BUSINESS ASSIGNMENT Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

BUSINESS ASSIGNMENT - Essay Example The mobile telephony combined with internet form the basis for the growth and development of social networks and revolution in media as well. Bala (2010) states that while mobile phone penetration also rises with per capita GDP, it happens earlier, and faster, than Internet adoption.  No longer purchasing a Mobile or Cell Phone is considered as a capital investment. It is forming part and parcel of the life of an individual, especially the youngsters throughout the world on account of its necessity in day-to-day life. Librero et al (2007) states that with falling prices and increasing functionality, however, it is virtually certain that not too far in the future all of the world's students will have a cell phone. The business environment The competition in this area is intense and there are several small retail stores dealing in similar products. These stores display the products of all the manufacturers generally and there are few exclusive showrooms of the manufacturers, especial ly in big cities. Due to fragmentation, customer retention and brand building is a key problem in the business. Customer satisfaction becomes crucial in respect of servicing for building up the business. E-commerce plays a vital role and this would be more effective in the case of the existing customers who could trust the retailers based on their earlier experience with regard to the judgment and advice of the retailers in their buying decisions. Display of varieties, strategic location of the retail units, proper interior decoration, effective advertisements, effective customer service and understanding of the segmentation are essential for market penetration and brand building. Alshurideh (2010, p. 297) states â€Å"Consumer behaviour in the mobile phone purchasing setting is controlled by the actions of marketing management which provides a variety of mobile communication offers that are signalled by behaviour setting stimuli and denote behaviour consequences clearly. †¦ T hese advantages cannot be achieved without †¦ mutual relationship†. Products and Service Though the cost could be same for different consumers for the same product, the ability to absorb the cost differs from the customer to customer. Secondly, the utility value of the new model could be more important to some consumers rather than its cost. In some cases, it could be considered as a fashion (Mobile phones studded with diamonds for instance.); they also change the instrument frequently in line with the latest trend in the market irrespective of its utility. Cell phones are now being used by all walks of people and Kharif (2008) states that widespread adoption by universities would be a welcome boost to sales for Qualcomm, such carriers as AT&T and Verizon Wireless, and hardware makers, such as Hewlett-Packard (HPQ) and Apple. Gartner outlines 10 mobile technologies to watch in 2010 and 2011 which include Blue Tooth, Mobile Widgets, GPS and Broadband, which opens up new av enues for growth. Permutations and combinations of services offered by the handset manufacturers to cater to the different types of users would improve the product spectrum with immense scope for

World Hunger Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

World Hunger - Essay Example As George Michael vividly shows in his 1990 song "Praying for Time", "These are the days of the hungry man", with 25 000 thousand daily dying of hunger and 852 million living without adequate food (WFP 2006) - more than the combined populations of the USA, Canada, the EU. While we sit at our tables and splurge on chicken by "Mac" and "Kentucky"; pork ribs and rind; garden and crunchy slaw salads; baked, mashed and fried potatoes, and more, thousands of people in Calcutta are eating lentil stew for their unique daily meal. While our children drink twenty ounces of soda and juice everyday, countless children in Bangladesh would give - and sometimes do give - an arm and a leg for a mouthful of clean water. While we have the luxury of dieting, vegetarianism, anorexia and bulimia, hundreds of people in Darfour only have aid rations spooned out under refugee tents or dropped from whirring helicopters. While we can pick, choose and refuse from the confusion of cow's milk, goat's milk, soy m ilk and rice milk, undernourished mothers in Ethiopia weep in despair over drooping desiccated breasts that have not even an ounce of human milk for their famished babies. It is impossible to wrap one's mind around the 518 billion dollars of US military expenditure in 2005 (Wikipedia 2006): money that could provide food aid to the entire population of hungry, malnourished and undernourished peoples for five hundred years! When we sit and eat our "dollar meals", we don't stop to think that around the world, 1.2 billion people have to survive on only the cost of that meal per day (BOL 2006). Our mindless lavish spending - 400 dollars for an iPod to listen to hours of music, or for a PSP2 to play hours of games - we are oblivious to the fact that the cost of those now-simple pleasures could provide much needed food, employment and medication to four families for a month. Instead, as George Michael bemoans, "The rich declare themselves poor/ and most of us are not sure/ if we have too much, but we'll take our chances/ 'cause God stopped keeping score." Except in the rare music video or news telecast, we no longer are confronted with pictures of pot-bellied children in the shanty towns of Jakarta or Bogot with sore-ravished oversize heads and squall on their mouths who squat by slum drains drinking fly- and disease-infested water just meters downstream from where dead animals lay, women wash dirty clothes, and men dump pails of urine and feces. We cannot imagine the trauma of the 800 million undernourished people eking out an existence in India, China, Africa, Asia, Latin America (WFP 2006), buffeted on all sides: poverty on the right, natural disasters on the left, AIDS, dysentery, typhoid from the front, and ethnic, civil and religious wars from behind. We sometimes purge our consciences with token telethons and all-star songs. Yet for the most part we sit in our comfortable bubbles, isolated and insulated from the suffering multitudes outside our windows and inside our television sets. As George Michael points out, "These are the days of the empty hand/ Oh you hold on to what you can/ And charity is a coat you wear twice a year". Every day we pass hungry people with outstretched palm on the sidewalk as we zing by in our rose-tinted Benzes and Escalades. 'Superstars'

Inroduction To Companies Etisalat Lanka Business Essay

Inroduction To Companies Etisalat Lanka Business Essay As a consultant of leading management consultancy I am going to do a brief research on the organizations and behavior section. To do this assignment I have selected two companies in the telecommunication industry. One is Etisalat Lanka PVT LTD which is based in Abu Dhabi and operating in 18 countries including Sri Lanka and second company is Lanka Bell Services PVT LTD which is operated only in Sri Lanka. So in this assignment I am going to discuss briefly in their organizations structure and culture areas, and also I am going to discuss about the current leadership styles of the companies. INRODUCTION TO COMPANIES Etisalat Lanka (PVT)(LTD) Sri Lankas first Cellular networks, then called Celltel inaugurated its operations in 1989. A brand name change was done on the 25th of January 2007 and thereafter named Tigo and this was transformed with Milicom disposing its Asian operations. They are now a company fully owned and operated by the giant Emirates Telecommunication Corporation in UAE. It has extended operations to Asian markets such as India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Indonesia and now Sri Lanka, recording over 100 million subscribers across 18 countries offering opportunities for synergy with their other operations in the region. Etisalat officially commenced its operations in Sri Lanka on the 25th of February 2010. Lanka bell limited Lanka Bell is a telecommunication operator that provides full range of telecommunication service to business and residential customers in Sri Lanka. With the recent introduction revolutionary low cost CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) technology, Lanka Bell continues to expand its robust modern digital network that currently specializes in internet, data and voice services. Lanka Bell was formed in 1997 as the single largest BOI Company in Sri Lanka. It was subsequently acquired by the privately held diversified conglomerate Milford Holdings (Private) Limited in 2005. Lanka Bell remains firmly rooted in Sri Lanka as a telecommunications giant that continues to challenge the industry through its unparalleled portfolio of services. SECTION 01 The organizations structure and culture Lanka Bell and Etisalat Etisalat and Lanka bell both are running in the telecommunication industry so most of the factors in the culture and structure are same. They both are using functional organizational structure 1.1 Organization structure of Lanka Bell Services (PVT) (LTD) Finance Director SalesMarkt. Board of Directors Chairman Managing Director Customer Service Depart. Technical Mang. HR Admin GM Technical Operation Assistant manager Senior manager General Manager -HR Marketing manager Business Analysis Manager HR Manager- Revenue Assurance DGM control /MIS Area Sales Managers Sales Executives HR Assistants Billing staff Director Internal accountant Director Manager- credit control Director Senior service executives Director Trainer GM IT teams Associates clerical Supervisors Director Customer care Executives Director Internal accountant Director Billing staff Director Organization structure of Etisalat Lanka (PVT) (LTD) 1.3 Organizations culture at Lanka bell and Etisalat There are many definitions for organizational culture but a popular and simple way of defining culture is how things are done around here A more detailed definition is : The collection of traditions, values, policies, beliefs, and attitudes that constitute a pervasive context for everything we do and think in an organization (Atkinson) There are four g types of culture such as: Power culture, Role culture, Task culture and person culture. As both companies are in the telecommunication industry and also both companies are larger companies in Sri Lanka they are following the Role culture. What is Role Culture? Role culture stereotyped as a bureaucracy and works by logic and rationality. Role culture rests on the strength of strong organizational pillars the functions of specialists in, for e.g.; finance, purchasing and production. The work of, and interaction between the pillars is controlled by procedures and rules and coordinated by the pediment of senior managers. Role or job description is more important than the individual and position is the main source of power. (Laurie J. Mullins 8th edition) So role culture is Common in most organizations today. In a role culture, organizations are split into various functions and each individual within the function is assigned a particular role. The role culture has the benefit of specialization. Employees focus on their particular role as assigned to them by their job description and this should increase productivity for the company. This culture is quite logical to organize in a large organization. Different dimensions of organizations culture in Etisalat and Lanka Bell Profit Orientation In Etisalat and Lanka Bell profit orientation is law because their main target is to give a best service to their customers, they are concerning highly on customer satisfaction and delight People Orientation People orientation is high in Etisalat because they are paying high salary to their staffs and they are also paying special incentives according to their performance, their working environment is very pleasant, they are organizing get to gather parties and motivational programs for their employees but in Lanka Bell People orientation is Law. Team Orientation Team Orientation is high in Etisalat because its employees prefer to work in groups rather in individuals to achieve their sales targets. So team orientation will lead the company to increase their sales. But in Lanka Bell team orientation is Low where their employees are prefer to work as individuals Innovation Innovation is high in Etisalat they are coming with new products quickly, they starts with prepaid connection, after that came with postpaid, launched 3G, broadband and they are going to launch Etisalat TV. But in Lanka Bell it is very low they are rely only in CDMA connection ] Mission statement of Etisalat Lanka PVT LTD To extend peoples reach. At Etisalat, we are actively developing advanced networks that will enable people to develop, to learn and to grow Vision statement of Etisalat Lanka PVT LTD A world where people reach is not limited by matter or distance. People will effortlessly move around the world, staying in touch with family, making new friends as they go, as well as developing new interests. Businesses of all sizes, no longer limited by distance, will be able to reach new markets. Innovative technologies will open up fresh opportunities across the globe, allowing the supply of new goods and services to everyone who wants them. Vision statement of Lanka Bell Be Sri Lankas premier next generation communication Information Technology solutions provider Mission statement of Lanka Bell To provide innovative next generation technological solutions by identifying and meeting customer needs better than any other industry player, while maximizing the growth of our business for the benefit if our stakeholders Impacts and relationships of two companies through their structure and culture Performance for two companies through their structure and culture How organizational theories underpins the practice of management The different approaches used by the management of both companies There many approaches used by the both companies those are : Human relations approach Systems approach Contingency approach Human Relations approach The main emphasis of the classical writers was on structure and the formal organization, but during the 1920,s the years of the great depression, greater attention began to be paid to the social factors at work and to the behavior of employees within an organization that is, to human relations. Human relations approach Emphasized importance of human attitudes, values and relationships for the efficient and effective functioning of work organizations. Systems approach The classical approach emphasized the technical requirement of the organizations and its needs-organizations without people the human relations approaches emphasized the psychological and social aspects, and the consideration of human- needs- people without organizations Attention is focus on the total work organization and the inter relationships of structure and behavior. Productivity is viewed as a function of the interplay among people, structure, and the environment. The organization is a complex social and technical open system that requires human, financial, and material resources. Contributions of Systems Approach To Management:- Under systems approach, managers have a good view of the organization.It gives importance to interdependence of the different parts of an organization and its environment. It foretastes consequences and plans actions. A system thinking warns managers against adopting piecemeal approach to the problem-solving Contingency Approach The contingency approach to organization developed as a reaction to the idea that there are universal principles for designing organizations, motivating staff etc. newer research suggested that different forms of organizational structure could be equally successful. (Class Notes) The contingency approach, which can be seen as an extension of the systems approach, highlights possible means of differentiating among alternative forms of the organization structures and systems of management. (Laurie J. Mullins 8th edition) The organizations structure must be matched to its environment to enhance performance. The optimal form of an organization is contingent on the circumstances faced by that organization including patients, third-party payers, regulators, and personnel. Section 02 Different leadership styles that Etisalat and Lanka Bell are following: Definition Leadership style is the way in which the functions of leadership are carried out, the way in which typically behaves towards members of the group. Both companies are using the Democratic style, and Laissez- faire (Genuine) style because of marketing growth and due to the size of the company, for which the autocratic style is not suitable to follow in the telecommunication industry. Democratic style is where the focus is more with the group as a whole, and there is greater interaction within the group. The leader ship functions are shared with the members of the group and the manager is more part of a team. Laissez- faire (Genuine) style is where the manager observes that members of the group are working well on their own. The manager consciously makes a decision to pass the focus of power to members, to allow them freedom of action to do as they think best, and not to interfere but is readily available if help is needed. There is often confusion over the style of leadership behavior. Analysis of different leadership styles and their effectiveness The democratic leader works with the group to help members to come to their own decisions, the Laissez- faire leader leaves the group alone to do whatever it wants. Both styles are good for both the companies, because there are number of teams, and departments, in both companies. Therefore the democratic style will suite certain departments and teams, when there is a situation where the team members are unable to make a good decision, compared to the Laissez- faire style which will be applicable to departments and teams who are able to make effective decisions rather than relying on the managers decisions. Effectiveness of Democratic Style Risk is low. Managers have experience in making effective decisions; therefore this reduces the risk of making bad or wrong choices. If the ideas are going to be open for everyone, then everyone needs to feel comfortable enough to put their ideas on the table. So there are lots of ideas will generated It takes advantage of the knowledge and expertise of individuals in different areas, for high quality, flexible decision making. Keeps staff informed about everything that affects their work and shares decision making and problem solving responsibilities. Staff likes the trust they receive and respond with cooperation, team spirit, and high morale increasing. Develops plans to help staff evaluate their own performance. Allows staff to establish goals Encourages staff to grow on the job and be promoted Effectiveness of Laissez- faire (Genuine) style The manager provides little or no direction and gives staff as much freedom as possible so it motivates employees. In the telecommunication sector there are lots of sales team so, those teams can do their own works to achieve their own goals, this will increase the sales All authority or power given to the staff and they determine goals, make decisions, and resolve problems on their own. Employees are involved in decisions. This encourages motivation through greater interest and involvement so new ideas are generated. The free reign approach can prove an effective type of leadership when the team has achieved identity and cohesion, resulting in motivated and resourceful team members. In such situations, the sharing of authority and minimal direction empowers team members. Impact that different leadership styles may have on motivation of employees of Etislat and Lanka Bell when they face the technological breakthrough When there is a technological breakthrough that has taken place last week affecting the companies, and the industry as whole, a democratic style leader could consider the following actions to motivate the employees: Introducing the main goal of the given project Encourage team members to communicate openly, honestly and continuously Members should be made aware of the companys economical structure and growth to help them think and produce ideas that are more applicable to the company. Arranging a brainstorming session to collect new ideas to compete with the breakthrough. The ideas collected through the brainstorming session have to go through the new product development process in order to face the new technological breakthrough. Increasing the working hours, and pay the employees more for working overtime. Should produce special incentives according to their performance SECTION 03 3.1 DIFFERENT MOTIVATIONAL THEORIES FOR LANKA BELL Maslows hierarchy of need theory A useful starting point is the work of Maslow and his theory of individual development and motivation published originally in 1943. Maslows basic preposition is that people wanting beings. They always want more, and what they want depends on what they already have. He suggests that human needs are arranged in a series of levels, a hierarchy of importance. (Mullins, pg 257, 8th Ed. 2007). In this motivation theory Maslow has identified the human needs in five main levels. From at the lowest level physiological needs, through safety needs, love needs and esteem needs, to the need for self-actualization. 450px-Maslows_Hierarchy_of_Needs.svg.png Image 01. Maslows hierarchy of need model Herzbergs two-factor theory The Two-factor theory (also known as  Herzbergs motivation-hygiene theory  and  Dual-Factor Theory) states that there are certain factors in the  workplace  that cause  job satisfaction, while a separate set of factors cause dissatisfaction. Herzbergs original study consisted of interviews with 203 accounts and engineers, chosen because of their growing importance in the business world from different industries in the Pittsburgh area of America. He used the critical incident method. Subjects were asked to relate times when they felt exceptionally good or exceptionally bad about their present job or any previous jobs, they were asked to give reasons and a description of the sequence of events giving rise to that feeling. Responses to the interviews were generally consistent and revealed that there were two different sets of factors affecting motivation and work. This led to the two-factor theory of motivation and job satisfaction. (Mullins, pg 261, 8th Ed. 2007). images.jpg Vrooms expectancy theory The model of motivation of Vrooms expectancy theory, particularly as it was extended by Porter and Lawler and supplemented by several other theories. Expectancy theory is a broad theory of motivation that attempts to explain the determinants of workplace attitudes and behaviors. The three major concepts underline expectancy theory are those of Valence, Instrumentality and Expectancy, which form VIE theory. Valance: Valance is a measure of the attraction a given outcome holds for an individual, or the satisfaction the person anticipates receiving from a particular outcome. Instrumentality: Instrumentality is a persons belief about the relationship between performing an action and experiencing an outcome. Determining peoples instrumentalities is important because their desire to perform a particular action is likely to be strong only when both valance and instrumentality are perceived as acceptably high. Expectancy: Expectancies are beliefs regarding the link between making an effort and actually performing well whereas knowledge about valances and instrumentalities tells us what an individual wants to do. We cannot know what the individual will try to do without knowing the persons expectancies. Conclusion Expectancy theory thus defines motivation in terms of desire and effort whereby the achievement of desired outcomes results from the interaction of valances, instrumentalities, and expectancies. Desire comes about only when both valance and instrumentality are high, and effort comes about only when all three are high. 4. Theory X and Theory Y of Douglas McGregor: McGregor, in his book The Human side of Enterprise states that people inside the organization can be managed in two ways. The first is basically negative, which falls under the category X and the other is basically positive, which falls under the category Y. After viewing the way in which the manager dealt with employees, McGregor concluded that a managers view of the nature of human beings is based Under the assumptions of theory X: Employees inherently do not like work and whenever possible, will attempt to avoid it. Because employees dislike work, they have to be forced, coerced or threatened with punishment to achieve goals. Employees avoid responsibilities and do not work fill formal directions are issued. Most workers place a greater importance on security over all other factors and display little ambition. In contrast under the assumptions of theory Y: Physical and mental effort at work is as natural as rest or play. People do exercise self-control and self-direction and if they are committed to those goals. Average human beings are willing to take responsibility and exercise imagination, ingenuity and creativity in solving the problems of the organization. That the way the things are organized, the average human beings brainpower is only partly used. On analysis of the assumptions it can be detected that theory X assumes that lower-order needs dominate individuals and theory Y assumes that higher-order needs dominate individuals. An organization that is run on Theory X lines tends to be authoritarian in nature, the word authoritarian suggests such ideas as the power to enforce obedience and the right to command. In contrast Theory Y organizations can be described as participative, where the aims of the organization and of the individuals in it are integrated; individuals can achieve their own goals best by directing their efforts towards the success of the organization. However, this theory has been criticized widely for generalization of work and human behavior. SUITABLE MOTIVATIONAL THEORY FOR MANGERS AT LANKA BELL From the theories mentioned above it is understandable that managers need to pick one or two theories that are more applicable for their own company to work more effectively and generate higher numbers of positive outcomes Therefore based on this assignment manager of Lanka bell needs to pick out a suitable motivational theory in order to run the company with great success. Understanding the needs of Lanka bell it would be advisable that the manager should initially pick Herzbergs two-factor theory due to the following reasons. Why Herzbergs two-factor theory is important? And effectiveness of using Herzbergs two-factor theory Herzberg (1968) saw two basic needs of individuals, and he suggests two factors. The need to avoid unpleasantness, satisfied (temporarily, and in a rather negative way) by environmental factors The need for personal growth, satisfied at work only by motivating factors Environmental Factor or Hygiene factor In this factor Herzberg has explained about the working environment which is company policy and administration, Salary and job security, in this factor he mentioned the main needs of the employers. Motivator factor Motivator factors, on the other hand, create job satisfaction and can motivate an individual to superior performance and effort. These factors fulfill the individuals higher need for a sense of self-actualization or personal growth, and include: Status Advancement Gaining recognition Being given responsibility Challenging work Achievement Growth in the job Effectiveness of using Herzbergs two-factor theory Herzberg encouraged managers to study the job itself (nature of tasks, levels of responsibility) rather than conditions of work. Dissatisfaction arise from environment factors-satisfaction can only arise from the job. If there is sufficient challenge, scope and interest in the job, there will be a lasting increase in satisfaction and the employee will work well; productivity will be above normal levels. the extent to which the job must be challenging or creative in order to provide motivation will depend on each individual, his ability, his expectation and tolerance for delayed success. CONCLUTION

moralhf Essays - The Moral Vistory in Adventures of Huckleberry Finn :: Adventures Huckleberry Huck Finn Essays

The Moral Vistory in Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Mark Twain's novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a perfect example of how one's heart and morals can change in difficult situations. Huck's journey down the Mississippi River tested him to his limits of being able to handle situations in the way which he had been raised. Huck shows that how one is raised is something that will impact them tremendously in the rest of their life and that it is hard to change from what you've been molded into. Early in the novel Huck shows how much of a rebellious and joking boy he truly is. "I put out the light and I scrambled out of the window...,"(pg. 17) says Huck. Huck, at a young age, began getting himself into many difficult situations, such as escaping from the cave in Tom Sawyer. Huck often has a hard time abiding by rules, keeping himself out of trouble, and comprehending the things he has been taught. However, he does learn one thing, that he is better than the Negroes. So, as young boys, Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer spend a g ood bit of their time playing tricks on Ms. Watson's slave, Jim. "He slipped Jim's hat off his head and hung it on a limb right over him...,"(pg. 19) tricks like these which Huck is never punished for are part of what confirm the teaching that he is in fact better than blacks. This conditioning as a young child is what makes it difficult for him to deal with Jim as an equal later in life. Once on the river Huck has a much more difficult time as he not only has to deal with Jim but also the King and Duke who join them on their journey. The King and Duke's actions around Huck make him realize that he needs to change his morals. When Huck realizes that the King and Duke are impostors his learning experience begins. "It didn't take me long to make up my mind that these liars warn't no kings nor dukes at all, but just low-down humbugs and frauds." This statement shows that Huck has feelings about the King and Duke that show that his morals are of the kind which will not self ishly go against other's trust.

Headloss Through a Valve

Fluid Mechanics Lab Head Loss Through a Valve April 24, 2012 Abstract This experiment determined the relationship between the head loss through a gate valve and the degree of opening of that valve with varying flow rates. The objective of this experiment was to determine the valve loss coefficient, K, for a specific gate valve as a function of both the pipe Reynolds Number, and the degree of opening. The relationship between the Reynolds Number and the friction factor was constant. Regardless of what the Reynolds Number was, the friction factor remained the same.This means that the valve head loss coefficient, K, only depended on the degree of opening of the gate valve. As the valve is slowly turned closed, the Major Head Loss due to friction along the pipe, decreases, and the Minor Head Loss, due to the friction through the gate valve, increases. There is a positive linear relationship between the Reynolds Number and the head loss coefficient. The slope of this linear relationship s howed that as the flow rate increases, the velocity increases which means the Reynolds Number gets bigger and the head loss coefficient increases.Therefore, the higher the flow and the smaller the degree of opening of the gate valve, the greater the head loss becomes through the gate valve. Table of contents Abstract†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ i 1Introduction1 1. 1Background1 1. 2Theory1 1. 3Objective1 2Apparatus and Supplies1 3Procedures4 4Equations4 5Experimental Results5 6Error Analysis9 7Conclusions9 8Recommendations for Further Studies10 9References10 APPENDIX Table of Figures Figure 21: Pressure Differential Gauge ? p. 2 Figure 22: Weighing Tank with Dump Valve open. 3 Figure 23: Pressure Differential Gauge between Valve Set-up3Table 51: Constants and given values. 5 Table 52: Measured Data. 5 Table 53: Volumetric Flow, Velocity, Reynolds #, Head Loss Coefficient. 6 Table 54: Real values of K, Major Head Loss, Minor Head Loss. 6 Introduction Background Gate valves are frequently used when constructing and fitting pipes. They provide the capability to shut off specific lines so that repairs or renovations can be made without having to turn off the main supply lines. Although these valves are useful, they also disturb the normal flow and cause friction. Theory The head loss coefficient, K, for a gate valve is related to the Minor Head Loss, Hlm, where Hlm=V22gK.The total head loss in the pipe is divided into two parts: the Major Head Loss, Hf, due to the pipe friction over length L, and the Minor Head Loss. Using the Bernoulli’s energy equation, the coefficient, K, can be found: K=2g? PV2? -fLD. Objective The objective of this experiment was to determine the valve loss coefficient, K, for a specific gate valve as a funct ion of both the pipe Reynolds Number, and the degree of opening. Apparatus and Supplies * 1 Weighing Tank with Dump Valve ( ±0. 5 lb) * 2 Stop Watches ( ±0. 01 sec) * Galvanized Iron pipe 27 inches ( ±0. 03125 in) long with a diameter of 1. 1 inches ( ±0. 0005 in) * 1 Pressure Differential Gauge ( ±0. 05 psi) * 1 Valve located in between the Pressure Differential Gauge on Galvanized Iron Pipe Figure 21: Pressure Differential Gauge ? p. Weighing Tank Dump Valve Figure 22: Weighing Tank with Dump Valve open. Figure 23: Pressure Differential Gauge between Valve Set-up Procedures 1. Measure the distance between the upstream and downstream pressure tabs. 2. Turn the handle on the gate valve to determine how many turns exist between fully-opened and fully-closed. 3. Turn on the pump and open the dump valve in the weighing tank. 4.Turn the gate valve so that it is completely open. 5. Record the Pressure Difference 6. Close the dump valve in the weighing tank. 7. Start and stop th e stopwatches over a 100 lb difference and record the times. 8. Open the dump valve in the weighing tank and allow water to drain into the sump. 9. Change the flow of water. Do not change the gate valve. 10. Repeat steps 5-8. 11. Turn the gate valve to 75% open. 12. Change the flow of water. 13. Repeat steps 5-9 a total of three (3) times. 14. Turn the gate valve to 50% open. 15. Repeat steps 12 and 13. 16. Turn the gate valve to 25% open. 17. Repeat steps 13 and 13.Equations Head Loss Coefficient: K=2g? pV2? -fLD Major Head Loss: hf=fLDV22g Minor Head Loss: hlm=KV22g Reynolds Number: Re=VD? Area of Pipe2: A=? 4D2 Velocity: V=QA1 Volumetric Discharge: Q=? W? t*? Experimental Results Table 51: Constants and given values. Table 52: Measured Data. The friction factor f=0. 049 was calculated based on Ks/D and the Reynolds Number. Table 53: Volumetric Flow, Velocity, Reynolds #, Head Loss Coefficient. Table 54: Real values of K, Major Head Loss, Minor Head Loss. Error Analysis There were some values calculated for the valve loss coefficient, K, which were negative.This is impossible because a negative K value would give you an overall gain in energy as water flows through the valve according to Bernoulli's energy equation. According to the equation used, gravity and the specific weight of water are constant. The length and diameter of the pipe along with the velocity had relative errors due to human accuracy, but all of these were negligible. This leaves the friction factor, f, and the pressure differential readings. The calculated value of the friction factor was given and was probably over estimated and the absolute roughness of the pipe was less.The accuracy of the pressure differential gauge was also a possible source of error. Looking at the data, the first five readings all had negative K values and they all had very low pressure differential readings. The accuracy of the readings become more inaccurate the closer the readings are to the endpoints of the scal e. Conclusions According to the Moody Diagram and the absolute roughness stated, the relationship between the Reynolds Number and the friction factor was constant. Regardless of what the Reynolds Number was, the friction factor remained the same.This means that the valve head loss coefficient, K, was only depended on the degree of opening of the gate valve. As the valve is slowly turned closed, the Major Head Loss due to friction along the pipe, decreases, and the Minor Head Loss, due to the friction through the gate valve, increases. There is a positive linear relationship between the Reynolds Number and the head loss coefficient. The slope of this linear relationship showed that as the flow rate increases, the velocity increases which means the Reynolds Number gets bigger and the head loss coefficient increases.Therefore, the higher the flow and the smaller the degree of opening of the gate valve, the greater the head loss becomes through the gate valve. Recommendations for Furthe r Studies The experiment could set minimum and maximum standards for readings off the pressure differential gauge. For each valve reading, making the minimum pressure difference greater than 1. 0 PSI and less than 9 PSI would ensure that there are no endpoint inaccuracies. References Giles, Ranald V. , Jack B. Evett, and Cheng Liu. Schaum's Outline of Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulics. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2009. Print. Appendix

Hedy Lamarr

Now I wish to talk about barriers that women amateurs face in working in science and technology. Lamarr is a great example of how an amateur can both overcome and be stopped by barriers. Just a little background info, Hedy Lamarr was an Austrian –American actress who was also known to be the most beautiful woman in Hollywood in her time. You might think what does she have to do with what have been said before this. Well, she was the brains who basically started it all, the spread-spectrum technology which enabled Wi-Fi and cellular networks to be available to us today!Lamarr knew about a real problem. It was during World War 2 when she thought, how can one safely control a torpedo with a radio signal? This was important, since torpedoes were not very accurate and the ability to remotely control them could be immensely valuable. The difficulty in using a radio signal to control a torpedo is essentially the problem of jamming. If you tried to control your torpedo by a signal, ev entually the enemy will find out the frequency you are using.Once this is known they could jam your control signal by putting out a strong noise signal on the given frequency. Lamarr had a solution. Her brilliant idea was to use frequency hopping—her invention. Lamarr also found a co-inventor, George Antheil, who was also an avant-garde composer, who laid out a system based on 88 frequencies, corresponding to the number of keys on a piano, using perforated paper rolls which would turn in sync with one another, transmitting and receiving ever-changing frequencies, preventing interception and jamming.They then submitted the frequency hopping device to the national inventors council where they went on to file a patent application. Unfortunately, she did not succeed to release this idea to help during the war. There were other priorities faced by the US military, along with the decreasing number of resources that were being used to make other equipments and atomic bombs. Also, sh e isnt your usual inventor. Who would believe a Hollywood actress could help invent something useful for the war? Furthermore, she was ahead of technology.Spread-spectrum requires a fairly powerful digital computational ability. The technology that was available in 1940? s was very crude, and it is likely that it was essentially impossible to make her ideas work. BUT twenty years after its conceptualization, during the Cuban missile crisis, the first instance of large-scale military deployment of Lamarr and Antheil's frequency hopping technology was implemented– not for the remote-controlled guidance of torpedoes, but to provide secure communications among the ships involved in the naval blockade.Lamarr’s brilliant idea is used today in wireless communication. Not exactly as she envisioned in her original patented work, but nevertheless in ways that are clearly traceable to her ideas. Lamarr eventually got the recognition she deserved but 3 years before her death. She and her co-inventor Antheil won the 1997 Electronic Frontier Foundation Pioneer Award. She also won the BULBIE that is called the â€Å"Oscar† of inventing. Hedy Lamarr had proved to being more than just a â€Å"pretty face†. My resources: http://rjlipton. wordpress. com/2010/07/25/hedy-lamarr-the-inventor/

Free Essays on Sociology And Sports

What is Sociology? Sociology is the study of human society or social problems. When we speak of sociology in context with sport we try to understand the way society effects sport. Sociology can also be described as the systematic study of principally modern and industrialised societies. This is based on the assumption that human behaviour derives from large part from the interaction with theses societies. What evidence is there of this? Children that were raised by animals act like animals because that’s how they were raised. There was no evidence of brain damage they were just never taught how to speak or behave as humans do Two classic evocations of sociologies mission! Karl Marx was a German philosopher and political campaigner. He was of the view that people make their own history but not of the circumstances of their choosing. Mills was another leading figure in sociology. His view was that â€Å" no social study that does not come back to the problem of biography, of history, and of the intersection within a society has completed its intellectual journey.† Applying Sociology to Sport Mills was of the view that through sociology troubles, which are private, become issues, which are publicly shared. A good example of this is David Beckham who has his private troubles headlining the sports pages of the national papers for all the public to read. Mills believed that these sporting personalities are role models in society and that we cannot fully understand them unless we understand the issues in which they are a part of. Examples of Issues Class differences  · Why aren’t there any working class polo players?  · Because you’re from different classes, does that mean you experience sports differently? Gender issues  · Should females be allowed to box?  · Does sex equality now exist in sport? Media Issues  · Has the media created football hooliganism  · Is the portrayal of female athletes as se... Free Essays on Sociology And Sports Free Essays on Sociology And Sports What is Sociology? Sociology is the study of human society or social problems. When we speak of sociology in context with sport we try to understand the way society effects sport. Sociology can also be described as the systematic study of principally modern and industrialised societies. This is based on the assumption that human behaviour derives from large part from the interaction with theses societies. What evidence is there of this? Children that were raised by animals act like animals because that’s how they were raised. There was no evidence of brain damage they were just never taught how to speak or behave as humans do Two classic evocations of sociologies mission! Karl Marx was a German philosopher and political campaigner. He was of the view that people make their own history but not of the circumstances of their choosing. Mills was another leading figure in sociology. His view was that â€Å" no social study that does not come back to the problem of biography, of history, and of the intersection within a society has completed its intellectual journey.† Applying Sociology to Sport Mills was of the view that through sociology troubles, which are private, become issues, which are publicly shared. A good example of this is David Beckham who has his private troubles headlining the sports pages of the national papers for all the public to read. Mills believed that these sporting personalities are role models in society and that we cannot fully understand them unless we understand the issues in which they are a part of. Examples of Issues Class differences  · Why aren’t there any working class polo players?  · Because you’re from different classes, does that mean you experience sports differently? Gender issues  · Should females be allowed to box?  · Does sex equality now exist in sport? Media Issues  · Has the media created football hooliganism  · Is the portrayal of female athletes as se...

William Penn John Winthrops Goals in Colonization Essay Example

William Penn John Winthrops Goals in Colonization Essay Example William Penn John Winthrops Goals in Colonization Paper William Penn John Winthrops Goals in Colonization Paper During the early colonization of the East coast of North America, many groups of people of Europe came to the New World such as the Puritans and Quakers. Both the Puritans, led by John Winthrop, and the Quakers, led by William Penn, were escaping persecution from England but each they had their own views and goals in religion, politics, and ethnic relations. Being on the native land of the local Indians, both Penn and Winthrop had to face issues and negotiations with the Indians. Penn and Winthrop had their own separate approaches to politics but they both sought a more just system than the one in England. After being persecuted, both Penn and Winthrop wanted their people to be free worship, but Penn and Winthrop each had their own approach to the institution and toleration of religion. Arriving to North America, the Indians grew worried of the growing population of European settlers and colonists coming in and taking their lands. Though both Penn and Winthrop sought to gain lands for colonization, Penn had a more peaceful approach to the Indians. Penn would create good relations with the natives and the Quakers would negotiate over the lands in a just manner. Penn encouraged the Indian culture to come into the Quaker communities while Winthrop wanted to exclude the Indians out the Puritan communities. The Puritans in turn would just take lands from the Indians and force the Indians to fall back into the backcountry. Winthrop believed that the Indians â€Å"inclose no land, neither they have any settled habitation, nor any tame Cattle to improve the land by e may lawfully take the [land]. † Aside from the relations with the Indians, both Penn and Winthrop had their different approaches to setting up a local government. Winthrop, being a Puritan, believed in creating a government that was ruled by the church and that the church makes the political decisions for the Puritan community. In contrast, Penn was a Quaker who believed that the government should be completely separated from the church and that the government shou ld consists of actual political leaders to make important decisions. Escaping from a corrupt government that England had oppressing them for many years, both Winthrop and Penn wanted a government which was self-governing and a government that was just for people. These early types of government would later help the creation of the government that would being the United States. The biggest motivation in Penn and Winthrop was their views on religion and how it should be carried out in the community. Penn was one the few and first to believe in religious oleration and freedom to worship any religion without the fear of persecution. The Quaker communities would welcome all forms of religion such as Baptism and Evangelism while the Puritans would be very secluded. The Puritans thought any other religion would bring in vile thought and immoral ideals that would affect their community. Puritans would discourage any other form of religion which made them a very isolated, homogenous, group of people. Penns views would also shape the future government of the Un ited States. Penn and Winthrop led their people to the New World with the hopes of starting a new, safe, society that escaped persecution. Their contact with the Indians and their differing views of religion would help them shape the politics of their communities. They both came with the similar goals but they would each carry it out in their own specific way. These early colonists would help influence the founding of many other communities, bringing in many new ideals and approaches that led to idea of independence, and later, the birth of the United States.

#1English Civil War and Glorious Revolution Senten Essays - Royalty

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Accounting Theory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Accounting Theory - Essay Example The branch of accounting that involves systematic statement of principles and methodology, as distinct from practice is known as accounting theory (Porwal, 2001 7). The purpose of this is to provide a set of principles and relationships which explain practices that are observed in the real world and predict practices that are unobserved (Schroeder et al., 2010 1). If one wishes to experience firsthand the level of confusion it can create, they should observe how Chinese companies issue three different categories of shares – ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘H’ which are traded in three different markets by three distinct categories of shareholders. Category ‘A’ type shares are meant only for domestic investors and are transacted Shanghai and Shenzhen stock markets. Category ‘B’ shares are traded in the same stock exchange but only by foreign investors and category ‘H’ shares are traded in Hong Kong stock exchange. So, while issuing ‘A’ category shares a Chinese company has to adhere to Chinese Accounting Standard (CAS), and while issuing ‘B’ category shares it has to follow International Accounting Standard (IAS) and while issuing ‘H’ category shares it has to format its accounts as required by Hong Kong Accounting Standard (HKAS). So, a mu ltiplicity of accounting standards, quite obviously, generates financial information of disparate levels of transparency and detailing. Hence it is becoming increasingly difficult for stakeholders to unquestioningly rely on information provided in the financial statements (Chen and Wei 2008 1). Such a lack of convergence among various accounting standards surely lead up to an extremely confusing scenario especially in an era of globalization when capital is freely flowing across continents and frontiers. Though one cannot disregard the local expediencies there must still be sufficient disclosures so

Executive Summary on Vegan Restaurant in New York City Research Paper

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Job Application Personal Statement Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

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Humanism and Christian beliefs in the fifteenth century Essay

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BUY LOCAL FROM NB INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FIRMS Research Paper

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Inquiring Minds want to know Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Inquiring Minds want to know - Case Study Example The information being sought touches on the private lives of the individuals participating in the study and this is a great challenge to the study as this is likely to raise many ethical issues. In the modern information age, protecting the personal and private information of an individual is extremely important. Yet, as is seen in this case, there are a number of issues which must be looked at in order to ensure that the privacy of the individual is well protected. Confidentiality Confidentiality refers to the fact that the information of the individuals will not be revealed to other people. It also loosely refers to the fact that the information collected for one purpose will not be used for other purposes. This is extremely important in order to help in protecting the privacy as well as other interests of the individual. In this particular study, there is the risk of the confidentiality of the individuals in at least two ways. First, the data used in the background research is dat a that was collected many years ago and for different purposes. For instance, according to Schindler (2011), data from the early 90s which was collected using reader service cards was used to determine how the technology had affected the way the people were using information. This may be a violation to confidentiality of the people to whom this information belongs. Secondly, the information being collected through the questionnaires may also bring about the issue of confidentiality if it is used in the wrong way and this must be looked at in a critical way. Confidentiality is very important and any research carrying out a research where individuals are involved will have to only assure the participants that their confidentiality will be protected but also do also everything that they can in order to guarantee that the confidentiality of the study will be guaranteed. In this case, there are a number of issues which must be looked at in order to protect the participants. Informed cons ent Informed consent refers to the fact that the participants of the study are clearly informed about the study, its purposes and how the information they will provide will be used. It also refers to the fact that the participants have wilfully agreed to participate in the study even after knowing exactly what the study will be used for. In this particular study, it is necessary for the participants to know exactly how the data they are providing will be used and how this will affect them. After this, they will need to give their informed consent and agree to participate in the study. This is especially important with regard to the privacy of the participants especially due to the fact that the individuals will be providing information which is quite personal with regard to their private life or their professional life. In this regard, it will be necessary for the person carrying this study to make sure that apart from guaranteeing confidentiality of the study, they will also help t he participants to understand clearly what the study is about and that the participants will willingly agree to participate in the study. Protecting the interests of the participants This has to do with the first three issues discussed above, that is, privacy, informed consent, and confidentiality which are all geared towards protecting the inte

BUY LOCAL FROM NB INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FIRMS Research Paper

BUY LOCAL FROM NB INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FIRMS - Research Paper Example In this regard, there are certain potential problems that are likely to be faced by the New Brunswick (NB) firms in their internal and external business environment context. The internal risks that could be faced by the NB organizations are generally non-marketable attributes namely brand, visibility, credibility as well as cost related constraints (Kramer, Jenkins & Katz, 2007). Problems in Internal Environment The potential internal constraints for the NB firms can be identified to be ingrained within the facet of non-marketable variables which can considerable affect to efficiently derive the potential benefits of ICTs. Moreover, the risks associated with internal environment of the NB firms can also create significant challenges for them in terms of building their long-term sustainability in the fiercely growing global IT industry. In accordance with the non-marketable risks in the SCM processes, certain potential problems can raise due to the integration of ICTs within the diffe rent operational activities. ... The integration of ICTs within the supply chain process provides adequate support to an organization to efficiently perform its range of supply chain functions. However, the functions of ICTs within the supply chain often been observed to involve issues related with its visibility. The integration of ICTs within the supply chain process tends to provide adequate flexibility to the organization along with offering them enhanced visibility amid the large NB purchasing organizations. In addition, the local NB IT firms face a major challenge due to the lack of visibility. This is because they generally use quite a less amount of marketing and promotional activities. This factor reduces their chances to have a prominent place as a prospective Business-to-Business player in the minds of large local NB purchasing organizations (Booz Allen Hamilton Inc, 2012). 2. Brand: The brand value of the NB IT firms can also be regarded as one of the major constraints which can occur due to the extensiv e practice of ICTs within different supply chain activities by the firms. An effective and strong brand position can provide adequate support to the organizations to effectively obtain significant benefits of the ICTs especially in the supply chain operations. However, the notion of brand or brand valuation can also be a major concerning factor of an organization which can further lead to significant issues. Owing to the stated concern, the integration of ICTs in the supply chain ensures to reduce the usage of different organizational resources and it also provides benefits to minimize the potential costs in the SCM operations. In relation to local NB IT firms, they generally do not use branding or product positioning as a major marketing tool. Therefore, a lack of brand identity tends to

Reflective Writing Study Skills Essay Example for Free

Reflective Writing Study Skills Essay At the beginning of the task no one took the initiative of introducing themselves. Our initial concern was getting started on the jacket. This seemed to be of more importance to everyone. This could be viewed as unsociable, but on reflection, previous to this task we all took part in an ice-breaker session, whereby we had to introduce our selves by name, followed by a descriptive word, this meant we were already acquainted with one another, so concentrating on the task in hand seemed most appropriate. I believe we were all very wary of taking over as we were always asking one another do you think this is a good idea? and shall we do this?, rather than just doing it without the opinion of other team mates. Although this was the case it is possible we were being very agreeable to any idea put forward in order to keep peace, and put over a likable persona. Upon reflection the organisation of our group to begin with was very inefficient, we did not consult one another about how we would make the jacket, before getting on with the task, this meant the sleeves were being made by myself, whilst the body of the jacket by another, with no idea how they would fit together. I believe this is because we all wanted to have a share in making the jacket and help as much as possible, but no one wanted to adopt the role of task leader. On the other hand our team displayed great efficiency in the way we worked together, at one point we had a production line, where one would pass the Sellotape, then one would hold the piece in place, while the other stuck them together. We became a more efficient team the more we worked together on the task. Communication between us became more important. On the whole and on the basis of the finished product, it is evident that our team did work together efficiently, as we finished the task in good time and all of us had an input in the overall finished product. I believe I took on many different roles within the team. Initially I took on the role of energiser. This was evident by my enthusiasm, I was eager to get started and began listing many different ideas I had about how to put the jacket together, Jake was also an energiser as he had many different ideas he wanted to express and was fully involved in the task. Ricky initially  took on the role of relaxer as he was contemplating how things would work out and managed to condense our ideas to form a jacket. In these kind of situations I would usually put forward a good argument as to why my idea should be used above someone elses. I did not adopt this attitude in this instance because my team mates were new acquaintances so I wanted to leave a good impression, I was more conscious of their thoughts and ideas and accommodating them was important to me. With this in mind I would conclude that we worked as a collective rather than a hierarchy. Further into the task I took on the role of nurturer. I wanted to make sure that everyone had an input on the finished product and that all of our ideas had been listened to fairly, and put in place if all agreed. This was evident in that I was asking my team members what other ideas they had, and finding ways of accommodating them. I did not want anyone to feel left out or less involved. Rickys mathematical mind meant that it was easier for us to measure out the different parts of the jacket equally and in proportion. As Jake is used to working as a team when he plays football, this quality was evident in this task, as he was an up building and upbeat member of the team, trying to include everyone in the activities. Jake was soon nominated by myself and Ricky to be the model for the jacket, therefore it was up to me and Ricky to actually make the jacket. We both had an equal share in the labour, cutting, sticking and measuring different parts of the jacket at the same time, then finding a way to fix them together. This was important because if somebody was uninterested or just giving out orders the whole team could be affected and not want to take part. We all helped each other when needed and were happy in our individual tasks. On a scale of 1 to 10 I would rate the importance of achieving the task 6/10. This is because I did view the task as a competition, even though we were never told it was such. On reflection this would show I am a competitive person and I like a challenge. When a task is viewed competitively one will be more inclined and motivated to try their best and ultimately reach their potential. Initially the task seemed menial and pointless hence why I only  scored 6/10. I was aware the jacket itself had little importance and that rather the emphasis was on team work. Even though I was aware of this my competitiveness made me want to create an excellent jacket. With the prospect of becoming a teacher one day, this teamwork exercise has taught me that there are many different roles people can take on under a team building exercise. Everyone within my team had different skills and abilities. This exercise has taught me, not only how to identify these skills and abilities but also how they can be used in a beneficial way to complete a task. As a teacher I will have to cater for the needs of each student identifying their strengths and weaknesses and using them in a positive and up building way, so they can reach their potential. I have also seen how important these exercises are in terms of the class getting to know one another, for the student this can help by taking the emphasis of social fear and more onto learning. This is evident by more members of the class being involved in group discussions after the task. This could have the same effect on my future students.

The Theory Of Physicalism

The Theory Of Physicalism Abstract: Physicalism is the theory that the universe and its phenomenon can all be explained through physical laws because physicalists believe the universe is completely physical. A philosophical theory opposing physicalism is proposed by the knowledge argument. Proponents of the knowledge argument say that complete knowledge of the physical world does not explain the subjective experiences of perception and interpretation of outside stimuli. If this is the case; then physicalism cannot be true. Physicalism is a philosophical theory that states everything is physical, and that everything can be explained purely by the laws of physics. These physicalists argue that even the processes occurring in the mind can be understood through physics. This belief raises a disagreement with the understanding conscious experiences, which philosophers label as qualia. Qualia refer to the varying levels of quality that our conscious mind experiences from the outside world. Our brains translate electrical stimuli that we receive from the outside world into qualia. An example of this is the human vision. The conscious experience of looking at a blue sky is a result of a set of translation processes that happen inside the human brain. The brain receives electrical stimuli and translates them into a quality. The electrical stimuli will be the light waves and the quality that our minds understand is the color blue. If one single property in the universe can be argued as a non-physical entity, the n theory of physicalism would be false. Quale, which is sometimes referred to the knowledge argument, is a famous theory that goes against the idea of physicalism, and this paper will focus on how the knowledge argument disproves physicalism. A famous example of the knowledge argument was proposed by Frank Jackson (1982). He argues that even if a person has all the physical knowledge about the world it is inevitable that this person will still learn something when s/he is exposed to real experience of the world. In this example, Mary, a brilliant scientist, learned all the physical information and facts, including the distinctive wavelength of each color, in a black and white room. Mary is then released from this room and there she learns the information of color vision that she did not learn in the black and white room (Jackson, 1982, p.291). This new piece of information that Mary learns after her release proves that not everything in this universe is physical. Before Marys release from the room, all the knowledge she had about colors was the physical properties of colors. Mary had no idea what red, blue, yellow, or green actually looked like because all she had experienced was black and white. Another famous example, what is it like to be a bat? proposed by Thomas Nagel (1974), also argues against physicalism. Nagel proposes that even if a human being has all the knowledge about bats perceptual system, including details of how bats sonar system functions, there is still no way a human being can understand what it is like to be a bat. This is because the human sensory system is too distinctive from the bats sensory system. A human being has the ability to explore and research on what it is like to be a bat based completely on scientific information. With the aid of our advance technology, human beings can map out the details how a bat perceives its sonar information easily. However, a human being will not be able to comprehend the qualitative experience that a bat receives because; ultimately a human being is, simply, not a bat. The only way to know what it is like to be a bat is to be a bat. Both examples above try to convey something in common, the fact that a subject X can never understand the quality of experience of another subject. This is because every subject has their own subjective views and physical laws cannot explain this phenomenon. Other than the learning behaviors, physicalists also cannot explain phenomena like memory, mental illness, belief, desires and the feeling of fear. Much of the information human beings have about the world is not in the form of physical information and cannot be explained by physical laws. Every human being is emotional and has a distinctive way of interpreting outside information. The differences between human beings result in different subjective experiences. Human beings not only learn about the world through sensory inputs and stimuli within the environment, but also through subjective opinions or point of views. This corresponds to the knowledge arguments presented above. A physicalist may argue that the way the human brain interprets information can be explained by physical laws. In the example of Mary learning new information after her release, a physicalist may argue that Mary had not acquired any new information about colors. Instead, Mary applied her knowledge of colors after her experience of colors. The knowledge that Mary acquired before her release enables Mary to interpret the new information that she receives from the outside world. The result of Mary being able to interpret a color is based on her previous knowledge about colors. Indeed, science has always been a powerful tool that helps us to understand the world. However, the physicalist argument does not deny the fact that Mary has learned new knowledge after her release from the black and white room. New information was introduced to Mary such as the ability to picture the color in her mind and the ability to distinguish each color without the aid of wavelength frequency devices. Also, normal human beings do not learn their world inside a black and white room. They are exposed to all the colors without the knowledge of every light wave property within each color. Physicalism fails to explain every phenomenon in this world with physical laws. The fact is that knowing all the physical information of how an experience is like does not explain what it is like to experience it. Physical laws cannot explain a subjective experience such as learning behaviors nor can it explain feelings. Since physicalism argues everything in the universe is physical, as long as any property in this universe is a non-physical entity, physicalism cannot be true.

Transformation in Louise Erdrichs The Red Convertible Essay -- Red C

Transformation in Louise Erdrich's The Red Convertible      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In Louise Erdrich's "The Red Convertible," the two main characters start off doing seemingly well. However, there are many changes that these two young men go through during the story. Henry experiences the largest transformation due to his involvement in the Vietnam War. This transformation also alters Henry's brother, Lyman, although not for the same reasons. As the story progresses, and these certain events take place, the brothers' innocence is soon lost.   Ã‚  Ã‚   Before the war, the Lamartine brothers, Henry and Lyman, are naive and carefree. They spend all of their time together. They even buy a car together. This red convertible is the most notable way that Erdrich represents the boys' innocence in the story. To get this car, they spend all of the money they have, without even thinking about it. "[B]efore we had thought it over at all, the car belonged to us and our pockets were empty" (461). Soon after purchasing the red convertible, Henry and Lyman set off driving with no real destination. They simply explore the country, going where the road takes them. They have no responsibility, no worries, nowhere to be, and nothing that has to be done. The boys "just lived [their] everyday lives here to there" (461). Lyman and Henry fall asleep under willow trees, wake up, and begin driving again. During their expedition, they meet a girl named Susy. Susy lives in Chicken, Alaska, where they agree to take her. Upon reaching Alaska, the boys do not want to return home. There, where the sun never really sets in the summer, they hardly sleep at all. They live like animals. Before they leave, before winter, an interesting thing happens that truly exp... ...who endures pain. His brother, Lyman, suffers from many of the same things as Henry. Lyman also experiences post-traumatic stress. Although Lyman seems to acknowledge this stress in a rather different way than Henry, it is there all the same. Just as Henry tries to give the red convertible up to his brother, Lyman does the same in the end, and pushes it right back to him. The red car represents a bond between the two brothers, and with Henry gone, Lyman can not bear to have it around anymore. Unfortunately, getting rid of the car does not take care of Lyman's pain. Even a long time after Henry's death, Lyman still experiences post-traumatic stress.   Only now he has a tragedy of his own to endure.    Work Cited Erdrich, Louise. "The Red Convertible." The Story and Its Writer. 5th ed. Ed. Ann Charters.   Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 1999. 460-67. Transformation in Louise Erdrich's The Red Convertible Essay -- Red C Transformation in Louise Erdrich's The Red Convertible      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In Louise Erdrich's "The Red Convertible," the two main characters start off doing seemingly well. However, there are many changes that these two young men go through during the story. Henry experiences the largest transformation due to his involvement in the Vietnam War. This transformation also alters Henry's brother, Lyman, although not for the same reasons. As the story progresses, and these certain events take place, the brothers' innocence is soon lost.   Ã‚  Ã‚   Before the war, the Lamartine brothers, Henry and Lyman, are naive and carefree. They spend all of their time together. They even buy a car together. This red convertible is the most notable way that Erdrich represents the boys' innocence in the story. To get this car, they spend all of the money they have, without even thinking about it. "[B]efore we had thought it over at all, the car belonged to us and our pockets were empty" (461). Soon after purchasing the red convertible, Henry and Lyman set off driving with no real destination. They simply explore the country, going where the road takes them. They have no responsibility, no worries, nowhere to be, and nothing that has to be done. The boys "just lived [their] everyday lives here to there" (461). Lyman and Henry fall asleep under willow trees, wake up, and begin driving again. During their expedition, they meet a girl named Susy. Susy lives in Chicken, Alaska, where they agree to take her. Upon reaching Alaska, the boys do not want to return home. There, where the sun never really sets in the summer, they hardly sleep at all. They live like animals. Before they leave, before winter, an interesting thing happens that truly exp... ...who endures pain. His brother, Lyman, suffers from many of the same things as Henry. Lyman also experiences post-traumatic stress. Although Lyman seems to acknowledge this stress in a rather different way than Henry, it is there all the same. Just as Henry tries to give the red convertible up to his brother, Lyman does the same in the end, and pushes it right back to him. The red car represents a bond between the two brothers, and with Henry gone, Lyman can not bear to have it around anymore. Unfortunately, getting rid of the car does not take care of Lyman's pain. Even a long time after Henry's death, Lyman still experiences post-traumatic stress.   Only now he has a tragedy of his own to endure.    Work Cited Erdrich, Louise. "The Red Convertible." The Story and Its Writer. 5th ed. Ed. Ann Charters.   Boston: Bedford/St. Martin's, 1999. 460-67.

Fraud, Waste and Abuse Research Project Essay -- Government Business A

Fraud, Waste and Abuse Research Project Combating fraud in the private sector is a difficult task. Trying to combat fraud in the public sector is daunting. In 1999 15.7% of the American workforce were employed by a government entity (federal, state, and local).[1] Mirroring society, government will have its share of perpetrators. The difference from the private sector is in the scope of the fraud committed, the loss of the public trust, the blaring headlines from news media, and difficulty in making necessary changes to combat the problems. A good definition of Fraud, Waste and Abuse (FWA) can be found in U.S. Air Force Regulations and can be applied to any government (or private) organization, it states: Fraud—â€Å"Any intentional deception designed to unlawfully deprive the Air Force of something of value or to secure from the Air Force for an individual a benefit, privilege, allowance, or consideration to which he or she is not entitled. Waste—‘The extravagant, careless, or needless expenditure of Air Force funds or the consumption of Air Force property that results from deficient practices, systems, controls, or decisions. The term also includes improper practices not involving prosecutable fraud. Abuse—‘Intentional, wrongful, or improper use of Air Force resources.†[2] Fighting abuse is not an easy prospect. Elected officials, executives, managers, staff, and the public must be vigilant and thorough. In this project we will review some specific cases of FWA. We will also explore why enacting laws and regulations isn’t enough to stop people from committing fraud. Educating people about what FWA is and why they should not commit these crimes should be an integral part of any FWA program. The Department... ...ublic Management class, CSU Dominguez Hills, April 24, 2001. [10] Project on Government Oversight. http://www.pogo.org/ [11] â€Å"Special Investigations Unit Report Regarding The Composite Center, Inc.† Texas State Auditor’s Office, Special Investigations Unit. Report Number 01-004, October 2000. [12] â€Å"Program Fraud†. The Last Word. November 2000, Volume 3, Number 4. [13] 9/2000 Major Criminal Tax Conviction in Trust Scam Case http://www.taxhound.com/ [14] â€Å"Union county woman convicted for Health Insurance Fraud.† Office of the Attorney General news release, March 22, 2000. [15] The False Claims Legal Act Center. http://www.taf.org/ [16] The Bauman & Rasor Group, Inc. http://www.quitam.com/ [17] Robert K. Elliot, CPA and John J. Willingham PhD, CPA, Management Fraud: Detection and Deterrence. New York: Petrocelli Books, Inc., 1980, pp. vii. Fraud, Waste and Abuse Research Project Essay -- Government Business A Fraud, Waste and Abuse Research Project Combating fraud in the private sector is a difficult task. Trying to combat fraud in the public sector is daunting. In 1999 15.7% of the American workforce were employed by a government entity (federal, state, and local).[1] Mirroring society, government will have its share of perpetrators. The difference from the private sector is in the scope of the fraud committed, the loss of the public trust, the blaring headlines from news media, and difficulty in making necessary changes to combat the problems. A good definition of Fraud, Waste and Abuse (FWA) can be found in U.S. Air Force Regulations and can be applied to any government (or private) organization, it states: Fraud—â€Å"Any intentional deception designed to unlawfully deprive the Air Force of something of value or to secure from the Air Force for an individual a benefit, privilege, allowance, or consideration to which he or she is not entitled. Waste—‘The extravagant, careless, or needless expenditure of Air Force funds or the consumption of Air Force property that results from deficient practices, systems, controls, or decisions. The term also includes improper practices not involving prosecutable fraud. Abuse—‘Intentional, wrongful, or improper use of Air Force resources.†[2] Fighting abuse is not an easy prospect. Elected officials, executives, managers, staff, and the public must be vigilant and thorough. In this project we will review some specific cases of FWA. We will also explore why enacting laws and regulations isn’t enough to stop people from committing fraud. Educating people about what FWA is and why they should not commit these crimes should be an integral part of any FWA program. The Department... ...ublic Management class, CSU Dominguez Hills, April 24, 2001. [10] Project on Government Oversight. http://www.pogo.org/ [11] â€Å"Special Investigations Unit Report Regarding The Composite Center, Inc.† Texas State Auditor’s Office, Special Investigations Unit. Report Number 01-004, October 2000. [12] â€Å"Program Fraud†. The Last Word. November 2000, Volume 3, Number 4. [13] 9/2000 Major Criminal Tax Conviction in Trust Scam Case http://www.taxhound.com/ [14] â€Å"Union county woman convicted for Health Insurance Fraud.† Office of the Attorney General news release, March 22, 2000. [15] The False Claims Legal Act Center. http://www.taf.org/ [16] The Bauman & Rasor Group, Inc. http://www.quitam.com/ [17] Robert K. Elliot, CPA and John J. Willingham PhD, CPA, Management Fraud: Detection and Deterrence. New York: Petrocelli Books, Inc., 1980, pp. vii.

Ex-Basketball Player Essay

Life is like a circus. It has cyclic patterns of ups and downs. People celebrate the ups and struggle with the downs. Sometimes people are happy and there are times when they are not. Sometimes they are lucky, sometimes not. What is important is people learn from life’s experiences and survive its challenges. John Updike’s poem, â€Å"Ex-Basketball Player† (Updike 1993) is a simple portrayal of a man who experienced the ups in his youth and settled with the fall. The poem confirms that a person’s future depends solely on himself and how he wants it to be. This paper discusses this thesis with a thorough analysis of the poem â€Å"Ex-Basketball Player† (Updike 1993) based on the elements theme, characters and style and with reference to the poet’s life and works. Background John Updike (1932-) wrote the poem â€Å"Ex-Basketball Player† in 1954. (J. H. Updike (1932-) 2004) It is among his works that were based on real life situations. Updike wrote other legendary novels and short stories as well. Among them, â€Å"Centaur† (J. H. Updike (1932-) 2004) in 1963 which used legends and myths to depict the life and relationship of a father and a son; â€Å"Rabbit is Rich and Rabbit at Rest† (J. H. Updike (1932-) 2004) both won Pulitzer Prize in the ‘80’s and were about the plagues in society or the AIDS in America. (J. H. Updike (1932-) 2004) Though Updike’s poems were not his carrier, Ex-Basketball Player became very popular especially to students and young athletes. According to the article Inside Game, it was even read widely during the recent NCAA finals, more popular than Shakespeare. (Inside Game) Updike’s comment was: I am surprised it still speaks to young readers, since much of the imagery—ESSO gas pumps, small-town garages, lemon phosphates, Nibs, and Juju Beads—has become obsolete. The garage I had in mind (also found in my early novel The Centaur) has long since become a Turkey Hill Minimarket. But perhaps the curve of adolescent success and adult disappointment is still with us, and Flick’s failure to produce a second act in his life’s drama worthy of the first is still a useful American metaphor. (Inside Game) Indeed, the setting and the mood of the poem projects the era of the blue jeans, like that of the Westside Story where most teenagers work as gasoline boys or automotive repairmen. Updike also likened the poem to â€Å"Rabbit, Run† (Inside Game) and his short story â€Å"Ace in the Hole† (Inside Game) which were both written in the ‘50’s. All of these were influenced by the author’s life in Pennsylvania when he was growing up. He said that he used to watch a lot of basketball games because his father was a high school teacher and a ticket taker. These experiences made strong impression to him; â€Å"the glory of home-town athletic stars and their often anti-climactic post-graduation careers†. (Inside Game)

Marketing communications plan

Trends in the pub industry The British pub industry includes approximately 60,000 pubs that fall into three categories: managed (operated by a manager), leased/tenanted, and individual (operated by the owner) pubs (Mitchells & Butlers, 2005).   The British Beer & Pub Association reports that â€Å"in the last 10 years food sales in Britain's 30,000 managed pubs have risen by 165%†, with smaller increases posted by the smaller 30,000 pubs (Bowers, 2005). The British pub has traditionally fulfilled a variety of roles, serving both as a point for informal communication, a social venue for watching sports games or playing indoor sports, or even a family get-together. Although recent scandals concerning â€Å"binge drinking and town centre rowdiness in 2004† attracted the attention to the pub as a source of such antisocial behaviour, its role in British society has traditionally been much broader (Mintel, 2004). In any case, exposure of pubs to negative publicity has led to strengthening of governmental regulations concerning the sector. The current fight in the pub industry is against â€Å"the government's health bill exempting non-food pubs from a proposed smoking ban† (Bowers, 2005). This supposedly creates an uneven playing field for bars that serve food since they have to restrict smoking on their premises. At the same time, the proportion of pubs offering food service rose from about 50% in the 1990s to roughly 80% (Bowers, 2005). Owners and operators of bars subject to the smoke ban point to the fact that it will disadvantage food-serving bars, since the proportion of smokers among pub visitors is estimated by the British Beer & Pub Association to be in the range of 40-50% – about â€Å"twice the national average† (Bowers, 2005). The economic landscape in the UK is favourable for spending since consumers feel confidence in the economy. At the same time, pubs can be affected by the growing popularity of healthy lifestyles that includes a greater number of people â€Å"who simply want a quiet (or lively) drink in the comfortable, friendly type of pub that is permanently attractive for foreign tourists as well the British themselves† (Mintel, 2004). More and more people will treat bars not simply as venues for drinking; on the contrary, they want to have meals there. Pubs begin to dissociate with rowdiness that tainted their image and emerge as credible eating establishments can be attributed to the industry’s attempts to appeal to a wider section of the market due to competition from supermarkets, government regulation and societal changes including a more health conscious consumer. Bright, open interiors and smoke free environments make them more appealing to such consumers and the female audience. However, alcohol sales remain the driving force of profitability in bars. In this area, consumers now seek a higher quality experience. One of the trends is increase in wine sales, attributable in part to the simple addition of ice to the drink (Solley, 2005). According to the National Office of Statistics, champagne is now one of the most regular purchases in the UK, particularly non-vintage and rosà © lines. The growth has been attributed to younger drinkers who treat champagne as less a drink solely for special occasions (Bill, 2006). Still, the British Beer & Pub Association (2003) reports that â€Å"in the UK 28 million pints of beer are consumed every day, which equates to 100 litres per head each year – compared to 20 litres of wine per head†. Positioning – A bar with a difference The proposed bar on Lisburn Road will seek to differentiate itself from other bars in the city by offering   a high quality customer experience catered to the tastes of a more exclusive clientele. The competitive advantage of the facility will be the provision of excellent service and superior food and drink not available in other establishments; focusing on these features, the bar will not engage in price competition. The wide assortment of traditional drinks will be complemented by a meticulously selected wine list including champagne varieties, locally produced cider and ale and a selection of less common malt whiskeys. Customers will be informed of the wide variety of drinks through wine and whiskey tasting promotions. The bar will appeal to health-conscious consumers with by offering low-cost meals from a standard menu prepared with the finest locally sourced ingredients. The emphasis on social experience, quality food, and large choice of drinks will be distinctive features of the new bar. Segmentation The new bar will target the following groups in the target market: Professionals coming in after work to have a few drinks and chat with colleagues after a long working day Couples looking for a pleasant social experience, dinner and sometimes a bottle of wine Students occupying the bar in the day-time and in the evening to enjoy a get-together and discuss class assignments WOOFS (well-off older folks) enjoying their post-retirement life and spending some of their time in local bars to have a pleasant dinner DINKS – couples without children but with a high income that permits them to allocate a large portion of their income to dining. Overall, the target audience will include individuals with high disposable income, high expectations of service, food quality and drink variety, and preference for establishments with style. References Bowers, S. (2005, October 28). Smoking ban is unworkable, says pub industry. Guardian. Retrieved April 29, 2006, from http://society.guardian.co.uk/health/news/0,,1602801,00.html British Beer & Pub Association (2003). Beer and Pub Facts. Retrieved April 29, 2006, from http://www.beerandpub.com/content.asp?id_Content=704 Mintel International Group Ltd. (2004, August 1). Pub Visiting – UK. Retrieved April 29, 2006, from http://www.marketresearch.com/product/display.asp?productid=1037778&g=1 Mitchells & Butlers. (2005). Pub Operating Models. Retrieved April 29, 2006, from http://www.mbplc.com/index.asp?pageid=425