Creative Writing †Journal Entry of Daisy from the Great Gatsby Essay

Today, as the rain was tapping on my window, I stared out at the storm clouds casting shadows onto the long green fields of spring. As I was watching as the grass and the leaves in the trees on the horizon sway with the wind, my mind was recalled to a time that I’ve been trying to hide away for a long while now. Almost exactly five years ago, under the exact same rain and grey, that Gatsby fellow was killed. He was murdered. Rain and grey, I tell you. His life was taken by one Mr Wilson with a gun. Right in his pool, too! He died floating on the bright blue water of the extravagant pool in his back garden. Now the weather was not the same rain and grey†¦ but the feeling that consumed me after I learnt of his unexpected demise. That feeling. That was exactly what one would call, â€Å"rain and grey.† Since that day five years ago, I have not spoken a word of that Gatsby. I did not attend his funeral. I did not speak of him with my husband, Tom. I have not written nor uttered a singled word of his existence until this very diary entry. I have not externally communicated anything in regards to Gatsby†¦ but oh, how I’ve thought of him. I’ve thought many things of that Gatsby. I’ve thought, that maybe†¦ just maybe†¦ if we hadn’t broken contact all those years ago before we reunited, we might still be happily spending our days and nights together. I’ve thought that maybe if Mr Wilson hadn’t sought after such a cruel end to his life, or any premature end to his life at all, I would have chosen Gatsby over Tom in time. I’ve thought of fantasy picnics at the park, of dinners in that old, rich and magnificent house of his. I’ve thought of stolen kisses and long hugs. I’ve thought of all the things I had loved, and still love, and Gatsby. In trying to subdue any measure of a fond memory of him, I’ve purposefully thought of all the annoying, irksome yet insignificant habits or mannerisms that Gatsby employed. Time and time again, I’ve tried to rid my mind completely of Jay Gatsby, I swear, I’ve tried to keep my mind and heart focused solely on my loving husband, Tom†¦ but I just simply cannot manage to get Gatsby out of my mind and thoughts. For so many years, he has been invading my thoughts and quiet moments in the garden, at breakfast, while resting†¦ even during the thick of a fantastic plot of an astounding book. For so many years, I’ve been trying to make Gatsby disappear from my mind. But in fact, I can’t just can’t keep him out of my thoughts†¦ I just had to write this entry in my diary for I needed an outlet to express my thoughts. In a way, I feel as though I am being unfaithful to Tom. Now certainly, I am not sleeping around. I am bound physically to Tom, by all means. But for all intents and purposes, I am emotionally and spiritually bound to Gatsby yet. As I lie in bed at night, warm and comforted in my husband’s arms, I can’t help but let my mind’s train of thoughts travel and drift over to that Gatsby! Because of this, terrible guilt and conflict overcomes me. I thought that by now, I would be over him. I thought that his memories would be dead and gone, just as he is. But still I imagine and believe somewhere in my mind that someday he might show up at my house now†¦ He’ll say that everything was just a big mistake and that he was never shot. He’ll be older and that age will look good on him. He’ll tell me of all the things he’s done in these five years. And it would be undeniable, even to Tom, that one person in particular keeps showing up in my life no matter where I go must be of some sort of significance. And after he’d tell me of all of his travels and adventures, he’d ask me to go away with him†¦ And I’ll say yes. That is why I feel unfaithful to Tom. Because if given the choice, I would choose another man. I suppose there is not much I can do to take back those thoughts, or those dreams, or though fantasies. There is not much to do but to simply continue on pretending I’m devoted to Tom. I’ve always said that the best type of girl in this world is the girl who is a beautiful little fool. Beautiful little fools seem to be exempt from the laws and rules of this cruel world. A beautiful little fool can volunteer wits and intelligence for survival. That’s what I’ve done for nearly my entire life. From time to time, though†¦ I miss having intelligent conversations with my peers and my family. Oh, well†¦ I’ve done it for years and I can do if for longer.

Utilization of GIS in Tourism

Utilization of GIS in Tourism BY Raymondville Abstract Currently, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is becoming to be known as one of those most valuable analytical tools for managing, displaying large volumes of data and decision making that pertinent to regional planning activities or local Infrastructure constructions (Giles, 2003). Nevertheless, compared with the success GIS technology gained in other fields, the utilization of GIS applications in tourism field is small and with slow growth.From an engineer's perspective, adoption of GIS technology brings benefits to the sustainable tourism in numbers of ways, including election making under the context of huge volume of Information, estimation of travel time, monitoring the traffic situation, and also evaluating the planning phase as well. From a different angle, successful GIS establishment can efficiently assist tourists to achieve satisfaction and affectively make local economic promotion.Introduction GIS technology refers to â€Å"a geographic information system integrates hardware, software, and data for capturing, managing, analyzing, and displaying all forms of geographically referenced information† (SERIES official website). This remarkable imputer-based set of tools enables people are used for collecting, storing, retrieving, mapping, analyzing, transforming and displaying spatial and non-spatial data from geographic world for a particular set of purposes that varies for each discipline (Gabbier. 2005).GIS in Tourism The generic capableness of GIS Indicate that this technology has tremendous potential in tourism in the visualization term, but its applications are limited in tourism field due to lack of general database of those visitors. For instance, GIS is unable to Illustrate the origin and destination of visitors. What is more, it cannot predict the resists' expenditure patterns, motivation of travel, transportation selection, etc. In order to pursue a further investigation, Bearer a nd Elliot-White categorized functionalities of GIS.The table 1 demonstrated below is the generic capabilities of a GIS (Batter and Elliot-White, 1999). Table 1 capabilities of a GIS Functional capabilities of a GIS GIS Basic Questions Tourism Applications Data entry , Storage and manipulation Location What is at? Tourism Resource Inventories Map production Condition Where Is it? Identify most suitable locations for Database Integration and management Trend What has changed? Measure ours impacts Data queries and searches Routing Which is the best route?Visitor management/flows Spatial analysis Pattern What is the pattern Analyze Assess potential impacts of tourism development Decision support Source: Bearer and Elliot-White 1999, p. 159 Both GIS and tourism are sharing the common boundaries and disciplines such as the geography of particular area, urban development, environmental analysis and traffic study. This characteristic determines the usage of GIS provides information to land managers or stockholders to analyze the risks and opportunities associated the growing tourism industry.For example, whether the increasing visitors in a particular land would put local biodiversity and water source to risk or create enormous number of Job opportunities? The following table indicates common tourism-related issues and GIS application (Elliott-White, 1999). Table 2 Common tourism-related issues and GIS application Problem GIS Application Benchmark/database Systematic inventory of tourism resources Environmental management Facilitating monitoring of specific indicators Conflicts Mapping recreational conflicts; recreation-wildlife; user conflict Tourism behavior Wilderness perceptionsCarrying capacity Identify suitable locations for tourism/ recreation development Prediction Simulating and modeling spatial outcomes of proposed tourism development Data integration Integrating socio-economic and environmental datasets within a given spatial unit Development control and di rection Decision support systems Source: Bearer and Elliot-White 1999, p. 162 These two tables from Bearer and Elliot-White apparently reveal the benefits by utilizing GIS technology through tourism field.These advantages include improving land management with accurate data and spatial attributes, easing the conflicts, hanging the information over time and decision making. Mapping Different from the traditional paper mapping that only considering the surface look of the world, GIS mapping is far more complicated. One distinct difference is that all ego-information, such as land and other spatial characteristics have to be presented in one map.It allows the combination of tourists attributes such as objective types, categories of hotels and stations names and the postcodes; or the near nesses, distance, object locations with a designated rectangular map area Avionic, 2008). Such spatial feature information can be respectively presented by different layers ND then be amalgamated and f inally becomes a digital map. It enables mapped can analyze layers separately when using this map. In these cases, the map contributes to simplify planning and management in tourism due to it specifies detailed components of the particular area.Figure 1 presented below is the example of layers for tourism industry what clearly shows people the constitution of a digital map Tourism using GIS in China An outstanding example from China that has been mature in this GIS tourism field is Hough city, what is located in the south east part in China. Hough city has a omelet digital-framed categorical platform with multiple applications in numerous aspects such as land monitoring, real estate managing, traffic monitoring, etc.Figure 2 below shows the general interface of the digital platform. Categorical tourism system is one of the subset under the entire digital system and it operates on two main elements: spatial and attribute data. Visitors can access this program using their phones and c omputer or those particular devices provided by hotels, and enter their starting point and destination and coordinate an optimal route for their trip.This program also has implicit geographical references like lace's name, address, postcode, and road name and road number on it. Moreover, there are evaluations and comments given by former visitors showing up since visitors select the restaurants or hotels on the map. With this categorical tourism map, the numbers of visitors of Hough City gained an obvious increase. Visitors appreciated the convenience this technology has brought to them in optimizing the tourism planning.And because of this program, the traffic burden is mitigated during the peak period of tourism. Sustainability of GIS Tourism Unregulated tourism is generally regarded as an environmental unfriendly activity u to an excessive intensity and it consuming nonrenewable resources (Passbook, 2008). Depends on the seasonality of tourism, the negative elements influence nat ural, cultural, social and economic environment involve emission from transportation, erosion by building roads connecting landmarks, damages of local natural biodiversity.However, with GIS technology, engineers and experts can analyze the land then come up with better strategically management planning, and gradually minimize the negative impact brought by unregulated tourism. Conclusion As tourism is constituted by numerous complex activities, and all involved in terms of trial, cultural, social and economic environmental demands, thus a powerful tool is really necessary for its sustainability.GIS technology is proven to be one of the successful results for land management and decision making so far. The GIS has visual presentation of tourism data Avionic, 2008). Apart of this, from an engineer's perspective, the spatial and non-spatial data contained by digital map dramatically contribute to effectively managing the land, easing the conflicts and risk, promoting the sustainability of tourism. Hereby, GIS technology utilization need to be proposed and extended in tourism field.

Auditory Attention Essay Example for Free

Auditory Attention Essay The ability to localize sound sources is of considerable importance to both humans and animals; it will determine the direction of objects to seek or to avoid as well as indicating the appropriate direction to direct visual attention. The precision of sound localization is remarkable, particularly for brief sounds or for those occurring in noisy or reverberant surroundings. While the most reliable cues used in the localization of sounds depend upon a comparison of the signals reaching the two ears, there are also phenomena of auditory space perception which result from monoaural processing of the signals. Localization refers to judgments of the direction and distance of a sound source. Like when headphones are worn, the sound image is located inside the head. Headphones allow precise control of interaural differences and eliminate effects related to room echoes. Using two ears we are able to selectively attend to sounds coming from a particular direction while effectively excluding other sounds. This ability is particularly important in noisy surroundings or when there are several sound sources competing for our attention. Our acuity in locating sounds is greatest in the horizontal dimension, fairly good in the vertical direction and least good in the depth dimension. Aside from this ability we are also able to judge the direction of a sound source and to some extent estimates its distance. Many everyday experiences indicate that auditory localization can be influenced by conflicting visual cues. At a cinema for example, the loudspeakers are usually placed behind the screen or in its center yet the sound still appears to come from the actor’s mouth as he moves about the screen. Similarly, the loudspeaker in a television set is located to one side of the screen but the sound does not appear to be detached from the visual image. Thus, it might be possible that exposure to conflicting auditory and visual cues for a period of time may lead to an after-effect in which the localization of sounds is systematically displaced. This may occur during experiments wherein sound may be generates from one area but a cue may say otherwise and given the effects of practice and priming, experiment results into auditory localization may not be valid. Early findings on the study of orienting pure auditory attention have yielded no significant change in performance. Posner (1980) did not find any advantage in the use of auditory pre- cueing of auditory targets. Others have failed to find a benefit for the detection of sounds coming from expected vs. unexpected locations (Scharf, Quigley, Aoki, Peachey and Reeves, 1987). Buchtel and Butter (1988) found that informative auditory cues provided a benefit in the detection of visual targets; however they failed to find a benefit from cues on auditory targets. Klein, Brennan and Gilani (1987) also found no benefit in the detection of auditory targets with the use of uninformative cues using both visual and auditory cues. However, the use of auditory and visual cues together on tasks has been promising. Previous researches on multisensory instruments have found that it can optimize performance rather than using one sensory modality. Recently Duncan, Martens and Ward (1997) found evidence of restricted attentional capacity within but not between sensory modalities. They presented streams of visual and or auditory inputs containing occasional targets to be identified and recalled, for two visual or two auditory streams they found that the identification of one target produced a sustained reduction in the ability to identify a second target. In contrast, when the streams were from both modalities, there was no such reduction in the identification of the second target. The results suggest a modality-specific restriction to concurrent attention and awareness. The results of this study have important implications for the design of complex human machine interface systems. Systems should be designed to take advantage of the spatial presentation of information to the human operator to enhance the detection rate of critical information (i. e. ; warnings). This findings support Rhodes (1987) earlier work on auditory attention where he reported that auditory attention has spatial constraints. He found that time linearly increased to localize a sound as a function of distance from the point of attention; he further proposed that even for sounds, localization is shifted through logical and topographical representations. Information presented in locations where spatial attention has been allocated has both faster and more accurate response in both visual and auditory modalities (Posner, 1980, Ward, 2000, Spence & driver, 1996, 1997a, 1997b). Moreover, even if there is a limited human attentional capacity the nature of spatial attention across modalities suggests that if one modality is overloaded the attentional capacity of other modalities are not adversely affected (Duncan, Martens & Ward, 1997). Thus, the best way to maximize this modality-specific restriction is to present information using both the visual and auditory modalities. Flanagan, McAnally, Martin, Meehan & Oldfield (1998) found evidence of the usefulness of using both modalities. In their study, they reported that visual search times were reduced when spatially informative auditory information was supplied. They used a spatial localization task in which the search for a visual target was aided by either a visual arrow or an auditory cue. They found both the visual and the auditory cues aided in significantly reducing the search times when compared to unaided search. It is however important that the visual and auditory information presented are detectable and localizable. Hence a signal should be localizable when information presented is critical (i. e. ; location of threats such as enemy fighters, missiles etc. ) and that information presented is expected in that location will improve response time and accuracy (Posner, 1980, Spence and Driver, 1996). Auditory Attention. (2017, May 20).

FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS, METHODS, & MODES IN THE HUMANITIES Essay - 3

FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS, METHODS, & MODES IN THE HUMANITIES - Essay Example Impressionist works include fairly small, slender, yet clear brush strokes, clear composition, stress on precise depiction of light in its varying qualities (frequently stressing the impacts of the passage of time), usual themes, insertion of movement as a vital factor of human insight and experience, as well as unusual visual angles. Post-Impressionism, on the other hand, describes the evolvement of French art after Manet. The movement extended impressionism whereas declining its limitations: they still maintained vivid colors, frequently thick use of paint and real-life theme or subject matter (Halsall, 2005). However, they were more prone to highlight geometric forms, bend form for a rich and open effect, and use arbitrary or unnatural color (Gowing, 2005). This paper will offer a wide-ranging assessment of these two art movements (impressionism and post-impressionism) by describing the characteristics of the two styles and social conditions that may have contributed to the advent of the style, the relationship between the periods, stylistic and historical similarities or differences between the periods, compare one specific work from the earlier period with one specific work from the later period and finally explain the stylistic influence that the later art period had on the future art world. Some of the vital traits of impressionism include clear brush strokes, day lighting, clear lines and less deep colors. Impressionist artists applied large and visible brush strokes to assist in portraying an abstract mood (Gowing, 2005). They developed diverse textures, both physically and visually, with different colors put together. Impressionist painters dedicated their entire works to a single object seen during diverse times of the day. The lines from this movement were normally subtle and blurry (Gowing, 2005). Finally, the colors from this movement were imaginary, though not essentially romanticized. Impressionism was the launch of a

Supply Chain Case Problem Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Supply Chain Problem - Case Study Example method, the assumption is that the trend that has been occuring in the past will continue even in the other years to come, that is, the demand patterns that have previously occurred over time will continue to do so (Operations Management: Creating Value along the Supply Chain, 2012). The main focus in this method is Time. Time series methods consist of moving average, linear trend line and exponential smoothing. In this case problem the time series method that would be used for bookstore management is moving average (Operations Management: Creating Value along the Supply Chain, 2012). Therefore, using the historical data provided, the forecast from the excel auto forecast is 592.3186813 units. The moving average method is easy to use and understand though one cannot use it to forecast automatically using excel. The accuracy of moving average is distinct therefore it can be relied upon by organizations for their various operational planning processes . Since there are various forecasting methods, incase one type of the method doesn’t provide precise information, then it is advisable that one tries various forecasting methods until the accurate forecast is obtained . There are other forecast methods that can be used with the historical data for the bookstore management. For instance, linear trend lines and exponential smoothing can also be used since they are popular for short range, somewhat easy to employ and comprehend . It should be noted that when forecasting methods are first initiated to individuals, the lack of forecast preciseness comes as a surprise or disappointment to the individuals (Operations Management: Creating Value along the Supply Chain, 2012). Therefore, with more learning and experience, one is able to know that forecasting is not simple and does not provide precise information though with the increase in knowledge and skill, companies that are able to have more defined forecasts have an added advantage agaist their competitors

GROUPS AND TEAMS IN AN ORGANIZATION Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

GROUPS AND TEAMS IN AN ORGANIZATION - Essay Example According to Williams Institute, people believed that there are "right" and "wrong" choices. Coincidently, people make different choices with their personal ethical values. Williams Institute attempts to develop a program in which they assist people and guide them in the process of making ethical decisions. Groups and teams play a vital role in making an organization more productive and also it's concerned in the increase of output of the organization. In an organization it's a collection of individual's goal, objectives, efforts and staying united by interacting with each other and staying together until the task will not be accomplished. Sometimes teams or group would be made temporarily by the organization to achieve or accomplish some task or objective and after the completion of that task; those teams or groups are automatically obsolete. Effective team will not achieve any task if the members of the team don't know the strength and weaknesses of each other as well as the organization. If the teams and groups are nor united or share their skills and knowledge with each other while staying in the organization or performing their functions and activities for the organization that would play a negative role in firm's productivity and its success.

Vision Paper Research Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Vision - Research Paper Example I have wanted my students to share with me what they cannot share with any other person because I do not want them to stay disturbed, which might affect their studies. I have wanted them to share their happiness with me and consider me as someone who cannot only guide them professional but also personally. However, one cannot achieve all that he wants but struggle can make everything possible and this is what I am doing to make my class room an idealistic place for all the students and teachers. Being a teacher is easy but to live teaching is not a child’s play, it requires a lot of patience and tolerance to fulfill the meaning of word teacher, to fulfill the expectations of parents and most importantly to fulfill the expectations of students. Teachers do not have their roles limited to the boundary of classrooms; their duty is far beyond the classrooms. If every teacher understands this concept then it would not be difficult for him or her to acquire the place of â€Å"Best Friend† in the hearts of students. Now the question must arises that why is there a need of being friends of students? This paper will gradually answer this question. Primarily, being friend of students can accomplish the vision of every teacher. Regardless of the desires mentioned in the vision, friendship with the students can achieve any vision the teachers have (Koplow, 2002). I am repetitively focusing on being friends because I have personally experienced this in my life that we are only easily able to share our life with those who understand us the most and in most of the cases, these are our friends. Friends know every aspect of our personality, they know our backgrounds, they are aware of our skills and capabilities, and they always do what makes us happy. I believe that only after acquiring this place in the hearts of students, I can accomplish my vision, which is to develop a culturally responsive classroom. Culturally responsive classroom reflects the idea

Traces of Modernism and Women Emancipation in The Yellow Wallpaper and Term Paper

Traces of Modernism and Women Emancipation in The Yellow Wallpaper and The Awakening - Term Paper Example According to the paper for the first time brought women out from the confines of their homes, where they were primarily responsible to serve as mere wives and mothers, to a larger reality, with provided them with a chance to carve an identity in the socio-economic domain. This led to many supporting developments like the dilution of the taboo associated with divorce and cohabitation, the advent of the Pill that gave women a decisive say in the sphere of their reproductive health and decisions, and a larger scope for women in the educational, career making and workforce related opportunities. However, these changes did not remain merely confined to the area of economic affairs and social status, but also greatly influenced the role ascribed to women in personal relationships. The women became more questioning of the issues like sexuality, marriage and motherhood. The short story The Yellow Wallpaper and the novel The Awakening to a great extent pertain to this altering stance of women in the interpersonal relationships and a changing approach of the women towards issues like domesticity, marriage and motherhood. This paper stresses that gilman masterfully uses her short story The Yellow Wallpaper to make reveling statements about the issues like feminism and womanhood. To do so, Gilman expertly leads the reader through the misery faced by a woman in the wake of her neurotic state, characterizing a mix of her mental state and her views pertaining to marriage and womanhood through her association with the yellow wallpaper in her bedroom.  

Leisure and Tourism Maqnagement Project Coursework

Leisure and Tourism Maqnagement Project - Coursework Example This has implications for the events industry in general, and for the way the events industry ought to capitalize on social media trends in order to remain relevant. These developments also augur well for the industry, as they represent new opportunities that the industry can exploit in order to thrive moving forward (Neff; Smith and Zook; Kaplan and Heinlein; Agichtein et al.; Gilbert and Karahalios). Gaping holes in the marketing mix can result from events industry participants ignoring recent trends relating to the growing power and influence of social media in the lives and the finances of its customers. An understanding of the intricacies of social media as they are used to supplement or to make up the core of the important promotions and place aspects of the marketing mix can have profound implications for the events industry as a whole (Mangold and Faulds; Asur and Huberman; Xiang and Gretzel; Correa et al; Eyrich et al.; Kietzmann er al.; Thakeray et al.; Bian et al.). How does social media impact the UK events industry? What are the implications of the explosion in social media use on the events industry in the UK, as they pertain specifically to the way the industry markets itself and provides services to its customers? (Neff; Smith and Zook; Kaplan and Heinlein; Agichtein et al.; Gilbert and Karahalios). This paper aims to derive insights from recent research relating to the impacts of social media on the UK events industry in particular, and the intricacies of social media use and how such affects the way the UK industry markets itself and provides services to its customer bases (Neff; Smith and Zook; Kaplan and Heinlein; Agichtein et al.; Gilbert and Karahalios). There is the growing sense that social media is of vital importance in many aspects of businesses that have to do with facing and relating to customers, as evidenced, for instance, in

Saving the Selves of Adolescent Girls Essay Example for Free

Saving the Selves of Adolescent Girls Essay I encourage girls to search within themselves for their deepest values and beliefs. Once they have discovered their own true selves, I encourage them to trust that self as the source of meaning and direction in their lives† Mary Pipher, Ph. D. Clinical psychologist Mary Pipher has brought widespread attention to the loss of true-self, experienced by adolescent girls in her critically acclaimed book, Reviving Ophelia: Saving the Selves of Adolescent Girls. Whitaker, 2006). In her book, Pihper addresses the development issues of adolescent girls, the culture they live in and how their needs are and are not being met. She explains that our failure as a society, is not giving our children good, sound advice on how to become a decent, functioning adults and our unwillingness to do so, is destroying our culture (Pihper, 2002). She also offers insightful advice as to how, we as a society can encourage our adolescent girls to remain true to their authentic selves. Reviving Ophelia: Saving the Selves of Adolescent Girls More than anything, I want to save my children from the pain and self-imposed isolation I experienced during adolescence. As a parent, I want to shelter my children, make all of the hard decisions for them and protect them from any harm that comes their way. As a realist, I understand that the experiences of adolescences are necessary to build character, strength and integrity. As a dreamer, I want my children to magically transcend into adulthood, unscathed from the trauma of their teens years. As a future psychologist, I agree that our children are growing up in a poisonous culture and without intervention; we will all suffer (Pipher, 1994). When I looked up this book and noticed its publication date (1994), my first thought was, â€Å"How relevant can this book be, it’s almost 20 years old? † The issues adolescents faced in the early 1990’s are not the same issues that my children are dealing with in 2013. American cultural has changed significantly in the last 20 years. Society as a whole, has become more aware, more understanding and more proactive; we’re willing to acknowledge the faults of past ideology and we’re eager enact positive change. We’re involved; we’re conscientious and we’re dedicated the betterment of society. Yet with all of our good intentions, our adolescent girls are drowning in vast sea of negativity and losing their true authentic selves, to an over sexed, hypercritical, media crazed culture. The most important message it took from Mary Pipher’s book, Reviving Ophelia, is how damaging and belittling our culture is to the development of adolescent girls. We are living the â€Å"information age† and there is very little parents can do to shield or protect their children from the harmful influences of the media. The internet and social media has taken over society and negatively impacted our culture in numerous ways. Children are exposed to sexual, violent content so often and from such an early age that they’ve become indifferent to it. Even the movies, music and television programs that are specifically geared towards adolescents, often advocates under-age drinking, drug use, defiant behavior and overt sexuality. As a result, our children are growing-up too fast. My twelve year old daughter is dealing with issues that were once considered to be taboo even for adults, such as sexting and posting naked picture online. Parents and the media often contradict one another, which further confuses adolescents (Pipher, 2002). Parents are trying to establish healthy boundaries and instill moral values, such as kindness, respect, consideration and modesty. Their goal is to produce happy, well adjusted, morally sound adults. The media, on the other hand, purely wants to make money by pushing products and opinions (Pipher, 2002). All facets of the media push, sell, and glorify sexuality over newsworthy content. These types of media encourage self-doubt and insecurity in girls by teaching them to worry about their sexuality, popularity and attractiveness (Pipher, 2002). Pipher blames the inescapable influence of the media, in part, for the eradication of self-esteem and loss of true identity among young impressionable girls (Whitaker, 2006). Throughout time, the needs of our children have not substantially changed (Pipher, 2002). They still need love, understanding, protection, acceptance and guidance to grow and thrive. It’s our culture and expectations, or lacks thereof, that have changed; we no longer expect people to do the right thing. Our culture has become much more sexualized, violent and dangerous for adolescent girls; 44 percent of all rape victims are under the age of 18 (Rainn, 2009). Startling statistics like these make it difficult for parents to balance their adolescent’s need for safety against their need for autonomy. These changes have also made it much harder for young women to identify and ultimately get what they need (Pipher, 1994). Our culture encourages adolescent, girls and boys, to distance themselves from their parents (the people that care most and know them best) as a sign of independence (Pipher, 2002). When adolescents are in their most vulnerable/impressionable state, their parents are unable to help them navigate difficult life altering situations. For the lack of better option, adolescents turn to their peers and media (Facebook) for advice and guidance: which leads to confusion and loss of self (Pipher, 2002). Mary Pipher explained, the problems that girls (adolescents) are having is not because of dysfunctional families, as much as a dysfunctional culture. I found this perspective refreshing. For many years, family members, especially mothers, have been blamed for their daughter’s (adolescents) unhappiness and emotional issues (Pipher, 1994). Parents are not the only ones responsible. They cannot protect their children from everything and everyone. Our culture and society are responsible as well; we all have an obligation to the youth of our nation. As a society, we are failing to provide a safe, nurturing environment for our children to flourish. As a culture, we are failing an entire generation of young women by allowing the media to dictate the value of external and internal beauty. We are also allowing the media to teach our culture, that it’s acceptable to view children in an overly mature, sexualized manor (Pipher, 1994). Adolescence has always been a time of turbulence and strife but in today’s culture, girls and young women feel overly pressured to conform to society’s unrealistic expectations of beauty, sexuality and femininity. During childhood, girls are praised for their kindness, academics, sports ability and natural talents. During adolescence, their childhood accomplishments and personal strengths are minimized or devalued and their sense of â€Å"self† becomes dependent upon their perceived level of attractiveness (Pipher, 1994). Girls who do not feel attractive or â€Å"normal,† see their bodies as a personal failure and are left feeling worthless and/or excluded. Pipher explains that an adolescent’s lack of emotional maturity, makes it difficult for them to hold onto their true-selves and not fall prey to our over sexualized culture. Girls are encouraged to sacrifice their true-selves and they are expected to mold themselves into what society wants from its young women. In a sense, their identity is strip away so their sexuality and attractiveness can surface. Society has little concern for who these young women want to become or what they’re capable of accomplishing (Pihper, 1994). Our culture doesn’t typically embrace or reward individuality, unless it comes in a pretty, blatantly sexualized, package. Girls respond to cultural or societal pressures by being angry, developing depression, withdrawing and by conforming (Pihper, 2002). Pipher explains that insecure girls often â€Å"lead with their sexuality,† as if it’s their only redeemable quality and all they have to offer. As a parent, how can I help my children navigate a media obsessed culture that I do not truly understand? How do you limit the dangerous influence of the internet and Social media; it’s everywhere, all the time? This is not the culture or society that I grew up in, the rules have changed and the stakes are much higher. I feel like I’m running a never ending race against peer pressure and media influence; whoever wins the race gets to keep my child’s soul and dignity. The idea of losing my sweet, loving twelve year old daughter to title wave of uncontrollable, irrational hormones is terrifying. Like most parents, I fear adolescence. I clearly remember my own â€Å"war path† through my teen years. I needlessly pushed and distanced myself from my family. I was very â€Å"uncool† to get along with your parents. I fought viciously for independence, which really meant doing whatever I wanted. I lied, skipped school, snuck out at night, stole liquor and drank to the point of passing out. I felt misunderstood and disconnected from everything. I deeply craved companionship; so much so that I allowed myself to be used by unworthy, equally damaged people. The peer pressure was so intense and my need for acceptance ruled my life. It was a very confusing time and I tortured myself and my parents. I remember how lost I felt, how hopeless it all seemed, how angry I was and how much I hated my body. I was too short, too fat, teeth were crooked and my chest was too big. I breast developed quickly; in junior high, I was 34 C-cup and by high school, I was a 36 D-cup. I got a lot of inappropriate and unwanted attention, that I didn’t know what to do with. Men/Boys liked me too much and women seemed to be bothered or intimidated by me. Some of my girlfriends were jealous, while others were overly critical. The attention I received permanently changed how I saw myself and how I interacted with the people around me. I went from being a tiny, abrasive tomboy, who was always fighting to be seen as an adult, to being viewed in a completely sexualized manor. The media has taught women, of all ages, that their most revered, important qualities are sexuality and appearance (Pipher, 1994). Adolescent girls are constantly bombarded with distorted, over sexed images of what beauty should look like. You have to be tall, ridiculously thin, wear expensive clothes, have perfectly straight teeth, flawless skin and above all else, exude sex (Pipher, 2002). When young women compare themselves to the images they see on television, in movies and on advertisements, they’re often left feeling inadequate and confused about their own bodies. The media’s idea of what constitutes attractiveness or what beauty looks like is often unattainable, unhealthy and unnatural. The average fashion model is 5’10/5’11 and weighs 110 pound (Pipher, 1994). According to the Center for Disease Control (2007-2010) the average American girl, at age 11 is 4’11† and weighs 104. 8 pounds; an average American girl, at age 15 is 5’4† and weighs 139. 6 pounds; the average American women over the age of 20, is 5’4† and weighs 166. 2 pounds. These statistics are mind-blowing and sad. How can we expect adolescent girls to have a healthy understanding of beauty and body image, when the average 11 year old girl (at the beginning of adolescence) is just 6 pounds shy of the average fashion model? How, as a society, do we expect our young women to develop positive attitudes about weight, height and appearance when we continually glorify an unrealistic and often unattainable standard of what beautiful is? When the media portrays â€Å"beauty† in such an unnatural way (being supper skinny) adolescent girls will do unhealthy, extreme things to be thin; which often leads to eating disorders (Pipher, 1994). Bulimia Nervosa is the most common eating disorder among young adolescent women, ages 14-24 years old (Duke University, 2010). People with bulimia will binge eat or consume large amounts of food in a short amount of time; an average of 3,000 – 5,000 calories within an hour (Smith amp; Segal, 2012). After binging, the bulimic feels compelled to purge or rid the body of the recently consumed food by vomiting, excessively exercising, or abusing laxatives and diuretics. Approximately 1 out of every 50 American women will suffer from bulimia at some point in her life (Duke University, 2010). Bulimia Nervosa can become all-consuming and take over the adolescent’s entire thought process. Every decision, in one way or another, is about food. In the beginning, bulimia makes them feel powerful, in control and invincible. For the first time in their life they can eat whatever they want, it doesn’t count, the calories don’t matter because they can get rid of them. No harm, no fowl! Slowly, over time, they come to realize that they are not in control, they’re eating disorder is. The uncontrollable compulsion to binge and purge interferes with relationships, daily routine and their life in general. In an attempt to hide their eating disorder, adolescents may isolate themselves from friend and family, which only exacerbate their illness. Pipher offers some great advice on how, we as a society, can encourage and effect positive change in the lives young women. She list 6 essential things that all adolescent girls need. First) Physical and Psychological Safety: Girls need the ability to thinks clearly and the permission to feel what they feel, without fear of punishment or ridicule. Second) Love and Friendship: Girls need the love of their parents. They need to develop lasting relationships that are based on mutual respect, love and understanding. Third) Useful Work and Skills: Girls need feel useful and purposeful by develop skills that promote personal accomplishments and success. Fourth) Opportunity to Grow: Girls need time, compassion and guidance as they develop into total functioning human beings. Five) Self-Defense Training: Girls need to feel empowered; they need to know that they can take care of themselves, that they are not passive victims.

Achieving A Congruence In Organisation Strategy Business Essay

Achieving A Congruence In Organisation Strategy Business Essay This essay first discusses about the importance of achieving congruence between an organisations strategy, structure and human resource management (HRM) practices. The author begins with defining strategy, structure and practices. The example of a software support organisation is used to illustrate the points in this essay; ensues by the outlining of its business objectives and strategies. It strives to be the leading integration software support service provider offering cutting edge service quality and achieving high customer satisfaction. Being in the service industry, the strategies revolve very much around human resource administration. The author subsequently delves into each strategy explaining why there must be congruence in order to accomplish the objectives. The second segment of discussion directs the attention to the relevance and effectiveness of HRM in achieving a competitive edge for the organisation. In the instance of the support organisation, information technology (IT) knowledge and customer service skills are a crucial part of work. Technology is ever-evolving and customers demands intensify in time. With proper management of skill and practices the organisation will be able to adapt well to external and internal changes giving it an advantage over other support organisations. As the conclusion, performance is obtained by systematic interactions and integration among the various HRM practices (Boxall, 2003). HRM has to be aligned to the corporate strategy and structure and this gives the organisation a competitive edge. First and foremost it is good to introduce and define the key elements of the essay. Organisational strategy defines the direction in which an organisation intends to move and establishes the framework for action through which it intends to get there (as quoted in Stone, 2008, p. 13). Organisational structure refers to the organisations framework or design (as quoted in Stone, 2008, p. 34). HRM practices relate to the human resource routines that are undertaken to manage specific skills, values and knowledge of employees (Ennen Richter, 2010). It is important to achieve congruence between these three elements to increase operational performance by meeting the organisational objectives and at the same time promoting achievement of employee goals (Stone, 2008). Advantage occurs when an organisation substantially builds the quality of its human capital and links it to the business and strategy (Boxall, 2003). Hence it can become a leader or winner in the industry. Work situation of a software support organisation will be discussed here. Its strategic business objectives are to be the market leader in integration software support excellence providing services around the globe 247, increase revenue opportunities and endorse effective cost control through: Understanding and growing the employee skills and interests. Retaining the right people by showing appreciation of their contribution. Empowering employees to provide value for achieving customers goal. Achieving high customers satisfaction and keeping them happy. Expanding the organisation in cost effective locations. The business strategy depends profoundly on the work force which is the organisation structure and the management of workers. The corporate business strategy of being the leader in customer service is to be achieved by first of all understanding and growing the employee skills and interests. This is in fact one of HRM practices and activities. Understanding the employee can be done by performing individual appraisal and growing them is a part of HR development and career planning (Stone, 2008). These days, less attention is paid to the persons position or tenure, rather the market value of skills is focused on (Cascio, 2010). Besides skills, their interests need to be taken care of, depending what they are. For example an employee that gets promoted is more committed to the companys goals attainment (Joseph Dai, 2009). A design that focuses on wellness of workers is more likely to be successful in achieving the operational goals. Without proper management of people who are going to run the organisation, its strategic business objectives execution would go the wrong direction. Secondly, the retaining and hiring of desirable skills directly affect the corporate performance (Wei, 2006). HRM strategies have to be aligned fittingly to this in order that the company does not dissipate unnecessary costs hiring new support engineers to replace those who leave the job due to feeling of disapproval. To keep capable workers, it is important for them to feel appreciated for their contribution. Engaging a reward system, incentives-motivated performance measurement is a good way to retain employees. Good organisation coordination can promote a trust environment that enables two way feedbacks between employer-employee (Collins, 2010). Constructive and beneficial feedback has to be acted upon to show that management is receptive to the peoples voice. HR activities such as recruitment and selection should aim to support the organisations strategy of focusing on the customer-employee relationship. Competent candidates ought to be selected for the job to ensure customer obt ain the service they seek from the knowledge workers. Thirdly, the researcher discusses why the empowerment of employee has to be fitted with the right HRM practices and organisational structure. The support organisation has offices in different parts of the world, therefore it is structured in the way that there is a Regional Time Zone Manager who heads the Product Line Manager who manages the Support Managers. The Support Managers deal directly with the Support Engineers. Communication is most of the time vertical and bureaucratic. The author thinks this design complicates the HR practices; for example there will be multiple level approval processes, hence employees are not empowered appropriately. Non-hierarchical decision making is becoming a more popular managerial structure because it is creating added creativity in workplace through proper delegation of work (Joseph Dai, 2009). The author thinks the support organisation could adopt this flat organisational structure. In this way there will be cutback of redundant escalation and reporting processes. Strategic plans can to be communicated immediately to the employees, who carry them out (York, 2010). Managers and employees should share a common understanding of execution plan details without obvious rank barrier. Then the engineers would know the main areas of concern. Keeping customers happy is one of them which will to be discussed next. The fourth strategic plan is to achieve high customers satisfaction. Managing human resource by adopting development-orientated practices is essential to improve the organisations capability in satisfying the customers. IT workers have to be developed regularly to keep up with the latest technological knowledge (Joseph Dai, 2009). Customer interaction effectiveness can be enhanced by communication training and development, hence boosting customer fulfilment. An open and interactive organisational design structure is helpful in building a good customer-support relationship. Customers are free to reach out to the Customer Services Managers for any conflicts or queries that occur during the support process so they get all the assistance they need. Consequently more new customers are attracted to sign up while existing customer stayed satisfied. The company will be able to meet its business objective of generating more revenue from the customers maintenance contracts. Finally, to promote cost effectiveness via the strategic decision to grow the support team internationally, supporting a global set of customers around the clock. One of the initiatives is to have more shifts in lower cost hub, providing customer service remotely through phone and email communication. HRM supports this by recruiting the required support engineers before the shifts start. HR planning of estimating how many workers are needed has to be done carefully to ensure cost efficiency. The planning would have to take into account the existing workers and the time required for the new workers to start contributing to the company (Ahmad, 2000). As the setup activity spans across the globe, the structure has to be in place before execution. The alignment of HRM practices and policies to the organisational strategy, design and structure will significantly increase productivity (Joseph Dai, 2009) especially in the condition where remote supervision is required. The author agrees with the statement One of the aims of HRM is to give an organisation a competitive edge. In fact HRM has to be strategized to help integrate the organisational strategy and polish its structure in a unique way that enhances the overall value to provide a competitive advantage. Human resources management focuses on managing the employer and employee relations and productively use it to achieve the strategic corporate strategy (Stone, 2008). Again in the example of the Support Centre, information technology (IT) knowledge and customer services skills are a crucial part of work. As described above, HRM activity such as training and development could improve these skills which add value to the customer. Customer usually tends to compare the quality of service provided among all other support organisations offering the same services. Distinguished service that stands out is in the advantage to keep the customers. HRM practices and policies describe factors that determine with what skills, values and knowledge organisational routines are implemented (Ennen Richter, 2010). A good HRM system takes care of changes that happen externally as well as internally. External factor such as technological divergence which is ever-evolving requires the attainment of new technical know-how for continuous improvement. With the right resource management, existing hardware and software can be replaced before they get obsolete. New technology can be acquired and utilized to create a better environment for support engineers to trouble-shoot complicated technical cases. Customers are always impressed with fresh ideas and fast resolution time. Transformation that happens internally for example team restructuring will probably affect day to day practices. HR administrative mechanism plays an important role to ensure employees adapt well to the changes. If a formal notification about re-allocation of duties is deli vered, workers will not be caught off guard and can prepare for the change. Productivity would drop tremendously if the various factors are not managed well. HRM that aligns to business strategies controls work activities and direct employees back on track for the organisation to stay competitive. Ennen Richter, 2010, through empirical research concludes that congruence practices, policies, strategy and organisational structure would give firms a competitive advantage over the organisations lacking such fit. The support organisation which is in the service sector covers a huge range of human services and practices. Productivity is best served by systematic interactions and integration among the various practices (Boxall, 2003). The support organisation focuses on human capital but at the same time it wishes to control cost in the most efficient way. Business hubs have been set up in lower maintenance cost locations. To have Asians providing support service to Europeans for example opens to issues such as cultural and expectation differences. HR strategy to hire the best job applicant with strong competencies such as good etiquette, resilience to cultural differences, strong verbal and written communication becomes a significant factor in ensuring the success of the organisati on. The author concludes that the aim of HRM is to achieve congruence between an organisations strategy, structure and its practices for inducing a competitive edge. When the human capital is taken care of, all other aspects such as technology, customer, culture, social and others will be handled appropriately by precise HRM strategy guidelines. The managers design the strategies and model then delegate the tasks. The workers follow instructions to achieve goal. The managers then collect feedback from the workers to continuously improve the system and produce result. Productivity is best served by systematic interactions and integration among the various HRM practices (Boxall, 2003). HRM has to be aligned to the corporate strategy and structure and this relationship gives the organisation a competitive edge. All said about having a system associated with strategies in place and the extensive information available today, the traditional multi-layer organisation charts value is declining ( Collins, 2010). As we move more into the knowledge age, managers role can be made redundant or will be trimmed down. Perhaps as food for thought, one day organisation would prefer workers performing their functional activities without the managers, but through forming multi-domains networked together by technological intelligence. Word count: 1754 (Excluding Abstract and References)

Sin of Adultery in The Scarlet Letter by Hawthorne :: essays research papers

The greatest sin committed by any character in Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter was that of Arthur Dimmesdale. Although Hester Prynne and Roger Chillingworth wronged each other, the person that did evil against both of them was Dimmesdale. Not only did Dimmesdale have relations with Hester Prynne though he knew that she was still married, but he never came forward as the companion in her sin. Hester Prynne, whose husband was missing for two years with no proof of him being alive of dead, had an affair with Reverend Dimmesdale. She was charged by the court of Boston, Massachusetts for adultery and was sentenced to wear a red letter "A" on her clothes at all times and to stand on the scaffold for three hours a day. Although she would not speak the man's name who was her accomplice, what Hester did in repentance was that she admitted to her crime and served her punishment. Master Prynne, also known as Roger Chillingworth, was partly responsible for Hester Prynne's relationship with Reverend Dimmesdale because his absence of communication for two years caused her to think that he was dead. Chillingworth was also guilty of tormenting Reverend Dimmesdale after he was convinced that he was the father of Hester's child. Pearl, who has a great sense of observation, claims that Chillingworth is the devil and has taken control over Dimmesdale when she says "Come away, mother! Come away, or yonder old black man will catch you! He hath got hold of the minister already." Arthur Dimmesdale was involved in the adulterous act along with Hester Prynne. One fact that makes this event more criminal for him is that Dimmesdale is a minister. Another reason for Dimmesdale's acts to be more shameful than Hester's is that she confessed and served the punishment for her crime. While Hester was on the scaffold, Dimmesdale expresses that he does not have the courage to admit his sin and sacrifice his good name. However, when Dimmesdale says "who, perchance, hath not the courage to grasp it for himself--the bitter, but wholesome, cup that is now presented to thy lips" he is inviting Hester to confess Dimmesdale's involvement with her to the townspeople with the explanation that it will be a bitter but wholesome relief to the both of them. Although Dimmesdale was tortured by his conscience for his wrongdoings, he did not publicly admit his guilt until seven years later on.

Conrads Heart of Darkness as an Attack Upon Colonialism and Imperialism :: Heart Darkness essays

Attack Upon Colonialism in Heart of Darkness It is very easy for a reader to see Heart of Darkness as a depiction of, and an attack upon, colonialism in general, and, more specifically, the particularly brutal form colonialism took in the Belgian Congo. Consider the book from this point of view, and you will be led to those details which depict the mistreatment of the Africans, the greed of the so-called "pilgrims," the broken idealism of Kurtz, and so on. You will find it important to notice, for example, that French man-of-war lobbing shells into the jungle, or the grove of death which Marlow stumbles upon, or the little note that Kurtz appends to his noble-minded essay on The Suppression of Savage Customs, or the importance of ivory to the economics of the system. As a historian, however, you might also find yourself a little frustrated by the odd fact that the book is so evasive about naming places and people and dates. We can surmise, for example, that Brussels is the city of the whited speculchre, but we might wonder why Marlow can't come right out and name it. One reason for the lack of names, I suppose, is that Conrad was not only interested in the particulars of the history of colonialism as it was applied to the Belgian Congo; he was also apparently interested in a more general sociological investigation of those who conquor and those who are conquored, and the complicated interplay between them. In this light, different--more sociological--questions can be raised and different answers found. The details that might be noticed in this context are, for example, Marlow's invocation of the Roman conquest of Britain, or the cultural ambiquity of those Africans who have taken on some of the ways of their Europeans--Marlow's helmsman, for example, or the Manager's rude servant--or the ways in which the wilderness tends to strip away the civility of the Europeans and brutalize them. Conrad's Heart of Darkness as an Attack Upon Colonialism and Imperialism :: Heart Darkness essays Attack Upon Colonialism in Heart of Darkness It is very easy for a reader to see Heart of Darkness as a depiction of, and an attack upon, colonialism in general, and, more specifically, the particularly brutal form colonialism took in the Belgian Congo. Consider the book from this point of view, and you will be led to those details which depict the mistreatment of the Africans, the greed of the so-called "pilgrims," the broken idealism of Kurtz, and so on. You will find it important to notice, for example, that French man-of-war lobbing shells into the jungle, or the grove of death which Marlow stumbles upon, or the little note that Kurtz appends to his noble-minded essay on The Suppression of Savage Customs, or the importance of ivory to the economics of the system. As a historian, however, you might also find yourself a little frustrated by the odd fact that the book is so evasive about naming places and people and dates. We can surmise, for example, that Brussels is the city of the whited speculchre, but we might wonder why Marlow can't come right out and name it. One reason for the lack of names, I suppose, is that Conrad was not only interested in the particulars of the history of colonialism as it was applied to the Belgian Congo; he was also apparently interested in a more general sociological investigation of those who conquor and those who are conquored, and the complicated interplay between them. In this light, different--more sociological--questions can be raised and different answers found. The details that might be noticed in this context are, for example, Marlow's invocation of the Roman conquest of Britain, or the cultural ambiquity of those Africans who have taken on some of the ways of their Europeans--Marlow's helmsman, for example, or the Manager's rude servant--or the ways in which the wilderness tends to strip away the civility of the Europeans and brutalize them.

Essay --

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald Fiction Setting: In the early 20s in Long Island and New York # of pages: 180 Diem Ha Setting The Great Gatsby takes place after WWI in Long Island and New York during the early 1920s. There are two main areas in The Great Gatsby, the â€Å"West Egg† and the â€Å"East Egg†. People that are wealthy and are rich live in the â€Å"East Egg† and people with less fortune and are poor live in the â€Å"West Egg†. There is a separation between the rich and the poor. Characters Jay Gatsby- The protagonist in The Great Gatsby is Jay Gatsby. He is called Gatsby throughout the novel. Gatsby grew up poor, but he had always yearned for wealth. Though he wanted to be rich and have money, he had always had his mind on Daisy, a woman he met in Louisville before being stationed in to fight in WWI. Gatsby wants the money and the wealth even more after meeting Daisy. Gatsby began to do all he could to win back Daisy’s heart. Tom Buchanan- The antagonist in The Great Gatsby is Tom Buchanan. He is a very arrogant man and he reeked with wealth. Tom married to Daisy before Gatsby could get to Daisy. Tom was racist and he was a bully towards others. Even though Tom was having an affair himself, with Myrtle, he became viscous when he heard Daisy and Gatsby were having an affair. Nick Carraway- The narrator of this novel, The Great Gatsby, is Nick Carraway. Nick was a young gentleman that grew up in Minnesota. Nick was honest and well educated. He had moved to the West Egg and became friends with Gatsby, his neighbor. He then learned of Gatsby and Daisy’s affair, and he watches their romance. Nick is the cousin of Daisy Buchanan. Daisy Buchanan - Daisy is Nick’s cousin; Tom’s wife; Gatsby’s lover. While in Louisville, Dai... ...t of non-olfactory money" (Fitzgerald, 68). This is an example of imagery because you could imagine the city rising up the river and there is a vivid image. â€Å"His station wagon scampered like a brisk yellow bug to meet all trains.† (Fitzgerald 39) This is an example of a simile because the author is stating how fast the station wagon went and comparing it, using ‘like’, to a bug. Concluding Diem Ha The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald Is wealth really worth it? Does it matter if you are rich or poor? When someone has a great amount of wealth it doesn’t mean that their lives are going perfectly fine. Wealth cannot buy happiness or love. Why go after a dream when your life is going to be ruined just because of dishonesty? When you love someone, you would be willing to do what you can for them. Is it worth it or is it just a waste of time and effort? Diem Ha

Coleco Case

STRATEGIC FINANCE COLECO CASE TOY STORY Coleco INC. Profile †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ Name – Coleco Industries Time – the end of 1980s Industry – toys Market – USA Market share – the fifth-largest manufacturer in the USA Head quarter – West HartFord, Connecticut Production line – Cabbage Patch Kids Plush Alf dolls and puppets Couch Potato Pals Play sets (The Flintstones,Sesame Street, Sylvanian Families) †¢ †¢ Company`s issue – annual sales were behind expectations egative equity position of $84 million The challenge – to determine whether the company’s capital could be restructured in a way that would satisfy its creditors without diluting the stock any further than was necessary Product line Economy and Industry Analysis 1988 †¢ the economy – raising †¢ unemployment and interest rates – low †¢ demographic factors favorable †¢ interest rate is decreasing †¢ debt is becoming cheaper Economy Industry †¢ favorable conditions toy industry †¢ approximately 800 toy companies in the United States †¢ diversification for reducing sales and profit volatility – only for the biggest companiesSales of Coleco and its Major Competitors †¢ In millions USD 1400 1200 1000 800 600 400 Coleco Hasbro Kenner Parker Mattel Tonka 200 0 Company Analysis Sales growth 40,00% 30,00% 20,00% 10,00% 0,00% -10,00% -20,00% -30,00% -40,00% 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 Company Analysis Current ratio 3,00 2,50 2,00 1,50 Very fluctuating 1,00 0,50 0,00 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 Company Analysis Debt ratio 1,4 1,2 High dependence on debt 1 0,8 0,6 0,4 0,2 0 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 Company Analysis Net profit margin 0,15 0,1 0,05 0 -0,05 -0,1 -0,15 -0,2 -0,25 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 Negative profits in last yearsCompany Analysis Return on equity 20 15 10 5 Non meaningful figures (Equity is negative) 0 1981 -5 -10 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 Company Analysis Return on assets 0,25 0,2 0,15 0,1 0,05 0 -0,05 -0,1 -0,15 -0,2 -0,25 High Volatility of ROA 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 SWOT Analysis strengths 1)Experience in past of recovery from company`s crisis 2) Current ratio is satisfactory weaknesses 1) Sales reduction has resulted in losses that contributed to its negative equity position. 2)Negative or near zero sales growth in recent years. 3)Escalating dependency on debt. 4)Coleco’s capital position was uncertain. )Huge reduction in stock price. 1)The economy was entering its sixth year of overall strength. 2)Unemployment and interest rates at their lowest in years. 3)Demographic factors also were favorable; birth rates were increasing. 4)The toy industry had begun to consolidate. 5) Basic and technology-enhanced toys did well. 1)Of the approximately 800 toy companies in the United States, only the largest were able to minimize sales and profit volatility throu gh diversification. 2)Each companies fortune rose and fell with the strength of its new products 3)Lack of exciting new toy introductions opportunities threats ALTERNATIVES . â€Å"drifting† approach – hoping that products will do well 2. â€Å"merge† approach – hoping that there might be some value in the company’s assets 3. â€Å"equity† approach – to issue more shares at market price 4. â€Å"debts† approach – to restructure debts 5. â€Å"disengagement† approach – to go for liquidation â€Å"Drifting† Approach †¢ †¢ †¢ Net income for Coleco is negative ($105. 4mln in 1987) Net worth is also negative ($84. 9mln in 1987). Huge amount of debt ($620mln in 1987) †¢ †¢ †¢ Equity deficit ($84,3mln in 1987) No any new â€Å"blockbuster† products Low prospects for increasing the company’s sales based on its current product line Low possibility to recover inappro priate decision â€Å"Merge† Approach Coleco is not attractive in the sense of M&A deals: – big debts (total assets < total liabilities) inappropriate decision â€Å"Equity† Approach †¢ The company could issue more shares but the stock price is apparently small (Ex. 1) †¢ Coleco’s equity is negative through last two years 1986 – ($7. 6) mln 1987 – ($ 84. 3) mln inappropriate decision â€Å"Equity† Approach Ex. 1 Stock price High 1984 1985 1986 1987 Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec 1988 Jan Feb 14-Mar $22. 250 21. 500 20. 500 11. 625 10. 750 11. 25 11. 000 10. 375 10. 250 9. 125 6. 000 4. 625 4. 250 3. 500 Low $9. 625 10. 125 8. 125 10. 000 9. 875 10. 250 9. 750 9. 125 8. 500 4. 250 4. 375 3. 625 3. 125 2. 625 Close 12. 125 16. 000 8. 375 10. 375 10. 500 10. 625 9. 750 9. 375 9. 125 5. 500 4. 625 3. 875 3. 500 3. 000 2. 500 167. 24 211. 28 242. 17 288. 36 290. 10 304. 00 318. 66 329. 80 321. 83 251. 79 230. 3 247. 08 25 7. 07 267. 82 266. 37 S&P 500 Closing Bond Prices 11. 13% $81. 875 82. 000 77. 750 76. 000 94. 000 75. 625 76. 125 72. 000 55. 250 50. 000 41. 500 41. 750 27. 000 14. 38% $90. 125 101. 875 100. 75 99. 500 96. 500 95. 000 95. 000 98. 625 96. 000 94. 375 68. 875 63. 500 50. 000 54. 125 34. 250 S&P longterm gov bond 40. 29 48. 93 58. 04 60. 69 51. 55 52. 42 51. 89 50. 40 47. 39 47. 17 50. 31 49. 89 51. 28 53. 67 52. 50 â€Å"Debts† Approach †¢ Coleco is dependent on debt through years (also successful ones) †¢ The company has a huge amount of total liabilities (in 1987 about $ 620 mln) †¢ No resources to pay debts (Negative equity, Assets are generally composed of Accounts receivables) †¢ Company by the moment already does not comply with the creditors requirements nappropriate decision â€Å"Disengagement† Approach The first reason for liquidation 700 600 500 400 300 Stock based insolvency 200 100 0 -100 -200 Debt Assets Equity â€Å"Disengagementâ⠂¬  Approach The second reason for liquidation Zone of insolvency cash flow contractual obligations 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 Conclusion We consider â€Å"disengagement† approach the best solution for Coleco INC, as the firm is a prime candidate for bankruptcy. THANK YOU FOR ATTANTION QUESTIONS

Martin Luther King Jr. and Henry Thoreau Debate Essay

Fight For What is Right A cold, snowy winter night in Birmingham, Alabama: one of those nights where you would rather stay inside and sit by a fire while sipping on a cup of hot chocolate. Not everyone is doing that though, for many people walk in the cold all bundled up. Some of the more unfortunate ones stay stranded outside in the freezing weather with not nearly enough layers to keep them warm. In Birmingham, a lot of these people consist of African Americans who cannot afford somewhere to keep warm or are Just simply denied a place to stay based on their skin color. In this day and age, segregation exists between whites and blacks. A huge issue nationwide, but when it comes to Birmingham everything is taken to a new level. To ensure the separation of whites and blacks, you can see plenty of racial signs and other such tactics used by the city. Although between King and Thoreau, none of these resemble an issue; they both could stay warm under their nice winter Jackets, both had a place to go back home to and more importantly, one was a white man and the other a black man. Henry David Thoreau and Martin Luther King Jr. both made themselves very well known and idolized by many. They knew each other through a mutual friend but came into contact when they ran into one another here in Birmingham. The segregation in Birmingham continues to get out of control with constant bombings and killings of African American citizens, causing certain groups to want to take action towards reform in Birmingham. The group known as the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights called upon King to help lead them in non-violent reform, while Thoreau made his trip here to witness the reforms. Thoreau’s time of non-violent reform came about years before King even began to participate. King actually learned Just about everything from Thoreau’s writing, but Thoreau has no sense of that at this very moment. What King learned from Thoreau, he put to use more than Thoreau ever did. Right now the two men share the same non-violent beliefs and want to spread the word in their own separate ways. As the two men walk down the street they engage in friendly small talk. But then they come across a black couple denied entry into a restaurant. Both men look at ach other in disgust. They have seen it happen hundreds of times, but each time they see it, they have the same disgustful reaction. After what they Just witnessed, the two men started to state their opinions to each other on why they see this type of policy as a disgrace. Henry Thoreau spoke first with a scornful tone in his voice on how he cannot respect his government for allowing instances like these to occur. He continues speaking, â€Å"l cannot for an instant recognize that political organization as my government which is the slave’s government also (180). In response, King expresses to Thoreau, that you cannot put the entire blame on the government even though they could change the laws involving segregation. But would that change how the white majority feels, especially in southern states. Those people grew up witn certain opinions ot Atrican Americans. King goes on with another strong statement, saying â€Å"Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly (214). † With this statement, King tries to tell Thoreau that if they cannot change how people think, then segregation will not change either. After uttering such words, King goes quiet, neither one of them saying anything to each other. Both continue walking with their eyes facing forward, trying to fgure out what they are going to say next. After a few minutes of walking in the freezing cold with a light flurry of snow, the silence is broken. King ends this when he asks Thoreau how he plans on making a difference for racism and segregation. Thoreau does not respond right away, giving King the opportunity to answer his own question: â€Å"Henry, we need to make a difference here in Birmingham. If we do something here then it ay affect the whole nation. And we need to do it in a non-violent manner. † He continues, â€Å"In any non-violent campaign there are four basic steps: collection of facts to determine whether injustices exist; negotiation; self-purification; and direct action (215). King believes that these steps will lead them to a successful reform against segregation. Thoreau agrees with King that they should reform in a non-violent way, but questions who will Join him. He immediately states, They continue enjoying each other’s company, but ever since their heated discussions the two have not said one word or even batted an eye towards the other. They arrive at the footsteps of Martin Luther King Jr. ‘s apartment where he says one final comment to end the night, â€Å"Henry, we have a ‘moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws’ (218). We are nere tor a reason; and that reason involves making a ditterence. So tomorrow let’s get everyone in town together and move forward with this reform. † Thoreau ooks at King with a blank face and continues his way. With his incomparable leadership ability, King leads a reform the next day in Birmingham. The reform in Birmingham took place in 1963, and was led by Martin Luther King Jr.. This action brought attention to the integration efforts in the city, and during these nonviolent riots the citys police brought out dogs which attacked the civilians. They would also spray the people with high powered water hoses. But the reform actions demonstrated led to the government changing the city of Birmingham’s discrimination laws.

Price Discrimination Revised Essay

Jane, thinking that a vacation in San Francisco to visit her parents would provide her with a much-needed rest, bought a ticket two weeks in advance for a weekend flight.   She would be sitting in 11A.   On the day before Jane’s flight, Freya gets a call from her boss, instructing her to attend the company’s meeting in San Francisco.   She booked a flight for the next day immediately upon getting the call.   Freya sat in 11B   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Freya paid $500 more than Jane for basically the same service, occupying adjacent seats. And this is a prime example of price discrimination. * *   *   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Price discrimination is simply the charging of different prices to different customers (Stavins, 1996, p. 3).   It is characterized as price discrimination when the difference in prices are not due to difference in costs.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Scott Woolley writing for Forbes.Com simplified it further, saying that price discrimination is when an airline charge some customers more than other customers for the same (or almost the same) thing (Woolley, 1998.)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Tricia Ellis-Christensen stated that price discrimination is a widespread practice, and it doesn’t â€Å"necessarily imply negative discrimination.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Price discrimination is categorized into degrees depending on the market segmentation, the customer’s ability to pay or demand elasiticity. (Ellis-Christensen, undated).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   First-degree price discrimination occurs when identical goods are sold at different prices.   This is most evident in the sale of both new and used cars wherein the salesperson gauges the maximum price at which the car can be sold.   This type often includes bargaining, or negotiating for a lower price (Ellis-Christensen, undated).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Second-degree price discrimination is when lower prices are charged for bulk or higher quantities (Ellis-Christensen, undated).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Third degree price discrimination requires understanding the market, and is more prevalent.   This type often plays on segments of the target market.   An example is discounts offered to students. (Ellis-Christensen, undated).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Conditions for Price Discrimination.   Joanna Stavins further explains that for an airline or company to successfully discriminate on price, it must have some market power, to be able to charge prices above the marginal cost. Typically it has monopolized that business.   Another condition is the heterogeneousity of its consumers.   Lastly, product resale should be costly and impossible, to prevent arbitrage. (Stavins, 1996, p. 3)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Stavins also explained that the â€Å"monopolistically competitive: conditions in air transportation business allows for price discrimination.   (Stavins, 1996, p. 3)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Stavins stated that   airlines differentiate between each other by offering different flight schedules and routes.   Stavins also wrote that airlines attach various restrictions to cheaper tickets, making them more unattractive to consumers who give more importance to time and convenience.   Meaning, a business traveler wouldn’t mind paying more to ensure that he arrives on time, as opposed to a passenger on a budget.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Advantages.    In some cases, price discrimination can implement efficient prices (Armstrong, 2006 p. 6).   Arvind Sahay writes that pricing products differently can increase revneues and profits by 8% and 25% (Sahay, 2007, p. 54).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Price discrimination also opens markets, as in offering one’s goods at a high value market at a certain price, while giving it at a lower price at a lower value market.   (Armstrong, 2006 p. 8)  Ã‚  Ã‚   This way, a business owner can reallocate demand to more suitable times while supply is limited (Sahay, 2007, p. 54).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   On a more practical level, price discrimination will enable more firms to increase revenue, which can then be used for research and development.   Consumers, on the other hand, will be able to benefit from lower fares (economicshelp.org, undated).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Disadvantages. On the other hand, some consumers will end up paying higher prices.   Price discrimination will also cause a decline in consumer surplus.   There maybe costs associated with segmenting market.   Price discrimination also opens the field for predatory pricing (economicshelp.org, undated). Price Discrimination in Airlines   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The increasing use of price discrimination, in all industries, is due to the new and affordable technology that most companies can install and use.   Recent studies have also shown that consumers will pay different prices if the companies use the right approach (Sahay, 2007, p. 53).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In short, these days, airlines are pulling off price discrimination easily.   On a purely technical level, Airlines are able to practice the third degree of price discrimination (segmentation-based), and even to some respects, the second degree of price discrimination by employing yield management tools.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Cunningham and Brady explains that airlines have been dividing their customers into groups: government vs. business vs. leisure travellers, first or economy class, etc.   With the advent of the computer and I.T., airlines have gained more ability to match fares with their customers’ demands. (Cunningham and Brady, 2001, p. 10).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Yield Management tools allows the airline to sell the right seat to the right passenger at the right time and price, basically charging various rates for the perceived service benefit (Cunningham and Brady, 2001, p. 11).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Also, yield management allows for Ramsey pricing, which involves varying the prices for fare based on demand elasticity in relation to the marginal cost.   Meaning, the more sensitive the market is to its price, the closer its price will be to the marginal cost.   This explains why business market fares are higher than those who are on vacation (Cunningham and Brady, 2001, p. 11).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Since it is not easy to explain various yield management techniques of airlines, it would be best to look at practical scenarios for airline companies.   Empirically, here are some examples of airline price discrimination.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Joseph Turow, writing for the Washington Posts, cites an example regarding airline Web sites that offer lower fares for first-time customers (Turrow, 2005).   Technology has also made it easier for businesses such as airlines to do customer profiling.   Turrow (2005) and Wooley (1998) insinuates that since businesses can now use computers and databases to store more information about a customer, it can create profiles on that customers and price accordingly. Turrow cited the case when Amazon.Com came under fire for selling the same compact disc album to different customers at varying discounts.   Wooley, on the other hand, says that catalogs sent to somebody who lives in a high-end neighborhood include only one price, while the another version of the catalogs featuring the same products sent to other less-glitzy neighborhoods have discount information on them.   With more and more information about the customer being easily made available, the more airlines know how to push the correct buttons and learn their ability to pay, and their willingness to pay.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Airlines also give â€Å"early-bird discounts† wherein those who book early get lower prices.   This type of price discrimination plays on demand inelasticity.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   People who book late are usually those who needs to be on the plane, and thus would be willing to pay any price just to get to where one wants to be. (Riley, 2006).   Differences in ticket pricing is most reliant on supply and demand (Devlin, 2002).   Fredrik Wallenberg explains that to get an advance purchase discount, one will have to book from one to three weeks in advance. (2000, p. 7)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   On the other hand, SoYouWanna.Com advises that some of the cheapest plane tickets become available at the last minute.   This is due to the fact that airlines typically want to fly with a full plane.   Also, airline seats are seen as a perishable product, in the event that they are not used before â€Å"expiration† it becomes worthless (Sahay, 2007, p. 55)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Other airlines also use â€Å"Saturday night stay-over† as a mechanism for price discrimination.   Airlines set a higher rate for business travelers who are unwilling to spend the weekend away from home (Wallenberg, 2000).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   For some, airlines often reward loyal customers with a lower price on premium tickets if they’ve reached a certain number of mile on their frequent-fliers programs.   Keith Devlin said that he was able to buy a round trip ticket from San Francisco to Milan for a bargain price of $1000.   Devlin upgraded it to business class at no cost.   Devlin got the bargain beceause he has earned enough miles on United’s Mileage Plus.   Devlin adds that a colleague who will be on the same flight at the same time, was not able to upgrade (Devlin, 2002).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   US Airways has the EZ Savers Club, which is actually an automated mailing list where subscribers can get mails detailing reduced rates on specified travel dates (Bringing market discipline†¦, 1998).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Other programs are age-dependent.   Students and seniors typically get a discount on airlines.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Another form of price discrimination employed by airlines is temporary seasonal discounts for airfares that are meant to increase business. (Ellis-Christensen, undated).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Airlines have a big market with a large number of heterogenous customers, the more disparate their customers are and their behaviors, the more willing their customers would be to pay different prices (Sahay, 2007, p. 56).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Is Price Discrimination Illegal? Price discrimination may be illegal in some cases.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   However, for it to be deemed illegal, it has to be seen in light of anti-competitiveness.   Carl Person said that the Robinson-Patman Act protects victims of unlawful price discrimination.   Persons provided the following example where in a retail store purchases the same thing from the same supplier for a much higher price.   The store who bought the merchandise at a higher price would be unable to compete on price and usually loses business to its competitor (Persons, 1997).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Federal Trade Commission clarifies that price discrimination may be used as a â€Å"predatory pricing tactic† to harm competition at the supplier’s level (Federal Trade Commission, undated).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This whole scenario doesn’t apply to airline tickets. Imperfect Information   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In a perfect world or market situation, each consumer should have perfect information about the price of services and goods.   However, information problems are highly ostentatious in complex and opaque markets, where there is infrequent patronage.   Markets with intermediaries or those with a time lag between the time of purchase and the expected benefits are also susceptible to the problem.   The airline industry is also a primary industry for imperfect information due to its complex pricing structures (Lindley, 2007, p. 74).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Imperfect information could harm a customer because it would effectively prevent him from turning to certain potential substitutes (Lande, 2007).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Moreover, some customers might not know of the existence of an option.   Some customers might not even realize that best cost-saving option (Lande, 2007).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In short, as Dominic Lindley writes, the customer may not buy the cheapest or even the most appropriate product or service; may buy a service or product that does not perform as well as planned; or may be unaware of their rights and remedies if something goes wrong (Lindley, 2007, p. 74). Conclusion   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It all boils down to the fact that imperfect information could hinder a customer from making a more informed decision about what he’s purchasing.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Determining the cost of an airline ticket is a complicated task.   With price discrimination, it really just an interplay of demand and the customer’s ability to pay.   Price discrimination allows businesses to optimize their operations for maximum benefits and income on their marginal costs.   Airlines, among other businesses, are in a position to exploit that advantage because they satisfy all conditions needed for price discrimination.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   For consumers and passengers to get the optimum value for their money, they must be vigilant.   They must know their options, and choose accordingly. References    Armstrong, Mark. (2006). Price Discrimination. University College London. Retrieved on 3 April 2008. Brady, Stephen P. and Cunningham, William A . (2001). Exploring predatory pricing in the airline industry. Transportation Journal, 41(1), 5-15.   Retrieved 21 April 2008 from ABI/INFORM Global database. (Document ID: 124411971). Bringing market discipline to pricing. (1998, January). Businessline,1.   21 Retrieved April   2008, from ProQuest Asian Business and Reference database. (Document ID: 25422269). Devlin, Keith. (2002). The crazy math of airline ticket pricing. Retrieved on 3 April 2008. Ellis-Christensen Tricia. What is Price Discrimination? Retrieved on 3 April 2008. Lande, Robert. (2007). Market Power Without A Large Market Share: The Role of Imperfect Information and other â€Å"Consumer Protection† Market Failures. Retrieved on 3 April 2008. Lindley, Dominic. (2007). Imperfect information for consumers. Consumer Policy Review, 17(3), 74-79.   Retrieved 21 April 2008, from ABI/INFORM Global database. (Document ID: 1328552571). Persons, Carl E. (1997). Do You Have an RPA Price Discrimination Claim?   Retrieved on 3 April Riley, Geoff. (2006) Price Discrimination. Eton College.   Retrieved on 3 April 2008. Stavins, Joanna. (1996). Price Discrimination in the Airline Market: The Effect of Market Concentration. Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. Retrieved on 3 April 2008. SOYOUWANNA FIND A CHEAP PLANE TICKET? Retrieved on 3 April 2008. Sahay, Arvind. (2007). How Dynamic Pricing Leads to Higher Profits. MIT Sloan Management Review, 48(4), 53.   Retrieved 21 April 2008, from ABI/INFORM Global database. (Document ID: 1360146151). Turow, Joseph. (2005). Have they got a deal for you. Washington Post. Retrieved on 3 April Wallenberg, Fredrik. (2000). A study of airline pricing.   School of Information Management & Systems, University of California at Berkeley. Retrieved on 3 April 2008. Wooley, Scott. (1998). Mine was cheaper! Forbes.Com. Retrieved on 3 April 2008.

Social Impacts and Threats of IT

Over the last 40-50 years the impact IT has had on our lives and our society is astonishing! There are many different impacts associated with this topic, a few of which are Social, Economical, Legal and Ethnical. We rely on IT systems to do the simple things we take for granted in our day-to-day lives such as: media, entertainment (gaming and television), advertising (products and services) etc. IT has developed more than ever over the past decade and although we may not notice how IT has changed, it is constantly altering everything we do in our everyday lives. Many people nowadays take the use of IT for granted. Social Impacts How we spend out extra time Currently in the U.K a staggering 97% of people in the U.K have a PC or a computer of some sort in their homes. However, in this day and age most people use a computer as part of everyday life, whether it is for work or socialising. Nowadays most young people in the U.K spend a large quantity of their time on the computer. It is thought that on average a normal teenager spends around 31 hours a week on the computer alone and a mind-blowing nine of these hours are on social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, MySpace etc. Although for many of our Grandparents and even our Parents this was very different! Nowadays young people are constantly being nagged by Grandparents and Parents about spending too much time indoors and not enough outdoors. We are told that we spend far too much of our time inside (playing computer games or watching television) and that we do not spend nearly enough time outside getting the fresh air that our body needs. It is thought that this younger generation seems to have a lot more recreational time than the older, previous generations. It is obvious that people of the older generations did not have nearly as much free time on their hands as we do today. As nearly all of their time was taken up by working, chores and other tasks and duties. However, for us many of these chores have been made easier by various IT solutions throughout the years. Saving time and effort for us today and as a result leaving us much more free time. Effects on local communities Now as a result of internet development, there are 1000’s of new and diversified websites that are available to consumers, offering them a wider and larger selection of goods and services online. Consequently some traditional facilities, such as local clothing shops, continue to lose customers and are subsequently forced to close down as they are no longer needed within the society. Another prime reason for this reoccurring problem is that people are becoming increasingly laid-back and don’t want to have to take a trip into the shops when they can just order everything they need to their doorstep from the comfort of their own homes. As more local shops close down there is less work within this industry and the immediate area. This can have a very negative effect on the local community. Economic Impacts Employment structure and working practices IT has changed the foundation of how people work in many different occupations. Good examples of occupations that have been transformed by the Impact of IT include typists who typed letters on a typewriter and administrators who used to keep paper based records. Now as well as IT transforming the methods of work in many other occupations, new jobs have been created, giving people the chance to develop new skills within the Information Technology industry. In addition to this IT is now an essential part and key skill to many jobs today and is further required 90% of all employers! With Internet access extensively available throughout the world, many people can communicate and work away from their office and in the comfort of their own home as it may suit their lifestyle better. This is now a very popular option for several employees. Sustainability Computers are not all good. There are negative points and various problems related to the invention of the computer. Computers use a high amount of power and electricity and with so many in homes, businesses and even schools; this is becoming a foremost problem and a colossal contribution to energy consumption and other issues relating to this such as climate change! Additionally, people are overjoyed and excited when new and more modern versions of the computer are developed because it means there is a new and better way of doing things that make life that extra bit easier. However, behind the scenes this is not good, it is a huge problem. The question many people in our society today forget to ask ourselves is where does the old computer equipment that we no longer need or use go? As a result of not enough people caring where the disposal of unwanted electrical equipment (not only computers) goes this problem is handed over to the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE Directive 2007). Under the rules and regulations of this organisation, the manufactures of electrical equipment are obligated to provide consumers that purchase a new piece of electrical equipment a method of disposing of the apparatus that their purchase is replacing. Legal Impacts Ownership, copyright and plagiarism When using information or data that is not your own work it is important that you recognize that copyright of the creator. In the United Kingdom the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 gives the authors of written work, music and films rights to control the ways that their material may be used. However because music and films are so easy to download over the internet, many people break this law and use the internet to steal material in copyright. Some people even set up file sharing web services that allow users to share and view copyrighted material, mainly films and music. As well as copyright, plagiarism is an increasing problem and is commonly found within schools. Most school children today view plagiarism as â€Å"changing it into their own words† and don’t really recognise or grasp the concept that is it illegal! Plagiarism is commonly carried out in assignment work submitted by learners in schools, colleges, and even universities. You are allowed to quote other peoples work as long as you recognise the source of information, however you are not allowed (and it is illegal) to pass other peoples work off as your own. Ethnical Impacts Privacy of information Currently with so much personal and private information stored on computers, personal privacy has become a problem. Nowadays almost every small characteristic and proportion of your life is recorded on a computer, including who you call on your mobile phone, what you search for on search engines such as Google, your medical records and even you relatives. Social Networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace, Twitter etc are becoming a major problem when relating to privacy. Millions and millions of people all over the world have an account of some sort on a social networking site, many people put up pictures of themselves and post blogs and wall posts of exactly where they will be and exactly what time they will be there. As a result of this, it could be dangerous as many of these sites are not secured properly. However personal information about living individuals is protected by the Data Protection Act (1998). The Data Protection Act is a law passed in 1998 that requires companies that store personal information about people on their computers, to register with the Data Protection Registrar which obligates them to keep to the eight Data Protection Principles. Unequal Access Although there are numerous different benefits of Internet access, what happens to the people who can’t get high speed access to the internet? Local and national implications In the United Kingdom many people who live in rural or countryside areas are not able to get broadband internet access because of the location in which they live in. Many telephone and cable companies refuse to lay down cables which allow people in the countryside to receive internet access because they believe that the cost of laying down the cables would be a lot higher than that of what the customer have to pay to receive the broadband connection. Another prime contribution to this problem is age, some elderly people may find it difficult to understand and interpret new technology. As many services such as banking and utilities (for example electricity and oil) become progressively more internet-based, many older people might find it hard to access these facilities. They could also be placed at an economic disadvantage as many goods and services are mostly cheaper online than that of their usual ways. For example many oil suppliers offer a discounted rate if people manage their accounts online. It is also good to remember that Internet access in not free and not everyone can afford to pay Internet charges therefore it is putting less economically stabled families at a disadvantage compared to more economically stabled families. Global implications Many people in today’s society that live in Less Economically Developed Countries (LEDC’S) may too find it difficult to receive internet access. Today many aspects of development such as economic and educational rely on the internet and computer skills. For some people who do not have access to this they are in danger of being left further behind. Sometimes people call the divide between the people who don’t have easy access to computer technologies and those who do the digital divide. Now as a result of unequal access a number projects have been set up, such as One Laptop per Child to help develop low-cost computing solutions. Abuse of IT The same as many other great things in life, all great things have a drawback and in IT this is no different especially with the internet. There are many different threats and exasperations that all IT users need to be conscious and aware of. Threats Cyber Bullying Around 10 percent of all adolescents’ are victims of internet bullying. This type of bullying can be a scary and worrying problem and in turn can be more serious than conventional bullying. There are many different ways that and methods that can be used, including social networking sites, SMS, e-mails and chartrooms. Many Cyber bullies encourage their friends to join in the bullying and therefore are all bullying the one person collectively as a group. Spam Spam is unwanted e-mail advertising. If you have an e-mail account you will generally receive e-mails that are advertisements most of which are annoying and have the potential to be dangers and harmful to your computer or PC. However e-mail users need to be cautious and aware when opening attachments in e-mails as they could contain viruses. Phishing Phishing is a method, used by criminals, to try and acquire information such as usernames, passwords and credit card details by masquerading as a trustworthy individual in an electronic communication service. A widely used method that almost all phishing criminals use is they send people an e-mail disguised as if it is coming from their bank. The e-mail usually tells them to then click a link within the e-mail which then directs them to a page that looks like the log-on screen to their online bank account. However, the web page is under complete control of the criminals’ and therefore allows them to determine the victim’s username, password and various other security details. After this the criminals then use this information to gain access to the victim’s bank account and go on to steal money out of it. Denial of service attacks A denial of service attack (DOS attack) or distributed denial of service attack (DDoS attack) is an attempt to make a computer resource unavailable to its intended users. Although the means to carry out, motives for, and targets of a DoS attack may vary, it generally consists of the determined efforts of a person, or multiple people to prevent an Internet site or service from working efficiently or at all, temporarily or indefinitely. Perpetrators of DoS attacks typically targets sites or services hosted on high-profile web servers such as banks and credit card payment gateways.