Uncertainty Reduction Theory

Name: Soumya Prem Roll no: 20120119150 Uncertainty reduction theory – Charles Berger and Richard Calabrese This theory explains how communication is used to reduce the uncertainty among people when they meet each other for the first time. It is assumed that when strangers meet, their primary objective is to reduce uncertainty about the other person involved in the interaction. We always want to reduce the uncertainties about our surroundings and the people in it since being uncertain about anything is not a pleasant feeling to have.Berger proposed that there are 3 factors that influence whether people will want to work towards reducing uncertainties about a certain situation.1. Anticipation of future interaction – You will try to reduce uncertainties if you know there is a possibility of meeting this person again. Therefore, you are more likely to use uncertainty reduction behaviour when you meet someone at a party that you might be interested in.2. Incentive value – If this person is capable to doing something for you or against you even, then there are higher chances of yo u trying to reduce uncertainties.3. Deviance – If the person behaves oddly and shows some bizarre characteristics, you are likely to use uncertainty reduction. For example if you meet a new prospective client whom you have to meet in the future and could give your company a new project and has a strange fascination for the colour purple, you would be interested in communicating more to fit the pieces of the jigsaw puzzle together to get to know who she really is. There are 3 ways to seek information from the other person-1. Passive Strategy – Observing someone without being observed2. Active Strategy – Asking a third party for more information3.Interactive Strategy – Obtaining information directly by asking questions and offering personal information about yourselfA demonstration of this can be seen in this scene from a very famous Hollywood movie ‘Hitch’ where Will Smith’s character tries to seek more information about Sara Melas at a bar where in he uses all the strategies mentioned above for interaction. Berger proposes a series of 8 axioms to explain the connection between uncertainty and eight key variables of relationship development which areVerbal communication -As the amount of verbal communication increases, the level of uncertainty decreases. As uncertainty decreases, the amount of verbal communication increases.Non verbal warmth – As nonverbal warmth increases, uncertainty levels decreases in a situation. In turn a decrease in uncertainty level will cause an increase in nonverbal warmth.Information seeking –When uncertainty is more, the tendency to seek information increases. As uncertainty decreases, information seeking behaviour decreases.Self disclosure – When uncertainty levels are high, the levels of intimacy in communication is less. As uncertainty reduces the level of intimacy increases.Reciprocity – Higher the uncertainty, higher the reciprocity. Lower the uncertain ty, lower the reciprocity.Similarity – Similarities between people decreases uncertainty, while dissimilarities increases uncertainty.Liking – Increase in uncertainty decreases liking and decrease in uncertainty increases liking.Shared networks – If there are shared networks among the two people like common friends then uncertainty is less and vice versa.Uncertainty reduction theory in movies – Meet the parentsMeeting someone for the first time can be a nerve racking experience for many. In this movie Greg is meeting his girlfriend’s parents for the first time. Jack, Pam’s father is overly protective of his daughter. He constantly mocks Greg’s choice of occupation as a nurse and makes him uncomfortable in a lot of situations with an intention to keep him away from his daughter. Greg tries to impress Jack from time to time but nothing seems to work in his favour because Jack does not show any liking towards him. Jack’s verbal ou tput, nonverbal cues and constant information seeking causes Greg to fear him.Consequently, there is never a stable interaction between Jack and Greg as there is a lot of uncertainty between them. Applications of Uncertainty Reduction theory In an article titled ‘Interactive Uncertainty Reduction Strategies and Verbal Affection in Computer-Mediated Communication’ published by Marjolijn L. Antheunis, Alexander P. Schouten, Patti M. Valkenburg and Jochen Peter, they investigated the language-based strategies that computer-mediated communication (CMC) users employ to reduce uncertainty in the absence of nonverbal cues.CMC condition had i. Higher levels of intimacy than face to face condition ii. More affection statements than face to face condition iii. There was no observed differences between text-only CMC and visual CMC condition In another article titled ‘The Acquaintanceship Process: An Examination of Uncertainty, Information Seeking, and Social Attraction durin g Initial Conversation’ published by William Douglas, the relationship between uncertainty reduction, information seeking, and liking during unstructured initial interaction was studied.Analyses showed that Significant linear and quadratic trends in the uncertainty scores. Global uncertainty-related to uncertainty about the specific person after interaction and the amount of uncertainty reduction that they achieved. Uncertainty and liking were inversely correlated both before and after interaction. Global uncertainty -predictive of amount of information seeking Specific uncertainty -unrelated to the frequency of both asking questions and disclosing. Critique point of viewIt can be argued that reducing uncertainty about the self and another in an initial encounter might not be an individual's primary concern. A more primary goal would be to maximize relational outcomes. It is not always necessary to reduce uncertainties for obtaining your incentive from the other person. Also a want for information rather than lack of information is what promotes information-seeking in initial encounters with other people. Also one of the axioms states that as the level of uncertainty reduces, liking increases.This may not be necessarily true since there can be a situation where in after communicating you come to realise that the other person possesses qualities that you are not fond of or comfortable about. In this case, there will not be an increase in liking rather there is a possibility of the opposite, i. e. a decrease in liking.Scholarly article sources: http://crx. sagepub. com/content/21/2/154. abstracthttp://crx. sagepub. com/content/early/2011/06/01/0093650211410420. abstractOther sources: http://www. wikipedia. org/http://wikis. lib. ncsu. edu/index. php/Uncertainty_Reduction_Theoryhttp://www. youtube. com/

The Cvs Web Strategy: an Evaluation of the Challenges and Advantages

THE CVS WEB STRATEGY: INTEGRATION OF AN ONLINE PHARMACY THE CVS WEB STRATEGY: AN EVALUATION OF THE CHALLENGES AND ADVANTAGES OF INTEGRATING AN ONLINE PHARMACY By Leah Bouk Wingate University 1 THE CVS WEB STRATEGY ABSTRACT This paper discusses the considerations surrounding CVS Pharmacy’s initiative to become a part of the virtual drugstore industry. Specifically, the organizational structure, fundamental design of the autonomous innovation, and strategic positioning of CVS. com were considered in evaluating the drug store’s ability to react to the disruptive technology.This paper serves to evaluate the effective initiatives, problems, and possible solutions to the considerations outlined above. As a result of this analysis, one can deduce that acquiring the web company Soma. com, instead of creating its own online component, was a successful strategy for the autonomous innovation. Shortfalls include not executing a strategy to circumvent the MerckMedco mail order dilem ma. Ultimately, a recommendation is that CVS. com differentiate itself by personalizing customer home pages and by fostering relationships with prescribing healthcare providers. THE CVS WEB STRATEGY TABLE OF CONTENTS Abstract†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 2 Introduction†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 4 Landscape†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦5 Organizational Structure†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. †¦ †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 6 Autonomous Innovation†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 8 Strategic Positioning†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 9 Summary†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 10 References†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦11 3 THE CVS WEB STRATEGY THE CVS WEB STRATEGY: AN EVALUATION OF THE INTEGRATION OF AN ONLINE PHARMACY INTRODUCTIONStrict regulation throughout the healthcare and pharmaceu tical industries arguably slows the advancement in technological innovation, especially when compared to the computer and automobile industries. Therefore, innovation in a multiproduct, integrated and hierarchical organization, like CVS Pharmacy, can be slow moving or non-existent. Nevertheless, the healthcare industry is a money-making giant and companies like CVS, which was rated number 47 on CNN’s Most Profitable Companies in 2011, help justify this point (cnn. oney. com). This paper discusses the considerations surrounding CVS Pharmacy’s initiative to cope with the disruptive technology created by the virtual drugstore industry. Specifically, I will discuss the organizational structure by virtue of the autonomous innovation and the strategic positioning of CVS. com. This paper serves to evaluate the effective initiatives, problems and possible solutions to the issues surrounding the onboarding of CVS. com. 4 THE CVS WEB STRATEGY LANDSCAPEIt is important to understa nd the complexity of the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry at the time the CVS drugstore chain was exploring the idea of acquiring an online option for its customers in 1999. The process of diagnosing, prescribing, dispensing and delivery was, and still is, extremely regulated. As an example, only licensed physicians have the capability to prescribe medications and only licensed retailers are able to dispense them. In addition, Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) have already monopolized the management of drug prescribing and dispensing by1999.PBMs put together formularies, through negotiations with the pharmaceutical companies, the retail pharmacies and the employers’ Managed Care Organization (MCO), that mandated which drug could be prescribed for a certain disease. Furthermore, many PBMs require that all 30 day supply prescriptions for chronic diseases be dispensed through mail order and many of the PBMs acquire their own distribution centers to provide this service. Thu s, the Managed Care Organizations, physicians, retail pharmacies and the patient all rely on PBMs to ensure the lowest cost and best care for all involved (Reinke, 2009).Like PBMs, retail pharmacies also enjoy the market power they generate. The paper CVS: The Web Strategy describes the impact of the retail pharmacy by relating that two thirds of all prescriptions filled at retail were filled by drugstores in 1999, which made up a 100 billion dollar market In 1998, CVS was second to Walgreen bringing in 15. 2 billion dollars (CVS: The Web Strategy, 2001, p. 11). 5 THE CVS WEB STRATEGY â€Å"Pure-play† online drugstores and non-prescription health care sites made their debut in the first quarter of 1999 and CVS followed suit by purchasing Soma. om to leverage a â€Å"clicks and mortar† operation that would combine a physical presence with a web presence. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE Although it may seem atypical of a multi-product, integrated, hierarchical firm to look exte rnally for innovation, the relationship was a win-win for both CVS pharmacy and the virtual firm Soma. com. This idea is revealed in the essay CVS: The Web Strategy, which states, â€Å"CVS hoped to offer CVS. com the benefits of its buying power, advertising strength, brand name and access to 280 million prescriptions, while retaining the entrepreneurial spirit of the organization† (CVS: The Web Strategy, 2001, p. ). After thorough examination of both options, CVS decided to acquire the start-up company, since it would be quick to implement (only 3 to 4 months), it would bring intangible assets, and it shared the culture and views of CVS. The intangible tacit knowledge that Soma. com would bring to CVS included experienced employees with mail order prescription backgrounds and an understanding of the west coast market, since CVS stores were concentrated in the northeast and Soma. com’s headquarters were on the west coast.This national coverage provided for a larger sc ope that the online store would be able to take advantage of. Moreover, CVS was able to acquire 100% ownership of soma. com, which would allow for vertical integration within CVS. Merging with CVS made sense to soma. com as well. The virtual company was able to benefit from the economies of scale, as the cost of the web division could be spread across increasing units of production or in serving CVS’s growing customer base. Teece describes the benefit of an alliance between virtual and competent manufactures by saying that â€Å"if [virtual 6 THE CVS WEB STRATEGY irms] do indeed establish a strong alliance with a competent manufacturer, they may also have the capacity to be first to market, despite the absence of the requisite internal capabilities† (Teece, 2009, p. 59). Both soma. com and the PBMs, with which CVS works to get reimbursed for medications, would benefit from becoming a part, or affiliated with, CVS due to the company’s strong branding. John M. Gal laugher iterates this point in saying that â€Å"a firm’s brand is the symbolic embodiment of all the information connected with a product or service, and a strong brand can also be an exceptionally powerful resource for competitive advantage. Adding a website component will also enhance an already prominent brand. â€Å"Tech can play a critical role in rapidly and cost-effectively strengthening a brand† (Gallaugher, 2008, p. 6). While there were many advantages for CVS in acquiring Soma. com, CVS experienced the disadvantages of not owning the complementary asset, Merck-Medco, who refused to reimburse CVS. com for 30 day supply prescriptions. The issue surrounded the fact that MerckMedco already provided a mail order delivery for 30 day supply prescriptions and was not going to relinquish this opportunity to CVS. com.As previously outlined, PBMs were an integral complementary asset to the prescription drug industry in 1999 and served a large majority of CVS’s customers. Teece reveals that â€Å"when the services of complementary assets are required for new technology to yield value to the consumer, they can play an important role in the competitive advantage equation† (Teece, 2009, p25). Furthermore, Teece relates that â€Å"competitive advantage can be gained or lost on how expertly the strategy for gaining access is executed† (Teece, 2009, p25). Further research reveals that in shortly after CVS. om was launched, Merck-Medco and CVS formed an alliance so that CVS customers could purchase their prescriptions on the Merck-Medco site (Conlin, 1999). 7 THE CVS WEB STRATEGY AUTONOMOUS INNOVATION Since CVS was a highly integrated company, incorporating the online pharmacy throughout the rest of the company, or systemic innovation, would be extremely costly and might discourage further innovation. This is what happened to General Motors when the automobile industry switched from drum brakes to disc brakes. Because GM had investe d a great deal of time and money to produce drum brakes, it was slow to move towards producing disc brakes.GM’s competitors, however, who outsourced and relied on outside relationships were forced to make the switch and gained a better position in the industry (Teece, 2003, p. 192). Thus, CVS was smart to opt for an autonomous organizational approach by creating a separate website team managed by Soma. com. This team could react to the changing environment quickly and make recommendations against initiatives that would be time consuming and costly, as they did when the Vice President of Marketing for CVS, Helena Foulkes, argued that all products sold in stores should be available for purchase on the website.Foulkes was focused on learning about the customer through their online activities. Large, integrated companies also tend to focus on customers for innovation, which is not always the best angle. The paper, CVS: The Web Strategy, reveals that the CVS merchandising departme nt spent a lot of time and energy on the internal and external benchmarks, relying on customer activities when making decisions about marketing, promotion, pricing and merchandising. They would then send this codified information to the CVS. com online team (CVS: The Web Strategy, 2011, p. ). Clayton Christenson, an expert in the field of technological innovation, discusses the problem that arises when too much emphasis is placed on the customer. Christenson relates that â€Å"the highest-performing companies†¦have well developed systems for killing ideas that their customers don’t want. As a result, these companies find it very 8 THE CVS WEB STRATEGY difficult to invest adequate resources in disruptive technologies—lower-margin opportunities that their customers don’t want—until their customers want them† (Christensen, 1997). STRATEGIC POSITIONINGAs previously outlined, the initiative to integrate an online pharmacy was not a new concept to t he industry. Therefore, it was important that CVS. com respond to the disruptive technology by differentiating itself from the other online drugstores. CVS. com would offer online patient counseling through a virtual pharmacist, which was available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Tom Pigott, founder of Soma. com relates about the significance of providing this service, â€Å"we had pharmacists, which created an inherent barrier to entry. Anyone can start a vitamin shop, all you need are a ebsite and a supplier† (CVS: The Web Strategy, 2011, p. 6). Another feature of CVS. com that set it apart was the â€Å"clicks and mortar† delivery options. This term refers to an operation that combines a physical presence with a web presence. Helena Foulkes describes a personal testimony of the convenience of the â€Å"clicks and mortar† operation. â€Å"For someone like me who works and has children and doesn’t think about getting to a store till 11’o clock at n ight, it would be extremely convenient to hop online and place an order and pick up that much-needed prescription on the way home† (CVS: The Web Strategy, 2011, p. ). Despite the attempts of CVS. com to differentiate from other online pharmacies, the company’s myopic views were a source of several missed opportunities to leverage competitive advantage. First, CVS. com should have better integrated the Xtra! Frequent Shopper Program, in which customers gained points that turned in rewards, so that consumers could benefit from prescriptions ordered online. Second, CVS. com could have created a more personalized home 9 THE CVS WEB STRATEGY age that, not only stored a customer’s order history, but provided information about side effects and related diseases when a customer entered a prescription. The secure personal homepage could potentially even keep track of doctor’s appointments for the customer, creating a reminder that would be emailed to the customer a day before the visit. The more data CVS. com could capture about their customers, the stronger the switching cost would be. Switching costs exist when consumers incur an expense, money or time, to move from one product or service to another (Gallaugher, 2008, p. ). Thomas Reinke reveals this concept in a peer reviewed journal explaining the reason why companies do not want to switch to other PBMs, â€Å"employers are reluctant to switch vendors because of the work and cost involved and-more importantly-because of the hassle it creates for employees in learning the rules and procedures of a new company† (Reinke, 2009, p. 5). Thus, the more capabilities the customer has on one website, the more data they will enter and the least likely they will be willing to switch to another pharmacy.Finally, competitive advantage could be gained by marketing to physicians who use electronic prescription relay. CVS. com could create an interface just for physicians, easier to use than other s ystems and with added capabilities, such as pop-up restrictions from a patient’s insurance company or current promotions at the point a prescription was entered. Again, if physicians found this service useful, they would not want to learn a new system, sustaining the competitive advantage of CVS. com. SUMMARYThe issues surrounding the quest of CVS to successfully respond to the disruptive technology in a way that would create a sustainable competitive advantage in the drug store industry are examined. By evaluating the organizational structure of CVS. com, one can deduce 10 THE CVS WEB STRATEGY that fully acquiring the web company Soma. com, instead of creating its own online component, was a successful strategy in autonomous innovation that would benefit the company in the long run. In contrast, not executing a strategy to circumvent the Merck-Medco mail order dilemma may have contributed to CVS. com’s slow start in September of 1999.Because the PBM will likely not ag ree to be acquired by CVS, the best solution to this problem is to form an alliance with Merck-Medco, especially considering the market power of both CVS and Merck-Medco. Ultimately, in order to sustain a competitive advantage against companies who offer similar services, CVS. com must differentiate itself by capitalizing on the ability to personalize customer home pages and by fostering relationships with prescribing healthcare providers. 11 THE CVS WEB STRATEGY REFERENCES Christensen, C. M. (1997). The innovator's dilemma: when new technologies cause great firms to fail.Boston, Mass. : Harvard Business School Press. Conlin, R. (1999, October 6). CVS To Fill Online Orders For Merck-Medco. E-Commerce Times: E-Business Means Business. Retrieved June 12, 2012, from http://www. ecommercetimes. com/story/1380. html Fortune 500 2011: Top Performers – Most Profitable Companies: Profits. (n. d. ). CNNMoney Business, financial and personal finance news. Retrieved June 12, 2012, from http://money. cnn. com/magazines/fortune/fortune500/2011/performers/companies/profits/ Reinke, T. (2009, October). Large PBMs Transform Old Business Models. Managed Care, 1-4.Shah, A. (1999). CVS: The Web Strategy. Harvard Business School Publishing, 1(1), 1-17. Retrieved June 5, 2012, from the Harvard Business School Publishing database. Teece, D. J. , & Chesbrough, H. W. (2003). When is Virtual Virtuous? Organizing for Innovation. Essays in technology management and policy (pp. 189-197). River Edge: World Scientific Publishing Co. Teece, D. J. (2009). Governance Modes and Technological Innovation. Managing intellectual capital: organizational, strategic, and policy dimensions (p. 64). Oxford: Oxford University Press. (Original work published 2000) 12

Causes of the American Civil War

Causes of the American Civil War The United States maintain their position of the world as the strongest, most influential country for many decades. Observing their history closely, we can see that they had gone through many ups and downs, and harsh yet necessary battles within the nation and with other countries. In order to examine the Civil War and reconstruction of the United States, we need to understand the causes of the war, what happened during the war, and the changes that the war had brought. I believe that the Civil War of 1861 played a significant role in building the stronger nation; likewise, I will discuss three major causes of the war – which are the slavery, the conflicts between the North and South states, and the Presidential election of 1860 – describe how dreadful the war was, and how the slavery, the relationship among the states, and the economic and political situation changed after the war. Moreover, I will present my own views on the Civil war. First, the slavery was one of t he greatest causes of the Civil War. The Slavery in all across North America has had existed for 168 years. Eventually, by 1804, most of the Northern states abolished slavery institution, but the invention of cotton gin in 1793 increased the use of slaves in the South and the slavery became very important for the South. Before the Civil War, the tension between the North and the South was invested in Slavery. The North was insisting that America should become free country and need to industrialize the South. On the other hand, the South was opposing the North by being pro-slavery for their agricultural industry. The U.S. Constitution was clearly permitting slavery even though the document did not include the words slaves and slavery. For example, in U.S. Constitution Section 2 of Article IV said â€Å"held to Service or Labor in one State, under the Laws thereof, escaping into another† (Constitution On Slavery). It shows the fugitive slaves must be returned to their owners. M oreover, the Bill of Rights in 1791 did not mention about slavery, yet on the Fifth Amendment, it says â€Å"Be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law† (Constitution On Slavery). According to the Fifth Amendment, the slaveholders were given an absolute right to take their property with them. Since the slaves were equaled properties, they could take their slaves even to the free Northern states. It developed into negative conflicts between the North and the South. However, America gained huge part of the West from the victory in the War with Mexico, including California, Utah Territory and New Mexico Territory. In Addition, the amount of gold that was discovered in California was huge and it led the Gold Rush in America, which did not last for long. The issue of whether the new states in the West should be opened to slavery or should be free from the slavery brought a big political confusion. The state of California was extremely important for the b oth powers. The North was asserting completely opposite opinions from that of the South. Since California got so much richer quickly, if the slavery in California got abolished, the South states would significantly lose their political and economic power. In contrast, if the slavery got permitted and protected by the federal government, the South states would be able to gain more power. The South was saying that they would leave the Union if California becomes a free state. â€Å"Eventually, the issue drove the South to assert their opinion, which was to elect two different presidents between the North and the South†

Case Analysis (Legal Methods) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Case Analysis (Legal Methods) - Essay Example The plaintiff sustained injuries as a result of the crash and attempted o claim compensation from the defendants on the grounds that they owed him a duty to ensure that the animals could not escape and get onto the highway where they might cause an accident. The area where the horses were kept did have a fence around them and it was not possible to reach a conclusion how the horses has managed to escape from the field. The fence had been flattened by the exiting horses and the judge came to the conclusion that the horses must have become frightened by someone or something and had bolted through the fence. The judge came to this decision despite lack of any concrete proof that this might be the case on the basis that the horses had never attempted to escape previously. Initially the plaintiff asserted a claim in negligence and under the Animals Act 1971. The negligence claim failed on the grounds that the animals were usually docile and the fence under such circumstances was adequate for its purpose. Judge O’Malley felt that the defendants had maintained an adequate state of repair to the enclosure and that the fencing was not below the standard required of a ‘reasonably careful and prudent owner’. It was therefore necessary for the plaintiff to rely on the strict liability for the damage under the Animals Act. Given that the defendants had been found not guilty of negligence the plaintiff had to rely on proving the horses were dangerous. The difficulty with this was that the horses were generally docile and had never previously escaped nor injured anyone. As the Act does not list horses as a dangerous species then the reliance was on Act which states "(2) Where damage is caused by an animal which does not belong to a dangerous species, a keeper of the animal is liable for the damage, except as otherwise provided by this Act, if-(a) the damage is of a kind which the animal,

Modern Literature 1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Modern Literature 1 - Essay Example A careful analysis of both The Heart of Darkness and Things Fall Apart evidences that Conrad and Achebe differ in the manner in which they both write about the colonizing Europeans and the native Africans. It is important to note that Achebe was an African, while Conrad was Polish and did actually not learn English until in his twenties. The very initial difference in the two stories can be derived form a careful interpretation of their titles. In Chinua’s Things fall apart, he elaborates on the manner in which Europeans came and destroyed the then peaceful systems of African traditions and resulted to everything literary falling apart. In The Heart of Darkness on the other hand, Conrad exposes how the African continent can be described as a dark continent as far as development and civilization are concerned. Characters are fundamental vehicles that writers employ in conveying their meaning. Another significant difference in these two stories is evidenced through the characters. Marlow, the main character in The Heart of Darkness, travels to the central station from the outer station and encounters scenes of brutality and cruelty against the Africans. Marlow’s adventures portray the hypocrisy in the rhetoric employed to justify imperialism. The men working in the company describe their actions as trade and their ill treatment against Africans as part of civilization. Kurtz, another character in this story, agrees that he does not trade, but takes ivory by force. In his own words, his treatment to the Africans is extermination and suppression (56). In Things Fall Apart, on the other hand, the author describes the Native Africans with intense praise. Okonkwo, the main character, is described as a hard-working and a determined man. He achieves a lot of social and financial success th rough his hard work and is viewed as a pillar in his clan and society. He is however, resistance to change and this leads to his final downfall. He has a strong sense of

It's all provided in the instructions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

It's all provided in the instructions - Essay Example Therefore, by 1815 the revolution was not a success, but an ongoing struggle. Rousseau advocated for pure democracy as was practiced in Greek in the ancient period. The idea of democracy enlightened the French people after the effect of American struggle for independence. In 1792 groups of bourgeoisie called the Jacobins agitated for an establishment of a republic and thus abolish a monarchy. They did this by campaigning against the constitutionalists, monarchists and moderates. In this year, 1792, France threatened Austria with war and regarded all government as an enemy of the monarchy because it was threatened and feared the support of the bourgeoisie by external government to instigate another revolt. However, in early 1793, the monarch was overthrow and executed by the French Republic was established (Beeler et al., 2011) In February 1793, the French Republic was engaging in war with most of the countries in Europe. The Edict of Fraternity advocated for all the people of Europe to be in opposition to their leaders of all sphere including spiritual and secular rulers. The French Republic promised to support such liberation because they believed to have found a solution to political, economic and social problems. They believed in practicing equality, liberty and fraternity (Beeler et al., 2011). Therefore, the new Republican leadership foregone reforming France and benefit its people to spread the ideas of republicanism. They also feared on how to conduct domestic reform, which was desperately, needed in the country. By 1799, Europe was in constant fighting one revolution war to another. It was regarded as the fight between the French and the rest of Europe because the ideas of social equality, democracy and nationalism had root in the French Republic. On November, Napoleon captured power and he declared himself the emperor. He was later crowned as the Emperor and ruled

The negative influent that the American media has on the psyche of Essay

The negative influent that the American media has on the psyche of American teenagers in terms of violence amoung teens - Essay Example â€Å"An increasing number of public and private school administrators face situations involving serious violence perpetrated by and against adolescents. School officials are responding by adding violence prevention programs-often a commercially available ‘off-the-shelf’ package-to their schools already overcrowded curricula† (Posner,1998). There are many programs designed to fight the effects of media violence in the US on teens, and in other ways decrease violent behavior. These programs are distinct logarithms enforced by institutional and extra-institutional (sometimes political) interests, and they have not always been seen to be successful. In many cases, these programs are not specifically tailored towards the usually-small percentage of students who have problems with gang violence or are carrying weapons, and instead wind up cultivating student paranoia and negative involvement. Often, students are even profiled by these programs in terms of their style of dress or speech, and this may create a self-fulfilling prophecy in which students are seen to embrace the type of behavior attributed to them by gang violence prevention programs. Looking at media in the US and the relationship to youth violence, it has been stated that, â€Å"violence often results from a complex interaction of environmental, social, and psychological factors such as the learned behavior of responding to conflict with violence, the effects of drugs or alcohol, the presence of weapons, the absence of positive family relationships and adult supervision† (Posner, 1998). Not all of the reasons may be due to the media: many students who do not have positive family relationships and structured time under supervision during their hours away from school may see that by pursuing positive extracurricular activities that accentuate their futures rather than throwing their futures away by indulging in patterns of gang membership

Hacking Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Hacking - Essay Example e first technology for hacks was determined; a single whistle from the box ‘Cap n’ Crunch’ was being used for making long distance phone calls free of any charge (Himma, 2007). In 1981, Ian Murphy hacked data of AT&T and changed the clocks so that people could avail late night discounts and he was the first hacker to be convicted of felony charges. At the same time, Kevin Mitnick was the leading hacker who hacked into IBM, DEC and Pacific Bell. In the late 1990s, the biggest hacking cases were reported such as Gary Mackinnon who was convicted of military crimes in US, Albert Gonzalez got the biggest jail sentence for stealing about two hundred million debit and credit numbers that cost losses of about  £200 million (Ward, 2011). According to Sengupta, Mazumdar and Barik (2005), the hackers can be classified into four various generations. The first one was defined as technology-oriented and smart programmers, computer scientists and students from MIT as they hacked for professional and academic curiosities. The second comprised of hackers who were the technological radicals that developed the blue boxes for giving long distance calls on phone without any charges. The third generation constituted of people who were young and loved computer and personal computer games. The latest generation comprised of hackers who were involved in criminal activities that were triggered by power, revenge, greed or other cruel intentions. Hacking is defined as a way of gaining unauthorized access to the data that is stored in a computer. Hacking activities creates many problems for the users and users have a risk when dealing with IT systems for conducting money transaction. Risks are also present with the information of the user. In addition to getting access to valuable data and information, hacking includes invasion or attack on the people’s confidential information; majority of the people doing online transactions especially E-commerce are concerned about the

What is productivist agriculture; what are its related problems and Essay

What is productivist agriculture; what are its related problems and how and why is agriculture changing in the UK - Essay Example which facilitated the continued expansion of agricultural production. Other conceptualizations have stressed on the frequently environmentally destructive nature of productivist agriculture, based on the maximisation of food production through the application of ever-more intensive farming techniques and biochemical inputs (Wilson, 2007: 80). Thesis Statement: This paper proposes to identify the implications of productivist agriculture, determine the problems related to productivist agriculture, and investigate the ways in which, and the reasons why agriculture is changing in the United Kingdom. Productivist agriculture is conceptualized mainly as industrially driven agriculture for production of high quantities of food, which is strongly supported by the state through subsidies and a productivist policy regime. Productivism should be seen as the practice of using farmland to its full potential, creating a mechanistic landscape appearance that reflects the production process. Productivism is also referred to as an era that is a significant part of 20th century historical development in agricultural change, mostly as a reaction towards food shortages after the Second World War† (Egoz et al, 2001: 177). The productivist era lasted from 1945 to mid-1970s. During the years of the second world war from 1939 to 1945, many rural areas underwent a marked increase in their economic conditions. As part of the war effort, the government initiated a â€Å"ploughing up† campaign in order to reduce reliance on imported food. In compliance with the Barlow and Scott reports the initiatives facilitated a transformation in the government’s approach to the rural economy in the post-war years. Governmental policy promoted the preservation of rural land for agricultural production. The economy entered the productivist era, while there was increasing tension between

Dramatic devices in ‘An Inspector Calls’ Essay Example for Free

Dramatic devices in ‘An Inspector Calls’ Essay J.B Priestly presents his play ‘An Inspector Calls’ with contrasting views of responsibility and guilt within the Birling family and the Inspector. He utilizes a variety of dramatic devices throughout the play to create tension between the characters. One of the many dramatic devices he applies is when the Birling family are interrupted by an inspector while having a celebration. Inspector Goole is a firm socialist, he strongly believes wealth should be shared equally between all people, for example Eva Smith. He sticks up for the poorer classes rights to freedom of life. I suggest Priestly communicates his views through the character of the Inspector as he has fixed feelings about fairness and equality of everyone. He states ‘With privileges comes responsibility’ showing the understanding of those who are well to do should take responsibility for those who are less fortunate. The Inspector is a powerful character in this play. He intimidates the Birling family and makes them seem dense. â€Å"He speaks carefully, weightily and has a disconcerting habit of looking hard at the person he addresses before actually speaking.† He looks sternly in to their eyes before interrogating them. This makes the characters feel insecure and agitated, giving the impression of being responsible or guilty of something. Goole is very confident and can come across naive. He speaks like he knows everything about the Birling family and tries to drain the truth out of them. This shows the inspector has a function within the Birling household, he is there to make the family realise they need to take responsibility for their actions. He shows a contrasting view of responsibility to what the family believe. They don’t consider taking responsibility as must. Goole displays no emotion and is calm throughout the whole play. When Mrs Birling says â€Å"you seem to have made a great impression on this child† He replies â€Å"coolly† and also â€Å"the inspector will take offence† He responds â€Å"cutting in calmly† Where as Mr Birling becomes very distraught towards the inspector and wants to receive a reaction from him. He sharply informs the Inspector â€Å"I Don’t like that tone† I imply Birling doesn’t think responsibility is something that he should require within him. But Shelia is diverse she is very distressed. Her character develops into disturbance when the inspector reveals the news about Eva’s death. She illustrates remorse towards Eva, by projecting responsibility and becoming saddened. Shelia is one of the few characters in this play who takes responsibility for her actions. She realises they have to change their attitude in life and tries to convince her parents, but doesn’t succeed. â€Å"The point is, you don’t seem to of learnt anything† â€Å"it doesn’t much matter who it was who made us confess† (flaring up) â€Å"between us we drove that girl to commit suicide† The inspector takes control of the pace, he demonstrate leadership within the Birling family, taking one query at a time. â€Å"Massively taking charge† Priestly does this to keep the audience on their toes, creating apprehension. This is another dramatic device in its self. Priestly interoperates the opposite views in the characters of Mr Birling and Inspector Goole. They are both dominant and prevailing. Mr Birling tries to take power of his home but Goole is much more controlling and takes power of the event. This shows there is a battle between the two. Mr Birling is a capitalist, he judges that man should look after himself and take no responsibility for others. This proposes he’s a selfish person and is out for himself only. He articulates â€Å"you’d think everybody has to look after everybody else.† This implies he is highly against socialism and refuses to take responsibility for his community. Mr Birling is extremely unaware of the consequences he will suffer for the reason of his self indulgent attitude. He likes to impress people, â€Å"I speak as a hard headed business man who has to take risks and know what he’s about†. He expresses his thoughts with no consideration, to determine how he assumes how important and dependable he is. But the Inspector presents Birling as if he has no importance to the community. He interrupts Mr Birling and his speeches numerous times. When Birling states â€Å"that a man has to mind his own business and look after himself and his own and-† Priestley creates a dramatic devise by generating sound. â€Å"There was a sharp ring of the door bell† I propose he does this to confirm how self absorbed Mr Birling and his speeches are, or how he judges what Birling utters is erratic and immoral. The inspector physically challenges Mr Birling’s beliefs about responsibility using these interrupting sounds. Throughout this play Mr Birling doesn’t change his beliefs, his attitude and nor his actions. He refuses to take responsibility for what he had done to Eva’s life, how he began the chain of events leading to Eva’s tragic death. I believe Priestly formed a domino effect in these events, one leading to another, until the final stage, with Eva’s life at the finishing point. I suggest Mr Birling is set in his ways; he has just the one view of everything, a selfish view. He chooses his views to evolve them around himself and his life, trying to make himself more important. He desires people to think of him as a leader, a role model. He wishes they where devoted to him. On the other hand, Shelia’s attitude and actions change drastically towards the end of the play. At the beginning she was a spoilt child but now she has become a young woman. She realises, unlike her father, that everybody has responsibilities. She is the key character that is moral with the most truth and decency; she faces the facts and knows she has to change her behaviour. But she is ashamed of her parents and concerned they won’t. â€Å"I remember what he said, how he looked and how he made me feel. Fire and blood and anguish, and it frightens me the way you talk.† This gives me an impression of Hell; this is why Shelia is changing, she doesn’t want to repeat the dreadful experience she has had that evening. I imply J.B Priestley’s point in this play â€Å"An inspector calls† is People need to realise they have to change their attitude towards general things in life or people will suffer consequences.

Strategic Analysis Of Masdar Commerce Essay

Strategic Analysis Of Masdar Commerce Essay Strategic Management pertains to the alignment of the strategies with the mission and vision of the organization by means of which the managerial approach adopted by the organization may be made highly effective. The inception of strategic management ensures that the environmental factors are duly accounted for while preparing the various strategies for the organization. A strategic analysis would not only reveal the factors which is currently affecting an organization but would also highlight the competitive advantage attained by the company with respect to the competition in the market. Moreover the effect of the organizational structure prevalent in the organization also determines the strategic decisions of the company. It is therefore necessary to evaluate all the aspects of a company in order to effectively analyze the companys strategic leverage in the market. The need for strategic management is felt most nowadays due to the fact that organizations aim at entering the global market and being an active contributor to the development of the global economic integration. (What is Strategic Management?) The following is a description of the strategic analysis of Masdar and the possible impact of its organizational structure on its strategic management. This would be inclusive of the analysis of the various external as well as internal factors affecting the operational environment of the company. Moreover the recent strategic move by the company for expanding the scope of their operations to international regions has generated a dire need for a strategic analysis to be conducted for the company by means of which the strategies may be enhanced. (What is Strategic Management?) Industry Situation: The UAE economy is booming and flourishing unprecedented infrastructural development and this era has been marked as the era of economic transition that is characterized by strategic partnerships, incoming of foreign investments in infrastructure development prior held by the government of UAE. The entire economy is undergoing massive development in the areas of education and health sector, tourism, hospitality, power and transport, and other commercial developments eventually giving a new shape to the urban development in the country (UN I T E D A R A B E M I R AT E S Y E A R B O O K , 2007). In terms of urban development, Abu Dhabi is planning to invest about merely AED 55 billion over next couple of years on infrastructure projects. The major investments will include developments of airports, world class ports and industrial zones in Mussafah, the 11000 unit Showayba City in Mussafah, Mohammad bin Zayed City and Khalifa City (UN I T E D A R A B E M I R AT E S Y E A R B O O K , 2007). The country has already embarked with the remodeling and renovation of buildings at roads in the city center, along with the redefining and redevelopment of Central Market, incurring a substantial cost of DH 2.6 billion. The transportation element in the development plan is constantly updating to meet the imperative challenge of spiraling traffic on the roads of the region. The traffic has been increased from over a quarter of a million with an increase to 237, 891 vehicles registered in the last assessment year. The opening of the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi in the white sandy beach spearheaded the zeal within Abu Dhabi in terms of tourism related infrastructure development (UN I T E D A R A B E M I R AT E S Y E A R B O O K , 2007). The spectacular urban development and infrastructural growth has resulted in the escalating demand for power and electricity with a continuous increase in the demand over the years. The government has formulated several plans to meet the continuous rise in the demand and is implementing the plans in order to increase the capacity to about 60% than present. It has been estimated that major production of electricity is fueled with the natural gas and the remaining is met by the production through diesel generation (UN I T E D A R A B E M I R AT E S Y E A R B O O K , 2007). On examining the major indicators, it has been articulated that Abu Dhabi is currently enjoying an enviable position and the economy is accelerating by registering its per capita income as one of the highest figures across the world. In a drive for diversification of the economy and achievement of sustainability, the Emirate is stimulating its non oil sectors, and especially entering into export oriented businesses. On the assumption that the hydrocarbon sector will likely to grow on the past historic trend, the Emirate aims to clinch for around 65% contribution by the non oil sectors in the economy by the end of 2030, reversing the current picture of sectoral contribution to overall GDP and economy (The Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030). The new and contemporary knowledge based industries are bringing new values and opportunities in the industry and encouraging foreign capital from global world. The principles that underpin and strengthen business strategies making investments commercially viable and generating long term profits over the long term and delivering social returns to the entire United Arab Emirates (The Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030). Company Situation: History Growth: Masdar was found and established in the year 2006 as an independent wholly owned subsidiary of the government of Abu Dhabi and Mubadala Development Company. The Masdar initiative is an enterprise that works with five integrated units in order to spread its hands to the world of renewable energy and sustainable technology industry. The establishment of Masdar City in the year 2006 had brought a common platform for businesses and companies to thrive and flourish at the same time provided high quality living environment with the lowest trace of ecology (Masdar:The Reality of Future Strategy). With the foundation of Masdar Clean Technology Fund in 2006, Masdar Capital was established to provide capital management expertise to the companies operating under renewable energy and clean technology. Later, after a couple of years Masdar Institute of Science Technology was established in the year 2009 as a graduate level University, with special emphasis on sustainable and clean technologies. Also, an addition was made to the Masdar Capital as a DB Masdar Clean Tech Fund in the year 2009. Masdar Carbon was also established during this period for the management of projects pertaining to reduce the carbon emissions with the aid of energy efficiency and carbon dioxide recovery and reducing waste of heat. Additionally, in order to build a large portfolio of large scale renewable power energy plants globally, Masdar Power was established (Masdar:The Reality of Future Strategy). Developments: Thousands of visitors to the UAE are enjoying hunt out organic and eco-friendly gifts and food products available at the Friday Market at Masdar City. Masdar installs the First Rapid Charger in Middle East in order to serve as a test bed for green technologies in collaboration with Mitsubushi Heavy Industries Ltd. Masdar will be served as a Lead Sponsor in the World Energy Forum 2012 that is to be held in at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center. Masdar played a key role in the international gathering of the Sustainability week held in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Masdar was awarded as the Energy Company of the Year during the stint of first ceremony of Gulf Business Industry Awards. Masdar as a key pillar of Abu Dhabi addressed the International Peace Institute that was kept to stress upon the significance of diversification of energy for achieving security and peace in the community (Press Releases). Strategic Posture: Vision and Mission Statement Establish the Emirate of Abu Dhabi as one of the most excellent avenue of renewable energy development and clean technologies to attain a global benchmark for sustainable development and to make advancement in sustainable technology and renewable energy with the aid of education, RD, commercialization and adaptation (About us). Goals Objectives: Expansion in Export Base. Encouragement of Public-Private Partnerships Substantial investment in education and research. To provide training and educate workers in knowledge based sectors. To persuade investment in areas of intellectual infrastructural gains. To contribute towards the growth of non oil sector share of the Emirates economy (About us). Strategies: In order to achieve a competitive edge in the renewable energy and technologies industry, Masdar has designed a framework that stresses upon implementation of key strategies those are outlined below Corporate Level Strategy: Masdar is heavily dependent on vertical integration for achievement of long term profitability. Masdar has adopted the exploitation of the network structure that is allowing the echelons to replace the non-performing alliance partners with those of new partners who fails to meet the expectations and standards of Masdar. Also, the giant works closely with the supplier partners with an aim to reduce costs and increase product quality. Masdar has decisively begun the realignment of promotion to address the challenges of market and the management firmly believes that this will result in the presentation and profitability of the Masdar brand in the UAE (Masdar:The Reality of Future Strategy). Business Level Strategy: Masdar places a significant emphasis on the product differentiation and innovation and this is the key reason in popularizing of its units across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. In an effort to achieve 100% zero waste and working with renewable technologies, Masdar has adopted several business related strategies. The Wind tower above the buildings helps in unswerving the cooler upper level winds into the open-air. The designing of buildings underlies reduction in water consumption through the use of efficient appliances, low-flow showers, smart water meters, real time monitoring for tracking water consumption of consumer and also for water harvesting and recycling (Masdar:The Reality of Future Strategy). Use of air conditioned electric powered Personal Rapid Transit Vehicles within the premises and campuses of the Masdar units. The Photovoltaic roof of the buildings, connected with the solar plant contributes about 30% of the electric load of the buildings. The structure of the units has been inspired by the theme of the regional landscape and thereby a series of courtyard and street spaces have been building within the city and the campus. These strategies encompass the overall positioning and popularity of the Masdar in the market (Masdar:The Reality of Future Strategy). Functional Level Strategies: The integrated supply chain and sustainable procurement is well supported through a stringent process of assessment along with a brief description about supplier contact information. The assessment takes place across 15 criterions established to achieve sustainability that includes energy and water saving, minimization of waste use of bio-based materials and recycled packaging. The operations are well carried out with an aim to reduce carbon footprint eventually result in lower operational costs. The approach of Sandbag building is used for logistics, staff accommodation and office structures for achieving thermal efficiency (Masdar:The Reality of Future Strategy). Policy: Masdar aims at achieving the following objectives through its policies Expansion of the export base and in turn generating increased revenue for the emirate. Boosting and encouraging entrepreneurship in the private -sector as regards the existing industrial setup. Making investments in the academic growth so as to stimulate the sense of innovation among the future generations as well as developing and shaping the minds of the people working in this sector presently. Focusing on the importance of workers in the knowledge based sectors by exercising employee retention, on job training, and providing attractive incentives for the workers in this sector. Highlighting the importance of Intellectual Property in the emirate by encouraging substantial investment for achieving gains in this particular field. Providing growth and development opportunities in the non-oil sector of the emirates economy and also removing the effect of fluctuations in oil prices on the economy. The decoupling of this factor is of paramount importance as it would allow for achieving economic stability. (About us) Current Problems: No Availability of Bank Finance for Property in UAE. No access of Abu Dhabis Metro to Masdar.   Corporate Governance: Board of Directors: Masdar is chaired by Al Sayegh who has put in exceptional efforts towards the development of Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company and that is Masdar. All through his career, he was worked towards several environmental initiatives. Sultan Al Jaber is the CEO and Managing Director of the company and with whose efforts Abu Dhabis pioneering renewable energy initiative launched in the year 2006. Other board members of the company are HE Abdulla Nasser Al Suwaidi who is the chief executive officer of ADNOC, Carlos Obeid, the chief financial officer of the Mubadala Development Company and Waleed Al Muhairi, the chief operating officer of Mubadala Development Company (Board Members). Capture.PNG (Masdar:The Reality of Future Strategy) External Environment Analysis: PEST Analysis Politico-Legal Factors (Moderate Rating) The Middle East has witnessed significant growth and development over the past years which have mainly been brought about by the tremendous contribution of the oil sector in the respective regions. This has resulted in the development of an industrially fertile hub which has attracted various multinational corporations, diplomatic relations and investments made by the government in the various initiatives. (O). One of the most significant challenges facing this region is the existence of political revolution in the Middle Eastern countries which poses a threat to the economic prosperity and future prospects of this region. There is a significant possibility that these changes can affect the outcomes of the countries in a negative manner, thereby affecting the entire business scenario in these regions. The impact of the Emiratization policy may be seen in the Labor law which requires private sector organizations to employ 20% of their work force from the domestic population compulsorily. This means that any private sector organization which fails to adhere to the recruitment regulations would be banned from undertaking any further recruitment of additional foreign employees in their organization (T). Economic Factors (Moderate Rating) The economies of the Middle East have witnessed a significant rise in the past decades wherein they have been characterized with adequate economic stability and viable growth rates which are inclusive of their increased GDP and Fiscal Balance. The UAE and other Middle Eastern regions have benefited from the rising oil prices which have led to increased revenue generation for these economies, especially foreign exchange revenue and this has been the key reason behind its immense development as witnessed up till now. Another factor which may be attributed to the sustained growth of the Middle Eastern countries have been the outsourcing of business from regions such as China and India which offer services at relatively less costs. Due to high dependency on the oil industry, the Middle Eastern Economies have been subjected to vulnerability owing to the frequent fluctuations being witnessed in the prices of oil and gas commodities (T). One of the most relevant examples of this condition may be witnessed in the economic growth statistics of Abu Dhabi which was reported to be 2.9% owing to the impact of depreciated oil prices evident on a global scale. This rating was significantly lower in comparison with the ratings of the past years. However the year 2010-2011 witnessed the recovery of the economy from the effects of the price depreciations with the new conditions characterized by price stabilizations of oil commodities. In light of this stabilization,, the primary driving force behind the regional GDP was the expenditure and investment made by the government for enhancing its existing sectors. UAE had started focusing its efforts towards the development of its non-oil sectors in order to reduce the excessive dependency from its oil sector. The outcome of these efforts was the booming of the real estate sector and the constructions industry which received significant projects such as Abu Dhabi Ferrari Theme Park, Burj-al-Arab, Emirates Palace and the highly renowned Palm Jumeriah Islands. This led to the growth and development of the Ecological infrastructure development companies in the UAE due to the positive outcomes provided by the constructions industry in the region (O). The Middle Eastern governments have given due emphasis on the infrastructural developments in their respective regions. Various global events that have occurred in the region have been witnessed with the advent of investments for the development of the infrastructure in order to ensure its compliance with the global standards in terms of infrastructural capabilities. An example of this may be seen in the hosting of the Asian Games and the forthcoming Football World Cup in 2022 which would be hosted in Qatar. In response to the incidence of these events, the Qatari government has made investments of values up to billions of dollars for initiating the structural developments. In keeping with the need to adhere to green initiatives as promoted by the Middle Eastern countries, Masdar has shifted its efforts towards the development of such resources that aim at conserving energy and ensuring maximum utilization of resource while reducing negative effects on the environment. With its initi atives such as Masdar Power and Masdar city, the public organization is trying to establish a sustainable infrastructure in the UAE (O). Socio-cultural (Low Rating) UAE is a predominant Muslim Nation and has not been significantly affected by the existence of various foreign nationals in the country. The development of the nation is the most significant aspect being given importance by the government currently and in light of the need to maximize the optimal utilization of the resources, the people are being encouraged to use recyclable and environmental friendly products by means of which the excessive exploitation of resources may be avoided (O). The adherence to green initiatives and practices also relieves significant dependency from the traditional fuel sources for the accomplishment of various tasks. In terms of the costs saved from the energy conserved by the adoption of green practices, the value of considerable amount which can be invested in other highly prospective and viable areas (O). The adherence of green practices also provides significant benefits to the health of the people wherein the use of environment friendly products eliminates the possibility of the release of contaminants into the atmosphere or the release of pollutants into the water or ground which could eventually affect the fertility of the resources and in turn affecting the lives of the people. Hence the efforts of Masdar towards the development of sustainable and green technologies are not only in accordance with the interests of the people but are also satisfying a social cause. Such conditions also showcase a commercially viable opportunity for Masdar (O). Technological (Moderate Rating) The UAE is known for its advanced technological infrastructure and the presence of high level technical support structures by means of which it has been able to maintain the highest efficiency levels on a global scale. It is also credited with having one of the most advanced ICT network and infrastructure in the UAE which has made the sustenance of various organizations in its economy. The presence of such facilities has enabled the research and development of renewable and sustainable sources which is highly effective in ensuring that the activities of Masdar are achieved as per the expectations. (O) The presence of the internet has enabled a larger population to avail the information about the various services and products offered by Masdar and the people can also stay updated with the recent developments being done by the organization. In terms of the provision of electricity, the people can track their consumption on a periodic basis and can see the extent to which the energy has been conserved by them. Such possibilities hold tremendous opportunities for Masdar (O). The frequent advancements being witnessed in the field of technological developments have resulted in the risk being generated for the business organizations as it is difficult to adapt to these changes. If frequent adaptation to these changes would be done then the effectiveness of the system would be compromised which would eventually have an impact on the performance of the organization (T). Five Forces Model Diagram Threat of New Entrants (Rating: Low) There is minimal threat from new entrants as Masdar being a UAE government initiative, it has been provided with all the required resources for ensuring the research and development of sustainable technologies and the possibility of new entrants in this field are highly unlikely (O). Bargaining Power of Buyers (Rating: low) In light of the recent recession and economic inflation, the presence of sustainable technologies would not only provide the benefits of reduced costs of operations but would also help to maximize the utilization of the resources, thereby reducing investments made in the acquisition of additional resources. This is a preferred outcome for the people and hence the bargaining power of buyers is low. Even in the case of Masdar University, the institution provides exclusive courses aimed at the conduction of research in the field of renewable energy development. This also results in the lowering of the buyers bargaining power (O). Threat of Substitute Products or Services (Rating: High) Other countries are also working towards the achievement of renewable and sustainable technologies in keeping with the need to conserve the environment. This has led to the existence of the threat of substitutes which are not only cheap in comparison to the products or services being provided by Masdar but also affect the overall market share held by the organization (T). Bargaining power of Suppliers (Rating: Moderate) The supply chain for Masdar is inclusive of credible suppliers that have a strong base for providing the technical as well as non technical resources for the development and completion of the various initiatives undertaken by the government (O). However the field of sustainable business technologies requires specialized resources to be provided for the physical development of the technologies and tools and this aspect provides a greater bargaining power to the suppliers (T). Rivalry among competing firms (Rating: Moderately High) In terms of the presence of competitors for energy related services, Masdar is faced with various domestic firms. This competition is also evident in the field of education where institutes like Zayed University, ADU, etc offer professional courses (T). Foreign academic institutions also offer significant opportunities for students to partake their courses and this poses as a significant threat for the organization (T). However the presence of highly specialized courses aimed at sustainable technologies could prove as an incentive to students who wish to undertake training in an upcoming field of research and development (O). Five Forces Analysis: Five Force Analysis Industry Environment Rating Comments Extent of Influence from Rivals Low Government Subsidy Bargaining Power of Customers Low Owing to the presence of single entity providing highest quality of life. Bargaining Power of Suppliers Moderate As there is a switching cost associated. Threat from Substitutes High Oil, gas and nuclear Summary of External Factors EFAS Matrix PEST Opportunities Weight Rating Weighted Score Comments Scope for Expansion in Abu Dhabi (High) 0.5 4 .20 Increasing Profile of Abu Dhabi and 2010 2020 is considered as Abu Dhabis decade. Openings to exploit new technologies (Moderate) 0.15 3.5 0.525 UAE takes a seat on International Atomic Energy Agency and climatic change Pulling of market share from rivals (Low) 0.07 3.8 0.266 Based on clean and green technology PEST Threats Weight Rating Weighted Score Comments Environmental Dependency (High) 0.18 4.2 0.756 Highly depend upon solar energy and climate change. Market Growth (Moderate) 0.02 2.5 0.05 Abu Dhabi has invested a great deal in reinventing itself, with its plans to grow its GDP to $416 billion. Decline of Demand (Low) 0.03 2.3 0.069 Increasing awareness of public action and understanding towards green initiatives. Threat from Substitutes (High) 0.5 4 2.0 Huge investment in infrastructure projects. Total 1.0 3.681 Internal Environment Analysis Corporate Structure Masdar is a public sector corporate entity established in Abu Dhabi, UAE for working towards the development in renewable and alternative energy sources and initiating innovations in sustainable technology. Since its inception in 2006, Masdar has diversified into 5 integrated and functional units which are inclusive of a nonprofit research institute encouraging the conduction of research on alternative energy and sustainable technology. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mubadala Development Company, formed by the Government of Abu Dhabi. Masdar is one of the excellent global centers in terms of renewable energy and clean technology. The organization aims to extend into the future of UAEs current leadership in the energy sector by integrating the following key factors: Research Development Innovation with investment Sustainable production Deployment Export Masdar operates under the flagship of Mubadala Development Company with Ahmed Al Sayegh as the Chairman of the organization. This company is a direct reflection of the vision of UAEs founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and has carried on his dedication towards conservation and sustainable development of the region. The Emirati government has committed a sum of USD 15 Billion to the Masdar Project wherein it would fund its initiatives. This has proven to be one of the most significant strengths of the company as it has a steady supply of funds for its ventures (S). Another strength of the company may be attributed to the presence of a stable management which may be attributed to the stable Emirati government and due to this the governing body and the key members are not replaced frequently (S). The strategic model for this business is fundamentally entrepreneurial in nature wherein the leadership of its chairman and board of directors are crucial for providing the required directives to the 5 diversified units of the organization (W). Since its inception, it has shown significant adherence to the vision of the founding father as well as to the fundamental objectives of UAE (S). However for each independent entity of the organization, there is a separate managerial body present to oversee the activities of the unit and ensuring that they are in compliance with the strategic aims of the parent organization (S) Corporate Culture: . Finding a roadmap to sustainability is the core value of the long term vision of Masdar and the sustainability framework is designed to integrate economic and social and environmental considerations into Masdars corporate culture and strategy. All of the initiatives and efforts of the organization are dedicated to the achievement of sustainability in the UAE by means of which the vision of the founding father of the nation may be fulfilled in an effective manner (S). The diversified units enable the organization to effectively focus its efforts and resources in the development of specific aspects which is highly beneficial in implementing and devising innovative measures to adopt sustainable practices and tools (S). Corporate Resources: Marketing: Masdar is the premier organization in the UAE which is completely dedicated towards the development, research and implementation of sustainable technologies (S). By promoting itself as a provider of sustainable technology, it has appealed to the people of the UAE who have begun focusing on the implementation and adoption of green practices so as to contribute towards ecological sustenance and environmental protection (S). In the process of developing such sustainable tools, the organization has ensured the maintenance of high quality levels which has resulted in the achievement of effective and timely results (S). Masdar does not have a specific product offering in the market it does offer educational programs, green infrastructures and project developments in accordance with sustainable technologies. In this regard, the following marketing mix may be applicable for the organization: Product / Service (High Rating): Masdar has been involved in various sustainable developments such as the development of Masdar city which is one of the first cities to be made with an aim of achieving 0% carbon emission. Another service of Masdar is the provision of education in the field of sustainable research at a no-profit basis. It is also involved in the generation of investment in the various sectors associated with sustainable development. Price (Rating High): The main aim of Masdar is to provide sustainable technologies and support structures by eliminating the presence of excessive costs associated with the services (S). The example of Masdar institute clearly highlights the aim of the company as it is providing the services to the people at no profits. Masdar being a government initiative of the Mubadala Development Company does not have a dire need for generating profits as the economy possesses adequate financial resources due to the efficiency of its oil sectors. Hence the pricing of the services / products of Masdar are highly convenient to the consumers (S). Place (Moderate Rating): The headquarters of Masdar is in Abu Dhabi with other units of the organization located in Abu Dhabi as well. Masdar has entered into various collaborations and strategic alliances with global entities and this has enabled it to extend its reach to global consumers. People on a global scale are now being made aware of the efforts of M

Argentina - Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette Essay -- Argentin

Understanding Global Cultures Argentina â€Æ' Argentina Introduction Argentina is an 8th largest country in the world. Cultural name of Argentina is Argentine and Argentinean. It is located in South America, with borders of Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay. Capital of Argentina is Buenos Aires. Primarily, most of the Argentines are European descent, which separates them from other Latin American countries. In Argentina, 97% of population have Spanish and Italian. Spanish is local language and also used into government offices. But Spanish language which use in Argentina is very different from Spanish which is spoken in Spain. There are also other different languages spoken in Argentina like Italian, German, English and French. In Argentina, 92% peoples are belong to Roman Catholic, Protestant and Jewish are respectively 2% and other 4%. The majority Argentines is Roman Catholics, but most of them are not actively practice the religion. Jews are migrated to Argentina at the end of the 19th century from Eastern Europe, Russia, and the Middle East countries. Pentecostalism and other Protestant denominations are becoming quite popular among the lower class. Culture The family is very important in the life of Argentine even though they live in extended families. Family head is a powerful & respectful person in their family, but with this come a responsibility to care for others in terms of security, jobs, etc. and to maintain personal and family honour. Honour is very important in their routine day-to-day life in home, community and business. Marriage is freely decided by men and women. It is one of the countries with the largest number of consensual unions. The Catholic Church is very influential and prominent ... ...e, Culture, Customs and Etiquette. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/argentina.html. [Last Accessed 4 February 2014]. 2. U.S. State Dept. Country Notes (2009). Argentina. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0107288.html. [Last Accessed 4 February 2014]. 3. Karen Nagy (2009). Social Issues in Argentina. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.vivatravelguides.com/south-america/argentina/argentina-overview/social-issues-in-argentina/. [Last Accessed 17 February 2014]. 4. Countries and Their Cultures (2009). Argentina. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.everyculture.com/A-Bo/Argentina.html. [Last Accessed 17 February 2014]. 5. Wikipedia.1998 – 2002 Argentina Great Depression. [ONLINE] Available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1998%E2%80%932002_Argentine_great_depression [Last Accessed 17 February 2014]

Cultural diversity :: essays research papers fc

Many people are affected by cultural differences, but if one tries to break the barriers, the attempt is usually received with open arms and graciously. I remember when preparing for my trip to Germany friends asked why I chose Germany. I responded with â€Å"why not?† Then I was confronted with reasoning like â€Å"look what happened in World War II, you do not know their language,† and my favorite, â€Å"all there are is Nazi people over there.† I looked at them for a second then replied with something to the affect that I have always had a fascination with World War II and especially Adolf Hitler and Germany. It is true that I do not know the language, but English is becoming more and more a universally recognized language, and while it is true there are Nazi types of people there, I’m sure there is an equal amount of â€Å"hate† right here in the United States. While this is interesting, it so far simply doesn’t respond to the assignment , which is to respond to an essay from Language Awareness. You need to make clear from the start what essay you’re responding to. Not deterred by other’s comments, I set off for Germany in November of 2002. This was post 9/11 so I was a bit nervous. The first jaunt was from Cleveland to Toronto where I had my first encounter with traveling outside the United States. Toronto has many Muslim people. As I approached the security gate to get into the area where I was to board the plane, I noticed a Muslim man yelling in Arabic or some other Middle Eastern language to someone across the security gate. By yelling, I mean angrily and forcibly. Being that this was my first international trip and only my 2nd airplane ride in my life, I was already nervous to begin with. Add the fact that it was post 9/11, I was nervous as hell. I thought to myself, â€Å"Did World War III break out in the hour that I was in the air to Toronto?† Then I realized that just maybe the person was upset about having to unbuckle his belt or something trying to get through the gate. I landed safe and sound in Frankfurt which has the largest airport in at least Europe. This is where I had my first cultural shock. I knew I had less than

Directing William Shakespeares Romeo and Juliet :: William Shakespeare Romeo and Juliet

Directing Romeo and Juliet   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Being a director in a production such as Romeo and Juliet is no easy task, and I enter into this paper with that in mind. My goals are to be creative, and do things differently from the many versions of the play we have viewed in class.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Each of those directors took the original text, written by William Shakespeare, and turned it into a unique version of their own; unique in the sense that they changed the tragedy by taking out lines, conversation or even entire scenes to better suit that particular director’s needs.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In a more extreme version of the play, directed by Baz Lurhmann, some of the weapons such as swords were replaced by modern day guns, but despite this he still managed to keep it all in context by cleverly placing words, or using other satire. With this paper I hope to produce my own unique version of the play.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Before I discuss my modifications to the play and how I would go about directing my own version, the way I see the relationship between Romeo and Juliet should be looked at. In my opinion, the couple isn’t genuinely in love. They feelings they have for each other is pure lust, rather then a deep passionate love. I find it unlikely that they can know each other well enough and on such a personal level to have a lasting, meaningful relationship. One minute Romeo is entirely in love with Rosaline and the next Juliet comes in to the picture and Rosaline goes out of his mind entirely. Shakespeare made note of this, by having Friar Lawrence state a question about Romeo’s short love affair with Rosaline. ‘Holy Saint Francis, what a change is here! Is Rosaline, that thou didst love so dear, So soon forsaken? Young men’s love then lies Not truly in their hearts, but in their eyes.’ (2, 3, 65-68)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The hatred between the Montagues’ and the Capulates’ are also working against the couple. While Romeo and Juliet are seemingly deeply in love, the rest of their families were continually battling it out, with death usually being the end result. How could two lovers keep a relationship together with so much violence and hated without totally abandoning their families? I feel that this is another example that the couple wasn’t deeply in love. This hate is shown with several â€Å"battle† scenes between the two families.

Anicent History Pompeii- Trade & Commerce

Trade and Commerce in Pompeii Before the tragic eruption on Pompeii it was a well established thriving market town situated right on the coast of Italy that was very advanced for its age. Evidence throughout the town suggests that Pompeii had a healthy commercial life but there has been little evidence of manufacturing and trade although still enough to show the importations and exportations of the town providing archaeologist with a sufficient amount to have a great knowledge and understanding of what life was like in Pompeii in terms of their trade and commerce.Pompeii was known as the trade centre of southern Campania for around 600 years and traded with various areas around northern Italy which involved the importation and exportation of goods. The geological positioning made it ideal for trade having a great access to the Mediterranean shipping as well as the Sarno River allowing access to other smaller towns. The harbour was constantly active with ships merchants and sailors ke eping the industry flowing.The trade industry was severed as a leveller in society which had even concerned the elite. Investigations have shown the most prominent exportations of Pompeii were pottery, garum (fish-source), wine and olive oil. Workshop production was on a small scale so very few goods were produced to be exported. Despite their local producers there is evidence of a limited range of imported goods such as pottery from Gual, lamps from northern parts of Italy, wine from Spain, Sicily and Crete, and would even get oil from southern Spain.Most producers would trade their merchandise with negotiators in exchanges for goods from other regions. The majority Pompeian imports and export goods of Pompeian origin have been found throughout the Roman Empire but mostly within the city itself which reinforces the fact that the trade industry was not comprehensive yet has been able to supply evidence that there was an active trade industry.Where as the trade industry can be contra sted with the commercial life of Pompeii, as it was bustling with the towns desire of profit it was accumulating great wealth which has a substantial amount of evidence providing support such as 600 excavated privately owned shops, bars, workshops and inns, the city controlled markets around the forum, epigraphic evidence of the number of guilds of tradesmen and retailers, and inscriptions on walls and floors paying tribute to the pursuit of profit and so much more. The commerce in Pompeii was conducted in public buildings in nd around the forum for marketing and private shops that extended along the main street the goods sold in these shops were sometimes brought from local merchants but mainly made on the premises or in adjoining workshops. The common commercial shops are the fullers and dryers, vinryards and wine production, graum the fish sauce production and bakeries as you can see they are dominate by food. The main food market was in the north-east corner of the forum the â⠂¬Ëœmacellum’ around perimeter was where the small shops and stalls.Fresh produce from local farms were sold throughout here of raw and prepared foods such as graum, olive-oil, wine, fruit and vegetables. Food shops being the msot common along the streets of Pompeii with the majority selling hot foods and drinks which are known as ‘thermopolia’ that has already been 130 excavated providing evidence of a large food industry. Taverns were also had a big contribution but has only had 20 excavated, these were known as ‘cauponau’. These food shops and the trade industry involving lots of local produce has clearly helped keep the commercial life flourishing in Pompeii.Outside the temple of Apollo near the ‘macellum’ a limestone table containing an official set of weights and measurements where market goods can be tested, there are early inscriptions that show Oscan weights and measurement were first used then the table was mortified for the Ro man standards this was set up near to markets in the forum and is known as ‘mensa ponderaria’. This is evidence that there was a well run economy, and everyone had the same amount for what they pay for keeping it equal while allowing the commercial life to run smoother in terms of the food industry.Lastly two collections of carbonised waxed wooden tablets had been excavated recording a wide collection of various business transactions. 154 of these tablets were found in the house of the banker Lucius Caecilius Jucundus, these were records of receipts of rents and loans. The other collection of around 120 waxed tablets were found belonging to the Sulpicii which was a firm of freedmen working as financiers more than 80 of the tablets reveal different kinds of business documents composed of contracts of sales, loans, leases, accounts and many more and the other 40 of them report of judicial matters, oaths and court proceedings.Which is again more evidence support that was a thriving commercial life in Pompeii. In conclusion there has been a substantial amount of excavated archaeological evidence as well as found artefacts tracing back to Pompeii to provide people of the modern age with enough information to gain a greater knowledge and understanding of how life was really like in the town of Pompeii of an active but not extensive trade industry and a healthy commercial life, the town was flourishing before it was buried but the eruption and lost hundreds of years.

Summary Ben Carson Story

According to the movie, Ben Carson grew up from the poor family with his mother is non-education. She is only a maid in the rich man's house. One day during cleaning his house, Ben's mother learned that reading a book is better than spending the time in front of television. She suddenly got back home to force her children to spend their time in the library every day. They also have to summarize what they got from the books. This is the beginning of pulling Ben's intelligence out.Another one day in is science class, the teacher asked his student about how to find the solution of the Log. There is no one can get the right answer, but Ben who know how to get the result of Log. He surprised everyone with realizing he is not a stupid boy. In the university life he got a scholarship from Yale University. He became very the youngest neurosurgeon doctor. After his first successful surgeon by separating conjoined twins joined at the head he is very popular in the medias. Reflection – ( A few lessons I learnt and how I can apply them to my degree at UNC)There is no final destination for studying In our life. It Is our choice to study In anytime and anywhere from the books. The more we read the more we get knowledge from the world. Books can open your mind and pull out your Intelligence and ability. From now on, I think the best way to Improve my own life Is reading more than yesterday. During my master's life In UNC, I will spend my time In the library more than another place. Keep going and keep reading might make my life here easier.

No development without Security Essay

Discuss this statement. In 2005, Kofi Annan, former United Nations General, made the memorable statement that there could be ‘no development without security, and no security without development’. This sparked a debate among multilateral agencies, governments and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) about the effectiveness and targeting of international aid. Kofi Annan and the UN observed that violent conflict, poor governance and human development, for example reducing poverty and improving education, were interconnected. As well as this, they found that progress towards human development is impossible with political instability and poor governance but at the same time, areas of deprivation and poverty create fear within communities that allows terrorism, civil war and crime to erupt. During the past decade multilateral agencies, such as the UN, the World Bank and major donor governments have acknowledged that peace, political stability and good governance are required in Less Economically Developed Countries (LEDCs) for development. In Sub-Saharan Africa civil wars and regional conflicts have prevented progress because the resources that should have been devoted to development have in fact been lost through armed conflict. An example of this is Somalia, in east Africa with a Human Development Index of just 0. 284, where 20 years of civil war has created lawlessness, anarchy and a state without an official government, since 1991. Islamic insurgents including the Al-Shabaab group, with an estimated 14,000 militants and connections to Al-Qaeda, have controlled much of southern Somalia since 2008. Piracy on the Indian Ocean, off the coast of Somalia, is also a major problem in progress towards development. Dozens of foreign ships bearing food aid have been waylaid and about 10 billion dollars has been collected through piracy in ransom money and cargo value. This situation, affecting much of the coast surrounding Somalia, has prevented development from trade and foreign investment with an estimated 1. 25 billion dollars lost through potential trade opportunities. In contrast, the self-proclaimed state of Somaliland to the north of Somalia is having a construction boom. As well as this, the area has low crime rates and low fear of violence mainly due to greater group homogeneity but also because the port of Berbara, on the coast of Somaliland does not suffer from piracy so foreign aid is able to enter the country and hence development has occurred. Also, population structures within a country can impact upon the rate of development. In the past 40 years, 80 per cent of civil conflict outbreaks have occurred in countries with more than 60 per cent of the population under the age of 30. Many of these countries have been faced with autocratic governments, where life expectancies are, on average, 9 years less than democratically governed countries and infant mortality rates are 25 per cent higher than in democracies. However as these countries, with youthful populations, advance along the demographic transition, with declining birth and death rates, their vulnerability to civil conflict decreases due to lower dependency ratios and in turn a greater proportion of population at working age which allows for greater personal savings and government spending. A youthful population can be a tremendous advantage to society if they are educated, healthy and living in a safe world. This means that there will be many potential workers for the future, paying taxes, but most of these countries lack adequate economic capabilities to realise this potential. Afghanistan, in stage 2 of the Demographic Transition Model (DTM), has a population of 31. 9 million, a total fertility rate of 6. 8 and 45 per cent of the population under the age of 15. This is has been mainly due to the fact that educational and career opportunities were non-existent, before 1980, and it was seen that women should stay at home which has dramatically influenced the demographic and economic situation of the country. Although, some development has started to take place with improvements in health care, small rural schemes, such as drainage systems and health clinics, being built through the National Solidarity Programme and a Hydro Electric Power turbine setup in the Helmand region which produces 33 megawatts of electricity annually. Inadequate and unequal human development is also a cause of political instability as well as an outcome. Poverty, hunger, poor health and education and oppression can create popular resentment towards governments. Where these problems coincide with separatist tendencies, the result may be armed conflict and civil war. Hence, it is argued that to achieve security and peace human development issues must have priority. In many countries some development can take place without security but this can also be observed at a smaller scale. On a local scale, it is often believed that without security of land tenure, housing will not develop. The huge pace of urbanisation in LEDCs has shown that large areas of previously empty land have been overrun by the development of poor, informal housing. In Bangalore, over 50 per cent of informal, slum housing, greater than 6km from the city centre is not ‘declared’ and there is no security of tenure, yet the residents continue to build. This shows that they are rarely willing to invest into housing that is anything more than semi-permanent without the security of being able to make sure they remain. In Mumbai, 90,000 of these dwellings were destroyed and 300,000 people were left homeless. Although, in areas such as Rochina in Sao Paulo, the opposite can occur. Here, one area within the country received granting for some security has resulted in development. Buildings are now being built with bricks rather than wood, roofs have tiles instead of corrugated iron and sewage systems have been installed. The continued development of the area is reliant on further improvements in security. While multilateral organisations and many world leaders believe that development can only be effective with security and security can only be achieved with development, some objections are still present. Some NGOs fear that this belief will encourage governments in LEDCs to divert international development aid to military spending to defeat separatist groups and crack down on political opposition. This in turn could escalate conflict, violate human rights and set back the whole development process.

Importance of Play Essay

Play is one aspect that is common in every child’s life. The importance of play for children is huge. It is so much more than a recreational activity for them. Play is essential for children; it contributes to healthy child development cognitively, socially, and physically (McFadden, 2010). Because of this, it is vital for parents, caregivers, and educators to recognize the importance of, and to encourage play. Why is play so important? Recently at the preschool level, there has been a push to reduce the amount of play time and increase the amount of time spent on academic work. With the increased academic work load that is being placed on school-aged children today, this appears to be a good idea; however, the lack of play time for children is actually detrimental to healthy child development. Children see play as fun. They do not engage in playful activities with the thought of learning social or mental skills, but play benefits these areas of development, as well as several others. When children play, they learn how to share and â€Å"be nice. † Learning these skills early will enable them to be able to get along with others in adulthood. Children also learn to interact with their surrounding environment. This interaction allows children to begin to make sense of their world (McFadden, 2010). Cooperation and good communication skills are essential in every profession and activity a child may encounter as an adult. By communicating with others, a child begins to understand the importance of language. They learn how to express their ideas and accept the ideas presented by others. Children also develop communication skills that help them resolve conflict and negotiate with thers. From infancy, children display the desire to gain control of their physical behaviors so they can become able to manipulate objects of interest (Feeney, 2010). Play contributes to this physical development and refinement of motor skills. The vigorous activity of a child’s play builds strength, stamina, and skills they will need for healthy physical development. When children are left to decide how they will play, the often gravitate toward physical activities such as running and chasing each other or playing catch with balls. This active play results in physically fit children and physical fitness is one of the key components in healthy child development (McFadden, 2010). As children develop the control of large muscle groups as a result of physical activities, they also refine fine motor skills and control. Building with blocks, painting, and playing with clay refine tactile dexterity, which children will need when they learn to write and progress in school. Play also has a role in the emotional development of children. Children at play feel in control of their world, practicing important shills that lead them to a sense of mastery of their environment and self. They learn to master their fears, resolve internal conflicts, and to act out anger, hostility, and frustration (Feeney, 2010). Often, play is used by therapists and social workers to help children overcome and work through abuse or trauma. As an educator, there are several ways to incorporate play into learning activities. Because children are innately curious, they enjoy investigating and discovering new things. Teachers should use this curiosity when introducing science and scientific ideas. Children cannot understand complicated scientific ideas; however, they love learning about plants, animals, and other objects within their environment. Science in early childhood education encompasses life science, physical science, and earth science (Allen, 2007). An activity to explore earth science is called â€Å"will it float? † Children select different objects from around the classroom and hypothesis whether the object will float on water. After making their guesses, the children get to test their theories by floating the chosen objects in the classroom water table. Children love this activity because they get to play with water, but the activity actually teaches them about weight, volume, and buoyancy of different things. Teaching young children mathematic fundamentals is made simpler when the lessons are presented as a fun activity. Math instruction in early childhood classroom settings must involve concrete ideas, and be naturally suited to the child’s play (Gabbert, 2009). Teaching children the idea of measurements can begin in the preschool setting. A great way to teach measurement is by adding measuring spoons and cups to sand and water tables. In the activity, children are allowed to scoop out sand or water from the tables and place their â€Å"measurements† into separate containers to see how many scoops will be needed to fill the new space. The educators should tell them the amounts they are placing in the new space to encourage the child’s understanding of the activity. The importance of play in the early childhood classroom cannot be underestimated. It is the duty of an early childhood education teacher to encourage and allow students to play all throughout the day. Play should be incorporated into everyday lessons. Young children are naturally curious and energetic. Incorporating play into their day will allow them to â€Å"absorb† more of what is being taught. Not all children, especially young students, learn well by sitting and listening to a lecture. Being allowed to play helps children see learning as an enjoyable thing. Play also ensures they develop other skills: motor, social, emotional, needed to become successful in their school careers, and beyond.