. All this makes the Company to have a different culture from other manufacturers. The activities and the resources of the Company Value chain analyses The value chain framework of Porter (1990) is an interdependent system or network of activities, connected by linkages. When the system is managed carefully, the linkages can be a vital source of competitive advantage (Pathania-Jain, 2001). In order to conduct the value chain analysis, the company is split into primary and support activities. The primary and secondary activities of the firm are discussed in detail below. Primary activities The primary activities (Porter, 1985) of the company include the following: Inbound logistics These are the activities concerned with receiving the materials from suppliers, storing these externally sourced materials, and handling them within the firm. Morgan is using high standard and high quality materials. Morgan always keep improving their quality and they are continuing using the aluminium and recently they bought the BMWs engine to make their cars better and faster. Operations These are the activities related to the production of products and services. Morgan cars since the Company has established are made by hand with ash-frame. This is what makes Morgan cars so special and valuable. All Morgan cars are different from each other, they are made according the taste of the customer. Comparing to other car manufacturers, to produce Morgan cars takes much longer time, but this doesnt make to shorten their customer waiting list and people are still keen to get Morgan car which can be made according to their taste. Outbound logistics These are all the activities concerned with distributing the final product and/or service to the customers. As it is already described above, because of Morgan car is made by hand, it takes much longer time than other car manufacturers. The waiting time till Morgan car is finished is between one and two years, but sometimes it takes much longer to collect the car to its final face. Morgan has only one plant, but it has dealers all over the world what makes much easier for the customers to get their car more conveniently. Marketing and sales This functional area essentially analyses the needs and wants of customers and is responsible for creating awareness among the target audience of the company about the firms products and services. Morgan Company doesnt do many marketing activities. For many people the brand still can be unknown. It is because of its low productivity, but their uniqueness and brand still brings them enough customers. It is obvious from their waiting list. Demand is much higher than supply. Service There is often a need to provide services like pre-installation or after-sales service before or after the sale of the product or service. Support activities The support activities of a company include the following: Procurement This function is responsible for purchasing the materials that are necessary for the companys operations. Human Resource Management This is a function concerned with recruiting, training, motivating and rewarding the workforce of the company. For Morgan well trained and high skilled employees are very important as it is for many Companies. As in many Companies Morgan also has the training programs to develop their employee skills. As above mentioned there are around 150 employees in Morgan Company and all of them are in a good relationship with each other. The heads of the Company is also trying to have a good relationship with each of their staff member and to share their thoughts with each other. Technology Development This is an area that is concerned with technological innovation, training and knowledge that is crucial for most companies today in order to survive. Morgan consistently is improving their product and technologies. For example: launching the Aero 8 model, and purchasing the BMWs engine to make their cars much comfortable and faster. Firm Infrastructure This includes planning and control systems, such as finance, accounting, and corporate strategy etc. (Lynch, 2003). The value chain should be analysed with the core competence of the company at its very heart (Macmillan et al, 2003). Resource Based View The resource-based view theory is based on the assumption that a competitive advantage is the result of optimal resource allocation and combination in imperfect markets. Resources are assets, skills, and capabilities. The resources leading to competitive advantages have to be scarce, valuable, non substitutable and it has to be hard to imitate them (Barney, 1991). In case of Morgan, the resources they are using are very special, high quality and valuable. They pay very big attention of the quality they are producing, using high quality materials to produce cars. The Morgan car has always been built around an ash-frame, and a steel chassis. The new Aero 8 also has an ash frame. This gives unique strength, flexibility and surprisingly, research showed that the frame made the car safer on impact tests. There are approx 50,000 colours to choose from. There are many things that makes Morgan cars so special. Its uniqueness in a world of look-alike cars. Its handmade quality the use of wood in many areas of construction long standingÂÂ   hands-on craftsmanship displayed in the bodywork and interior by the highly skilled workforce. Ability to tailor a model to the customers exact requirements. Most of the components of Morgan cars are made in-house. All this gives to Morgan to be inimitable. VRIO Analyses Given that almost anything a firm possesses can be considered a resource or capability how should you attempt to narrow down the ones that explain why firm performance differs? In order to lead to a sustainable competitive advantage a resource or capability should be Valuable, Rare, Inimitable, and Organized. Value: Rarity: Materials (Ash tree) 1. Limited edition Reputation 2. Rare materials Craft skill 3. Design High experienced workers 4. Unique cars 5. Choice of colour Inimitable: Organization: Skilled workers 1. Strategy Design 2. Tea break Materials 3. Friendly atmosphere Brand name The competitive context of the Company Five Forces The ideas and models which emerged during the period from 1979 to the mid-1980s (Porter, 1998) were based on the idea that competitive advantage came from the ability to earn a return on investment that was better than the average for the industry sector (Thurlby, 1998). The original competitive forces model, as proposed by Porter (1998), identified five forces which would impact on an organizations behaviour in a competitive market. These include the following: The rivalry between existing sellers in the market. The power exerted by the customers in the market. The impact of the suppliers on the sellers. The potential threat of new sellers entering the market. The threat of substitute products becoming available in the market. Understanding the nature of each of these forces gives organizations the necessary insights to enable them to formulate the appropriate strategies to be successful in their market (Thurlby, 1998). Force 1: The Degree of Rivalry. Force 2: The Threat of Entry. Force 3: The Threat of Substitutes. Force 4: Buyer Power. Force 5: Supplier Power. The rivalry in global automotive industry is very intense. However in the case of Morgan Motors, the Company is very unique and only the one in automotive industry with its old fashioned hand made cars. Morgan doesnt have competitors and there is no rivalry between Morgan Motors and other car manufacturers. There is no substitute of Morgan cars. The threat of substitutes to the automotive industry is quite mild, numerous of other car manufacturers are competing with each other in the global car industry, but none of them offer the same kind of cars as Morgan does. None of them can offer to customers the hand- made, with an ash body frame panelled in aluminium, the classic old fashioned and herewith modern car, which can be made with the taste of customer. Entry barriers exist whenever it is difficult or not economically feasible for an outsider to replicate the incumbents position (Porter, 1980b; Sanderson, 1998). In the case of Morgan as I have already mentioned before it has a long history with its unique production, the Company has already obtained a solid position on the market and from my point of view it will be hard and not feasible for new entrants to replicate them. PESTEL Analyses PESTEL Analyses help organizations to analyse factors such as tax changes, new laws, trade barriers, demographic change and government policy changes. PESTEL stands for: Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, and Legal. PESTEL analysis is a useful strategic tool for understanding market growth or decline, business position, potential and direction for operations (Kotler, 1998). PESTEL analyses also ensures that companys performance is aligned positively with the powerful forces of change that are affecting business environment (Porter, 1985). Typical PESTEL factors to consider include: (P)olitical e.g. international trade, taxation policy (E)conomic e.g. interest rates, exchange rates, national income, inflation, unemployment (S)ocial e.g. ageing population, attitudes to work, income distribution (T)echnological e.g. innovation, new product development, rate of technological obsolescence (E)nvironmental e.g. global warming, environmental issues (L)egal e.g. competition law, health and safety, employment law Applying PESTEL to Morgan Motors Political: Political decisions can impact on many vital areas for business, but in case of Morgan the political factor does not impact on the companys environment. Question 2 Product Life Cycle The typical Product Life Cycle consists of five main aspects. Product development Introduction Growth Maturity Decline The Product Life Cycle begins with product development, during which time the firm devises and creates a new product (Kotler and Armstrong, 2004). The introduction of a new product onto the market is typically characterised by very slow sales, which may grow only very slightly over a long period of time. (Porter, 1980; 1985; Kotler et al., 1996; Blackwell et al., 2001; Grant, 2002; Kotler and Armstrong, 2004). The growth stage in the PLC typically involves a rapid growth in sales as early adopters replace pioneers as the main consumer group.ÂÂ   The maturity stage in the PLC is a key point for a firm because it marks the turning point in the products success.ÂÂ  Morgan Motor Company in Product Life Cycle takes Maturity stage.