3G network based security threats Essay

The key threats for 3G networks in perspective of integration of networks are: Wireless LAN customer who does not have access to 3G networks get access to 3G services without subscription. WLAN user gains access to 3G network and creates issues such as Denial of Service WLAN user gains access to 3G network and uses impersonation for using the service but charging other customers. Manipulation of charging when services like calls are transferred from one network to another. Application and Data related threats. Collection of login details and personal details that are transmitted over the network by using sniffing tools and mechanisms, especially when sufficient transport security is not set. Manipulation of information used for user authentication or service access to gain access to unauthorised services or manipulation of billing. Extracts personal information that are used at other places such as credit card information. Obtain information about user such as permanent identity in the network. Virus attacks from WLAN devices to other devices in the network Trojans and malicious software passed from one end-device to another. For volume based charging model, a rogue partner can flood the user with garbage packets to increase the invoiced amount. Malicious programs on the user terminal that increases the traffic to certain sites or content to illegally increase the traffic. Security Considerations for 3G-WLAN Integrated Networks. The security framework for 3G-WLAN integrated networks consists of various layers. Each security layer is independent of the other layers. However, there needs to be an overall security scheme that connects all the security requirements together. Also, since some of the vulnerabilities can happen at multiple layers, a holistic approach and framework is required to address all the risks of the special network. Authentication security at the user terminal. The authentication scheme in the case of 3G-WLAN should be based on a challenge response protocol similar to the existing mobile communication authentication scheme. This requires that the authentication details in the user terminal to be stored securely on UICC or SIM card. This should support mutual authentication and security mechanisms such EAP. Signalling and User Data Security. The subscriber needs to have the same level of security as the mobile access that is specified for the 3G networks. This means that the WLAN authentication and re-authentication mechanisms must be at the same levels as for 3G USIM based access. It needs to support the maintaining session key verification and maintenance. Also the 3G systems should provide the required keys with sufficient length and levels of entropy that are required by the WLAN subsystem. WLAN key agreement, distribution and authentication mechanism should be secure against any attacks by middlemen. The WLAN access technology between the user equipment and the access point/ network should be able to utilise the generated session keying material to ensure the integrity of the connection for authentication. Privacy of User Identity. The keys used by 3G AAA function that are used for the generation of temporary identities that is used for the communication between the network element and the user terminal should not be possible to recover. If it is possible to retrieve the keys, the permanent identity can be derived from any of the temporary identities. Also it should be possible to mask the different temporary identities corresponding to the permanent identity.

Corporate Governance and Business Ethics

It is quite interesting to note that, academic research in business ethics was a totally distinct discipline from research in corporate governance, and the application of the word ‘ethics' was uncommon in available research on corporate governance. The chief responsibility of corporate governance was understood to be safeguarding the benefits of the shareholders. Because of the severance between ownership and management, and the incapability of the independent owners to supervise the performances of those managers, a possibility was available for vital strategic decisions to be taken which would advantageous for the managers to a more larger extent compared to the owners. For example, takeovers not related to the organization's core competence outcome in a bigger corporation, however, it does not result in a more profitable company all the time. Certainly, research has proved that extremely increased extent of isolated diversification normally resulted in lower profits. (Corporate Governance and Ethics) Till the greater part of 1990s, nevertheless, remuneration of executives was normally settled to a greater degree by the magnitude of the company compared to by what profits the company is earning. Therefore, unconnected takeovers will openly and instantly be advantageous for the upper-level managers, however may really be unfavorable in case of the stockholders. In the latter part of 1980s and initial stages of 1990s, when numerous mid and lower ranked employees in America were trimmed down, huge remuneration of the CEOs and the application of other methods which exclusively are advantageous to top level managers started to be talked about in greater detail and also in non-business news publications. Even in this present era, Fortune, Business Week, and The Wall Street Journal report about the yearly surveys of remuneration of CEOs and bonuses. The matters which are normally implicated as the active crusade of the shareholder which started during the 1990s, which culminated in increased appreciation on the part of the investors regarding good corporate governance. In case the citizens might lose confidence in the business due to extensive substandard corporate governance, the outcome could be that the common investor will search for scope other than the stock market. Episodes, in the bygone few years have displayed that an existence has been found about a deep bonding between business ethics and corporate governance. The activities of a company's top executives impact the lives of several people, not merely shareholders. The arena of corporate governance is appreciating that it is stakeholders, not merely shareholders, whose privileges should be safeguarded. (Corporate Governance and Ethics) The position of U. S. corporations was a vital point in time in which a growing amount of scams have impaired their standing as socially accountable entities. (Center for Corporate Governance and Ethics) The Enron debacle has impacted not just the assets of its shareholders, but also even the fate of its staff, and also the Houston community in which it was situated. The domino effects of Enron, Arthur Andersen, Tyco, and other scandals at high places are witnessed presently in the stock market, our country and the employment prospects of our fresh graduates passing out of colleges, and maybe the most enduring in its detriment – in public skepticism, disbelief, and antipathy with the business community. (Corporate Governance and Ethics) The trust among investors was at its nadir, leading in persistent confusion in the financial markets and a smothering of economic turnaround. Center for Corporate Governance and Ethics) Considerable sums of invested monies vanished because of accusations of misappropriation at the corporate level and misuse at the internal level. The accusations of scams and a broad discernment of doubt and indecision were unswervingly hindering the capability of enterprises to fight, create fresh jobs and better our economy. (Corporate Governance: Codes of Ethics to Guide Corporate Conduct) Overseas investors were taking a cautious approach prior to feeling certain that their investments are secure with the U. S. companies. (Center for Corporate Governance and Ethics) The question remains whether an encouraging result is present of these latest episodes. Efficient corporate governance is something which is based on a fundamental set of ethical principles which steer the actions of the company, regarding the decision to launch a new product or collect new capital. It sets up a scaffold for efficiently evaluating risk and finding out and preventing scam and misuse by the internal employees of the corporate. I believe that some of the encouraging results of these latest episodes are which the common American is very aware in the present era regarding corporate governance -although the word is not used by them. I consider that we will be witnessing that in the coming years, communities will expect ethical behavior from companies, be resolute that corporate governance show the commendable values of the company, and that the society reward the people who are idols of excellence and penalize those who flout their wishes. Moreover, I expect that each one of is more aware that ethics is an extremely compelling component of any business proportion. (Corporate Governance and Ethics) There is a universal consensus by the management, regulators, and investor regarding the urgency of a heightened importance on ethics and a better examination of business governance. Endeavors are currently concentrated on developing organizational structures and a legal structure of confirmation and maintaining equilibrium, which are just, ethical, although typified by economic competence. Understanding the enlarged urgency for modifiable management practices and governance systems to bring back confidence in the securities market, the U. S. Congress enacted the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Through the provisions of the Act, it was made compulsory for setting up of separate corporate Board of Directors, establishment of independent audit and nomination committees, and solving of disagreement of interest among the management and other stakeholders in firms, denotes necessity of separate auditors, and accords more rigorous accounting information disclosure norms. Latest and proposed Securities and Exchange Commission rules are there, national stock exchange listing needs, and across the board fresh acts that passed by both sides of Congress, accented by President Bush, building new structures for the governance of the accounting industry as also enticement to manage deception in the shape of strict punishments for corporate delinquency. Even though these needs are mostly aimed at publicly traded businesses and other government controlled industries, these novel regulations must cause management and Boards of Directors, regardless of public or privately held businesses to heed to the demand for corporate reform earnestly by setting up or once again finding out their code of ethics of the company. Corporate Governance: Codes of Ethics to Guide Corporate Conduct) The indecisive efficacy of any fresh regulatory code; its possible expenses of implementation, and the restrictions of automatic remedial market mechanisms, call for building of institutions which ease the realization and execution of the law efficiently and in planned fortitude. These types of institutions must even suggest pioneering governance practices and build increasing apparent and easily supervised codes of ethics together with stringent disclosure needs. Center for Corporate Governance and Ethics) Return on equity is very crucial, but at the same time performing business without restoring to short-cuts is also important. Shareholders activism is important, but at the same time eagerness by the shareholders to allow management to perform its duty is also vital. Cautious notice to firm rules and methods is valuable, but concurrently is the capability to be resilient and keen to change long-standing regulations and processes. Permitting a company to gain from the network of acquaintances of staff is vital, however side by side is averting of circumstances wherein people believe that the company's decisions are arrived not on the merits, rather depending on the basis of contacts. (Ethics and Corporate Governance: Is There One Best Way? ) Every profitable enterprise wants to flourish and therefore require skilled senior management. But skilled management never implies that that sole decisive factor is awareness regarding the functioning of the business and the capability to augment earnings, growth and profits. Competent management must even instill a custom of truthfulness and ethical conduct. The Board of Directors and management must fix a right ethical pretext in case of every employee, across the hierarchy of the organization. An efficient code of ethics or code of conduct is something which is espoused by the Board of Directors and routinely evaluated and reinstated by the Board. A Code of Ethics must fix the values of the company like the leadership, responsibility, honesty, and dedication and it is not the end of it. (Corporate Governance: Codes of Ethics to Guide Corporate Conduct) In case of beginners, codes of conduct must deal with working conditions, personnel enrichment and training, and disagreements of interest. In order to be genuinely effectual, a code of ethics must be included into employee training across the company and used as an instrument for assisting worker feeling on expected conduct. It must be supervised at every stage to find out if the ideals are really executed across the company. A lot of companies with ethics programs have persisted to sustain hue legal cost for litigation based on unethical conduct of its employees due to gaps in supervising and implementing an ethical code of conduct. The ongoing engagement of every staff as also service by Board members must partly be resolved by every person espousing, enforcing and behaving themselves as per a suitable ethical code of conduct. (Corporate Governance: Codes of Ethics to Guide Corporate Conduct) To conclude, corporate governance guidelines and ethics are developing fast. Investors are calling for increased standards as also other stakeholders. Those companies who do not possess appropriate corporate governance and ethics processes endanger themselves to serious harm to their standing, criminal/ legal action and authoritarian punishments.

Business Communications Report

The purpose of this report is to evaluate the importance of oral communications within the workplace, as well as to identify the aspects and skills that are valued within the workplace. This report will also give recommendations to the problems it highlights. 1. 2. 3 Questions * Is oral communication really a problem among graduates in the workplace? * Which aspects of oral communication are valued more within the workplace? * Which oral communication skills are lacking in graduates within the workplace? * What solutions could we recommend to the NUS management? 1. 3 Scope The ability to express ideas convincingly should therefore be an aspect to be focused on. 3. 4 Need for Clarity of Content The findings have made obvious that clear content is of high priority within the workplace. This oral communication skill is needed because the content is the crux of the message being sent to others and it needs to be clear and concise to avoid confusion. As such this oral communication skill should be focused on. 3. 5 Need for Confidence in Oral Communications The importance of this skill has been noted in the findings. This communication skill complements the other conclusions, as confidence is something that is required for all aspects of oral communications. Clearly, confidence is a skill that should be focused on. 4. Recommendations Based on the conclusions made above, this report recommends changing the NUS curriculum to involve more opportunities to practice oral communications skills, as well as to introduce a public forum, providing chances for all students to speak publicly more. 4. 1 Change in NUS Curriculum This proposal involves a tweaking of all modules in NUS to accommodate even more usage of oral communications skills than at current levels. For example, module marks could be adjusted to allow for more emphasis on presentations or interaction with the lecturer and the class. This would not only allow students to practice their oral communications as a whole, but also improve on specific aspects and skills, like their confidence and clarity. It is noted that this proposal would be difficult to implement and would also take time to adjust to for the entire university. However, this strategy would help all NUS students to improve their oral communications skills greatly over their time in NUS as they are encouraged to work on their oral communications. Thus this would be a long term solution for the problems stated above. 4. 2 Creating Student Forums The Management should also consider utilizing a key aspect of education in NUS: student life. Through providing a forum for students to speak up, especially about issues that the students have passion for, they will get more practice at oral communications. They would also debate and discuss among themselves about such issues, further boosting their proficiency in key skills like being convincing in oral communications. This suggestion does have certain drawbacks, like difficulty in implementing instantly as students are not used to it. However, over time, and with proper promotion and support from student leaders, it could be a good avenue for students to air their views and practice their oral communications skills at the same time.

Project management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 19

Project management - Essay Example People must be able to communicate with the app users. Additionally, the information that is available on the app must correspond to the location where the pet is located. As there are pets constantly in certain areas moving in and out of shelters and are eligible for adoption, it will be necessary to constantly update the app. A project manager must be able to collect all of the information and may require a substantial amount of the work to be delegated in order to become established with adoption locations to see what pets are up for adoption. It can be a tedious task for the project manager but without this information, the app is useless to the user. For the app to be most useful to a user, it must be easy to navigate. Less text and more pictures. They must be able to have an experience they do not forget. However, with this app in mind, it is likely that once a person uses the app and adopts the pet, that they will likely not ever use it again but only relay the message on to someone else that it exists. Everyone working on the ap p must communicate so that all information is dispersed and fresh information is updated constantly with this type of mobile app. This will take around the clock updates. The people who want to know about the app will be the people that use it. It can be announced via social media networking and information about the app will be dispersed at the participating pet adoption centers, making it easier for people to recognize that their local animal shelter is cooperating in order for a successful adoption

Distribution Center LocationGrainger Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Distribution Center LocationGrainger - Assignment Example The company has expanded its supplies operations to Panama, China and Canada. Moreover, the company has over three thousand vendors and offer more than nine hundred thousand products. In addition, Ginger.Inc Company has over one point eight million customers across the globe. In order to attain competitive advantage over the other competitors, the company has establish efficient and effective distribution channels to ensure there are efficiency and effectiveness in delivery of their products to their customers (Duch, & Arenas, 2005). In addition, the company has a well-designed website where customers who are in different parts of the world can have an easy access to the products offered by the company. For instance, a customer who is in China can just visit the Grainger. Inc website and order a product online. The company may deliver the product at the door step of the customer irrespective of the geographical barriers. This is possible because Grainger, Inc Company has well-establi shed supply chain networks in all its distribution centres (In Ahn, 2014). To run the supply chain efficiently Grainger and other organisations must address their problems as discussed below; Grainger must learn on how to eliminate the doubles cost of distribution by building a new centre for distributing its products in Los Angles. Based on the above calculations it can be scrutinized that the company is incurring the double cost, and it will be efficient to adopt the change. The company will be able to save the money. For example517, 99.567 dollars may be saved annually; the figure was obtained by finding the difference between the two options (Beamon,

Discussion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 13

Discussion - Essay Example The quality of any research findings depends on the source of information applied and therefore the quality of the source matters (Arlene, 16). Your choice for the second question implies your concern on the quality of research work and the common mistakes that researchers commit. Apart from being credible, sources should also be authentic, reliable, and authoritative. In your comment, you have identified Wikipedia and about.com as some of the invalid research sources. They serve as good examples of sources that lack authority. Probably you could have added the fact that most students are enticed into using these sources in their research papers as opposed to credible source such as books and peer reviewed journals. From your comment, you seem to have the right facts about research and research work. Your comments have probably changed my attitude towards credibility of research and I fully concur with you. It is interesting to note that researchers perform massive work in finding of research information but lack time to research for their sources. They end up getting a lot of information that may be of little use. In your comment, you have highlighted some principles of evaluating the credibility of a source and I recommend them to all existing and potential researchers. In addition, I would suggest that researchers present their research work to relevant authorities for evaluation before releasing the same to the intended audience. A good example is peer reviewed journal articles, which are scrutinized thoroughly for authenticity and

Employee Relations Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Employee Relations - Case Study Example On May 15, he assured Monica that everything would be taken care of as planned. Carl pulled out the paperwork needed for the orientation plans after Memorial Day, which would place this time frame around the beginning of June. His goal at this point in time was to get everything finalized for the orientation that would be coming up in approximately two weeks. What he found was a big mess. Some of the applications were incomplete. Some of the new hires did not have the required transcripts on file. Not a single one of them had gone to have a drug screen, and those were mandatory. Furthermore, he could only find three orientation manuals and all of them had pages missing. The frustration did not end there. When he went to check on the room that would be used to train the new hires during the actual orientation, he found out that it was not even going to be available for use on that day. In fact, it had already been booked for the entire month of June for other company business. All of this turmoil left Carl very frustrated and having no idea where to turn next. Although each of these individual problems is significant, the real issue boils down to a couple of deeper problems: miscommunication and poor preparation. Most of this falls on the shoulders of Carl since he agreed to take responsibility for the orientation, but it could have possibly been prevented had other individuals in the company, such as Monica or Carl's supervisor, checked in on his progress and found that he was putting off some vital actions until it was virtually too late to correct them, at least in a quick and efficient manner. According to Anonymous Employee (2008, pg. 1), "Poor communication leads to inadequate workplaces. As in any relationship, communication is key to a strong business relationship. This can be the relationship between business and customer, or, equally as important, the internal relationships among different employees within the company. Communication can be improved in virtually every workplace, no matter the industry or size. After all, it is the only way for information to effectively spread throughout the business so that everybody can be informed to the degree that they required to properly achieve their goals." In addition, Anonymous Employee (2008, pg. 1) claims that, "Among the most trying elements of poor communication in today's workplace is a lack of information for the proper accomplishment of the tasks necessary within the business. Even in today's information overload society, employees often lack the information they need to do their jobs. They may have the data that they require

Nursing theory, and application to practice Essay

Nursing theory, and application to practice - Essay Example Research shows (Snyder, Kessler, Hitchings, et.al., 2007), that specific actions made by nursing rounds reduced frequency of call lights and falls as well as created increased satisfaction with the nursing care. However, to reap these benefits meant hourly rounds by the staff. The study by Snyder et.al. (2007) addressed pain, position, and personal needs done by hourly rounding. They found a decrease in call lights and falls and an increase in patient satisfaction. Falls were decreased significantly and overall patient satisfaction went from the 3rd quartile to the 1st. This was further supported by a study done by Orr, Tranum, and Kupperschmidt, (2007) showing the same basic results. They showed decreased falls and much improved results in pain control. In 2007 a study was reported in Clinical Nurse Specialist again, supporting the same results. Johnson, and Topham (2007) reported a decrease in patient falls by 46% as they found that most patient falls were attributed to patients ge tting up to go to the bathroom. Hourly rounding improved this kind of fall drastically. All of these results indicate a quality, safety and cost effective way to improve patient outcomes. Initiating this change may be difficult as it not only is a change but disrupts nursing routine and asks them to follow through on their day completely different than they are used to doing. Anytime a process comes with that much change is not only difficult to make the change but difficult to maintain the change. Middle Range Theory Middle range theories are described as theories that are best used by emerging disciplines (McEwen &Wills, 2007). The suggestion is made because they are theories that are more readily operationalized than they others. They work well in nursing for that very reason. Practice often is affected by theory but on the average nursing does not recognize it. With the advent of advanced education for nursing, some of that has changed. However, operationalizing a theory is very important(MeEwen, et.al., 2007). McEwen (2007) tells the reader that there are several standard characteristics of a middle range theory. The principle ideas of the theory are simple, straightforward, and general. They consider a limited number of variables or concepts and they usually have a particular focus. They, like the studies observed have the ability to be empirically tested. Practice for nursing today must be studied and tested as evidence based practice is more important than ever before. The nursing problem of rounding, chosen for this paper can be analyzed using a middle range theory. The middle range theories derived from research and practice are the set of theories most likely to work well with this process. Grounded theory and qualitative methods are especially helpful. In the case of rounding there was qualitative research used, concept analysis, and quantitative analysis. The Newman Systems Model of prevention as intervention seems to be the be theory to apply in this case (McEwen, 2007, pg231). Concepts in Neuman' s theory are important here. "Environment is composed of both internal and external forces surrounding

Imagery, Creativity, and Emergent Structure Lab Report

Imagery, Creativity, and Emergent Structure - Lab Report Example It therefore, discusses three main areas which directly impact creative cognition; creative imagery based on the methods of creative cognition, differentiate between creative imagery under conscious and deliberate controlled environment and imagery that reflects absence of control and the third being the two aspects of creative imagery; intentional and structured and spontaneous and unstructured. According to the author, mental imagery has developed into a distinct subject of research in psychology and cognitive science. The ‘studies have helped to establish that imagery is functionally distinct from other internal processes and that mental images can be distinguished from other forms of mental representation’(Finke, 1989; Kosslyn, 1994). It is a fact that the mind is capable of retrieving images from recess even if no conscious effort was made to commit them to memory. Hence, it can be safely stated that even during the process of intentional recall of an image in some specific format, the mind can generate and explore various other properties of the same image. It is equally true that given a set of perceptual items or forms as preinventive objects, the mind can conjure a host of imaginative inventions that can be interpreted in as many ways as possible. If the object category is not defined, the spontaneity of creative imagery is more inventive. The geneplore model proposed by Finke, Ward, and Smith (1992) describes many aspects of creative thinking and imagination, including the discovery of emergent structures and their possible functions. It is characterized by a unique creative imagery of preinventive forms which is a result of generative processes and explorative process that have been used in conceptualization of the final object. The structured imagery is unconsciously bound by the prior knowledge and thus the emergent structures may

Martin Luther King Jr's use of ethos pathos and logos in his I have a Essay

Martin Luther King Jr's use of ethos pathos and logos in his I have a dream speach - Essay Example In terms of rhetorical theory, ethos represents the implementation of ethics and morals as a rhetorical tool. One of King’s most powerful implementation of logos appears when he states, â€Å"One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination† (‘I Have a Dream Speech’). Here King is comparing the oppression of the modern African-American with the same oppression that was experienced during slavery. This is a powerful implementation of ethos as it implements societies understanding of the wrongness of slavery in demonstrating that similar events continue to occur. Logos is understood as the rhetorical implementation of logic and reason as primary argumentative techniques. King’s speech makes great use of logos. One of the most powerful implementations of this occurs when King references the Declaration of Independence. He states, â€Å"It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned† (‘I Have a Dream Speech’). Of course, King is referencing the nature of the Declaration of Independence as proclaiming the unalienable rights of all citizens.

Public health Essay Example for Free

Public health Essay The difference in the roles of the public health nurse and the community health nurse lie not in the types of care offered but in the level at which this care is offered to patients. The public health nurse provides care to individuals or to the members of a family. The community health nurse, on the other hand, provides on-going care and tips to a wider base of persons within a community. The goal of the public health nurse is to promote the wellness of the persons that reside within a community, so this role is often confused with that of the community health nurse. In fact, in many regions and countries, the terms are used interchangeably. However, while the role of the public health nurse is to identify and deal with distinct illnesses being faced by persons at a given time, community health is concerned with the identifying issues in the physical and social environment that may affect the etiology of disease. The community health nurse works to educate the public regarding any such issues found to be of medical concern rather than merely to treat specific people with specific illnesses (Lundy James, 2001).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It is often the case, however, that the role of public health nursing is contained within that of community health nursing. One particular definition of community health nursing gives its role as promoting and preserving health within a given population through education and the integration â€Å"of skills relevant to both nursing and public health† (Lundy James, 2001, p. 874). Another definition demonstrating this integration of public health nurse’s role into that of the community health nurse is found in a journal by the ACHNE. It states that â€Å"Community health nursing is a synthesis of nursing theory and public health theory applied to promoting and preserving the health of populations† (qtd. in 2001, p. 874). It can therefore be seen that community health nursing extends beyond simply promoting prevention and good health practices; it also includes some measures taken by nurses toward ameliorating the effects of diseases being suffered by individuals in a given instance. This incorporates the role of the public health nurse. Therefore, the main difference between the two still appears to be the level at which the care is offered to the members of a population. Reference Lundy, K. S. S. James. (2001). Community health nursing: caring for the public’s health.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Sudbury: Jones Bartlett.

Balance Sheet Notes Preparation and Discussion Essay Example for Free

Balance Sheet Notes Preparation and Discussion Essay This week paper requires our team to prepare three notes to the balance sheet and income statement. Also, request us to discuss why footnotes are useful and important to financial statements. Below we have included the requested footnotes (prepared based on our experience working with a CPA Firm in public accounting) and our discussion related in relation to the footnotes: Inventory: Inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market using the first-in, first-out method of inventory accounting. Inventory includes certain costs associated with the preparation of inventory for resale, including distribution costs, labor, and freight. The Company records a reserve for the anticipated loss associated with selling inventories below cost. This reserve is based on management’s current knowledge with respect to inventory levels, sales trends and historical experience (Lowe’s). Property and Equipment and Depreciation Policy: Property and equipment are stated at cost. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged against operations. Renewals and betterment’s that materially extend the life of the assets are capitalized. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the related assets. For income tax purposes, depreciation is computed using the accelerated cost method (AICPA). The Company periodically reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an  asset may not be recoverable. No evidence of impairment is evident as a result of such review. Income Taxes: The Company establishes deferred income tax assets and liabilities for temporary differences between the tax and financial accounting bases of assets and liabilities. The tax effects of such differences are reflected in the balance sheet at the enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when the differences reverse. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the carrying amount of deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not that all or a portion of the asset will not be realized. The tax balances and income tax expense recognized by the Company are based on management’s interpretation of the tax statutes of multiple jurisdictions (Lowe’s). Team Discussion First of all, it is a fact that footnotes are an integral part of the financial statements (F/S). They contain information that otherwise cannot be included in the body of the F/S, but important enough to influence the judgment of a user or reader (Kieso, Weygrandt Warfield). Such information could be express either as an explanatory paragraph, schedule or timetables, useful to help users have a better understanding of how the company he intend to invest or extend credit operates, its environment, industry, and how it measure and records transactions. Additional information like going concern issues, contingencies, and subsequent events, which are relevant to reach a conclusion, are included in the footnotes as well. When this happens, it raises red flags to readers, because they provide information and events they may have been occurred after the end of the financial statement’s period, which is necessary for timely accuracy (â€Å"Chron†, 2015). References AICPA (2015). Illustrative Financial Statements Prepared Using the Financial Reporting Framework for Small and Medium Entities. Retrieved from: http://www.aicpa.org/InterestAreas/FRC/AccountingFinancialReporting/PCFR/DownloadableDocuments/FRF-SME/FRFforSMEs_Illustrative_Financial_Statements.pdf â€Å"Chron† Small Business. (2015). Guide-making Footnotes to Financial Statements. Retrieved from:

Reptile and Bird Eggs: An Introduction

Reptile and Bird Eggs: An Introduction For a long time now scientist have been studying all types of reptiles since before man walked the earth. When comparing todays modern reptile eggs, and bird eggs we see many differences that are still being studied. Birds are almost found everywhere, while most reptile are only in specific location. They both lay eggs that are diverse internally and externally. We will look at different species of birds and reptiles to find out more about their extraordinary reproductive system and the eggs themselves. Birds Feathered, winged egg laying vertebrates. (Irie, 2010) Approximately 10,000 living species (Deeming, 2007) The only branch of dinosaurs to have survived the Cretaceous Paleogene extinction 65.5 million years ago. (Dolnik, 2001) Scientists theorize that birds evolved from dinosaurs. (Dolnik, 2001) Archaeopteryx lithographica  had two strong legs and walked as a bird does. Its skeleton was reptilian and had the feathers of a bird. (Dolnik, 2001) There are two theories as to why feathers would have developed in the evolution of birds. One is that because the ancestors of birds where becoming warm blooded, they needed the insulation of feathers. Another is that they develop because of a need for flight and gliding. (Dolnik, 2001) This capability to fly gave birds the competitive edge as they could travel over greater distances and areas seeking food. This also permitted them to live in places unreachable to other animals. (Deeming, 2007)   Bird Eggs Bird eggs  are laid by females and  incubated  for a time that changes according to the species. (Deeming, D C; Birchard, G F 2007) A single bird hatches from each egg. (Deeming, D C; Birchard, G F 2007) Lay very typical amniote eggs  with calcified shells. (Dove, 2012) Birds brood their eggs until hatching. Some bird species are naked and helpless at birth, and must be fed by their parents; these birds are called  altricial. (Dove, 2012) Some birds lay eggs even when not fertilized (Deeming, 2007) Cormorant eggs are rough and chalky (Dove, 2012) Tinamou  eggs are shiny (Nathan, 1999) Duck  eggs are oily and waterproof (Nathan, 1999) Cassowary eggs are heavily pitted (Nathan, 1999) Tiny pores in a bird eggshell allow the embryo to breathe. (Irie, 2010) The majority bird eggs have an  oval shape, with one end rounded and the other more pointed. (Deeming, 2007) The eggs wall is shapeable(Deeming, 2007) Numerous animals feed on eggs. (Dove, 2012) Humans have a long history of both eating wild bird eggs and raising birds for farmed eggs for consumption. (Dove, 2012) Brood parasitism  occurs in birds when one species lays its eggs in the nest of another. In some cases, the hosts eggs are removed or eaten by the female, or expelled by her chick. (Irie, 2010) Reptiles Reptiles  are members of the  class  Reptilia  comprising the  amniotes  that are neither  birds  nor  mammals. (Rafferty, 2012) The amniotes are the  vertebrates  with eggs featuring an  amnion, a double membrane that allows the  embryo  to breathe effectively on land. (Dolnik, 2001) Living reptiles are  cold-blooded  and bear scales. (Rafferty, 2012) Reptiles originated around 320-310 million years ago during the  Carboniferous  period, having evolved from highly developed  reptile like amphibians  that became gradually more adapted to life on dry land. (Dolnik, 2001) There are many extinct groups, including  dinosaurs,  pterosaurs, and ichthyosaurs. (Dolnik, 2001) There are 8,240 species of reptiles in the world, inhabiting every continent except Antarctica. (shine, 1999) Lizards and snakes have a single sheet of overlapping scales. (Rafferty, 2012) Other reptiles grow plates. (Rafferty, 2012) The main purpose of the skin is to keep water in the animals body. (Shine, 1999) Reptiles can go without water for long periods, and many species prosper in deserts. (Shine, 1999) Reptiles, like birds, have deliberate control over the muscles in their eyes, which determine their pupil size. They are able to constrict or dilate their pupils at will, not just in reaction to light. (Dove, 2012) The brain of a reptile is not over 1 percent of his body mass. Unlike amphibians, however, the reptilian brain has two hemispheres. (Nathan, 1999) The nervous systems of reptiles are adequately complex and similar to those of mammals. (Rafferty, 2012) Reptile eggs The eggs laid by some reptiles even smaller, and those of insects and other  invertebrates  can be much smaller still. (Nathan, 1999) Chicken eggs have a hard shell while reptile eggs have a soft, leathery shell. (Qualls, 2002) Large macrolecithal eggs, develop independent of water. (Deeming, D C; Birchard, G F 2007) Like amphibians,  amniotes  are air-breathing  vertebrates, but they have complex eggs including an  amniotic membrane. (Qualls, 2002) Dinosaurs laid eggs, some of which have been preserved as petrified fossils. (Dolnik, 2001) Macrolecital eggs are found in  reptiles(Deeming, 2007) Oviparity is typical of birds and reptiles. (Nathan, 1999) Literature Review Dove (2012). Consumption of bird eggs by invasive Burmese Pythons in Florida. Burmese Pythons have been reported to consume 25 species of adult birds in Everglades National Park, Florida but until now no records documented this species eating bird eggs. Deeming, D C; Birchard, G F (2007). Allometry of egg and hatchling mass in birds and reptiles: roles of developmental maturity, eggshell structure and phylogeny. This article looks at a wide range of birds and  reptiles using regression analysis, In birds, initial  egg  mass (IEM) at laying is the most important factor affecting phylogenetic relatedness. For all  reptile  species, IEM phylogenetic relatedness did not. This article also observed for the relationship between  eggmass and incubation period. Shine, R,(1999). Egg-laying reptiles in cold climates: determinants and consequences of nest temperatures in montane lizards. This article studies reptilian life-history and evolution. Many of these species avoid low incubation temperatures by selecting warm nest-sites, reptiles  may adapt to low-temperature incubation rather than avoid it. Bassiana  eggs  tolerate higher temperatures than do Nannoscincus  eggs, but do not develop as rapidly at low temperatures. Dolnik, (2001) Allometry of egg mass, clutch size and total clutch mass in dinosaurs: comparison with modern reptiles and birds. In this article the author presents for the first time empirical allometrical equations matching the mass of dinosaurs with the mass of their  eggs, clutch size and its total mass. Contrast of these equations with those that were planned for modern taxa of  reptiles  and birds shows that dinosaurs can be characterized by intermediate value of allometry index. Nathan, R, and Y. L. Werner (1999). Reptiles and breeding birds on Mt. Hermon: Patterns of altitudinal distribution and species richness This article reviews and analyzes the altitudinal distribution of  reptiles  and breeding  birds on Mt. Hermon over the distance of 2814 m. Species diversity was larger in breeding  birds  than in  reptiles  , declining with rising altitude in both groups, but more sharply so in  birds. The scientist explain that the generalization of vegetation arrangement with increasing altitude may explain this variation, because  birds probably better use the three-dimensionality of densely-vegetated habitats that take over low elevations. C. P. Qualls,  R. M. Andrews (2002). Maternal body volume constrains water uptake by lizard eggs  in utero In this article observations showed that some characteristic of retention in the oviductal environment restricts the amount of water eggs can absorb prior to oviposition. This paper presents proof, from two species of  Sceloporus  lizard, supporting the hypothesis that restricted space within the mothers body cavity physically constrains the ability of eggs to expand, and thereby their ability to absorb water. If such a constraint on water uptake is extensive, it can have significant implications for the understanding the costs of reproduction, and the determinants of reproductive output in squamate reptiles. Anthony R. Rafferty and Richard D. Reina, (2012). Arrested embryonic development: a review of strategies to delay hatching in egg-laying reptiles. This article discusses arrested embryonic development connecting the down regulation or cessation of active cell division and metabolic activity, and the ability of an animal to arrest embryonic development results in temporal plasticity of the duration of embryonic period. Arrested embryonic development is a significant reproductive strategy for egg-laying animals that provide no parental care after oviposition. Irie,Toshiaki, (2010). Retinoid storage in the egg of reptiles and birds In this article storage of retinal has been established in  eggs  from a variety of anamniotic vertebrates, but the retinoid-storage state in  eggs  of oviparous  amniotic  vertebrates (reptiles and  birds) has not been clarified in detail. Scientist studied four reptilian and five avian species and established that retinal was commonly stored in their  egg  yolk. In addition, retinal was the major retinoid in reptilian eggs, with only low levels of retinol, while major amounts of retinol as well as retinal were stored in avian  eggs. In equally reptilian and avian  eggs, retinal was frequently bound to proteins, which were assumed to be homologous to the proteins that attach retinal in the  eggs  of anamniotic vertebrates.

My Closet :: essays papers

My Closet I sat quietly on the couch next to my father. His short muscular arm extended over my head as if to protect his little girl. His fingers got lost in my strands of hair, as I yanked my head forward as if to signal I did not want him to play with my hair. My new baby doll with big blonde ringlets and skin that smelled like a baby’s skin after it has just been powdered, rested in my lap. My meek hands stroked the tiny doll as if it were alive. My father knelt down and kissed my forehead as he said, â€Å"Don’t worry, Princess, Mommy will†¦.Oh here she is now!† I sprang from my warm, sheltered seat and sprinted to the front window as quickly as my tiny legs could move. My fingers grasped the long, wooden windowsill and my little pug nose pressed against the window pain. My breath delivered a frosty appearance on the glass as my eyes strained to see my mother step out of her car. My toes ached with pain as I fought to stay in view with the outside world. Too late. I could already hear my mothers graceful footsteps ascend the stairs. She carefully opened the door that entered my kitchen, and I flung myself into her arms. My mother yelped with shock and a hint of exhaustion, â€Å"Meggie honey, Mommy is very tired. Please be a little more careful next time.† â€Å"Mommy! Mommy! Daddy bought me a new dolly today, her name is, Madeline. Look! Look!† â€Å"Oh very nice sweetie. I have a surprise for you too.† â€Å"What is it? What is it?† I exclaimed as I jumped rapidly around the kitchen. My mind raced. Was it another doll? Maybe the game I had been wanting? Tinkerbell perfume! That is what it must be. I had always wanted Tinkerbell perfume. Everytime I saw it in a store I would shout and point with such excitement. I thought it had magical powers that would make me fly. My imagination always ran with ideas as most children’ always do. My mother griped my hand tightly and led me into the living room at a slow pace that indicated she was nervous yet excited. She sat me down gently next to my father. Her smile had never been so huge.

The Horror of Nuclear Weapons Essay -- Nuclear Weapons Essays

The world trembled when America dropped the atom bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The world trembled once again years later, but this time to the heavy steps of Godzilla. Along with him came his highly radioactive body leaving trails of radioactive residue. His main abilities were his plasma breath ray, immunity to normal weapons, and great strength. He was created for a horror movie that showed the effect of what worried the Japanese at the time- Nuclear weapons. In the movie, he represents pure evil, destroying everything in his path. He is, however, only a product of mankind, and cannot help that fact. What drew the great beast from the ocean depths? Godzilla was created by H-Bomb testing at Bikini Atoll, 1954. The director of the film was inspired after the radioactive fallout from the test scorched a Japanese fishing vessel, The Lucky Dragon, with deadly effects. They were supposedly in a "safe" zone. Many of its crew were seriously burned and despite intensive medical care, one man on the Lucky Dragon died from radiation sickness. In the Godzilla movie, originally named Gojira, the director ended the movie with a lesson that the American producer cut out. After the failure of conventional arms, a horrible but non-atomic weapon puts an end to Godzilla's wrath, and unlike the Americans and their H-bombs, the Japanese destroy the secret of their super-weapon, saving future generations. Why did they cut that out? Could it have anything to do with the biological weapons testing on Bikini Atoll? At the end of World War II, the United States was granted control over 29 Atolls and five islands that compose the Marshall Islands. At that time, Harry S. Truman decided that the testing of nuclear weapons would be necessary "to de... ...? A man named Kitamura sees Godzilla's message over the years as being very simple: "I think when you look back over time at the bad things that people do to each other, that countries do to each other, and that races do to each other you will see that they are pretty much unchanging. Although Godzilla gets his message across in a very strange way, by destroying everything in sight, basically what he is saying is don't hurt other people, don't do bad things. "I think that people are basically very small beings, and it is because we are small beings that we fight amongst each other. I think, although Godzilla is something we created, in many ways he is much bigger than us. And by looking perhaps at us through his eyes he shows us that we are very small and the things that we are doing are very small." Godzilla is an excellent example of the horror of nuclear bombs.

Oskar Schindler: A Hero Study Essay -- essays research papers

CONFLICT AND RELEVANT BACKGROUND Oskar Schindler faced many conflicts in his life. The main conflict he faced was overcoming the Nazis and saving over one thousand Jewish People. Schindler, with out a job at the time, joined the Nazi Party and followed on the heels of the SS when the Germans invaded Poland. This is when Schindler took over two previously Jewish owned companies that dealt with the manufacture and sales of enamel kitchenware products and opened up his own enamel shop right outside of Krakow near the Jewish ghetto. There, he employed mostly Jewish workers, which saved them from being deported to labor camps. Though twice the Gestapo arrested him, he got released because of his many connections and with many bribes. Most importantly, he helped save an entire race of human beings. CHRONICLER AND MEDIA We know of Oskar Schindler through many different types of the media. We know of him through the television, newspapers, books, and by word of mouth through the Jewish people he had saved. There was even a movie based on Oskar Schindler called Schindler’s List. There are several books about him, many were even written by some of the Jews he saved themselves. EPIC HERO ELEMENTS IN THE LIFE OF OSCAR SCHINDLER Oskar Schindler was born on April 28, 1908 in Zwitlau, which is now part of the present day Czech Republic, to his father and mother, Hans and Louisa Schindler. They were a deeply religious family, which resulted in a strong catholic household for Oskar and his younger sister Elfriede. The Schindler family was one of the richest and most prominent in Zwitlau and elsewhere. Mostly due to the success of their family owned machinery business. Oskar Schindler wasn’t necessarily born of noble birth. He was basically an ordinary guy, especially when his father lost his business, who did extraordinary deeds for people who he has never even met. One can also see how Schindler was a hero in is character traits. Schindler was always thoughtful and humane in dealing with Jews. He saved the most Jewish people during World War II. The society at that point of time was going downhill and almost came to a big crash. Hitler could have destroyed a whole race of people if it wasn’t for the help of Oskar Schindler. Although he did join the Nazi’s, Schindler still had a heart and a mind to know what Adolf Hitler was doing was wrong and immoral and to try and he... ...ers. Further more, there is a universal theme, such as good and evil. The good would definitely be Oskar Schindler who helped the Jewish people and didn’t need, nor want any type of reward for it. The evil side would be Adolf Hitler who was trying to kill an entire race just because of their religion, believing that they were the evil ones. He only thought this way because he was ignorant of the Jewish religion, and other types of people, and therefore feared them, which caused him to hate and want to kill them all. At the end though, as it is most commonly believed to be the evil should die and the good should live. Though most of the Jews died, a few thousand still lived while the evil side, Adolf Hitler, died by committing suicide. DEATH OF OSKAR SCHINDLER Oskar Schindler died in October 1974, and is buried in the Latin cemetery on Mount Zion, Jerusalem. Over one thousand Jews owe their lives to this singular man. On his grave, there lie many stones, each from many Jews who he saved and many other Jews who think of him as hero. I do not know he died how he died exactly but it is basically from natural causes. Schindler is still adored as a hero from many of the Jewish people.

Drug Addiction and Abuse Essay

Drug addiction or drug dependence is an increasing epidemic worldwide. It is most common in more developed countries but that in no way means that it is not a growing and serious problem in our country Belize. What makes this problem even more critical is the fact that it is mostly a problem for our youths. In fact studies have indicated that drug addiction, especially of alcohol and tobacco is occurring at an increasingly younger age, while the number of deaths resulting directly from drug misuse is rising. Because of the great impact drug addiction plays upon our own age cohort, we chose to investigate this obstacle further. Drug dependence may be either mental or physical. In a condition called drug addiction, there is a combination of mental and physical dependence. Mental dependence is characterized by a strong emotional drive to take a drug. In physical dependence, the body develops a need for the drug. Severe physical reactions, called withdrawal symptoms may occur if the drug is withheld from the user. We also realize that students at both primary and secondary school ages are likely to be exposed to the effects and influences of drug misuse in the wider community and which extends across social economics and cultural boundaries. Drug misuse has implications for the individual involved, for their families and the wider community. Drug misuse is a result of the fact that most of the students are totally unaware of the total consequences of drug usage or even the â€Å"proper† method in how to do so. Many times they mix lethal drugs and the results are fatal or in other cases they use drug in a way that it is also immediately fatal. It is for this reason that it is very important that all drugs – legal and illegal – be addresses as a part of a rigid drug education program in all school and addresses the health, social, economics and legal cost of drugs to individuals and to the whole of Belize. Teaching the students beforehand the effects and consequences of drug use and misuse is a great way to make them gain awareness of the effects of drugs. This then may play a great influence on their choices on whether or not to experiment drugs. All in all, it may in some way alleviate the growing problem of drug addiction and  drug misuse.

The Yellow Wallpaper Analysis Paper

Individuality and the importance of upholding women’s rights, such as viewing a woman as a respectable, free-willed human being, are the essential truths established in Charlotte Perkin Gilman’s â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper. † Through the development of the narrator Gilman uses symbolism and imagery to awaken the reader to the reality of what a woman’s life was like in the 1800’s. Analysis of the symbolism throughout the story reveals that the author was not only testifying to the social status of the women in society but specifically giving insight into her personal life, and what she was subjected to. What appeared to be a mere, contrite story to many readers, was actually a successful strike at the wrong mindset that society possessed at that time. The narrator was a woman who experienced these difficulties. Living in a house with her husband, John, she was confined to a spacious, sunlit room that contained hideous yellow wallpaper that she despised. Against her better judgment she was not permitted to write, draw, or work, but simply rest. Soon the wallpaper she detested became her only stimulus. She examined it by day and night, and began to see patterns develop and figures form. The vague figures took the shape of a woman trapped behind bars, constantly searching for a way out. The narrator sympathized with the enslaved woman, and began to contemplate ways to save her. The narrator becomes paranoid around her husband and the babysitter who she thinks are also trying to unmask the wallpapers true meaning. Finally the narrator becomes frantic and is reduced to a state of disillusion. The author draws the story to an end, with the narrator tearing down the wallpaper and exclaiming that she finally released the woman behind it. The wallpaper itself was not the cause of the narrator’s madness. Her husband thought that she was suffering from a nervous depression and concluded that it was in her best interest to be prescribed the rest cure, confined to a room and isolated from her normal activities. This confinement and lack of freedom to live a normal life drove the narrator to examine the wallpaper, which was her only individual freedom left. Because of the narrator’s madness, she was unable to make the connection between the woman behind the wallpaper and herself. The narrator felt trapped, like the woman in the wallpaper, due to her domineering husband, her lack of individuality and personal freedom of choice, as well as the prejudices suppressing her from society at large. The narrator’s life was parallel to the author’s life. Gilman, like the narrator was subject to a confinement, cut off from society. She found individuality and freedom through her writing but it was abruptly ended by a doctor’s diagnosis stating that these activities were not healthy. The doctor prescribed the rest cure for Gilman; she was to live â€Å" as domestic a life as far as possible, to have but two hours intellectual life a day, and to never touch a pencil, brush or pencil again. † She went home and followed the doctor’s orders for 3 months, and became even more mentally unstable than before. Soon she decided to break the doctors orders, and began to work again, and to continue her previous routine of everyday life. Gilman’s decision to exert her God- given ability to choose what she thought best resulted in her becoming a strong individual. She wrote the â€Å"Yellow Wallpaper† as an attempt to change the way women were viewed and to express the importance of individuality. Her purpose â€Å"was not intended to drive people crazy, but to save people from being driven crazy. † The author succeeded in her attempt to convey the need for individuality. Several times throughout the story, the narrator expressed her want to write, work, spend leisure times outdoors, and to leave the room. Her failure to carryout her desires resulted in insanity. Not only did she have her husband working against her, but she also had society’s opinion at large to her disadvantage. During the 1800s, the only â€Å"right† workplace for women was at home. Women were viewed as incompetent, and as beings that were not able to think for themselves. The narrator in the â€Å"Yellow Wallpaper† knew nothing in her husband’s eyes. Her feelings were not relevant, but were instead pushed aside and counted worthless. Although the narrator never came to grips with the need for individuality, the reader can imagine how different the circumstances may have been if she had exercised her right to think and act freely. Thinking and acting freely was a rare occurrence in the women at large in the 1800s. In the first part of the short story on page 437, the narrator states â€Å"Personally I disagree with their ideas. Personally I believe that congenial work, with excitement, and change, would do me good. But what is one to do? † The narrator reveals her lack of confidence and of individuality when she remarks â€Å" But what is one to do? † She constantly discounts her feelings and continually discredits herself of any self- confidence she has left within her. Further down the page she articulates her hatred for the room and expresses her desire to move to another room downstairs, but once again places her feelings aside by saying â€Å"But John would not hear of it. † The author also succeeded tremendously with the symbolism of the woman trapped behind the wallpaper. The woman trapped behind the yellow wallpaper symbolizes the narrator’s fear of confronting her husband with her opinions and feelings, and also the desire to escape the room she finds herself in. Many women during this time had similar feelings to that of the narrator in the â€Å"Yellow Wallpaper. † The author set out to alter the mindset in women during her time. In this short story the woman trapped behind the wallpaper not only represents the narrator, but the majority of women in that time. On page 444, the author writes â€Å"Sometimes I think there are a great many women behind the wallpaper, and sometimes only one†¦ And she is all the time trying to climb through. But nobody could climb through that pattern- it strangles so. I think that is why it has so many heads. † This excerpt symbolizes the way women felt in her time. The way of thinking about women in that time was so strong, that not one woman thought they could escape the false stereotype that they had adopted unwillingly. In the author’s opinion, many women felt trapped and depressed, but felt that they could do nothing about it. It is evident that the author urged all of her women readers to escape the spirit of the opinions and notions of her time period, and to be an individual who expressed their feelings freely. Charlotte Perkins Gilman sought to communicate that women should be respected on the same level as men, and that women also had the ability to think rationally and independently. Thorough examination of the symbolism found in this short story finds that individuality is of utter necessity in overcoming difficult obstacles. The author’s attempt to teach women this principle succeeded in one of the greatest ways possible. Women of the past and present have escaped the stereotype of a typical 1800s woman and have created for themselves a workplace outside the home.

Foundation and Empire 4. The Emperor

CLEON II commonly called â€Å"The Great.† The last strong Emperor of the First Empire, he is important for the political and artistic renaissance that took place during his long reign. He is best known to romance, however, for his connection with Bel Riose, and to the common man, he is simply â€Å"Riose's Emperor.† It is important not to allow events of the last year of his reign to overshadow forty years of†¦ Encyclopedia Galactica Cleon II was Lord of the Universe. Cleon II also suffered from a painful and undiagnosed ailment. By the queer twists of human affairs, the two statements are not mutually exclusive, nor even particularly incongruous. There have been a wearisomely large number of precedents in history. But Cleon II cared nothing for such precedents. To meditate upon a long list of similar cases would not ameliorate personal suffering an electron's worth. It soothed him as little to think that where his great-grandfather had been the pirate ruler of a dust-speck planet, he himself slept in the pleasure palace of Ammenetik the Great, as heir of a line of Galactic rulers stretching backward into a tenuous past. It was at present no source of comfort to him that the efforts of his father had cleansed the realm of its leprous patches of rebellion and restored it to the peace and unity it had enjoyed under Stanel VI; that, as a consequence, in the twenty-five years of his reign, not one cloud of revolt had misted his burnished glory. The Emperor of the Galaxy and the Lord of All whimpered as he lolled his head backward into the invigorating plane of force about his pillows. It yielded in a softness that did not touch, and at the pleasant tingle, Cleon relaxed a bit. He sat up with difficulty and stared morosely at the distant walls of the grand chamber. It was a bad room to be alone in. It was too big. All the rooms were too big. But better to be alone during these crippling bouts than to endure the prinking of the courtiers, their lavish sympathy, their soft, condescending dullness. Better to be alone than to watch those insipid masks behind which spun the tortuous speculations on the chances of death and the fortunes of the succession. His thoughts hurried him. There were his three sons; three straight-backed youths full of promise and virtue. Where did they disappear on these bad days? Waiting, no doubt. Each watching the other; and all watching him. He stirred uneasily. And now Brodrig craved audience. The low-born, faithful Brodrig; faithful because he was hated with a unanimous and cordial hatred that was the only point of agreement between the dozen cliques that divided his court. Brodrig – the faithful favorite, who had to be faithful, since unless he owned the fastest speed-ship in the Galaxy and took to it the day of the Emperor's death, it would be the radiation-chamber the day after. Cleon II touched the smooth knob on the arm of his great divan, and the huge door at the end of the room dissolved to transparency. Brodrig advanced along the crimson carpet, and knelt to kiss the Emperor's limp hand. â€Å"Your health, sire?† asked the Privy Secretary in a low tone of becoming anxiety. â€Å"I live,† snapped the Emperor with exasperation, â€Å"if you can call it life where every scoundrel who can read a book of medicine uses me as a blank and receptive field for his feeble experiments. If there is a conceivable remedy, chemical, physical, or nuclear, which has not yet been tried, why then, some learned babbler from the far comers of the realm will arrive tomorrow to try it. And still another newly-discovered book, or forgery morelike, will be used as authority. â€Å"By my father's memory,† he rumbled savagely, â€Å"it seems there is not a biped extant who can study a disease before his eyes with those same eyes. There is not one who can count a pulse-beat without a book of the ancients before him. I'm sick and they call it ‘unknown.' The fools! If in the course of millennia, human bodies learn new methods of falling askew, it remains uncovered by the studies of the ancients and uncurable forevermore. The ancients should be alive now, or I then.† The Emperor ran down to a low-breathed curse while Brodrig waited dutifully. Cleon II said peevishly, â€Å"How many are waiting outside?† He jerked his head in the direction of the door. Brodrig said patiently, â€Å"The Great Hall holds the usual number.† â€Å"Well, let them wait. State matters occupy me. Have the Captain of the Guard announce it. Or wait, forget the state matters. Just have it announced I hold no audience, and let the Captain of the Guard look doleful. The jackals among them may betray themselves.† The Emperor sneered nastily. â€Å"There is a rumor, sire,† said Brodrig, smoothly, â€Å"that it is your heart that troubles you.† The Emperor's smile was little removed from the previous sneer. â€Å"It will hurt others more than myself if any act prematurely on that rumor. But what is it you want. Let's have this over.† Brodrig rose from his kneeling posture at a gesture of permission and said, â€Å"It concerns General Bel Riose, the Military Governor of Siwenna.† â€Å"Riose?† Cleon II frowned heavily. â€Å"I don't place him. Wait, is he the one who sent that quixotic message some months back? Yes, I remember. He panted for permission to enter a career of conquest for the glory of the Empire and Emperor.† â€Å"Exactly, sire.† The Emperor laughed shortly. â€Å"Did you think I had such generals left me, Brodrig? He seems to be a curious atavism. What was the answer? I believe you took care of it.† â€Å"I did, sire. He was instructed to forward additional information and to take no steps involving naval action without further orders from the Imperium.† â€Å"Hmp. Safe enough. Who is this Riose? Was he ever at court?† Brodrig nodded and his mouth twisted ever so little. â€Å"He began his career as a cadet in the Guards ten years back. He had part in that affair off the Lemul Cluster.† â€Å"The Lemul Cluster? You know, my memory isn't quite – Was that the time a young soldier saved two ships of the line from a head-on collision by†¦ uh†¦ something or other?† He waved a hand impatiently. â€Å"I don't remember the details. It was something heroic.† â€Å"Riose was that soldier. He received a promotion for it,† Brodrig said dryly, â€Å"and an appointment to field duty as captain of a ship.† â€Å"And now Military Governor of a border system and still young. Capable man, Brodrig!† â€Å"Unsafe, sire. He lives in the past. He is a dreamer of ancient times, or rather, of the myths of what ancient times used to be. Such men are harmless in themselves, but their queer lack of realism makes them fools for others.† He added, â€Å"His men, I understand, are completely under his control. He is one of your popular generals.† â€Å"Is he?† the Emperor mused. â€Å"Well, come, Brodrig, I would not wish to be served entirely by incompetents. They certainly set no enviable standard for faithfulness themselves.† â€Å"An incompetent traitor is no danger. It is rather the capable men who must be watched.† â€Å"You among them, Brodrig?† Cleon II laughed and then grimaced with pain. â€Å"Well, then, you may forget the lecture for the while. What new development is there in the matter of this young conqueror? I hope you haven't come merely to reminisce.† â€Å"Another message, sire, has been received from General Riose.† â€Å"Oh? And to what effect?† â€Å"He has spied out the land of these barbarians and advocates an expedition in force. His arguments are long and fairly tedious. It is not worth annoying Your Imperial Majesty with it at present, during your indisposition. Particularly since it will be discussed at length during the session of the Council of Lords.† He glanced sidewise at the Emperor. Cleon II frowned. â€Å"The Lords? Is it a question for them, Brodrig? It will mean further demands for a broader interpretation of the Charter. It always comes to that.† â€Å"It can't be avoided, sire. It might have been better if your august father could have beaten down the last rebellion without granting the Charter. But since it is here, we must endure it for the while.† â€Å"You're right, I suppose. Then the Lords it must be. But why all this solemnity, man? It is, after all, a minor point. Success on a remote border with limited troops is scarcely a state affair.† Brodrig smiled narrowly. He said coolly, â€Å"It is an affair of a romantic idiot; but even a romantic idiot can be a deadly weapon when an unromantic rebel uses him as a tool. Sire, the man was popular here and is popular there. He is young. If he annexes a vagrant barbarian planet or two, he will become a conqueror. Now a young conqueror who has proven his ability to rouse the enthusiasm of pilots, miners, tradesmen and suchlike rabble is dangerous at any time. Even if he lacked the desire to do to you as your august father did to the usurper, Ricker, then one of our loyal Lords of the Domain may decide to use him as his weapon.† Cleon II moved an arm hastily and stiffened with pain. Slowly he relaxed, but his smile was weak, and his voice a whisper. â€Å"You are a valuable subject, Brodrig. You always suspect far more than is necessary, and I have but to take half your suggested precautions to be utterly safe. We'll put it up to the Lords. We shall see what they say and take our measure accordingly. The young man, I suppose, has made no hostile moves yet.† â€Å"He report none. But already he asks for reinforcements.† â€Å"Reinforcements!† The Emperor's eyes narrowed with wonder. â€Å"What force has he?† â€Å"Ten ships of the line, sire, with a full complement of auxiliary vessels. Two of the ships are equipped with motors salvaged from the old Grand Fleet, and one has a battery of power artillery from the same source. The other ships are new ones of the last fifty years, but are serviceable, nevertheless.† â€Å"Ten ships would seem adequate for any reasonable undertaking. Why, with less than ten ships my father won his first victories against the usurper. Who are these barbarians he's fighting?† The Privy Secretary raised a pair of supercilious eyebrows. â€Å"He refers to them as ‘the Foundation.'† â€Å"The Foundation? What is it?† â€Å"There is no record of it, sire. I have searched the archives carefully. The area of the Galaxy indicated falls within the ancient province of Anacreon, which two centuries since gave itself up to brigandage, barbarism, and anarchy. There is no planet known as Foundation in the province, however. There was a vague reference to a group of scientists sent to that province just before its separation from our protection. They were to prepare an Encyclopedia.† He smiled thinly. â€Å"I believe they called it the Encyclopedia Foundation.† â€Å"Well,† the Emperor considered it somberly, â€Å"that seems a tenuous connection to advance.† â€Å"I'm not advancing it, sire. No word was ever received from that expedition after the growth of anarchy in that region. If their descendants still live and retain their name, then they have reverted to barbarism most certainly.† â€Å"And so he wants reinforcements.† The Emperor bent a fierce glance at his secretary. â€Å"This is most peculiar; to propose to fight savages with ten ships and to ask for more before a blow is struck. And yet I begin to remember this Riose; he was a handsome boy of loyal family. Brodrig, there are complications in this that I don't penetrate. There may be more importance in it than would seem.† His fingers played idly with the gleaming sheet that covered his stiffened legs. He said, â€Å"I need a man out there; one with eyes, brains and loyalty. Brodrig-â€Å" The secretary bent a submissive head. â€Å"And the ships, sire?† â€Å"Not yet!† The Emperor moaned softly as he shifted his position in gentle stages. He pointed a feeble finger, â€Å"Not till we know more. Convene the Council of Lords for this day week. It will be a good opportunity for the new appropriation as well. I'll put that through or lives will end.† He leaned his aching head into the soothing tingle of the force-field pillow, â€Å"Go now, Brodrig, and send in the doctor. He's the worst bumbler of the lot.†

Global Logistics Management Essay

Suppose that a manufacturer of men’s shirts can produce a dress shirt in its Houston, Texas plant for $8 per shirt (including the cost of raw materials). Chicago is a major market for 100,000 shirts per year. The shirt is priced at $15 at the Houston plant. Transportation and storage charges from Houston to Chicago amount to $5 per hundredweight (cwt.). Each packaged shirt weighs 1 pound. As an alternative, the company can have the shirts produced in Taiwan for $4 per shirt (including the cost of raw materials). The raw materials, weighing about 1 pound per shirt, would be shipped from Houston to Taiwan at a cost of $2 per cwt. When the shirts are completed, they are to be shipped directly to Chicago at a transportation and storage cost of $6 per cwt. An import duty of $0.50 per shirt is assessed. a. From a logistics-production cost standpoint, should the shirts be produced in Taiwan? b. What additional considerations, other than economic ones, might be considered before making a final decision?

Iran's nuclear ambitions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5750 words

Iran's nuclear ambitions - Essay Example In this age of variegated ideological, economic and cultural differences and interests, the renunciation of nuclear weapons may, on the fact of it, sounds utopian. Even the results of so many treaties and meetings on banning nuclear weapons have not yielded encouragement of a considerable amplitude and one inclines to conclude that with the progress made so far in this direction and with sustained efforts to mobilize public opinion against building nuclear stockpiles, renunciation would be an impossible feat. Since 1957 [1], the Iranian nuclear program proved to be a dilemma for the rest of the world. As the 21st century set its pace, Iranian nuclear issue has attracted a substantial attention of the world. There has been a long held world-wide suspicion that the Islamic republic of Iran has been pursuing a nuclear weapon capability over least two decades The last couple of year’s events have strengthened this suspicion. That suspicion is fed by Iran’s impel to obtain all capabilities of nuclear power technology, whether economically corroborated or not [2]. Iran’s strong cadence towards the realization of nuclear technology that would consent Iran to produce highly enriched uranium and nuclear explosives plutonium, is especially worrisome for the rest of the world and particularly United States and its close allies.This fact has been vehemently denied by the Tehran Islamic regime. It asserts that Iran’s nuclear activities and development is for peaceful purposes and not for making nuclear arsenals... Iran has signed multilateral Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) [4] and has agreed to accept International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) supervision, or safeguards, over a host of nuclear activities. Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) allows transfers of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes to non-nuclear weapon states. The treaty even facilitates that as long as nuclear facilities are accessible to IAEA inspectors the the production of enriched uranium and separation of plutonium from irradiated reactor fuel is not illegal, while IAEA safeguards main purpose is to provide confidence building measures that peaceful nuclear facilities in non-nuclear states are not exploited for nuclear weapon purposes [5]. On December 18, 2003, Iran went one step ahead when it had signed an additional protocol that allowed IAEA inspectors to access Iranian nuclear R&D locations and military-owned workshops. The IAEA inspectors also conducted interviews to Iranian nuclear program individuals and examined the design and procurement documents. IAEA surveillance system was also installed at Isfahan ____________________________________________________________________________________ [3] "Iran's Resumption of Its Nuclear Program" By Frederic L. Kirgis, The American Society of International Law (ASIL) Insight, dated: August 22, 2005. Available at, http://www.asil.org/insights/2005/08/insights050822.htm [4] Iran had signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) on July 1, 1968 during Shah Rule. See "Iran's Nuclear Program Has a Long History" written by Roland Flamini, reference [1]. [5] "Iran, International Law and Nuclear Disarmament", by David Krieger, February 2006. Available at,

Managing Operations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Managing Operations - Essay Example In the second section, the supply chain of Subway has been evaluated. Through flow charts, the processes have been explained. In this section, based on the information accessed from online sources and the flow charts, the problems have been identified. To solve these problems the recommendations have been given in the end. New product development appears to be the weakest area of Subway’s operations. It is primarily because of the reason that the company has been giving more attention towards expansion instead of retaining the existing customers. After identifying this problem in this report, the recommendation has been provided at the end. In fact, new product development can appear as a potential advantage for the company. In the last, the evaluation of layout strategy of Subways has been done. Interestingly, Subway outlets are not following any standard layout strategy. This is one of the reasons, which is directly affecting the customer services of Subway. In consideration to the problems faced by Subway related to layout strategy, the recommendations have been provided at the end. In this report after explaining, the processes followed at Subway, the operation management and relevant theories have been discussed. After comparing the theoretical concepts and the actual practices of Subway, the problems have been identified. Moreover, the section of â€Å"impact on customers† is also highlighting the problems during the service delivery process. Finally, based on the theoretical concepts, customers’ experiences and other analysis, the recommendations have been provided to Subway. Since the recommendations have been developed purely after analysing the processes of Subway, therefore, they are actually reliable and useful. Moreover, the recommendations have been kept general, so that more aspects of operations of Subway could be covered under this

Women and Film Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Women and Film - Essay Example In fact she is shooting at the strictures that life has posed for her and Thelma, and the rest of the film shows them breaking out of them. Thelma and Louise starts with two shots that portrays women in a very ordinary, subservient roles. Thus "LOUISE is a waitress in a coffee shop . . . she is in her early thirties, but too old to be doing this", while "THELMA is a housewife . . . slamming coffee cups from the breakfast table into the kitchen sink, which is full of dirty breakfast dishes and some stuff left from last night's dinner. . . "1 They are both, at this stage at least, apparent caricatures of the controlled and limited lives that women are forced to lead. Most telling here is the fact that Thelma must ask her husband if she can go, rather than merely informing him that she is going on a trip with a friend. Louise's reaction is also very revealing as she, while the apparently more independent of the two, at least legitimizes the idea that her friend should have to gain permission from her husband. She immediately expands it to the "husband or father" comment, but her initial (and thus perhaps instinctive) reaction is to annoyed because they are just about to leave and Thelma hasn't gained permission. The first The first sign of rebellion in these early minutes of the film comes with the screeenwriter's note that Thelma "decides not to tell him" (her husband) that she is going on the trip. Her husband, along with nearly all the men portrayed in the film is vain and arrogant, without having the goods to back up either tendency. Men are shown in the same two-dimensional light that women are normally portrayed as in films. Thus all the men are vain, violent and/or stupid in the same way that women are often seen as money-grabbing, mothers or whores in most films. Thelma and Louise must break away from these two-dimensional caricatures in order to find themselves. The hint that violence may be at least a possibility occurs when Thelma surprisingly puts a gun into her bag along with a box of ammunition, with the rather cryptic comment "psycho killers". Whether she is referring to potentially violent men or whether this is perhaps a foreshadowing of the crime spree that she and her friend are just about to stumble into is unclear. The lack of clarity as to why what is about to occur does actually happen has perhaps contributed to the varied critical opinion of this movie. Thus while Nick Schager, in Slant, argues that the film's "feminist call to arms winds up sounding woefully simple-minded"3, Matt Brunson disagrees, saying "this beautifully realized picture remains a trenchant, almost mystical slice of Americana"4 Most critics seem to have fallen somewhere between the two, suggesting that the apparent glorification of casual violence that the film portrays is in fact a reflection of a certain segment of American society. As Wesley Lovell writes, Thelma and Louise is "a

The major challenges facing the criminal justice system Assignment

The major challenges facing the criminal justice system - Assignment Example The researcher states that crime levels by the youth have reduced more than half in the last forty years. Drug use is a major challenge since it has been increasing despite numerous resources put into reducing the vice. Addicts should not be treated as criminals but as sick people that need treatment. This will lower demand for drugs and bring down its use. Violence against women is an area where not much gain has been made. Strategies need to be revised with a focus on challenging attitudes in men that tend to promote it. Much effort however has been put to support victims and counsel them. Over criminalization reduces liberties and makes every mistake a crime. Certain mistakes should not be criminalized and the public should be educated on the existing laws and regulations as some people could be breaking the law without being aware of it. Public opinion polls and surveys always return a verdict that crime or the fear of it is one of the biggest concerns of the citizenry. Certain a reas would be confused for a war zone as the ring of gun shots, gun shot wounds and injuries or injuries inflicted by other means are a common occurrence. Crime statistics continue to soar; from everyday burglary and cheating to homicides, rape and even terrorism and as time passes and technology advances so does the level of sophistication. A current trend is that of fraud and cyber crimes where there is no contact but the financial and psychological damage is equally devastating. The situation is made worse by a tight economic system, rising inflation and unemployment which puts a strain on people’s finances. ... r challenges facing the criminal justice system from a theoretical, historical and a functional angle by reviewing various literature and trends and makes a conclusion at the end. Literature review Question One: One of the biggest challenges to the criminal justice system is violence by the youth. While the youth are the future leaders and the human capital necessary to move the nation forward, they also participate substantially in criminal activity. FBI statistics show for example that in 2005, youths aged 10 to 17 years comprised 15.4 percent of the population while also committing 15.4 percent of the crimes reported nationally (â€Å"Youth facts†, 2012). Of the youth population, 20 to 24 year olds commit most of the crime with males being the dominant offenders. Statistics show that the leading cause of death among American youth aged between 10 to 24 years is homicide (â€Å"CDC†, 2011). Violence also causes most of the non fatal injuries among the same age group ( 10 -24 year olds). Youth violence has been reducing in number though as data shows that in the period between 1964 to 1969, youths aged between 10 and 17 years made up 21.9 percent of the American population and committed 32.1 percent of all the crimes (â€Å"Youth facts†, 2012). But while the involvement of youths in criminal activity has been reducing, the fatality and lethal nature of youth violence has been getting worse. Acts of violent shootings in schools have been reported and the cause of youth violence is attributed to having criminal parents, broken homes, and abandonment. Early criminal tendencies is a pointer to future crime potential with evidence suggesting that adult criminality and delinquency during adolescence can be traced to problematic behaviors in children (Chaiken, 1995). These

Urban Planning Perspectives Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Urban Planning Perspectives - Essay Example Urban Planning Perspectives As the notion of new urbanism in relative to up to designated day architecture and built-up planning?" Consequently, I discovered the causes of scholarly texts, and meetings with present localized practices to support my study on comprehending the New Urbanism utilized in up to date practice. However, when an individual conceives of all the components that make up the town, village, abruptly noise perplexing - and it is.Until then, the town has developed up very often, because they were required, and surrounding land has easily been absorbed. London, Paris, Tokyo - no one of these towns were much built-up planning, and even now, locations and roads in their older parts can bewilder even the locals. Discussion Urban planning and became well liked because of the increasing require for manufacturer employees in a wholesome environment, rather than stuffing them into a blaze trick buildings. With the advent of trade unions, solicitors who work to assist impel for better lodgings conditions. Thus, the "mill village" and "villages have been" leapt in large-scale cities. Currently, built-up planning wrappings all facets of the town into account. It encompasses designs for security, aesthetics and position general sense of everything from dwellings to factories. Parents manage no t desire their young children playing beside the remedy vegetation water, for demonstration, built-up planning, and assists eliminate these problems. Architecture appealing goals for structures in the town have been put in location and a pleasing green space is planned. Good built-up planning gets schools in localities where they are most required, rather than of the clinic in a centralized position, permits you to evolve designs for streets, respectively. Perhaps a good built-up planning is most apparent in the well designed street in the city. Anticipating traffic development and demand in the large-scale town is crucial. Planners should address how future development will sway traffic and seeking to correct difficulties before they become a problem. Even the setting up of sewerage and drainage is an absolutely crucial component of built-up planning, (Hebbert 1983) a far less glamorous. Planners should address the position, groundwater, and numerous other characteristics of the co untryside of the town to design amply for this need. Because so numerous disciplines are a broader notion of built-up planning, an assembly of planners can have very distinct degrees: municipal technology, architecture, botany, countryside architecture, electric technology, enterprise management, and so on. Planners who are adept, that they are very treasured by the municipal authorities. If built-up planning is utilized competently, the town more appealing and assist its people to better their potential. Over the last 20 years we have skilled the restructure action in perform that the new urbanism. Some architects and designers, new urbanism has been influential in up to date architecture and urbanism. Other practitioners manage not share this outlook and believe the new urbanism had no important result on metropolitan towns and more prosperous suburban areas. This study will analyze how the notion of new urbanism assisted to the present performs of architecture. For this reason, t his study will contrast and compare investigations and individual anecdotes considering the notion of new urbanism (Goodchild 2004). The study will analyze the influence of new urbanism to the common measures of built-up development, for example community development, multi-residential, transport, learning, public relatives, defense of countryside’s and financial enterprises. Electronic explorations of databases associated to

International marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

International marketing - Essay Example It provides the facility of discounts at Mulberry shops to its shareholders who own the 500 shares with the company (Morley 2011). The company operates on a large scale, having stores throughout the UK and across the world including Europe, Australia, and Asia. It aims at expanding its base by increasing the production of leather bags in the UK. Mulberry Handbags represent the symbol of England’s distinctiveness and style along with the lifestyle of the people of Britain. This brand is mostly preferred by ladies and is one of their best choices. The uniqueness lies in the provision of exclusively designed handbags that are available at reasonable prices. This brand provides products that represent ideal price, design, style and quality all provided at a single point. Mulberry has produced some top class products like Bayswater handbags and Roxanna handbags with the new unique designs styles. Therefore, Mulberry provides stylish and durable handbags at reasonable prices. The co mpany also operates through various online stores that provide handbags of all models and styles to the various consumers in the market (Morley 2011). The company aims to go for internationalisation in India in order to reach new market and expand its customer base. The reason lies in increasing the sales and earns increasing profits by providing uniquely designed and luxury leather goods to the potential customers. India has the second largest population in the world and this will provide the brand a large market space to grow and expand. Situational Analysis The situational analysis has been done in order to analyse the environmental conditions of the Indian market which will help to develop the marketing plan and enforce the expansion strategy in the Indian market. Socio-Cultural Environment Social cultural environment has an important role to play in when a company takes decision to enter international market. This environment includes all the factors that are not included in ec onomical or political aspects. The social cultural environment on broader parameter consists of complete range of behaviours patterns and relationships of the individuals in their personal lives. The basic factors that are included in the social cultural analysis of the market include characteristics of population of the market, values and attitudes and lifestyles and relationships (Hollensen 2008). Mulberry is a company of British origin which is well known for its luxury leather goods. The company is willing to engage itself in international trade by expanding and entering the Indian market (Morley 2011). The company needs to give emphasis on understanding the Social cultural environment of India before taking the final decision to enter the market. Along with this the company needs to understand this to design its products in such a manner that it is able to align its working with the requirements of the country like India it is initiating to enter (Wilson and Gilligan 1997). Com petitive Analysis For the purpose of competitive analysis of the PEST and porter’s analysis of the market is conducted in order to identify the environment which is to be faced by the company willing to perform its functions in India (Fill 2006). The major factors are discussed in detail as under. PEST Analysis Political Factors: This factor indicates the degree of intervention of the government in the functioning of the economy. India is the biggest democracy of the world and type of government

Incventive plans and organisational objectives Essay

Incventive plans and organisational objectives - Essay Example Basing incentives on the traditional plans such as promotion may not necessarily result in meeting of the company’s objectives. The incentives can be either in the form of momentary or non-momentary rewards (Bohlander, 2010). Monetary rewards include salary increments and bonuses, while non-monetary include recognition and promotion. How incentives plans help or do not help in achieving the organizational objectives Research has shown that incentives based on performance results in immense success in, attainment of the company goals. Such an incentive plan harmonizes the company’s preferences with the individual employees’ preferences. In hiring new worker, this kind of plan can be particularly useful in screening out only the beast employees who are merited to do a certain job. It acts as a motivator pushing the worker to increase their job input. Another benefit accrued to performance-based incentives is that workers tend to give better results in situations wh ere their performance is assessed individually compared to team assessment (Bohlander 2010). Workers tend to be loyal to such companies and show a desire to work in such firms or longer period. A firm that uses performance based incentives attracts competent workers who are not afraid of being put under the spotlight. An incentive plan may fail to fulfill its intended objective if the employees are not made to understand the intention of the incentive. They should honestly communicate the objectives of the plan. This will integrate the employees in the plan, by making clear communication. The rewards obtained from its implementation should exceed the cost. The most effective incentive plan is self-sustaining. An incentive plan may fail depending on the type of incentive used. Not all incentives work for everyone. The management should settle for an incentive plan that favors the majority of the workers (Caruth & Handlogten 2001). Failure to sufficiently differentiate between high an d low performance may result in the incentive plan not achieving its purpose. For instance, if the incentive given to the higher performers has minimal difference to the one given to the average performer, the high performing workers may feel that the company does not recognize their effort. This would result in the workers being demoralized and demotivated: the opposite of what the company intended to achieve by coming up with the plan. The incentive should measure up to the effort the workers put in the job. The employees who show less effort should receive less reward compared to the higher performers. Another reason why an incentive plan may fail is if it is inflexible. For it to be fruitful, it should first be introduced on a trial bases targeting a small group. This is to ensure it is effective and correcting the flaws that it may have before it is implemented. The plan should be constantly modified to meet the needs that may arise (Caruth & Handlogten 2001). The timing may al so ensure the success or failure of the plan. For it to be successful, the timing of the issuing of the reward should be tied to the qualifying event. The basic salary should be harmonized with inflation as well as to the increase in responsibilities. The company should also identify the persons eligible for the incentive plan. This is because