Ebay Case Study E-Commerce - 2267 Words

eBay Case Study E-commerce eBay Strategy Case Study prepared for E-business, Internet Marketing and E-commerce lecturers and students. Last update, March 2009. Case Study: eBay thrives in the global marketplace I recommend students researching eBay checkout the latest eBay statistics and business strategies from their SEC filings. The annual filings give a great summary of eBay business and revenue models. Alternatively filings are included in the eBay press releases which also have info on new company acquisitions. SEC is the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) which is a government agency for which companies have to submit an open evaluation of their business models and marketplace conditions. eBay also have a summary of†¦show more content†¦In January 2008, eBay announced significant changes to it ¶s Marketplaces business:http://investor.ebay.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=290446 in three major areas: fee structure, seller inc entives and standards, and feedback. These changes have been controversial with some sellers, but are aimed at improving the quality of experience. Detailed Seller Ratings (DSRs) enable sellers to be reviewed in four areas: (1) item as described, (2) communication, (3) delivery time, and (4) postage and packaging charges. This is part of a move to help increase conversion rate by increasing positive shopping experiences. Powersellers with positive DSRs will be featured more favourably in the search results pages and will gain additional discounts. eBay Competition Although there are now few direct competitors ofShow MoreRelatedTaking a Look at eBay Inc.978 Words   |  4 PagesIntroduction As the majority of us know, eBay Inc. is an American based (Headquarters: San Jose, California) multinational corporation that is dominant on the internet for consumer-to-consumer product or goods sales. eBay Inc. was founded in the year of 1995 as a personal project by its founder cum creator, Pierre Omidyar, for his personal goal of assisting his wife’s personal hobby of collecting Pez dispensers. However, in 1998 the company went public, and since then it’s President and CEO hasRead MoreEBay Essay820 Words   |  4 PageseBay Case Study University of Mary Hardin- Baylor Abstract 1. Analyze the marketing environment and the forces shaping eBay’s business over the years. What conclusions can you draw? The market eBay takes place in is primarily the Internet market. Around 1995 the Internet market was just beginning. â€Å"there will be more than 500 million users by 2003 and a rapid increase in e- commerce turnover, rising from US$500 billion worldwide in 2001 to more than US$3 trillion in 2004† (Fichter, 2003)Read MoreThe Strategy And Priorities Of The Product Service942 Words   |  4 Pages1. SUMMARY The base line of this case study is to identify a service along with three different providers of that service and compare the different competitive priorities and operating strategies such as cost, quality, time, flexibility, product range†¦ etc. for these three different service providers with the help of â€Å"COMPETITIVE PRIORITIES BY KRAJEWSKI RITZMAN† and â€Å"ORDER WINNING CRITERIA BY T. HILL† . Each and every corporate objectives and marketing strategies are taken into deliberation toRead More e-bay Essay837 Words   |  4 Pages E-commerce and Security Abstract This project will look at e-Commerce, concentrating on security measures of an online auction site, eBay. Security on the Internet is a concern for any online business in todays society. We will discuss online services, how businesses on the Internet conduct their transactions and shipping. With eBay we will be looking at their operation procedures while concentrating on Firewalls, Transparent Cryptographic File and Public Key Infrastructure as possible solutionsRead MoreMarketing Management Essay example1012 Words   |  5 PagesMarsha Carpenter BADM625-O2 Dr. Nall October 28, 2012 Marketing Excellence – eBay 1. Why has eBay succeeded as an online auction marketplace while so many others have failed? According to Kotler and Keller (2012, p. 411), eBay’s success began by creating aâ€Å"pricing revolution†, which allowed the bidders/buyers to determine the price they were willing to pay for an item. The consumers were pleased because they felt they were in control, and received the best possible price. The sellersRead MoreEbay Case Study797 Words   |  4 PagesStrategic Management EBay Case Study 1. A). EBay’s greatest opportunities are: a. Long auction time-10 to 15days is too long for customers to wait b. Localizing their website all over the world c. Acquiring Skype and they have begun to integrate buyers and sellers d. Mobile phones, social media trends, will help them try to keep up with Amazon B). EBay’s greatest threats are: a. Constant Hacking and Fraud transaction b. Copyright problems-companies mayRead MoreBusiness Study : Ecommerce Industry Outlook1067 Words   |  5 PagesSector study: Ecommerce industry Outlook Title: How the world is stirring towards Ecommerce industry. Objectives: As the world becomes increasingly connected through the World Wide Web, protocols for conducting businesses are changing. Traditional style of business processes have been replaced by the unconventional ones (Writer, 2016). It’s the era of new age entrepreneurs they are making the way bend for them because of their first mover advantages in the commerce space. A study on one of theRead MoreTaobao948 Words   |  4 PagesAbstract In this case, it mainly defines how eBay enter the Chinese market and state problems why eBay failure problems in China compare to Tao Bao. We will introduce EBay, compare and contrast between eBay and Tao Bao, also, we talk about reasons failure in China. Introduction to EBay EBay which is a management that allows people from all over the world to buy and sell items, auctions and shopping online. EBay was founded on 4th September 1995 and by name Auction web of Pierre Omidyar in CaliforniaRead MoreE-commerce: Its Development and Future Prospective Essay659 Words   |  3 Pagesthey feel like. This study discusses the development of e-commerce and its future prospects. What is e-commerce? E-Commerce is the short form of electronic commerce. E-Commerce is the use of electronic data transmission to implement or enhance any business process. Examples of e- commerce are, electronic funds transfer, the use of automated teller machines, online tracking of shipments and electronic data interchange between business communities. E-Commerce revolution E-commerce became the next bigRead MoreCase Study : Cultural Human Resource Management1361 Words   |  6 PagesA case study of cross- cultural human resource management Introduction Cultural issues in business are a phenomenon born by globalization of the market where companies invest in a foreign country to bring the culture of the host country and the company’s culture into contact. The market today is defined by global market that permits sharing of customers worldwide. However, during fierce competition, the market winners become the companies that who understand the Chinese culture. Therefore, cultural

The Relationship Between Catherine And Heathcliff - 799 Words

In the classic romantic novel Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte, the characters end up destroying themselves because of the feeling of revenge and affection towards one another. The relationship between Catherine and Heathcliff is self-destructive to a certain extreme. Due to their insecure and risky circumstances, passionate personalities and differences in class, their fate leads them to keeping them apart. That hopelessness of the love they couldn’t physically have, eventually leads them to self destruction. Although the relationship between Cathy and Heathcliff was self-destructive, the pain that they put each other through is redeemed because of those times when they shared their brief moments of consensus. Catherine is trapped†¦show more content†¦Although Heathcliff and Cathy cannot be together, yet desire it strongly, it seems inevitable that they will blame each other and at the same time be drawn to each other. Heathcliff tells Cathy, â€Å"You loved me--th en what right had you to leave me?...for the poor fancy you felt for Linton? Because misery, and degradation and death, and nothing that God or Satan could inflict would have parted us, you, of your own will did it† (page 119). Heathcliff feels extremely betrayed and was expressing the pain he now had to deal with for the rest of his life which ultimately leads him to his self destruction. However, cathy feels like she has been betrayed by Heathcliff too when she explicitly says to Nelly, â€Å"Did it never strike you that if Heathcliff and I married we should be beggars?† (page 59). This shows that Cathy is so focused on social class that she couldn’t be married to someone of lower status even if it was the man she loved. This also shows her caring attitude towards Heathcliff and how she would never want for Heathcliff to be a beggar with her so she marries Edgar not just for herself but for the sake of Heathcliff. Because Cathy knew that Heathcliff will never understand that she loved Heathcliff, it drove her to a state of depression. Even if they were to marry each other, Hindley would have never approved of this since he felt like his father likedShow MoreRelated The Double Characters in Wuthering Heights Essay example1530 Words   |  7 Pagescharacter which Catherine adopts in order to simultaneously maintain her relationship with the high brow Linton family and her low class friend, Heathcliff (66), is also manifested by most of the other main characters in the novel, though the split is usually less obvious in the other characters. It is less obvious because rather than being split between two contrasting external states (only one of Catherines reflects her internal state), the characters are usually split between their internalRead MoreAnalyse Bronte’s Presentation of Love in the Novel â€Å"Wuthering Heights† Focusing Specifically on Chapters One to Sixteen1605 Words   |  7 Pages â€Å"Wuthering Heights† Focusing Specifically on Chapters One to Sixteen The gothic novel â€Å"Wuthering Heights† narrates the story of love and passion between Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw. Love is one of the main themes that the novel basis’s around, and how this opposed passion between the two main characters ultimately demolishes themselves and all that are around them. Here we are shown the extremities of the emotions that are tied up within the characters presentedRead More The Self-destructive Relationship in Wuthering Heights Essay1246 Words   |  5 Pagesit, it would seem that the relationship between Catherine and Heathcliff is self-destructive to an extreme. Due to the lovers’ precarious circumstances, passionate personalities and class divisions, it seems that fate transpires to keep them apart and therefore the hopelessness of their situation drives them to self destruction. However, although the relationship is undeniably self-destructive, there are elements within it that suggest the pain Heathcliff and Catherin e put each other through is atonedRead MoreTragic Family Relationships in Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte 1018 Words   |  5 PagesIn 1800 Century, Catherine and Heathcliff grow up together at Wuthering Heights, Catherine family home on the northern English moors. Heathcliff arrives as a gypsy founding. Catherine father Mr. Earnshaw raises him as a son. Catherine is a strong and wild beauty who shares Heathcliff wild nature Alone together on the moors Catherine and Heathcliff feel as if they are soul mates. But to Heathcliff despair outside forces begin to pull them a part. After falling in love with Catherine .She reject himRead MoreWuthering Heights by Emily Brontà «1111 Words   |  5 PagesIntroduction: Catherine and Heathcliff grow up together at Wuthering Heights, Catherine family home on the northern English moors. Heathcliff arrives as a gypsy founding. Catherine father Mr. Earnshaw raises him as a son. Catherine is a strong and wild beauty who shares Heathcliff wild nature Alone together on the moors Catherine and Heathcliff feel as if they are soul mates. But to Heathcliff despair outside forces begin to pull them a part. After falling in love with Catherine .She reject himRead MoreThe Conflict Sparked By Irrational Thinking1602 Words   |  7 Pagescaused by the abusive actions of the characters. From relationship to relationship, one character abuses another to get to their way or to get back at another character for their own wrongdoing. Having this occur frequently throughout the novel creates a dumbfounded sort of tone and leaves the reader on the edge of their seat. Throughout the novel Wuthering heights, Emily Bronte emphasizes the characters abusive and unhealthy relationships; this is exemplified through repeated vengeant dualityRead MoreWuthering Heights By Charlotte Bronte1209 Words   |  5 PagesCatherine’s intense love for Heathcliff combined with her attachment to Edgar is the reason for her pain and sickness throughout the novel. When asked by Nellie she says, â€Å"My love for Linton is like the foliage in the woods: time will change it, I m well aware, as winter changes th e trees. My love for Heathcliff resembles the eternal rocks beneath: a source of little visible delight, but necessary.† (Bronte 82). Catherine’s love for these two men, especially Heathcliff, is the reason that many ofRead MoreWuthering Heights, The Book820 Words   |  3 PagesThe catalyst of this whole story was when Catherine got bitten by a dog at Thrushcross Grove and was forced to remain there. She returned home to Wuthering Heights a changed woman. No longer the mischievous little girl that loved to get in trouble with Heathcliff, she was a polite young lady interested in Edgar Linton. There are three definite divisions in the book, before Heathcliff and Catherine go to Thrushcross Grange, the time immediately after she returns, and life after she marries EdgarRead MoreAnalysis Of Nelly In Wuthering Heights1577 Words   |  7 Pageswas not involved in the fight, just someone who had a first hand experience. Would you agree with the teacher’s selectio n of her, would you agree she is the most reliable? Now how about in terms of Wuthering Heights, do you think Heathcliff (one of the fighters), Catherine (the other fighter), or Nelly (Jessica) would be more reliable? Nelly would undoubtedly be the most reliable because, just like Jessica, she is impartial. Love and hate is a subjective topic and although it is the theme of WutheringRead MoreEmily Brontes Wuthering Heights783 Words   |  4 Pagesall-encompassing love between Heathcliff and Catherine, encased by the pressures of social rank, responsibility and economics. Bronte’s novel presents a strong criticism of the shallow values upheld by the members of society. By examining Wuthering Heights from a socio-economic stance, one can conclude that the limitations of society and economics have a destructive, dehumanizing, and controlling effect on the individual. In the relationship presented between Heathcliff and Catherine, human emotion and

Hamlets Love for Ophelia free essay sample

Intro to Literature Drama Paper Hamlet’s Love In the tragic play  Hamlet, written by William Shakespeare, one of the most common themes found throughout the story’s plot is the theme of love. Shakespeare interlaces many layers of thematic love through the complex relationships of  Hamlet; primarily between Hamlet and Ophelia. From Act one until the final scene of the play, Hamlet struggles with the decision to kill Claudius while he concurrently tries to comprehend the chaos surrounding him. As the story unfolds and the tensions build between Hamlet and his loved ones, Hamlet’s relationship to Ophelia is profoundly impacted. One common argument that rises from studying the tragic story of  Hamlet  is the questioning of Hamlet’s love; specifically for Ophelia. Many often conclude that Hamlet never truly loves Ophelia. However, deep underneath Hamlet and Ophelia’s crumbling relationship is a man who must make a grim decision. We will write a custom essay sample on Hamlets Love for Ophelia or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Hamlet chooses to sacrifice his relationship  to Ophelia in order to avenge his father’s death. The progression of Hamlet’s relationship to Ophelia is deeply complex in nature. Throughout the story’s plot, the validity of Hamlet’s love for Ophelia often comes into question. A scene that many often use to define Hamlet and Ophelia’s relationship is in Act 3, scene 1, when Hamlet denies his love for Ophelia. However, it is difficult to conclude in this scene if Hamlet is revealing his true feelings for Ophelia or not. As Hamlet realizes that Claudius and Polonius have set up a plot to spy on him through Ophelia, one could assume that Hamlet uses antic disposition to hide his love for Ophelia. While some may conclude that Hamlet’s character was flawed in many regards, his actions of love and sacrifice proved otherwise; behind the flaws stood a good man. What is truly ironic about the story of  Hamlet  is while Hamlet sacrifices his relationship to Ophelia in the hopes of preventing her demise his actions ultimately drive Ophelia towards madness and suicide. The same love that he had for Ophelia, that avenged his father, was the same love that essentially killed her; a true tragedy.

Financial Accounting Theory and Practice for Allegiance Coal

Question: Discuss about theFinancial Accounting Theory and Practice for Allegiance Coal. Answer: Allegiance Coal Limited is listed on ASX: AHQ. The company deals with producing or productions in metallurgical coal. Management of company is committed to the development of prolonging working relationships with indigenous people relating to projects in which company is engaged. Reporting of CSR in annual report of 2013 and 2016 In the year 2013, CSR reporting was company was specific and concerned towards safety and environment requirements. Report describes steps taken by the company due to which there were no lost-time injuries or environmental incidents happened in the field activities which were related to tenement inspection, drilling and geological investigations. Further all aspects of the environmental law have complied for its exploration activities as well (Investor information and annual reports, 2013). The company has also maintained a code of conduct for the accomplishment of the objective of ethical and responsible decision making. It has been established for maintaining companys integrity and accomplishing legal obligations. On the contrary in the year 2016, the environment safety clause has not been separately provided in the annual report in government clause, in the manner it has been provided in the year 2013 (Investor information and annual reports, 2016). However, it contains assurance regarding compliance of law and steps taken towards benefits of society in brief. Reporting of CSR on company website The company has more appropriately presented the way in which it has been complying with corporate social responsibility at its website in comparison to the annual report. As all the steps which have been taken are discussed in detail and at one place. It has been specified that company has continued its focus on health and safety at the workplace. The same has been done in order to ensure that people attain their outcomes but in a safe manner, through contributing to operating effectiveness and business sustainability (Project, 2017). Risk management which is being followed by the company has been explained in detail on its website. The primary objective which has been attained through risk management policy is to ensure the potential opportunity and relating harm to the company of that source in an appropriate manner and make necessary strategies for mitigating the same. References Investor information and annual reports. (2016).Investor Information | Allegiance Coal Limited.Allegiancecoal.com.au. Retrieved 25 August 2017, from https://www.allegiancecoal.com.au/irm/content/annual-reports.aspx?RID=381 Investor information and annual reports. (2013).Investor Information | Allegiance Coal Limited.Allegiancecoal.com.au. Retrieved 25 August 2017, from https://www.allegiancecoal.com.au/irm/content/annual-reports.aspx?RID=381 Project, T. (2017).Projects | Allegiance Coal Limited.Allegiancecoal.com.au. Retrieved 25 August 2017, from https://www.allegiancecoal.com.au/irm/content/tewkla-coal-project.aspx?RID=374

A Tale Of Two Cities - Character Analysis Essays -

A Tale of Two Cities - Character Analysis In the 16th century Charles Dickens wrote the unforgettable novel A Tale of Two Cities. In it he created two of the most remarkable fictional characters of all time. One is the bloodthirsty Madame Defarge, and the other is the selfless Sydney Carton. Madame Defarge is a peasant who seeks revenge on all aristocrats who cross her path. In contrast, Sydney Carton is a man who is willing to do anything for the love of his life. While the actions of these two characters clearly delineate their differences, the underlying forces that drive each character are quite similar. From Madame Defarges actions, it is clear that she is the evil antagonist in the novel. Even in the manner that she is physically described, she is presented as dark and therefore she is seen as evil. She is as evil as she is because when she was younger the DEvremonde brothers killed her whole family. Now the purpose of her life is to procure revenge on the DEvremonde family and every other aristocrat. Even when told by her beloved husband she has gone to far, she does not stop. Instead her repartee to him was, Tell the wind and fire where to stop; not me. In it she evidently expresses how she will never forget what was done to her family and how the DEvermondes are deserving of what they will receive. The actions she performs in her daily life demonstrate her evilness. In the novel it seems as though she is the bad guy who is starting up all the trouble. It is her need for revenge, in the book, that starts the revolution. While Dickens presents Sydney Carton as a worthless drunk, in contrast to Madame Defarge, he is the Christ-like noble figure of the novel. He appears to the readers of A Tale of Two Cities as a worthless drunk and a man who has not acquired any high social position in his life. Also, it seems as though his life has resulted to nothing. At one point he says, I care for no man on earth, and no man on earth cares for me, but that changes when he meets Lucie Manette. He develops an undying juvenile-like love for her. Sydney is willing to do anything for her and tells her so in a beautiful speech he made to her. In it he states, Think now and then that there is a man who would give up his life, to keep a life you love beside you. Although she does not marry him, he continues to love her until the day he dies. While anticipating if he should give up his life for her love Charles, he demonstrates his selflessness by saying, Let the Doctor play the winning game; I will play the losing one. W hat Sydney is losing is his life and that is in order for Doctor Manette to remain with his son in law and for Lucie, her husband. Both men love Lucie and they know she will not be the same without her husband, so Sydney offers his life to keep a life Lucie loves beside her. While the actions of these two characters symbolize good versus evil, the driving forces that drive both Madame Defarge and Sydney Carton ironically are very similar. Both Defarge and Carton live their lives passionately. Madame Defarge passionately devotes her live to seeking revenge. She constantly knits a list of those she wishes dead in order to fulfill that wish. She even attempts to ruin the lives of people not on her list in order to ruin the lives of those on her list. Sydney Carton is so passionately in love with Lucie Manette and not willing to give up. He states, It is a far, far better thing that I do, that I have ever done; it is a Far, far better rest than I have ever known. He is speaking of how is life has resulted to nothing so what he will now do it better than anything he has ever done before. Also, everything he does his for his love, who he loves so passionately. Along with that, in his speech

Obamacare the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

Obamacare the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as â€Å"Obamacare† has elicited different argument in its support and against it. The conservative and the liberal have come out to express their applause and concerns on this piece of legislation.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on â€Å"Obamacare† the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Interesting to note is the wide use of different forms of language to pass their message to each other and to the nation at large. There have been contentious issues between the liberal and conservative parties in terms of morality and frames of the introduced health care reform. The effectiveness and validity of the arguments do not depend either on premises or on conclusions, but on the right form of the statement. Within this context, in case the premise is false, the conclusion should be false as well and vice ver sa. Alternative variants are not acceptable. This essay shall seek to determine how various forms of statements are employed to achieve certain purposes. The essay also delves into how effective this purpose is achieved. Invalid reasoning is a form of reasoning that is characterized by the strong stand with very little or no reasoning at all. This form of reasoning has no input in terms of logic. It does seek to critically analyze the underlying issues to come up with its conclusions. The examples of invalid reasoning are reflected in the right-wing representatives who focus on sound and strong conclusions with no reference to logical references. At a glance, their focus on unconstitutionality does not provide concrete examples from the U.S. constitution (Wilson 3). However, the emphasis is placed on the rigid violation of human rights and excess pressure on the state and federal government on the citizens’ decision to buy private insurance.Advertising Looking for ess ay on government? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In addition, the premise that â€Å"the health care reform act is simply a bad law† cannot be regarded as the right one (Wilson 3). In this respect, the effectiveness of argumentation in this case is low because it does not correspond to the conclusions made. The opposite for invalid reasoning is Logical validity. This normally concerns itself with the form of an argument. Logically valid arguments are based on premises that are usually minimally relevant to the conclusion. Also imperative to note is that if the premises are all true, then logically the conclusion must be true. The reason is that it is always impossible to have a valid argument based true premises and end up with a false conclusion. Arguments must be valid to give us a sufficient reason to accept a conclusion. An example of the valid argument is represented in the article published in The New York Time s where the author criticizes the reform because of the fiscal crisis. Hence, his argument is confined to the idea that the government will suffer extreme financial losses because a money deficiency for providing insurance to people belonging to the social layers below the poverty line (Rush to Abandon the Poor 2). However, the article represented by Degolia, the left-wing representative, does not provide substantial premises for building the argument because it refers directly to the criticism of the right-wing policy (2). The article published by The Progressive focuses on moral dimension and real-to-life stories who failed to receive adequate treatment because of the inability to get health care insurance (Clinton 3). The author makes a viable conclusion that corresponds to the initial assumptions. You’re mixing the introduction, which only needs to set up your discussion, with a body paragraph, which gets tangled up in the details Effective reasoning involves a combinatio n of different factors such as experience in order to come up with a conclusion. The decision derived from effective reasoning is also known as sound conclusion. It seeks to base its argument on the statistics that are available.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on â€Å"Obamacare† the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Effective reasoning is a proper means of challenging the invalid reasoning. For instance, in a New York Times Article titles Rush to abandon the poor, the author uses statistics to counter the Governor’s (from Texas) stand against the ObamaCare. The author points out that over 6.3 billion people are uninsured in Texas. This is using the numbers that are available in order to advance an argument. The author explains the dire consequences of rejecting the ObamaCare on that ground. While the governor had not relied on any sufficient evidence or experien ce for his stand, the author offers the reasons why it is important to accept the ObamaCare. All the nonfiction works introduce various approaches and rhetoric devices to render the main thoughts and ideas concerning the implementation of ACA. Nonfiction reasoning reasons out of the belief that what he thinks about is true. For instance, in the ObamaCare, the nonfiction approach is that the rejection of the plan shall leave many people without insurance and therefore bring real adverse effects. This is the belief among those in support of the plan. The adverse effects are real and non fictional. Despite the predominance of criticism of the law among the right-wing supporters and approval on the part of liberal parties, the argumentation techniques still vary. This is of particular concern to the authors holding the central political outlook on the health care reform introduced by Obama. Critical thinking normally refers to our ability to be able to think about complex ideas on our o wn and come up within conclusions that form the basis of our criticism or support in any argument. It encompasses thinking for ourselves as well as the ability to synthesize the contents and end up with a rational conclusion and deductions.Advertising Looking for essay on government? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In such a manner, the author manages to reproduce a persuasive argument and introduce personal assessment of the situation. To support personal observations and reassure the audience in the validity of the argument, some authors apply to numeric data, as it is represented in the article published by Associated Press (1). In this respect, the evidence shows that a combination of subjective and objective evaluations of the issue is effective because it performs two important functions – grabs the audience attention and engages them in the author’s personal opinion. To understand the main concepts and critical ideas on the chosen readings, it is necessary to challenge the assumptions and read thoughts between the lines. The point is that all the presented articles introduce various rhetoric to persuade the audience in the messages they render, as well as to define whether their ideas are well organized and articulated. As an example, Jasper argues, â€Å"Repealing ObamaC are is also absolutely necessary if we hope to avoid national economic collapse† (1). So, what is the connection between the Affordable Care Act and national economic collapse? To explain the issue, the author refers to the analysis of other articles exploring the essence of the reform to conclude that â€Å"health care reform†¦ is jam-packed with dangerous language that will provide federal bureaucrats with vast new powers that are compatible with totalitarian systems of government, but not with the American tradition of liberty† (p. 3). To expand on the point, the author emphasizes that radical position on the reform contradicts the premises of the U.S. constitutions in terms of human rights and freedoms. In this respect, the author makes use of the language to persuade the audience that the given law can create serious challenges to the economic and social welfare of the U.S. nation. In addition, the article is based on the approach of proving the issue from the contrary. Thus, the author first presents the idea of ObamaCare as an essential law and proceeds with heavy criticism of the latter. Proving from the contrary is also reflected in the article by Kirsch (2). Specifically, the article discusses in detail all the benefits and the positive changes that the new law can bring into the healthcare. However, the pitfalls of the reform are still discussed on the background of the highlighted advantages. In this respect, though the Act can provide people with a higher level of living for some layers of the population, the middle-class employees will face the most serious difficulties because the subsidies are not sufficient to allow the employees to purchase the private health care insurance. At a certain angle, Kirsch applies to a sophisticated approach and takes a pseudo-neutral position to attract more readers to the issue. Similar techniques are represented by Lapointe who addresses until the problem as a third party criticizing both the Republicans and Democrats (3). However, despite the criticism of the opposed parties, the article still provides arguments in favor the adoption of the Affordable Care Act. In such a manner, the author explains, â€Å"under the affordable care act of 2010, people with pre-existing conditions would no longer be defined coverage by insurance companies† (Lapointe 3). Despite the fact that the article is published in the newspaper supporting conservative views, it still represents the legislation from a positive perspective. At the same time, the author introduces a contradictory point of views right after enlarging on the positive effects of the presented law. So, why does the author produce an extremely contrasting view with no exact position in regard to the ObamaCare? Apparently, such a position has been chosen to encourage more audience to deliberate on the issue giving no political importance to the reform. Even the last sentence â€Å"America desperately needs healthcare reform, and Obamacare is the answer† does not actually provide a clear response to the exact position of the author toward the health care policies in the United States. The articles under consideration also apply various modes of persuasion to endow their writing speech with a certain tone and to attract specific target audiences. Use of logos, pathos, and ethos vary from one work to another, but certain tendencies are still represented differently with regard to the authors’ political preferences. Political affiliations and assumptions are explicitly represented through the three modes of persuasion being the major tool in delivering messages to the audience. An in-depth analysis of the readings has revealed certain tendencies in the techniques used by the representatives of liberal, central, and conservatives vies. In particular, the representatives of the liberal, left-wing attitudes prefer using ethos to persuade the audience. As a proof, the authors apply mostly t o existing facts and knowledge to base their personal evaluation on. In contrast, the articles published by the New Yorker, the New York Times, the Washington Post, and the Wall Street Journal pathos in combination with logos to provoke emotions among the target audience. They rely on moral dimensions and highlight ethical concerns of the reform outcomes. For instance, Gawande (3) makes an accent on the moral conception of the story about a terminally ill patient who does not lose hope during treating lung cancer (3). Using radical methods in treating cancer, the author as if calls the reader to think over new changes and shifts in the health care system. Because of the radical influences, it is purposeful to assume that the author supports the revolutionary approach that should be applied to improve the situation in the country. Finally, the conservative proponents – the Washington Times, the New American, and The American Spectator – choose to use a double approach t o persuading and capturing the attention of their audience and, therefore, they use a combination of pathos and ethos to enhance their articles. While reading the article, the audience should clearly distinguish between personal opinion and exposition of knowledge and facts. To begin with the authors refer to facts and knowledge to enhance the objectivity to the ideas delivered in the article. In such a way, they can capture the attention of the readers who are more interested in the presence of objective evaluation to the event and are skeptical in terms of the authors’ personal argument. In this respect, author’ personal opinion is represented as a subjective dimension in the article. It is obvious that all newspaper articles seek to deliver a subjective opinion on the issue to determine the authors’ position, as well as identify the political beliefs they uphold. With regard to the chosen material for analysis, all the articles deliver subjectivity, but to a different extent. Specifically, much subjectivity is imposed on the story represented by Gawande (3) who introduces a tragic story about women who has a serious form of lung cancer, but who remains optimistic and hopeful. Focusing on emotional dimension, the author makes use of personal opinion to enhance audience’s emotional engagement with the story. In contrast, Jasper is more concerned with representing objective facts and focus on the logic of thoughts exposition. In such a manner, the author manages to persuade the audience that the article represents a strong chain of arguments and assumptions. In particular, the article refers to existing legislation passages to ensure that Obamacare policies cannot be justified in a constitutional way. To contrast and compare, Gawande, a newspaper reporter has produced an emotionally colored story about a terminally ill patient with no reference to ObamaCare policy. In such a manner, the author emphasizes the necessity to introduce p rogressive and revolutionary changes to the medical sphere and medical treatment in general. The writing represented by the Washington Post focus on the deplorable status of the uninsured citizens in the United States. In particular, the author generalizes the negative consequences and refers directly to the shortcomings of Medicaid expansion, which could still leave some layers of the population without health care insurance. In this respect, much concern should be connected with the consistency and reasonableness of the presented policy. In such a way, the given work refuses to support the ObamaCare project because of large-scale negative outcomes. Finally, the Wall Street Journal chooses a neutral position and addresses the debates between Liberal and Conservatives to objectively evaluate the pros and cons of the Affordable Care Act in terms of the racial discrimination policy. At this point, Taranto centers on the problem of political correctness that has come to the forth becau se of the radically introduced reform. Hence choosing various approaches and tools for addressing the issues, the central forces remain neutral toward the reform by introducing the negative and positive outcomes of reform and by criticizing the accusation on the part of conservatives and liberals. Explicit distinctions between personal opinion and facts are represented in the work by Taranto who introduces quotes for the readers’ objective evaluation and provides personal analysis for the audience to contrast and compare it with their own vision of the argument. In conclusion, a critical analysis of the presented articles discovering the liberal and conservative views on ObamaCare policy has revealed explicit tendencies in expressing thoughts and delivering specific concepts. In particular, liberal proponents are more concerned with radical and revolutionary changes that should occur in the country and, therefore, the articles supporting this position uphold the adoption of t he Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. Conservative supporters reject the reasonableness of the ObamaCare policy because of the significant economic and political consequences. Their neutral position is taken by the newspapers that introduce the debate from third-party perspectives. In addition, presenting ideas is also followed by the distinct use of ethos, pathos, and logos. In this respect, liberal wing is more concerned with using ethos; conservative activists prefer to make use of pathos. Finally, the central forces refer to mixed modes of persuasion. Despite discrepancies in using rhetoric devices, all the authors have managed to use a combination of objective and subjective observations, which essential for attracting the target audience. Associated Press. â€Å"States Could Leave Millions of Low-Income People Uninsured in a New Medicaid ‘Doughnut Hole.† Washington Post. 2012. Web. washingtonpost.com/business/states-could-leave-millions-of-low-income-peo ple-uninsured-in-a-new-medicaid-doughnut-hole/2012/07/17/gJQAsrKEsW_story.html Clinton, Kate. â€Å"Public Health Care Cures Worry†. The Progressive. 2009. Web. progressive.org/node/134240/2789 Degolia, Rachel. â€Å"†Obamacare† Fight Could Determine Nation’s Future†. People’s World. 2012. Web. http://peoplesworld.org/obamacare-fight-could-determine-nation-s-future/ Gawande, Atul. â€Å"Letting Go: What Should Medicine Do When It Can’t Save Your Life?†. The New Yorker. 2010, Web. newyorker.com/reporting/2010/08/02/100802fa_fact_gawande?currentPage=1 Jasper, William F. â€Å"Repealing Obamacare†. New American. 2010. Web. thenewamerican.com/usnews/health-care/item/1779-repealing-obamacare Kirsch, Richard. â€Å"In Defense of ‘Obamacare’†. The Nation. thenation.com/article/166950/defense-obamacare Lapointe, Mike. â€Å"Obamacare: The Answer to America’s Need for Healthcare Reform†. The Washin gton Times. 2012. Web. http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/americas-political-pulse/2012/jun/24/obamacare-answer-america-need-healthcare-reform/ Rush to Abandon the Poor. The New York Times. 2012. Web. nytimes.com/2012/07/18/opinion/the-rush-to-abandon-the-poor.html?_r=3 Taranto, James. â€Å"Political Correctness and Racial Tension†. The Wall Street Journal. 2012. Web. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304388004577529680052846846.html?KEYWORDS=obamacare Wilson, Andrew B. â€Å"Ten Ways That Obamacare Is Bad Law† The American Spectator. 2012. Web. http://spectator.org/archives/2012/04/03/ten-ways-that-obamacare-is-bad

Critical Infrastructure Security and Policy Essay

Critical Infrastructure Security and Policy - Essay Example It certainly has grabbed the USA government attentions onto it and made them obliged to take some instantly grave actions in order to prevent the impact of resulting turmoil. CFR's latest  Preventive Priorities Survey  (PPS) lists insecurity in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, an Iranian nuclear disaster, and an amplification of the European sovereign debt crisis among the most important international unforeseen event relative to U.S. national interests that has ultimately shaped as a frightening threat to the USA. Let us examine carefully all the threats that have been experienced by the USA and see the reason behind every threat (Chertoff, 2009). The outburst of Cyber Attacks Countries that attack the United States China Russia There are two countries in particular that have recently advanced their cyber attacks on the United States because of their new revival into the global economy, China and Russia. The United States had publicly accused both China and Russia of recent attacks th at the United States had experienced. This recent attack from China exposed that China was aiming 48 different defense corporations from the United States, United Kingdom, and Bangladesh (Kim, 2011). This has been an enduring theme from China, who is trying to achieve information and blueprints from countries that have better more advanced technology than they do themselves. While Russia doesn’t attack the United States as repeatedly as China does, simply because Russia doesn’t have the hackers available to attack a defense shield as the United States has, they are getting an abundance of practice on the former countries part of the Soviet Union (energy. Gov, 2012). Along with different countries that use cyber attacks to target the United States there are also terror groups that are starting to use cyber attacks and also other groups seeking to chop into government systems to gather information. It is predictable that with the physical defense of countries growing esp ecially the United States, that terrorists which rely on cyber terror attacks on the United States rather than physical attacks because it is now much convenient and effective to shake the United States dominance via cyber attacks. Threats to control systems can come from various resources, including antagonistic governments, terrorist groups, annoyed employees, and malicious burglars. To guard against these threats, it is essential to construct a secure cyber-barrier around the Industrial Control System (ICS). Now the USA digital infrastructure is vulnerable. Yet the Department of Defense can’t do everything on its own. Corporations that don’t shield themselves are putting both their bottom lines and national security at threat. Yes, cyber security standards are an imperfect response to a weird and dangerous new kingdom of conflict. At the moment, though, they’re the only thing eminence between us and the abyss (Johsen, 2011). Al Qaeda threatens to USA The fact that a catastrophic attack against America equivalent to 9/11 has not occurred over the past 11 years should not recommend that a future one is not being designed. In summer 2006, al Qaeda-linked functioning in London schemed to explode liquid explosives on board 10 transatlantic airliners flying from the UK to America and Canada. In September 2009, Najibullah Zazi and his acquaintances were detained for plotting to carry out a suicide

How does aviation impact the environment What could be done to improve Essay

How does aviation impact the environment What could be done to improve things - Essay Example Many aircrafts use avgas (Aviation Gasoline) as a fuel. It contains tetra-ethyl lead (TEL) that is a highly toxic chemical. It causes soil pollution at airports. It also pollutes air and causes various respiratory problems. The greatest threat caused to the environment is in the form of the chemical gases that emit out of the aviation aircrafts. So, these should be considered specifically. First of all, improvement in the design of aircrafts engine is required. An engine which reduces the emission of toxic gases such as Carbon dioxide, Carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides is required. This may greatly reduce the environmental pollution caused due to these gases. Despite manufacturing new engines, the improvement in older engines can also be helpful. High-pressure turbine nozzles, upgraded gas turbines and steam injection can greatly assist in minimizing the pollution. Another requirement is to design engine which reduces the fuel combustion as fuel burn also contributes heavily to the air pollution. Moreover, light aircrafts can be run on lower-compression engines which may be operated on mogas (Motor Gasoline) mogas does not contain tetra-ethyl lead (TEL). thus, using mogas instead of avgas will be hel pful in minimizing air pollution. Another way of reducing environmental pollution caused from aviation is by improving operational efficiency of the aircraft i.e. by increasing the number of passengers in each flight. This will reduce the emissions per passenger. The reduction in taxi time may also be helpful in reducing pollution. Pollution may also be reduced by reducing energy output during landing, takeoff and taxi

A news release from January 20th,indicates a NY Senator with the Assignment

A news release from January 20th,indicates a NY Senator with the backing of Gov. Cuomo, is pushing to raise the age of criminal responsibility from 16 Years old to 18 Years old - Assignment Example As such, the ideal way to deal with the teenage should be through rehabilitation rather than criminal punishment. The only long term answer to juvenile crime is reform of the teenage. Teenage are more susceptible to this change, and the rate of recalcitrance for juvenile offenders under counseling programs in the US have always been significantly lower than that of the adult offenders. Putting teenage in a prison, and even worse with adult offenders is probably to increase the chance of recalcitrance. They are areas of society that should have age issues examined, such as driving. Teenage below 18 years old is susceptible to accident more than any other cohort in the US. This is because the teen tends to be careless and have cases of driving while drunk. The re-examination of the issues will help reduce cases of accidents that are now common in many states. In my view, it is essential to developing new methods for addressing cases of youth offenders to help prevent them from being placed in adult jails (Marchuk,

Causes and Treatments for Dyslexia: Overview of Theories

Causes and Treatments for Dyslexia: Overview of Theories A common definition of dyslexia states it is a specific difficulty in gaining literacy skills that occurs in people who otherwise appear to be developing normally (Snowling, 1987). It is thought to occur in between 3% and 10% of the population (Habib, 2000). Methods of treating and managing dyslexia have been largely influenced by theories about its aetiology. Three different types of explanations are examined here: the behavioural, the cognitive and the biological. Each of these suggests a contrasting approach to treatment. The cognitive approach to dyslexia can be seen in the phonological theory. This has one of the longest pedigrees amongst explanations for dyslexia and it suggests a deficit in working memory (Bradley Bryant, 1978). Specifically, this theory suggests that part of the short-term memory the phonological loop has a deficit causing dyslexics to have difficulties representing, storing and retrieving the sounds of speech. In order to learn to read, the theory argues, it is necessary to make connections between phonemes (the units of sounds that make up words) and graphemes (the units of letters that make up words). Problems in making this connection will tend to result in reading deficits. This cognitive explanation clearly suggests that strengthening the link between graphemes and phonemes will help those with dyslexia (Lyytinen, Erskine, Aro Richardson, 2007). Consequently there are a huge range of different interventions focussed on encouraging the learning of these connections. Ehri et al. (2001), reviewing these approaches, found they generally fall into three categories of interventions. The first are designed to break down the sounds in a word after it has been learnt. The second category are designed to help build up a word from its component sounds. The third take a more whole-language approach. When compared to other forms of intervention those based on phonics instruction, according to this meta-analysis, provide the best outcome for children. Despite this, other interventions are frequently recommended for those with dyslexia these stem from different explanations. One example of a more biological, rather than cognitive approach to dyslexia suggests the source of reading difficulties in this condition is related to deficiencies in the visual system (Lovegrove, Bowling, Badcock Blackwood, 1980). Specifically, this theory is based on findings about two particular visual pathways in the brain: the magnocellular and parvocellular. It is thought that it is the magnocellular pathway that is deficient (Stein Walsh, 1997). This is then thought to cause a variety of visual problems such as unstable eye fixations, poor vergence and visual crowding. It has been argued by Whiteley Smith (2001) that around half of those with dyslexia suffer from eye strain and distortion of text. A treatment for dyslexia suggested by the magnocellular theory is the use of coloured lenses. Irlen (1997) argues that the use of blue filters slows down the functioning of the faster parvocellular pathway, thereby stabilising the speed more in line with the slower magnocellular pathway. Early research such as that carried out by Jeaanes et al. (1997) found these overlays were preferred by children, although later research suggested this was a result of the placebo effect. Attempts to correct for these methodological problems have proved difficult with, for example, Robinson Foreman (1999) finding little support for the coloured lens approach specifically helping those with dyslexia. Along with cognitive and biological explanations for dyslexia have come those which focus on primarily behavioural causes. These can include a wide variety of different sources such as generally poor teaching, a poor relationship with a teacher or a home life that is disturbed (Morton Frith, 1995). Ridsdale (2004) has pointed out the connection between dyslexia and low self-esteem, behavioural difficulties, withdrawal and depression. Behavioural approaches to treatment, then, can aim to raise self esteem which can include changing goal orientations, giving praise, increasing the levels at which others provide support and so on. Metacognitive approaches help to provide ways of thinking about thinking this means teaching those with dyslexia to be able to monitor their thinking processes. Some of these behavioural interventions have been evaluated. Steinhausen and Metzke (2001), for example, found that peer group support could help those with behavioural difficulties. In conclusion, there a variety of cognitive, biological and behavioural explanations for dyslexia, each of which has different associated treatment or management options. In general each of the explanations explains some of the evidence from dyslexia but none of them explain all of it. This suggests that either theories are as yet incomplete, or there are methodological problems with the evaluations or there are different types of dyslexia to be explained. In practical terms, however, support and treatment for those with dyslexia often uses a multi-modal approach on the basis this is more likely to prove beneficial. References Bradley, L., Bryant, P. E. (1978) Difficulties in auditory organisation as a possible cause of reading backwardness. Nature, 271, 746-7. Ehri, L. C., Nunes, S. R., Willows, D. M., Schuster, B. V., Yaghoub-Zadeh, Z., Shanahan, T. (2001). Phonemic Awareness Instruction Helps Children Learn to Read: Evidence from the National Reading Panels Meta-Analysis. Reading Research Quarterly, 36(3), 250-287. Habib, M. (2000) The neurological basis of developmental dyslexia: an overview and working hypothesis. Brain, 123, 2373-2399. Irlen, H. (1997) Reading problems and Irlen coloured lenses. Dyslexia Review, Spring, 4-7. Jeanes, R., Busby, A., Martin, J., Lewis, E., Stevenson, N., Pointon, D., Wilkins A.J. (1997). Prolonged use of coloured overlays for classroom reading. British Journal of Psychology, 88, 531-548. Lovegrove, W.J., Bowling, A., Badcock, B., Blackwood, M. (1980) Specific reading disability: differences in contrast sensitivity as a function of spatial frequency. Science, 210, 439-40. Lyytinen, H., Erskine, J., Aro, M., Richardson, U., (2007) Reading and reading disorders. In: E. Hoff, M. Shatz, (Eds.). Blackwell Handbook of Language Development. London: Blackwell. Morton, J., Frith, U. (1995) Causal modelling: a structural approach to developmental psychopathology. In: D. Cicchetti, D. J. Cohen, (Eds.). Developmental psychopathology. Vol. 1, Theory and methods. London: Wiley. Ridsdale, J. (2004) Dyslexia and self-esteem. In: M. Turner, J. P. Rack (Eds.). The Study of Dyslexia. London: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers. Robinson, G. L., Foreman, P. J. (1999). Scotopic sensitivity/Irlen syndrome and the use of coloured filters: A long-term placebo controlled and masked study of reading achievement and perception of ability. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 89, 83-113 Snowling, M. J. (1987). Dyslexia: A Cognitive Developmental Perspective. London: Blackwell. Stein, J., Walsh, V. (1997) To see but not to read: the magnocellular theory of dyslexia. Trends in Neuroscience 20, 147-52. Steinhausen, H.C., Metzke, C.W. (2001). Risk, Compensatory, Vulnerability, and Protective Factors Influencing Mental Health in Adolescence. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 30(3), 259-280. Whiteley, H. E., Smith, C. D. (2001) The use of tinted lenses to alleviate reading difficulties. Journal of Research in Reading, 24(1) 30-40.

Copyrights in the Music Industry Essay -- Intellectual Property, Copyr

Is important for anyone who has created any intellectual property to protect it. In the music industry, in order for someone to protect their work, they must obtain a copyright. Music has been around before anyone could obtain a copyright and when the invention of the computer came along it made it easier for someone to steal another artist's intellectual property with the help of the internet. This paper will cover what events have taken a big role in copyright protection for artist, the consequences if someone was to break the rules of a copyright which is called copyright infringement, and how will a copyright hold in the future. Were copyrights enacted without the thought of life changing technology, and how can some music companies surpass copyright infringement and make a profit from the artist? Can a copyright really make that much of a difference in the world we know today? Intellectual Property and Copyrights Intellectual property is property resulting from intellectual, creative processes. A product that was created because of someone’s individual thought process. Examples includes books, designs, music, art work, and computer files. (Miller R. J., 2011, p. 114) In the music industry a copyright is an important tool for artist to use to protect themselves from infringers. A copyright is the exclusive right of an author or originator of a literary or artistic production to publish, print, or sell that production for a statutory period of time. A copyright has the same monopolistic nature as a patent or trademark, but it differs in that it applies exclusively to works of art, literature, and other works of authorship (including computer programs). (Miller R. J., 2011, p. 125) How can someone obtain a copyright? To ob... ...en the biggest hurdles the music industry has overcome. Thanks to iTunes and Google Music record labels and artist can reach almost anyone in the world with their music and know that their work won’t be infringed upon. In the next five years copyrights will still have the respect it has today. As technology moves along copyrights will be right behind it revising the rules and regulations to make sure that an artist intellectual property is safe and that the artist or label can receive compensatory damages for copyright infringement. Works Cited A&M Records, Inc. v. Napster Inc., 239 f.3d 1004 (U.S. Court of Appeals For The 9th Circuit 2 12, 2001). Copyright Law of the United States of America. (2013). Retrieved from Copyright United States Copyright Office. Miller, R. J. (2011). Business Law Today: Comprehensive. Mason: South-Western Cengage Learning.

Better Business Bureau Essay

The BBB was created to establish an environment of trust between buyers & sellers. This trust is created through the BBB’s â€Å"standards of trust†. Companies that abide by these standards in turn receive accreditation. As a not for profit, the BBB relies on funds from sponsors and members. Up until recent, the BBB seemed to have offered special benefits to those that paid a fee to become members. Such accusations have caused the BBB to address their current system and make changes to ensure fairness amoung members and non-members. 1)Who is the BBB’s most important stakeholder, business or consumers? ->The most important stakeholder for the BBB is the consumer. Yes, businesses provide the resources for the BBB, but they only do this to create a positive image for their brand in the eyes of consumers. If the consumers did not care about the ratings of the BBB then businesses would not invest. 2)Do you think the BBB can truly be impartial given its financial dependence on business? ->No the BBB can’t be impartial. There needs to be a reason for companies to invest in the BBB. If the treatment of non-members were truly the same as members, then the company will give companies little reason to invest. 3)What actions can you take to make sure the â€Å"pay for play† scheme did not happen again? ->The main issue with the â€Å"pay for play† scheme was the fact that those who sold first year memberships received a 45 percent commission. This type of reward system is very similar to the AIG system that caused problems within their company. ->The BBB should implement a new reward system. Maybe a system that provides rewards based on the pitching of memberships to potential business. Employees should be rewarded regardless of if the sale goes through or not.

Student Outlook on the SATs essays

Student Outlook on the SAT's essays The Sat, scholastic assessment test, is used for colleges to measure what a student may be able to do on any given day. Colleges use it as a basis for whom they accept to their college. The SAT is administered by the ETS, or educational testing service. Overall, the SAT is a long, grueling test that tends to cause mostly anxiety among the test-takers. The SAT is a three hour-long test including two ten-minute breaks after Section Two and Section Four. The SAT is divided into 7 sections, which can appear in any order. The sections include: two thirty-minute Verbal sections with analogies, sentence completions, and critical reading, one fifteen minute Verbal section with critical reading, one thirty minute math section with quantitative comparisons and grid-ins, one thirty minute section with regular math, and another fifteen minute section with regular math. Included among the different sections is a thirty-minute experimental section, which could be either math or verbal, but this section does not affect the test-takers score. The SAT is scored on a scale up to 1600, where you can gain a point for a correct answer, but lose a fraction of a point for an incorrect answer. You neither gain nor lose points for omitting a question. Also included in your score is an automatic 200 points on both your Math and Verbal sections. Additionally, at least a C on the SAT is equivalent to an 1100 on the test. The SAT is administered by in a students high school years, but anybody can sign up to take the test. After a survey of random high school students, grades nine through twelve, results proved that older students tend to recognize the importance of the SATs while younger students didnt understand the test as well. Many students believe that the SAT is not an accurate view of how a student will succeed or perform at college level. Students also agreed that colleges should not consider S...

leviathon essays

leviathon essays Liberty is the natural rights of all mankind. It was even created even before our time. Since we have so much freedom, we are in jeopardy by one another due to the fact that we threaten ones will. Competition, aggression, and warfare are always taken place for existence and self-preservation. This is the worse of human nature. We are always striving for peace and serenity, and we do everything that it takes to achieve security for oneself. We all want liberty, but in reality, there is barely any liberty here. As for an example, if a living aquatic animal was to reside all his life in water, it is restrained within the contour boundaries that separates land from water. However, in order to live peacefully without fear, we tend to give up our natural rights to attain our true liberty. Hobbes defines liberty in a different sense. He believes liberty minus all the things that you have to sacrifice in order to obtain true liberty. In other words, we have to surrender certain natural rights to achieve peace and harmony with oneself. He believes each individual can be threatened by one another causing them to be in a state of war. All subjects are willing to go any distance to preserve their own life. Since there are limited resources, each form could possibly desire the same object that will give him the power to continue his existence, resulting warfare in obtaining those objects will be a characteristic of the natural state of man. He believes warfare will be continual as long as seeking of power is continual, which leads to constant fear. In the state of nature, there is always competition, aggression, and warfare; therefore, there is no peace, harmony, and equality. Thus, this force the individuals to form a social contract with the sovereign. They are basically transferring their rights to the government to provide them with security and felicity. However, when entering a contract with the sovereign, th ...

Scholarship essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 4

Scholarship Essay Example ld involve taking up courses in specialized areas as in Economics, Finance, and Business Administration, I could project how dear costs may get in meeting the essential requirements of the chosen business program. Still, I would like to express fervent inclination and desire to be facilitated with adequate scholastic resources and flexible support of all forms once entitled by the scholarship privilege through the University of Texas at Dallas. With a GPA of 3.96, I am quite capable of applying mathematical and analytical comprehension having been engaged in tutoring Math on several fields of discipline involving business and science to fellow college students. There was even a period when the versatility of my knowledge was put to test when I handled tutorials in Chemistry, Physics, and Statistics besides the pre-Calculus requisites. This bundle of experiences as a well-rounded tutor and student majoring in business course at the same time has all the more taught me the essence of education, the impact of the quality of teaching, and the profound value in human relations. In the process, I learned about the significance of investment as viewed from a non-monetary context. To this extent, thus, I can gradually ascertain which subject matters are amply worthwhile to keep and which ones to leave behind as I seek pertinent directions toward academic ends. For this ground, I pledge to make the most of scholarship acquisition w hich I am looking forward to be granted during the Spring of 2012 at the University of Texas at

Research Methods and Perspectives ( International Relations ) Coursework

Research Methods and Perspectives ( International Relations ) - Coursework Example hers frame their studies on a particular subject like international relations, and thus form an appropriate problem statement and find solutions as part of the research work. The studies of these authors have stressed on the involvement of scientific aspects introduced in the understanding of social sciences in relation to the arguments associated with international relations (Dunne, Kurki & Smith, 2007, p.15). A business research deals with the research studies being associated with the world of business and management in reality. The theories of social sciences are also related to the business research methodologies to a large extent. The methods developed in the research studies reflect the relation that social scientists make use of such methods in deriving the relationships between the realities of the social aspects and the manner in which they might be realized. The role of the researcher is highly significant in this context. Some of the theories being used include the grand theories or middle-range theories where at times the theories might provide with limited research opportunities, in other cases being more elaborate and informative. The relevance of data is essential when hypothesis are formulated for researches. The relations between the theory and research can be derived by the deductive theory and the implications are obtained through the induction theory. The positivism th eory if research encompasses both the deductive and inductive aspects of research. In contrast to this is the interpretivism theory. Other theories include the realism, objectivism and other relative measures (Bryman & Bell, 2007, pp. 4-23). The research process of political science has a major significance in the understanding of international relations that has been reflected through the studies of McNabb. He focused on the different purposes based on which a research study is conducted including the exploration, description and explanation of the concerned topic. The study of

Eutrophication Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Eutrophication - Term Paper Example The Eutrophic waters favor quickly developing plants and algae's. These long living species cannot resist competition and develop into oligo or mesotrophic waters which make these waters of less interest in terms of biodiversity and ecological quality. Thus they die of indigestion. The process of eutrophication is clearly described by the following figure; The main cause of eutrophication is large input of nutrients to the water body and its effect is on imbalance of the food web which results in high levels of phytoplankton biomass in stratified water bodies. This can lead to algal blooms. The direct consequence is an excess of oxygen consumption near the bottom of the water body. Additional factors supporting this process are Along with carbon, oxygen and hydrogen which plants get from water they also need nitrogen and phosphorous which are necessary for the development of aquatic life thus during eutrophication the concentration of nutrients in the water changes, phosphorous is usually a limiting factor for phytoplankton in fresh water, large marine areas have nitrogen as limiting nutrient especially in summer. Intermediate areas such as river plumes are often phosphorous limited during spring. Once eutrophication is detected in the water body it is considered sensitive under the European Union Urban waste water treatment directives and is declared nitrate pollutant according to the Nitrate directive and is an indicator of disturbed ecosystem. A healthy ecosystem is the ecosystem that functions well and is able to resist or recover from disturbance. The organization of the ecosystem refers to the food web and the biodiversity; ecosystem resistance is the non-response, up to a certain extent, of impacts such as nutrient enrichments. The ecosystem elasticity refers to the ecosystem ability to survive through the applied pressures. Although all these ecosystem characteristics contribute to the ecosystem health and integrity, they induce a non-linear response to the ecosystem which complicates the quantification of the assessment. The initial effects from eutrophication are negligible as they are below the carrying capacity: any measurable effects are less pronounced than seas onal fluctuations and therefore, any assessment seems to be uncertain. As the phenomenon of eutrophication is getting established, changes in mean nutrient and chlorophyll concentrations as well as changes in the community structure become obvious. This stage can be the early warning for the ecosystem quality. Causes Human activities are main cause of eutrophication all around the

Holdens Passive and Unwillingness Essay Example for Free

Holdens Passive and Unwillingness Essay Holden is the protagonist in the novel, Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger (1945). Holden is a character who tries to seek for dignity, but he has some flaws holding him back. Holden is passive and unwilling to examine himself and seek his own dignity. Three reasons for his tragic flaw are: his craziness, his immaturity, and his phoniness and madman stuff. The first reason for Holden’s flaw is his craziness. He acts this way because he is not normal like others. Something that he repeats constantly throughout the novel is, â€Å"He is the biggest phony.† This quote shows how Holden thinks and acts towards others. Holden acts this way because who falls in love too quickly with Jane and Sally. He also thinks this way because Jane and Sally equal perfection and he isn’t perfect like them or anybody else. Finally his thoughts are what can he do to be perfect like everyone else because he seems to be the only that is crazy. Therefore, Holden acts and thinks differently from everyone else because he is insane. The second reason for Holden’s flaw is his immaturity. He acts this way because Holden is always alone and have no family to support him except his younger sister, Phoebe. Something that is repeated constantly throughout the novel is, â€Å"Jane keeping her kings in the back row.† This symbol shows that Holden cannot separate the past from the present time. Holden thinks this way because he was always necking with Jane when they were young. He also thinks this way because of his immaturity of always wanting to have sex and always wanting to be a kid instead of growing up to is an adult. Finally his thoughts always want to be with Jane, but because of his immaturity Jane doesn’t choose him. Therefore, Holden acts immature towards others because he has been expelled from four different schools and no one is there to teach him his manners and to discipline him. The third reason for Holden’s flaw is his phoniness and his madman stuff. He acts this way because he doesn’t want to get help. Something that Holden repeats constantly in the novel is, â€Å"I’m a madman.† This quote shows that he has some personal issues going on with him, but he doesn’t want to get help. He thinks this way because his other lover, Jane is going out with others, but not him because he is a jealous person. He also thinks like this because it shows his low-self esteem and his view towards women. Finally his thoughts are I’m a madman because he is inexperienced with women. Therefore, Holden is a madman because of his jealousy toward women and never did have a real relationship with any women before. In conclusion, Holden is passive and unwilling to examine himself and seek his own dignity. Three reasons for his tragic flaws are that he is crazy, he is immature, and his phoniness and his madman things. Holden acts crazy because he is not normal like others and isn’t perfect at everything. He acts immature because no one is there to teach him his manners and no one is there to also teach him his respect and manners. Holden also acts like a madman because he is jealous of Jane and Sally. He also acts like this because he doesn’t like the private schools that he goes to. Therefore, I think that Holden needs to go get some serious help to become a good and a better person.

edgar allan poe :: essays research papers

American poet, a master of the horror tale, credited with practically inventing the detective story. Edgar Allan Poe was born on January 19, 1809 in Boston, Massachusetts, to parents who were itinerant actors. His father David Poe Jr. died probably in 1810 and his mother Elizabeth Hopkins Poe in 1811. Edgar was taken into the home of a Richmond merchant John Allan and brought up partly in England (1815-20), where he attended Manor School at Stoke Newington. Never legally adopted, Poe took Allan's name for his middle name. Poe attended the University of Virginia (1826), but was expelled for not paying his gambling debts. This led to a quarrel with Allan, who later disowned him. In 1827 Poe joined the U.S. Army as a common soldier under assumed name and age. In 1830 Poe entered West Point and was dishonorably discharged next year, for intentional neglect of his duties. Little is known about his life in this time, but in 1833 he lived in Baltimore with his father's sister. After winning a prize of $50 for the short story "MS Found in a Bottle," he started a career as a staff member of various magazines, among others the Southern Literary Messenger in Richmond (1835-37), Burton's Gentleman's Magazine in Philadelphia (1839-40), and Graham's Magazine (1842-43). During these years he wrote some of his best-known stories. In 1836 Poe married his 13-year-old cousin Virginia Clemm. She burst a blood vessel in 1842, and remained a virtual invalid until her death from tuberculosis five years later. After the death of his wife, Poe began to lose his struggle with drinking and drugs. He addressed the famous poem "Annabel Lee" (1849) to her. Poe's first collection, Tales of the Grotesque and Arabesque, appeared in 1840. It contained one of his most famous works, "The Fall of the House of Usher." During the early 1840s Poe's best-selling work was The Conchologist's First Book (1839). The dark poem of lost love, "The Raven," brought Poe national fame, when it appeared in 1845. The Murders in the Rue Morgue(1841) and The Purloined Letter are among Poe's most famous detective stories.

Athenians and Spartans :: essays research papers

The Spartan and Athenian civilizations carried on conflict from 431 to 404 B.C. (Bunson 195). Twenty seven years of blood shed and fighting was carried on between these peoples and their allies that were involved. The first ten years of the war was fighting and often called the Archidamian War after the Spartan king Archidamus II, following the fighting was the Peace of Nicias in 421 B.C., after this was eight unstable years of peace and more fighting, followed by the Ionian War (Bunson1277). These two civilizations were nothing like each other however some of their warfare techniques must have been similar to have fought for so long. The Spartan civilization was one that focused on physical and military power rather than academics (Jones 153). While men were still young they were taken from their families and went to a school that taught military training. If any men didn’t participate in this training their citizenship was denied to them. By the 6th century B.C. the Spartan army was known as the most efficient fighting force in Greece, the army consisted of 5000 people which were all citizens (Jones 154). Sparta was able to do this because their farming was done by subservient workers known as â€Å"captives† who were forced to do work on the land (Jones 154). By doing this the citizens were able to be fully devoted to their military. Unlike the Spartan civilization that was so focused on the military the Athenians were more involved with bringing culture and art into their lives. They were famous for their pottery with geometric designs, they also created the first outlines of the human body which would later bring them artistic achievement (Meiggs 193). During the 7th century B.C. there was much emphasis put on the craftsmanship and handicraft work that was being developed (Meiggs 193). One known figure in Athens that increased the culture was Pisistratus an able politician, he was responsible for opening up the city to Ionian philosophical and artistic influences. Also he made the first recording of the Panathenaea, a major collection of religious worship. Also because of other abled politicians and generals such as Aristides, Cimon, and Pericles Athens prospered for 50 years in political, artistic, philosophical and financial spheres (Meiggs 192). However this changed when in 431 the Peloponnesian War began because of Sparta’s uneasiness with the expansion on Athens ( Meiggs 195). The Athenians and

“His fiend-like queen” Does this seem a fitting judgement of Lady Macbeth? Essay

Upon beginning the play, one first believes that Lady Macbeth does indeed possess the evil, inhumane characteristics of a fiend. Within minutes of reading Macbeth’s letter, in which he informs her that according to the prophecy of the witches’ he is a â€Å"king that shalt be†, she contemplates regicide, in the belief that â€Å"fate and metaphysical aid doth seem to have [Macbeth] crown’d withal.† Though this introductory scene portrays her as â€Å"fiend-like†, despite condemning Macbeth for being â€Å"too fill o’ the milk of human kindness†, she herself is worried that â€Å"compunctious vistings of nature† will † shake [her] fell purpose† of murder. She then turns to demonic spirits, calling them to â€Å"fill [her] from the crown to the toe full of direst cruelty.† It is the feminine traits of compassion and fallibility often attributed to women of the Jacobean era that causes to Lady Macbeth beg the spirits to â€Å"unsex [her] here [†¦] and take [her milk for gall]†, for women’s capacity for cruelty was considered to be inferior to that of men. Lady Macbeth is fully aware of her weaknesses both as a human and especially as a woman that may â€Å"impede [them] from the golden round.† From this we see that Lady Macbeth is not naturally evil, for she calls upon the supernatural to aid her in the murder they are planning to commit. This is also shown in terms of language, for Lady Macbeth speaks in iambic pentameter, which conveys the human heart beat. This is in contrast to the non-human, fiendish, witches who use a different verse form. Therefore Lady Macbeth’s verse shows that not only is she human, she, unlike the demonic, has a heart. Though it is Lady Macbeth, through seductive verse, emotional blackmail and her powers of manipulation, who finally persuades Macbeth to kill Duncan it must be remembered that murder was not, initially, the idea of Lady Macbeth. It was Macbeth who, on the fulfilment of the first prophecy of the witches, entertains â€Å"horrible imaginings† of â€Å"murder yet [†¦] fantastical.† As a woman, it is true that Lady Macbeth was only able to achieve success through her husband and, perhaps, she may have exploited his weaknesses in order to gain power. Nevertheless, from a different perspective, it may appear that Lady Macbeth simply encouraged and supported her husband’s ambition, for it is Macbeth himself who satisfies his â€Å"black and deep desires† by killing Duncan. It is also evident that though Lady Macbeth may be â€Å"fiend-like† in word, she appears to be quite human in her actions. For Malcolm’s judgement on Lady Macbeth seems utterly justified when she talks of â€Å"the babe that milks [her],† for she claims that even â€Å"while it was smiling in [her] face/ Have pluck’d [her] nipple from his boneless gums,/And dash’d the brains out, had I so sworn†. It follows that â€Å"fiend-like† is a true description of her character, for it is only an evil, inhumane fiend who would murder an innocent and helpless baby. However, Lady Macbeth soon reveals her inconsistency when she confesses that she would have murdered Duncan â€Å"had he not resembled [her] father as he slept†. From this comment we see that Lady Macbeth is more humane than she would like to believe. She also claims that she has known â€Å"how tender ’tis to love the babe that milks [her]†. Lady Macbeth has experienced love and this love must still remain, for it is her love for her father that stops her killing Duncan. Therefore Lady Macbeth cannot be fully fiend-like as she possesses the decidedly human quality of love. Paranoia causes Macbeth, against his wife’s wishes, to hire murderers to kill his former friend Banquo, and his son Fleance. Lady Macbeth feels that â€Å"[their] desire is got without content† and begs her husband to â€Å"leave this† when he hints at disposing of Banquo. He ceases to involve his â€Å"partner of greatness† in his plans and she is evidently no longer dominant in the relationship. Instead Lady Macbeth is now in the position which befitted a Jacobean wife, for, according to prevalent Christian belief, the husband was the head of the family. Whereas Macbeth appears to no longer possess a conscience, Lady Macbeth is plagued by hers. She sleepwalks regularly, for â€Å"unnatural deeds do breed unnatural troubles† and is afraid of the dark, having â€Å"a light by her continually†, even carrying a candle whilst sleepwalking. This is in contrast to the time when she called â€Å"come thick night†; she is afraid of the darkness which she once summoned. She, who scorned Macbeth when he feared that regicide will cause them to â€Å"jump the life to come†, now fears eternal damnation. She pleads with the damning guilt to leave her, crying â€Å"out, out damned spot†. In her disturbed sleep she instructs herself to â€Å"wash your hands†, in the hope that â€Å"a little water will clear [them] of this deed. However, it is soon clear that Macbeth’s fear as to whether â€Å"all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood/Clean from [his] hand† is not unfounded, for Lady Macbeth soon despairs that â€Å"these hands [will] ne’er be clean.† Earlier in the play Lady Macbeth is shown to be a master of language in her manipulation of Macbeth. Due to her distressed state of mind she has lost the ability to speak in verse and instead uses distracted prose. At one point her language breaks down to doggerel, on her remembrance that â€Å"the Thane of Fife had a wife†. Lady Macbeth is no longer aware of her surroundings, as her mind recalls the various murders of Duncan, Banquo and the Macduffs. It is difficult to ascertain whether at times she is talking to herself or to Macbeth, for she is evidently in conversation with someone, exactly who is not clear, though she makes one reference to â€Å"My Lord†, Macbeth. Her insanity is also shown by her the inconsistency of her speeches and her total disregard for chronology, for she confuses the order of the murders as well as the present with the past. Her parting words recognise the hopelessness of her situation, for she knows that â€Å"what’s done cannot be undone†. This also shows that, unlike her husband, Lady Macbeth feels remorse for their actions. She is sorry that their actions â€Å"cannot be undone†. Macbeth, on the other hand, shows no sign of regret, for he feels that he is â€Å"in blood/Stepp’d in so far, that should [he] wade no more, /Returning were as tedious as go o’er.† Murder, including that of innocent, women and children are part of course with him. A distraught Lady Macbeth begs â€Å"No more o’ that my Lord, no more o’ that†, for memories of the murders serve only to torment her, though it is she who earlier unfeelingly remarked that â€Å"what’s done is done† with the belief that â€Å"things without all remedy/Should be without regard†. Her guilt has driven her to near insanity and her conscience is so disturbed as to confuse her mental faculties. Eventually, Lady Macbeth â€Å"by self and violent hands/Took off her life† for Lady Macbeth is unable to bear the burden of guilt any longer and suicide appears to be her only option. According to Jacobean belief, suicide led to certain damnation, and Lady Macbeth’s untimely end is evidence of her despairing of hope in the next life, for she will now â€Å"jump the life to come† having resigned herself to â€Å"deep damnation.† This, if anything, is proof that Lady Macbeth is not â€Å"fiend-like†. Lady Macbeth regrets their actions, begging her husband to cease his murdering, a sign that unlike her husband, she still possesses a morsel of humanity. Lady Macbeth is by no means evil, for evil has no conscience, whereas the conscience of Lady Macbeth is very much in evidence As an audience we witness, through the medium of the stage, the breakdown of Lady Macbeth. We watch her eventual unravelling, from her initial ambitious determination to murder the king, to her final, desperate act of suicide. We gradually realise, that Malcolm, blinded by the knowledge that Lady Macbeth was instrumental in his father’s death, is too harsh in his judgement of her. By showing signs of remorse, not to mention an unwillingness to kill Duncan and an inability to be cruel without aid, Lady Macbeth proves that she has not the evil of a fiend. She is certainly not without conscience, having been tortured by guilt, nor is she without feeling, for she has known â€Å"how tender ’tis to love†. I conclude, therefore, that though Lady Macbeth is not, by any stretch of the imagination, a â€Å"gentle lady†, she is certainly no fiend. Though, at the beginning of the play she may have appeared to be as evil and inhumane as a fiend, by its closing, she is seen to be a wretched, desolate woman who deserves our pity.

Working With Native Americans in a Social Work Setting essays

Working With Native Americans in a Social Work Setting essays Certain aspects of Native American cultures may affect the process and outcome of Native Americans who seek out assistance from social workers. The values and norms inherent in many Native American cultures often present unique circumstances when individuals from those cultures deal with the dominant culture. There are at least 550 different Native American tribes in the United States, and within those tribes are unique and distinct cultural variables to assess. Because all of those tribes combined are broadly defined as Native Americans, and for the purposes and scope of this paper, the information discussed is in reference to those hundreds of tribes as one set of cultures commonly referred to by the dominant culture as American Indians or Native Americans. As with most cultures, the Native American culture has its own set of values (different tribes have their own specific and independent set of standards which can vary greatly in certain aspects ). American middle -class and American Indian cultural values differ in major areas . How individuals in these two groups view mans relationship with nature, relations with people and time are actually opposite. According to Giordano, McGoldrick and Pearce (1982), Middle -class Americans attach value in having control over the environment/nature while Native Americans value being in harmony with nature. Native Americans are more concerned with the group rather than the individual, whereas middle-class Americans value the individual. In regards to time orientation, Native Americans view daily life as situated in the present, past and then future; middle-class Americans view it future, present , past. There are about 2.3 million Native Americans in the United States, accounting for just 0.9 percent of all Americans (Russell, 1996). The National Census reported in 1990 that nearly half of natives living on reservations were living below the standards con...

Next Generation Plm an Integrated Approach for the Product Lifecycle Essays

Next Generation Plm an Integrated Approach for the Product Lifecycle Essays Next Generation Plm an Integrated Approach for the Product Lifecycle Essay Next Generation Plm an Integrated Approach for the Product Lifecycle Essay Proceedings of ICCPR2007: International Conference on Comprehensive Product Realization 2007 June 18-20, 2007, Beijing, China Next Generation PLM an integrated approach for the Product Lifecycle Management Julius D. Golovatchev 1 Oliver Budde 2 1) Detecon International GmbH, Managing Consultant for Enterprise Effectiveness PLM, Bonn, Germany 2) Research Institute for Operations Management at RWTH Aachen University, Germany Abstract: Consistent definition, categorization and operation of products (e. g. extended products, bundles, etc) delivered to global markets and customized for ifferent buyer segments is one of the major challenges for the Lifecycle Management. Each lifecycle encompasses the processes, information, support systems and people involved in delivering the related business functions. It can be argued that process supporting technologies/solutions like WFMS, PDM-System etc exist today for the creation of a seamless environment for accessing, ma nipulating and reasoning about product information that is being produced in fragmented and distributed environment. A holistic approach that is suitable for aligning the Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) business requirements (like process flexibility, horter time to market etc) to the potentials of new technology driven concepts in the information management like SOA is nevertheless still missing. The authors give reasons why the holistic view on the product lifecycle management as well as the link between an inter-company wide information management is critical for an efficient PLM and present an integrated approach taking these aspects into account. In this paper four building blocks of Next Generation PLM are introduced. The PLM Meta Model makes up the first building block. It defines the constraints and rules for decomposing the roduct functionality into meaningful modules. The PLM IT-Architecture represents the second part and describes the IT-components and their interrelat ion utilized for the purpose of PLM. A PLM-Process methodology as a basis for describing the relevant activities is attached in the third building block. The final building block is constituted by the Lifecycle Value Management concept for steering the PLM- process on a strategic level like, among other things, by considering portfolio effects. The paper closes with the presentation of a short case study validating the proposed concept for a company in the ervice industry. Keywords: PLM, product lifecycle management, extended product, integrative approach, lifecycle value management 1. Motivation As Shark (2004) postulates, Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) is the activity of managing a company’s products across the complete lifecycle, from the early stages of conception to the final disposal or recycling of a product. From this definition, a strong interrelation between the value creation process and the PLM of the company can be deduced. Taking the current globally changin g business environment into account the PLM can be considered as a strategic weapon for enabling he company to provide an additional value to customers and thereby gain a competitive advantage over their competitors. Especially in the telecommunication industry, which experienced a significant change in its environment during the last five years, PLM is considered to be essential for facing ever shorter innovation cycles (Wohler-Moorhoff et al. , 2004). In the following two sections, we introduce the main business drivers, which currently have the most impact on a company’s business model and are expected to do so in future. For each business driver specific PLM-relevant challenges can be derived. These challenges will be pointed out in detail in the last section of this chapter and will serve as motivation for our integrated PLM- approach in chapter 2. The validation of this approach is the goal of chapter 3 by introducing a case study. (1) Business Drivers Business Driver One: Management of the Extended Product The dichotomy between tangible goods and immaterial services is subject to change according to Saaksvuori (2004). In the service industry as well as in the traditional industries like manufacturing this development towards a hybrid or extended product can be observed. (Figure 1) Fig 1: Extended Product according to Thoben et al. , 2001 Following the argumentation of Mateika (2005) a critical success factor in the manufacturing industry is the ability to provide more profitable services in addition to the tangible good. But this combination of tangible and intangible attributes in terms of the extended product increases the complexity in managing the Product Lifecycle. (Saaksvuori, 2004) Another concomitant phenomenon of the so-defined extended product is the focus-shift to a horizontal integration along the value chain (Teresko, 2004), which can be achieved by considering product modularization oncepts. Business Driver Two: Globalization Global markets result in global competition that every company is confronted with. This barely new business driver forces companies to follow either a cost-leadership strategy by standardising their products or a differentiation strategy on a global scale by individualizing their products. In order to perform in the cost-lea dership role, companies have to implement efficient processes regarding the development of complex products and to handle the order management process. Simultaneously companies have to cooperate with numerous business partners, which results in a high effort or coordination. A product differentiation strategy implies processes that ensure short time-to-market on one hand and an effective degree of freedom in the process definition for staying innovative on the other hand. Business Driver Three: Legal Frameworks Increasing regulations such as safety, environmental and product reliability will influence company’s PLM- process. Especially the resulting effort for ensuring traceability will have an impact. Traceability has two dimensions in the PLM-context. First of all it is related to the PLM process itself. Effective measures have to be in lace in order to ensure the flow of transactions to identify where material misstatements due to error or fraud could occur (Sarbanes Oxley Act). Further, traceability in the order-delivery process is about tracking of an individual product units or even components. Legal frameworks like TREAD Act for the automotive industry in the USA or REACH for the chemical industry in EU can be subsumed under this dimension. Companies that need to respond to this kind of regulation must ensure that the implementation and the integration in the existing processes happen to be simple and at the least possible lifecycle costs. 2) Challenges Based on the outlined business drivers, challenges for companies can be derived for the strategy, the processes organization and the IT. An overview of these challenges is given in the following table. Tab. 1 PLM-relevant challenges Strategy Impact Impact on Processes Impact on IT Business Driver 1 Less vertical integration, more horizontal integration of the value chain Focusing on product modularization and utilisation of product platforms to enable the re-use of components Collaborative PLM-pr ocess with defined interfaces Process readiness for the management of complex products Data exchange standards IT-representation of complex products Integration of business applications Business Driver 2 Commitment to either a product individualisation or product standardisation strategy Improvement in the process automatisation Inter-company wide process standards Enterprise Application Integration with external business partner Workflow Management System Business Driver 3 Comply to regulations e. g. (Sarbanes Oxley Act, TREAD Act Support for traceability of products by standardised and well documented processes Support for traceability of processes Safeguarding data consistency Storage concepts for long-time archiving PLM is an essential component to support the value chain process in the company. In Aerospace industry, for instance, taking six month out of the development cycle can increase market share as much as 8% (Teresko, 2004). Due to the complex and multilayered challenges, that companies have to face, an isolated, non-integrative PLM-approach is not promising. Instead we recommend a more integrative approach that addresses the relevant dimensions of the PLM and thereby ensures an effective implementation. 2 Integrated PLM- Approach The integrated PLM- Approach consists of four components, depicted in figure 2. PLM-IT- Lifecycle- Value Management 4 Meta Model PLM Architecture PLM- Process Building Blocks Fig. 2: Four components constituting the integrated PLM-approach In the following paragraphs the different components are described further. (1) PLM Meta-Model Many present quality deficiencies in the product development (esp.. n the service industry) originate from a diffuse definition of products as well as from the inconsistent view on the object â€Å"productâ€Å". The product (or service) should be clearly and precisely defined to be developed, commercialized and to be understood from the customer. There should be a constant product definition ith the overall product lifecycle and for all business processes. The product as the main subject of the process needs to be defined and this definition should be taken from the customers? perspective. A product is an entity the customer perceives in its entirety and is characterized by being offered to a market place. It includes physical products, services and information (compare figure 1). The precise definition of the complete product range and their categorization still remain a problem especially in the service industry (eg. telecommunication, energy, finance industry etc. ). For example, in the elecommunication industry essentially four categories of products can be differentiated: market product (service), standard solution, customized (individual solution) and bundle. All offered products and services can be assigned to one of the mentioned categories. Product definition is not simply a reflection of the engineering design. It also includes the entire set of information that defines how the product is designed, manufactured, operated and managed on the market and finally withdrawed from the market. Product definition should be furthermore detailed by the company-wide specific PLM Meta-Model to decrease complexity costs. Such Meta-Model defines the product on an even more detailed level for the optimization of time to market and decreasing of resembling components PLM Meta-Model is the basis for standardization and modularization of products. Modular product data structure as core element of PLM Meta-Model ensures linking the sales perspective to the internal (production) perspective in relation to the offered products and services. The main aim of introducing a modular product structure is the optimization of the product development. and market Internal Portfolio branch Modules Components cat I Module cat †¦ in well management systems Realization systems and management Sales view production view Product Modules Module II †¦ †¦ Realization PLM as as stock in production order IT architecture: Product realization: PLM-Process Transfer payments Controlling: cost / revenue, product success accounting Production service: demand assessment, Marketing Portfolio invoicing target and regional resource planning and advance performance mgmt: structure Billing: Processes: input/ output, process quantities Fig. 3: Definition and requirements on product data structure The unique PLM Meta-Model and the corresponding processes should be implemented by considering the xisting processes, company structures, and cultures. Requirements from the affected functional areas flow into the definition of the product data structure. One master product data management fits all needs of the main processes and its interfaces. Using PLM Meta-Model leads to simplification and cost optimisation of â€Å"product engineering† throug h the re-use of the production modules, shorten â€Å"time-to-market†, avoiding overlaps in development and reduce technical variance, availability of the product modules range of all service lines (factories) for all division of the company etc. . (2) PLM IT-Architecture The foundation for moving a product through its complete lifecycle beginning with the product idea and ending with the product removal from the market is a solid PLM IT-Architecture, that is customized for the company-specific PLM- requirements. In our perspective, such a PLM IT- Architecture must support the PLM- process in the dimensions: (1) Decision support, (2) Operational support and (3) integration of supplemental business applications. A standardized off-the-shelf PLM-System is therefore not the tool of choice as Ausura and Deck (2007) point out. Instead we suggest to rely on a PLM IT- Architecture that re-uses, respectively ustomizes existing IT- components as far as possible. In the next paragraphs a description of the essential IT-components is given that build up the PLM IT- Architecture. Decision Support System (DSS): The main purpose of a DSS is to gather and consolidate data from operative systems in order to provide the senior management with aggregated information re garding the product lifecycle. The Computer Aided Selling (CAS) module provides functionality for the product configuration 1 and product pricing. The component Strategic Resource Management focuses on the long-term resource capacity planning on a strategic level. Product ortfolio management aspects are covered with the last Value Management component. Operational Support System (OSS) On the operational level the PLM- process execution is supported by the OSS. The Workflow Management Systems (WFMS) enables a higher degree of process automation. Especially in the context of distributing and releasing unstructured content like a product specification in cross-functional teams, the WFMS plays an essential role through a strong link to the Product Data Management System (PDM). The Product Modelling System and the PDM are closely coupled. The former defines the product structure, in which types of modules he product is decomposed into 2 . In the database context this functionality is sim ilar to the schema definition. The PDM-systems stores all product relevant data according to this definition and provides different views for each stakeholder e. g. marketing and engineering. The Multi-Project Management System as well as the Collaboration Tools are instruments for managing the product in different phases in a collaborative environment. Integration of supplemental business applications: A PLM IT- Architecture is supposed to hold the promise of seamlessly integrating and presenting all information roduced throughout all phases of a product’s life cycle to everyone in an organization, along with external business partners. For ensuring this functionality, an EAI-approach has to be implemented. According to recent research activities a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) is most suitable to integrate the business applications from external partner e. g. suppliers as well as integrating the own business applications like ERP, CRM etc. in order to fulfil the promi se of seamless integration for becoming a real-time enterprise (Abramovici, 2002). Product-Marketing Management Exit Management CAS Strategic Resource Management Value Management Applications Supplier) Multi-Project- Tools Workflow- Product System Applications CRM CAD Decision System PLM- Process Business Customer) layer (Development Product Operational Support System Business (Management System Product-Data-Management System Collaboration Management Modeling System Business SCM ERP Support Applications (Integration-SOA) 1 The CAS module is also essential in the operative context for the order management. In our understanding CAS goes beyond the operative support and helps to steer the variant management in order to cope with the increasing product complexity nowadays. .For example hierarchies of assembly groups can be defined. Additionally constraints and rules can be modeled constricting the combination of specific modules. Fig. 4: PLM IT- Architecture building the IT-foundation of the PLM- approach (3) PLM-Process and Structure In this section the PLM-Process description will be introduced. The main design goals of this approach is to facilitate the execution of this collaborative process (efficiency goal) and equally important to align the activities with the strategic goals of the company (effectiveness goal). Our PLM-Process approach is based on three principles: Stage Gate Approach, Multi-Perspective, Metrics based Management. These principles are subject for further explanation in the following paragraphs. Principle One: Stage-Gate Approach The Stage-Gate Approach is both a conceptual and an operational model for the development, marketing and removal of a product during its life cycle. The PLM- Process consists of seven stages. This structure is oriented on the life cycle of the product and has been validated in several projects by Detecon Inc. primarily in the Telco-Industry. Every stage consists of a distinct number of activities (organized in perspectives, refer to the next ection), which have to be accomplished by specific process stakeholders at the given phase. The entrance to each stage is a gate; these gates control the process much like quality control checkpoints. Each gate is characterized by a set of deliverables as input, a set of exit criteria and an output. Gates are manned by senior managers that form the so-called Product Board. The Product Board acts as a gate-keeper that evaluates the results from one stage by a given set of criteria. Based on this evaluation, the product board can either decide whether the product idea proceeds to the next stage, e-starts at the previous stage or is archived. Principle Two: Multi- Perspective Product Lifecycle Management has always to cope with the conflict of objectives between the product marketing and the technical side. Several case studies have documented that this conflict often results in product failure in the market. Either because the product specification is too much technical driven and therefore far from the market demand or the product marketing has defined product specifications without collaborating with the technical department about technical feasibility beforehand. For solving that conflict of objectives three erspectives on the process have to be taken into account in order to ensure an efficient coordination and collaboration of the relevant d epartments or business partners. In the market perspective all activities are assigned to that relate to the product marketing. Referring to the service industry, typical tasks like the definition of product specifications and the management of the product on the market-place belong into this category. By contrast the technical perspective subsumes all technical or production- oriented activities. Additionally the financial implications of moving the product through the life cycle re grouped in the financial perspective. Principle Three: Metrics based Management In addition to the process definition the organisational component must not be neglected. Since products, and consequently the PLM-process, become more complex and involves internal as well as external partners along the value chain, there is a greater need to balance top- management control with the empowerment of self-managed, cross functional teams. As a prerequisite for achieving this balance, the company has to implemen t a metrics-based management approach in which teams are measured on strategic performance indicators such as evelopment cost, time to market and customer satisfaction. The definition and selection of the indicators is critical for the successful implementation of the PLM-concept. By setting the weights properly the teams will self-steer to the greatest short- and long-term profit, which results in less coordination effort and efficiency gains especially in the context of for cross- departmental teams. Evaluation Implementation Marketing Management Perspective Perspective Business Plan Implement Plan Technical Implementation Launch Product Go-Live technically Business Case Monitor Manage KPIs Monitor Ensure Product Process Controll Business Case Delivery Finalize 1 3 4 5 6 7 Gate 1 Gate 4 Idea Paper Description Report by Board Innovation- Management Planning Launch Exit Market Technical Financial Perspective Market Capabilities Analysis Technical Evaluation Financial Rating Market Roll-out Planning Develop technical concept Detailing Business Case Market Adjust Business Case Monitor Innovation-Market Exit Technical Exit Business Case 2 Gate 2 3 Gate Gate 5 6 Gate Detailed Design Product Launch Report Mgnt. Approved the Product Fig. 5: PLM-Process based on three principles (4) Lifecycle Value Management Life cycle oriented product planning is a necessity for companies on the competitive market and requires a robust and systematic process combined with the right organizational environment. Enterprises use Lifecycle Value Management to support the management of the product after launch through the growth, maturity, and decline stages of the product life cycle. In the overall value chain, Lifecycle Value Management ensures that the products and services which are developed and implemented fulfill the market requirements and reflect the market demand. Lifecycle Value Management requires permanent attendance for analysing and planning or ensuring the customer benefits and the alignment to all company functions. There are three different but supplementary building blocks of Lifecycle Value Management. PLM and Lifecycle Management Value Reporting Controlling Customer Needs Management Value Oriented Portfolio Management Fig. 6: Three building blocks of Lifecycle Value Management Value orien ted portfolio management (incl. IT-supported portfolio database) Increasing complexity of the product marketing without an appropriate and efficient data foundation will result in a lack of business transparency and low synergies in the value network. The modular structure of the portfolio promotes the use of common parts in the production processes, increasing the ratio mass production to overall production. Strategic alignment and value based product portfolio management enable an effective product lifecycle management. Focusing on clearly defined products makes a significant contribution to effective portfolio management. The products can be positioned without overlaps and in accordance with market demand. Value oriented portfolio management helps to prioritize product investments. Sales and marketing departments benefit from the increased transparency of the product range and he improved comprehensibility for the customers. Reporting and controlling process regarding the product lifecycle management process The referencing of different divisions (sales, resources and production planning; cost/profit accounting, etc. ) to a standard product definition lays the foundation for the application of important controlling instruments (e. g. product success accounting). The unambiguous correlation of the basic data to business management indicators along the lines of a standard product structure provides staff and management with precise and timely information about all of the critical success factors that elp staff and management to make the right decisions at the right time. Customer Needs Management Customer Needs Management incl. Requirement Management builds interface between PLM and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and gives input for the collaborative product design. The effective Customer Need Management ensures that product content matches customer requirements and allows delivering more personalized products by facilitating mass customization Implementation of these three building blocks combined with a modular product data structure ensures the â€Å"state-of-the art† Lifecycle Value Management: Individual product performance information available at real-time. Product Manager retains product accountability throughout life cycle. Strategy for product growth, maturity, and withdrawal stages is defined up front. Product replacement strategy also considered. Systematic (e. g. annual) review and clean-up/optimization of product portfolio. Supplier and customer are involves in the high collaborative integrated PLM 3 Case Study A renowned company in the telecommunications industry carried out an extensive restructuring program which would enable it to maintain its position in a deregulated market environment. The objective was on the one hand to convert the previously technical driven approach for the product design (i. e. , their orientation towards technical performance features) to an approach focusing on the customers’ needs and requirements. On the other hand, the aim was to develop and implement the integrated management approach, Next Generation PLM. In the initial situation the PLM and the platform was not â€Å"state-of-the-art† (e g. no withdrawal phase, missing of decision gates, long â€Å"time-to-market† etc). A portfolio management process was not designed and implemented. The current portfolio structure was oriented on the rganizational or technical structure and not organized from the customer’s point of view. The product portfolio was characterized by a large number of product variants and features. All these products needed to be handled individually from an IT management perspective. This broad variety of products needed to be realized and im plemented within all operative processes, IT-applications and –systems as well as sales information tools. This led to an enormous complexity that impedes the maintenance of IT-landscape and the management and optimisation of the processes. No integrated IT-solutions ere available at company and at its affiliates. During the project the integrated PLM approach valid for the company and its affiliates was developed. Implementation of Next Generation PLM at this company showed the valuable benefits for solid product development, marketing and strategy: PLM Meta-Model: Easier know how exchange and using of the â€Å"same language† during product development as well as fast and efficient communication between international partner Introduction of the harmonized product definition and product portfolio for all national and international affiliate companies The product portfolios across all of the company ere to be reduced by 50% and integrated into a modular structure. Adop tion of the product data platform at all international subsidiaries PLM Process and Structures Acceleration time-to-market up to 25% by several product groups Efficient cost savings along the PLM process by using standard support system and re-using of modules and components (process costs saving up to 170 m USD/year in the product realization phase) Effective and similar procedure of innovation and market management projects execution PLM IT-Architecture An implemented shared platform for document and project management. One physical server is used to support separate product lifecycle management processes in all divisions and subsidiaries Lifecycle Value Management Sound marketing strategy due to the early recognition of market needs and standardized information More detailed input for controlling for exactly allocation of revenue and costs to products Simpler allocation at cost centres and cost unit Introduction of the harmonized product portfolio for all national and international affiliate companies References [1] Abramovici, M. ; Sieg, O. C. (2002): Status and Development Trends of Product Lifecycle Management Systems. In: Proceeding of International Conference on Integrated Product and Process Development, Wroclaw, Poland, p. 2122. [2] Ausura, B; Deck, M (2007): The new product lifecycle management systems: whar are these PLM systems? and how can they help your company do NPD better? Visions Magazine. Online available at pdma. org/ visions/jan03/plm. html, last visit 26. 01. 2007. [3] 5 Mateika, M. (2005): Unterstutzung der lebenszyklusorientierten Produktplanung am Beispiel des Maschinen- und Anlagenbaus. Essen: Vulkan-Verl. [4] Porter, M. E. (1985): Competitive advantage: Free Press New York. [5] Saaksvuori, A. ; Immonen, A. (2004): Product Lifecycle Management: Springer. [6] Teresko, J. (2004): Auto Report: Information Technology The PLM Revolution. In: Industry Week-CLEVELAND OHIO-, Vol. 253, Nr. 2, p. 32–38. [7] Thoben, K. D. ; Jagdev, H. ; Eschenbaecher, J. (2001): Extended Products: Evolving Traditional Product Concepts. In: Proceedings of the 7 th International Conference on Concurrent Enterprising: Engineering the Knowledge Economy through Co-operation, Bremen, Germany, p. 27–29. [8] Wohler-Moorhoff, Falk; Dieter, Stephan; Schwill, Matthias (2004): Telco 2010. Telekommunikation im Wandel: Die Karten werden neu gemischt. Published by Detecon. Bonn