Monday, September 30, 2019

Csr in Inidan Banking Sector Essay

State regulatory bodies, NGOs, media, customers have significantly addressed social responsibility issues in banking sector. International organization such as World Bank also exerts pressures on banks to analyze social and environmental risk involved in projects to be financed. In addition the reputation and resultant profitability of an organization are greatly effected by their CSR activities. Researchers have found a positive correlation between CSR and financial performance of the organization. Around the globe, a good commitment is being shown by the banking industry to CSR principles. Banks are showing conscious efforts to reduce the regulatory actions by depicting a good environmental citizen image. Banking in India has originated in the last decades of the 18th century with the establishment of General Bank of India in 1786, and the Bank of Hindustan set up in 1870 (both banks are now defunct). At present, the commercial banking structure in India consists of Scheduled Commercial Banks & Unscheduled Banks. Banking in India has evolved in four distinct phases: Foundation phase, Expansion phase, consolidation phase and Reforms phase. An integrated approach of combining CSR with the ultimate customer satisfaction is being adopted by Indian banking industry voluntarily. An attempt has been initiated to ensure social responsible behavior of banking sector in a more systematic manner. Public and private sector banks have common thrust areas which are children welfare, community welfare, education, environment, healthcare, poverty eradication, rural development, vocational training, women’s empowerment, protection to girl child, employment. The core areas for reporting CSR activities are slightly different in both public and private sector banks. The major areas investigated for reporting CSR activities in public and private sector banks is shown by the Figure 1 and Figure 2 respectively below: X axis in the below charts represents the fields of CSR activities and Y axis represents the number of banks working in the particular fields out of the selected sample. Figure 1: Core thrust areas for reported CSR activities in public sector banks Source: 1-IJAEBM-Volume-No-1-Issue-No-2-CSR-Practices-and-CSR-Reporting-in-Indian-Banking-Sector-058-066 As per the chart above rural development has been the ost actively participated activity for Indian public sector banks. Besides, their primary focus has been on gender equality through women empowerment. Figure 2: Core thrust areas for reported CSR activities in private sector banks Source: 1-IJAEBM-Volume-No-1-Issue-No-2-CSR-Practices-and-CSR-Reporting-in-Indian-Banking-Sector-058-066 Enhancing the level of education and employment has been the major areas for reporting CSR activities i n Indian private sector bank. Following are community welfare, programs for child welfare and protection of environment. 3. 1 RBI guidelines on CSR: On December 20, 2007 RBI circulated a notice for all the scheduled commercial banks to highlight the role of banks in corporate social responsibility, with title â€Å"Corporate Social Responsibility, Sustainable Development and Non-Financial Reporting – Role of Banks†. Major issues discussed in the notice were regarding – 1. Corporate Social Responsibility 2. Sustainable Development 3. Non-Financial Reporting Talking about the corporate social responsibility program RBI followed many international initiatives to highlight the importance of the notice like – 1. United Nations Environment Program Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) 2. They can achieve the mission by supporting initiatives that are * Cost effective * Capable of large-scale replication * Measurable * Having potential for both near and long-term impact. * Banks must provide appropriate training to its employees on environmental and social risks in lending to ensure that climate change is taken into account in corporate banking decisions. 6. Conclusion The CSR moment in the banking sector is slowing picking the pace. Many banks are showing their inclination and interest towards the CSR activities and believe it as their social responsibility. On the other side CSR reporting practices are far from satisfaction. There are hardly few banks which report their activities on triple bottom line principles. The lack of uniform standards for rating CSR practices leads to problem in comparison of corporate houses and difficulty in determining the CSR rating. In spite of the slow adaptation of CSR reporting practices in India, it is predicted to pick up a great pace in near future. The need for enacting some stringent regulatory provisions to ensure adherence to social responsibility principles is necessary. https://ru.scribd.com/doc/19779226/CSR-PROGRAM-IN-BANKING-SECTOR-AN-INDIAN-PERSPECTIVE http://www.karmayog.org/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reserve_Bank_of_India https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporate_social_responsibility

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Investment in the Indian Education Sector Essay

Education is the key to unlocking and building lasting value in a robust economy. For any country to grow and prosper, a well-positioned educated young population is the fundamental requirement to meet the demands of an increasingly global economy and productive value creation. India has amongst the largest student population in the world and a low literacy level of 74. 04% (2011)1. According to census 2011 figures, over 35. 3% of the 1. 21 billion people are between the age group 0-14 years. Additionally, there is shortage of employable manpower in various industry segments. In order to meet this existing and emergent demand, there is huge need of investments in the Indian education sector. Currently, education is primarily handled by the government through its infrastructure and budget outlays. But given the small budget outlays and complex regulatory structure, supply is lagging far behind the demand of education. Expenditure on Education as %age of GDP 6000 GDP in thousnad Crores 5000 3. 64 4000 3000 3. 36 2000 1000 0 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2,098 2,261 2,538 2,878 3,282 3,779 3. 51 3. 45 4,321 4,933 3. 81 3. 74 3. 80 3. 70 3. 60 3. 50 3. 40 % expendutire on education 3. 78 3. 78 3. 90 3. 30 3. 20 3. 10 Source: Ministry of Human resource and Development (MHRD), Government of India REGULATION India’s tightly controlled regulatory structure is the primary reason for shortage of quality education institutions. Being in â€Å"Concurrent list†, education is being governed by both Central and State government with huge variations amongst the state regulations. Currently, the government regulates who you can teach, what you can teach them and what you can charge them. Some of the key bodies regulating education in India are:? Schooling o Department of School Education and Literacy – MHRD o Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) o Various State Boards o National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) 1 Census of India, 2011 Page 3 A research report on Investment in Indian Education Sector ? Higher Education o Department of Higher Education – MHRD o University Grants Commission( UGC) o All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) o Statutory Councils ? Medical Council of India (MCI) ? Bar Council of India (BCI) ? National Council of Teacher Education (NCTE) Voluntary Education and Skill Development o National Council for Vocational Training (NCVT) o National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) ? In order to overcome this overlapping nature of various governing bodies especially in higher education, government is planning to come up with National Commission for Higher Education and Research (NCHER). This commission would work as a single regulatory body which would determine, co-ordinate and maintain standards in promotion of higher education and research. It will subsume regulatory bodies such as UGC, NCTE and AICTE, thus making the process more streamlined. KEY POLICY/ACT ? Foreign Educational Institutions(FEIs) o Allows FEIs to setup multi-disciplinary campuses and award degrees o Mandates FEIs to reinvest surplus from Indian operations o Mandates FEIs to invest at least 51% of capital expenditure required o Regulates the admission process, fee structure, period of operation of FEIs Right to Education o Makes access to primary education a fundamental right o Mandates 25% reservation for underprivileged students in schools? BUDGET 2011 HIGHLIGHTS ? ? ? ? ? Allocated an amount of Rs 52,057 Crores for universalizing access to secondary education Allocated an amount of Rs 21,000 Crores for Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Increased the total allocation by 24% over the previous year Lack in allocation of funds for Teacher improvement and training Lacked emphasis on the K-12 sector in terms of school improvement, quality control etc. EDUCATION IN INDIA Indian education sector has witnessed a series of changes in the last few years, which resulted in a significant increase in market size of the education industry. With economic growth and enhanced technology it has become necessary to develop the Indian education sector. Funds are a major concern in the market to meet this demand. The government has taken many initiatives for the development of education infrastructure which needs to be supplemented led by private players. The government has also opened the doors for foreign universities by passing Foreign Educational Institution (Regulation of Entry and Operation) Bill, 2010, which will help in shaping the education industry structure specially pertaining of higher education in India. A research report on Investment in Indian Education Sector About 185,000 Indians study overseas and spend USD 4 billion annually. This is almost 10% of the private spend on education, coming from a very small 0. 001% segment of the student population. A number of these students are now returning to India after completing their studies, as job markets in India are more attractive, especially in contrast to weak macro scenarios in the western markets. Entry of leading foreign institutions will enable some of this USD 4 billion spend to stay in India, and also provide a much needed boost to quality. STRUCTURE Indian education system can be divided into formal and informal segments which are further divided into sub-segments. Formal education segment broadly comprises schools and higher education institutes. Schools often classified as K-12(Kindergarten to 12th) caters to ‘3-17 years’ age group. While higher education includes graduate, diploma, professional and post-graduation courses caters to ’18-22 years’ and above age group. On the other hand, informal education segment comprises of preschools, multimedia, ICT, vocational training, books and coaching classes. This segment is free from regulation as opposed to highly regulated formal education segment. Schools (K-12) Formal Higher Education Preschools Indian Education System Multimedia ICT Non-formal Vocational training Books Coaching classes Page 5 A research report on Investment in Indian Education Sector INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS India is home to several well acclaimed International Schools and is increasing rapidly. This demand has been fuelled by parents looking for a new system of education which is more interesting and less stressful. Also, large number of NRIs resettling in India is also contributing to this demand. Being in India these schools have to adhere to certain requirements of the Indian national system irrespective of the examination system adopted by them. Most of the international schools opt for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Board. However, there are other examination systems like the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) and General Certificate of Education (GCE) examination systems which are also present. The IB is a recognized leader in the field of international education. It is a non-profit, mission-driven foundation that offers three programs for students aged 3 to 19. ? ? ? Primary Years Programme (PYP) Middle Years Programme (MYP) Diploma Programme -For students aged 3 to 12 -For students aged 11 to 16 -For students aged 16 to 19 In India, most international schools offer IB Diploma Programme. In this students study six courses at higher level or standard level. Students must choose one subject from each of groups 1 to 5, thus ensuring breadth of experience in languages, social studies, experimental sciences and mathematics. The sixth subject may be an arts subject chosen from group 6, or the student may choose another subject from groups 1 to 5. Additionally, the programme has three core requirements that are included to broaden the educational experience and challenge students to apply their knowledge and understanding. The â€Å"extended essay† is a requirement for students to engage in independent research through an in-depth study of a question relating to one of the subjects they are studying. â€Å"Theory of knowledge† is a course designed to encourage each student to reflect on the nature of knowledge by critically examining different ways of knowing (perception, emotion, language and reason) and different kinds of knowledge (scientific, artistic, mathematical and historical). â€Å"Creativity, action, service† requires that students actively learn from the experience of doing real tasks beyond the classroom. Students can combine all three components or do activities related to each one of them separately. Some of the International Schools in India:? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Aditya Birla World Academy-Mumbai American Embassy School- New Delhi Amity Global School-New Delhi D Y Patil International School-Mumbai and Nagpur Dhirubhai Ambani International SchoolMumbai GD Goenka World School-Gurgoan Indus International School-Bangalore, Hyderabad and Pune KiiT International School-Bhubaneswar Pathways School-Gurgoan, Noida and NewDelhi Stonehill International School-Bangalore Sharad Pawar International School-Pune Doon School -Dehradun Page 6 A research report on Investment in Indian Education Sector ANALYSIS OF VARIOUS SEGMENTS BASED ON KEY PARAMETERS. Growth Prospect Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Regulated No Yes Yes No No No No No Scalable Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No Possibility to Create Value Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No No Preschool Schools(K-12) Higher Education Multimedia ICT Coaching Classes Vocational Training Books GROWTH DRIVERS ? ? Demographic advantage o As per Census 2011 ,35. 3% of the Indian population is under the age of 14 Increasing awareness o Increase in awareness towards education as a priority and essential tool for career growth o Increase in job opportunities and salaries offered making investment in education prudent Human Resource driven economy o Increase in  the demand for an educated skilled workforce by services sector o Share of service sector in GDP increased from 30% in 1950 to 55% in 2007. Technology aided delivery o Increase in penetration of technology resulting in virtual learning and education delivery New employment avenues o Newer employment avenues such as KPO, LPO, retail, aviation, animation etc. demanding highly skilled manpower ? ? ? INDUSTRY FORECAST SCHOOLING. Segment Pre-School K-12 Tutorial Books Stationery Education CD-ROMs Multimedia in School Total 2008 1,200 21,000 5,000 1,700 1,380 120 25 30,425 CAGR 20%-25% 5%-10% 8%-13% 5%-10% 5%-10% 25%-30% 60%-70% 2013 3,500 30,800 8,000 2,400 2,000 390 320 47,410 CAGR 10%-15% 5%-10% 5%-10% 3%-8% 3%-8% 20%-25% 50%-60% 2018 5,800 43,200 11,800 3,000 2,600 1,100 3,300 70,800 (Figures in USD million) Page 7 A research report on Investment in Indian Education Sector HIGHER EDUCATION. Segment Higher Education Preparatory Total 2008 6,700 1,600 30,425 CAGR 8%-13% 13%-18% 2013 11,200 3,200 47,410 CAGR 7%-12% 10%-15% 2018 18,100 5,900 70,800 (Figures in USD million) VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND SKILL DEVELOPMENT Segment Child skill enhancement IT training E-learning Finishing school Vocational Teacher training Total 2008 740 195 45 25 1,500 15 2,520 CAGR 20%-25% 35%-45% 35%-45% 50%-60% 15%-20% 50%-60% 2013 2,200 1,050 240 235 3,100 140 6,965 CAGR 17%-22% 33%-38% 33%-38% 45%-55% 10%-15% 45%-55% 2018 5,600 4,700 1,100 1,800 6,200 1,100 20,500 (Figures in USD million) Source: Technopak report on India Education Sector INVESTMENT SCENARIO With an education network of more than one million schools and 20,000 higher-education institutes, the market size of the Indian education system is estimated at more than US$40 billion2 (2009). However, inadequate infrastructure has placed pressure on the sector’s overall development. Education sector is unable to cope with growing market demand and global competition due to constrained investments. Increased private investment is imperative to expand infrastructure and provide greater access to quality education. Also, Government is planning to set up an education ? nance corporation with an investment of around US$4–5 billion, which aims to provide the education sector with long-term, low-cost ? nancing. PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP (PPP) PPP can provide the much needed finance to the education sector while serving as an efficient operating model. Establishing strong partnerships between private and public sector can achieve the growth. POSSIBLE PPP STRUCTURE The educational institute (special purpose vehicle) is set up as a Society or Trust, as per applicable guidelines. The UGC, AICTE or some other central regulatory body approves norms and standards of the institute. The state provides applicable administrative and financial support to the institute. Capital outlays are met by an educational services entity which 2 E&Y’s Private Equity Round Up April-June 2010 Page 8 A research report on Investment in Indian Education Sector provides infrastructure. The educational services entity charges a fee for use of facilities by the Society or Trust. Finally, the infrastructure facilities are transferred to the institute after a particular time period. Central Government State Government AICTE, UGC approvals Provision of grants Local approvals Land and utilities Trust/Society Service fees Infrastructure Service Provider Transfer of Infrastructure after prescribed time period Source:-2009 E & Y – EDGE 2009 report on Private Enterprise in Indian Higher Education KEY PLAYERS GLOBAL ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? Apollo Group (USA) Mcgraw-Hill (USA) Pearson Plc (England) Benesse Corp (Japan) Devry Inc (USA) ITT Educational (USA) Strayer Education (USA) New Oriental (China) Career Education (USA) Corinthian College (USA) Capella Education (USA) Raffles Education ( Singapore) Mega Study ( South Korea) SkillSoft ( USA) Page 9 A research report on Investment in Indian Education Sector INDIA FORMAL ? ? Preschool o Kidzee o Euro Kids Multimedia in private schools o Educomp o Everonn o NIIT Vocational Training o NIIT o Aptech o Frank Finn Coaching Classes o FIIT-JEE o TIME o Career Launcher Books o Tata Mcgraw Hill o John Wiley o Navneet Publications ? INFORMAL K -12 (School) o Millennium Schools (Part of EduComp) o Kids Zee High o Billabong High (Part of Kangaroo Kids) o GEMS ( Dubai based) Higher Education o Manipal Education o Amity o IIPM o ICFAI ? ? ? ? MAJOR DEALS INVESTMENTS ? ? ? ? Rs10 billion investment plan from educational institutes in Haryana’s Rajiv Gandhi Educational City ( January’11) RS 28. 08 billion investment for setting up 20 IIITs under PPP route ( January’11) Everonn Rs 36 billion investment plan to setup 300 K-12 schools by 2015 (July’10) Educomp Rs 510 million contract to provide computer education in Bihar’s schools (May’10). PRIVATE EQUITY DEALS Education sector has witnessed 29 PE deals (refer Exhibit 1), cumulatively worth US$381 million, between January 2006 and June 2010 (as per Private equity roundup April-June 2010 by Ernst and Young). The majority of these investments have been in for-pro? t corporate entities that are not subjected to any government regulations. In future, with increased government spending and expansion plans of private players, the potential for PE investments in the Indian education sector is significant. Additionally, sector’s less correlation with the broad economic growth makes it more attractive. Page 10 A research report on Investment in Indian Education Sector SEGEMENT WISE BREAKUP OF PE INVESTMENTS IN TERMS OF NUMBER OF DEALS 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 3 3 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 Vocational Preschool K12 Education technology 4 College/University 3 Coaching 2006 2007 2008 Number of Deals 2009 2010 SEGMENT WISE BREAKUP OF PE INVESTMENTS IN TERMS OF DEAL VALUE 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 2006 2007 83 30 74 1 2008 43 2009 2010 12 13 10 37 5 9 23 Vocational 39 Preschool K12 Education technology College/University Coaching 67. Deal Value ( US$ million) Sources: Asian Venture Capital Journal; Dow Jones Factiva; ISI Emerging Market MAJOR ISSUES ? ? ? ? ? Overregulated and under- governed Not for profit structure and all surplus needs to be reinvested High involvement of politicians in higher education industry with no willingness to change the existing structure High land prices and hoarding of land reserved for educational purposes for resale Fragmentation in the sector due to difficulties in achieving scale Page 11 A research report on Investment in Indian Education Sector.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Drawing from key readings (e.g., Chandler, 1990 Hoskin et al, 2006 Essay

Drawing from key readings (e.g., Chandler, 1990 Hoskin et al, 2006 Drury, 2012) and your answer in part a) and part b), critical - Essay Example The presentation of this information is normally done by a company representative. This mandate normally falls on the manager and he is faced with the task of deciding what ought to be presented and what to withhold. The reporting structure of every company is often standardized and well defined. The methods that are sued in the preparation and the reports that are to be presented are governed by standard rules that are set by the organizations in question. Additionally, the external parties are only presented with the aggregated and summarized data (Chandler, 1990 pg 7). This is in great contrast with organizational managers that need a more detailed report and information. In most cases, the information required can be adopted from familiar formats. The subsequent chapters of the report are dedicated to revealing typical examples of budgets and segment income reports among others. A manager needs to have a fundamental awareness of the processes involved in financial accounting (Hos kin, Macve & Stone, 2006 pg 9). It is also important for them to be aware of the resulting financial statements that are important requirements to understanding the framework used in these distinctive managerial accounting reports. Besides this, managers are also in a position to request for reports that are tailored to only specific tasks that are vital in decision making. These reports are pertinent to assuming a more free-formed format. It is, therefore, important for managerial accountants to be in a position in which they can easily adapt their generalized accounting knowledge in the development of personalized data and reports that are rational and which uphold sound management processes. The information in managerial accounting tends to be focused on activities, products and departments. This information also cuts across a broad range of key functional areas that are inclusive of finance and marketing among others. In most organizations, internal auditing units are referred t o as strategic finance to the wide scope of duties that they perform (Hoskin, Macve & Stone, 2006 pg 9). Managerial accounting information is based on internal specifications that are given for data presentation and accumulation. In this case, the internal specifications ought to be clear, concise and consistent. This means that great care should be taken to ensure that any submitted reports are sufficiently rational to enable the managers to make good decisions. It is also important to replace specific reporting periods with real-time data that will facilitate quick response. On the same note, forecasted outcomes from these real-time data would be vital for planning within the organization. Besides these, cost information should be done in such a way that would mandate managers to focus and be held accountable for their business segments and components. The crucial function of any given manager is to manage and take control over organizational problems (Horngren, Bhimani et al, 200 8 pg 44). This is to mean that every organization has its own share of problems and it is the work of the manager to deal with them. However, this does not necessarily mean that the role of the manager is to deal with organizational problems. Their functions go beyond that. Managing requires one to be adept and have numerous skills set. A manager requires visionary and leadership skills besides having the ability to mobilize both

Friday, September 27, 2019

My Leadership Model Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

My Leadership Model - Assignment Example When I completed my Bachelor of Psychology, I decided to develop my leadership skills and abilities. Moreover, the courses that I completed in Graduate Certificate of Human Resources in 2010 and Master of Human Resources in 2011 facilitated in developing my leadership abilities. I took my determination as my motivation, and now I often realize that directing others makes an individual responsible and proud indeed. I regard leadership as the process that emphasises working collaboratively within a team or a group towards achieving common goals, at the same time respecting and appreciating the ideas and the motivation of team members. Furthermore, I believe that motivation and leadership are integral parts to each other that cannot work in isolation with one another. To a great extent, leadership requires certain essential skills, particularly in present business setting and in all the aspects of social and professional life. I consider that a few fortunate people are born with some ex traordinary qualities of leadership while others have to work on developing those qualities. Nonetheless, whether people belong to either of these categories, the ability of people to lead effectively has immense influenced workplace environment that seek employees and other people to contribute their best towards accomplishing the desired objectives. A few of the basic elements that I think are essential for being a good and effectual leader include: To be focused and well organized as well as to set goals which are achievable by the groups. A good leader is also well informed about the ongoing processes To value and consider the ideas of each team members and to appreciate those deserving ideas To motivate employees throughout the process of attaining established goals and to lead team members from front even in challenging circumstances To set examples for the group by completing his/her tasks perfectly To display courteous and friendly attitude as well as to prevent any conflict ing situation Evaluating Learning Material Through my involvement in leadership, I have learnt a number of fundamentally important aspects that have been elaborated below: When I began my career as web developer in Department of Forestry, Indonesia, I had to work as a team member. There were other members who were more experienced while I was new and had none. At the initial stage, I thought I will be capable of working as a team member though there were some rooms of doubt. I was determined and put my entire efforts to perform my task efficiently. Soon I found that I could indeed work within a team much efficiently than I had thought. The one month experience as web developer probably provided me with a unique experience and made me realize the importance of team work. After serving my work tenure as a web developer successfully, I took up a job as a programmer for the period of one month in Faculty of Forestry, University of Technolog

Thursday, September 26, 2019

What are the common types of leadership that most organizations now Essay

What are the common types of leadership that most organizations now use - Essay Example This research will begin with the statement that your identity is who you really are—and your image is how much of that real people understand the daunting boundaries of language and culture. The paper tells that corporate image and identity comes hand in hand to make up a desired audience perception towards the corporation. The image and identity that is projected towards the market, most significantly to its target consumers, create a reputation about the corporation that would eventually become the basis of the people’s decision of availing the services of the corporation. Just as any other corporations present in the community, pedagogical institutions are not exempted from this common situation in the community. It is necessary for any organization to project a good image and identity towards the community since it is considered as one of the best strategies that any organization should take into consideration. The present research has identified that leadership fo r that matter plays a detrimental role. As simple as these two ideas may seem yet, in reality, this is one of the most difficult and the most complex challenges that a business may face that concerns management these days. In order to address this challenge, every organization must understand and recognize the important leadership and become aware of which type of leadership will prove to be effective for the organization. ... Corporate identity and leadership digs deeper as to the process and the ways in which the company creates its own value in the community where it markets its products and services (Managing Image in a Dynamic Corporate Environment). On the other hand, corporate image has to do something with the people who had availed of the corporation's products and services, their impressions and associations towards the corporation as perceived through their experiences with the company. Generally, these impressions and association that the consumers have developed within themselves can however be controlled by the corporation. Everything that the consumers have to go through is capable of being controlled by the corporation to a greater or lesser degree. This "may include the tone and manner of its employees, its pricing structure, the quality of its customer service, the publicity it receives from the media, its social responsiveness and its activities in the community" (Managing Image in a Dynamic Corporate Environment). It is and has been conceptualized largely in terms of the visual aspect it projects to the people. In business management studies, they also suggest that leadership style is determined mostly by the organization and is presented to the employees in both verbal and visual form (Moffit & Williams, 1997). Thus by maintaining the most effective type of leadership, the company is assured that the desired reputation of the corporation towards its target consumers is achieved (Managing Image in a Dynamic Corporate Environment).

Discuss the main factors that have contributed to policy Essay

Discuss the main factors that have contributed to policy liberalisation towards FDI in LDCs during the last three decades - Essay Example is paper seeks to analyze the reasons why most TNCs have in recent decades been proactive in the transfer of technology and R&D activities to developing countries. In addition, the paper will examine the role played by TNCs in world development, through the transfer of technology and R&D activities. In order to fully understand the factors facilitating technological transfer and R&D services to developing countries by TNCs, it is important understand the terms â€Å"technology†, â€Å"technology transfer† and â€Å"R&D†. According to Kiely (1998, pp.58) technology is the methodical knowledge of how to produce goods and services. Technology transfer, therefore, refers to the process of commercially spreading such knowledge. R&D on its part is concerned with the investigation, experimentation, and verification phases of product and service innovation or improvement (ibid). Technology plays a very fundamental role in the development of any country. Accordingly, developing countries consider the acquisition of technology as the surest way to attain development to the level of their developed counterparts. In prior years, most TNCs with the capacity to develop advanced technology were solely located in industrialized countries. Consequently, developing countries were left behind in the development of technology (Roberts, 2008 pp.260). This scenario has however changed in the last twenty years. For any company, whether domestic-based or transnational, the logistics associated with transport and communication is a major influence on operations. Fundamentally, any TNC wishing to set base in a foreign country must first analyze the transport and communication sector of the host country (Ietto-Gilles, 2012 pp.208). Realizing this, most developing countries, through their governments invested a lot in the transport and communication industry in the last two decades. In turn, many TNCs were able to set base in these countries and run their operations smoothly. According to

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

RESEARCH METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

RESEARCH METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY - Essay Example rt will specifically involves the methodology behind establishing an experiment to examine how stress will be affected due to the mobile phone ring tones. This research proposal aims to identify whether stress level is affected differently based on mobile phone ring tones. The human study was conducted on how ring tones show effect on heart rate and skin conductance in humans. In this research hypothesis, the heart beat rate per minute plays significant role in integrity to stress level. This research study â€Å"Effect of mobile phone ring tones on stress level† is proposed to follow the quantitative research method. Quantitative research method is often used in psychological research to answer the cause-effect question in the research scope. Quantitative research involves the counting and measuring of events and performing the statistical analysis of a numerical data. The current study proposes to follow the experimental method as a means to prove the scientific hypothesis and found it valuable because the researcher is able to constrain or control the situation and various variables. The data collection is proposed mainly through primary data. In this method, collection of metrics derived on causes and coverage of step wise reactions can be observed in response to the ring tone is possible. In order to satisfactorily test this hypothesis, a significant sample group must be recruited to justify a reliable set of study results. The first step in this recruit ment involves narrowing the focus of the potential on same work. This research focuses on the specific change that takes place with introducing the different styles of ring tone – classic, pop, standard by investigator. In order to add reliability to this study, the statistical output is subjected to test of hypothesis. Having identified the necessity to observe the different mobile phone ring tones effect on human stress level, the actual study involves the examining the heart rate and skin conductance

Monday, September 23, 2019

Week 8 Student Blog Post Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Week 8 Student Blog Post - Assignment Example The Special Purpose Rooms contain locker rooms for temporary storage, Cinema Studies Lab et al. In addition, authorized persons can just go with their own reading material. The Knight library’s houses a collection of unique and irreplaceable materials and special collections, which range from government documents, prominent people personal papers to maps. This demands that the security of the building to be highly maintained thus indicating the state of power. Students, faculty and staff have access to the library. No one without authorization can enter the library. For verification, student and staff ids are used. Yes, I feel welcomed because being a student at the university of Oregon campus; I have full access to the Knight library and its resources. In addition, there are friendly staffs that are ready to assist in using any facility that one is not conversant with and in searching for specific reading

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Employment At Will-Doctrine Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Employment At Will-Doctrine - Research Paper Example The assumption in this doctrine is that the employee only supplies the labor and has no legal interest in the business enterprise other than to be paid for the labor offered while the employer has the sole right to determine everything on how the enterprise operates or it is run. The American labor law has however been in a confused mode as in certain instances; there courts and the legislature develop some rules to limit the employers’ absolutism over his employees while at the same time adhering to the employment at will doctrine. Therefore, the premise of the doctrine is that the employer has the sovereignty over the rights of the employees except to the extent it has expressly granted those rights and expresses as well as implements the subordination of workers to the persons who have control over the business enterprise. In the absence of a provision protecting the employee from such acts in the employment contract, workers are subordinate and their terms and conditions o f employment can be changed in any way and at any time meaning they can be dismissed without reason or notice. Due to the ambivalence of the employment at will doctrine, the courts have made decisions to limit its scope in order to provide protection to employees who may be unfairly dismissed or unjustly discharged from employment. One way the courts have diminished the scope of employment at will doctrine is to allow an employee discharged from employment to sue in tort rather than in contract as held in Petermann v. Intl Bhd. of Teamsters, Local 396, 344 P.2d 25 (Cal. Dist. Ct. App. 1959). In this case, the California court held that the discharging of an employee along the doctrine because he refused to commit perjury was contrary to public policy and therefore the employee could sue the employer for emotional distress, loss of income as well as punitive damages. Limitations on employment at will doctrine has also

Saturday, September 21, 2019

The tragic Hero Essay Example for Free

The tragic Hero Essay Oedipus, the classic Greek tragedy by Sophocles, is one in which the protagonist is portrayed as a tragic hero. The author does this by combining the elements of irony, personal tragedy and heroism. In the play, Oedipuss character evokes pity because of his misfortune appears to be greater than he deserves hence the reader is left to empathise with him. His actions are controlled by fate and the reader is left to wonder why such a terrible thing is happening to such a good man. Power corrupts but absolute power corrupts absolutely. Humans seem to have a common running trait, and that is one of power and heroism. The quest for heroism becomes the basis of Oedipus the Kings demise. If this power however gets into ones mind, the results could be detrimental, and Oedipus the King is a living testimony of this. Since his actions are controlled by fate, no matter how hard he tries, he cannot prevent good or bad things from happening to him. Since fate is cannot be prevented from taking its course, his actions are quite futile. Aristotle said A tragic hero evokes our pity and terror if he is neither thoroughly good nor thoroughly evil but a mixture of both. The tragic effect is stronger if the hero is more mortal than we are. Oedipus is a mixture of both good and evil. In the opening scene he is seen as a compassionate king who is intelligent and caring. Oedipus prides himself on his intelligence and it is this along with his questioning personality that lead to his downfall. These are his good sides with his evil side being that is guilty of killing King Laois and sleeping with his own mother. Oedipus tries his best to be morally upright with everything that he does, which is more than the average person does. Aristotle also goes on to say the tragic hero suffers a change in fortune from happiness to misery because an error in judgement which leaves the tragic hero to ignore or violate a divine warning or moral law. In the play, Oedipus runs away form Corinth to Thebes and solves the riddle of the sphinx and is thus made the king of Thebes. He however marries the widowed queen and has children with her thus violating a moral law. His fortune changes from happiness to misery when he realises what he has done. A tragic hero evokes our pity because he is not evil and his misfortune is greater than he deserves. He evokes our fear because we realise we are fallible and could make the same error said Aristotle. Oedipus is flawed in many ways and as a result comes out as imperfect since he has a balance mixture of both good and evil. His fortune in saving Thebes becomes his downfall when he fulfils the oracle by sleeping with the queen, who unknown to him is his mother. Oedipus is imperfect and this is seen through his moral and physical flaws. He limps as a result of his feet being pinned together when he was quite young. Unknowingly sleeping with his mother and killing his father is his moral flaw. Thus, combining the heroism of Oedipus with his flaws makes him imperfect though higher than the ordinary man in many ways. Sophocles portrays the result, a classic example of a tragic hero in this play. Sophocles use of irony throughout the play brings to bear on the reader the gloom of Oedipuss situation. We constantly find Oedipus trying to escape the Oracle, but in doing so, ends up fulfilling it. This is seen when he says in the opening scene Everybody everywhere knows who I am. This ironic statement is said in the opening scene of the play when Oedipus comes out to meet the people. His true identity is unknown to him but he exclaims that everyone else knows who he is. Also, since he is such a great riddle solver, you would think he would be able to solve the riddle of his identity but he is unable to in the sight of overwhelming evidence, which is quite ironic. An example of the irony of his fate is when his parents try to prevent the oracle form being fulfilled by sending him away to be killed. He however returns and on his way fulfils the oracle by killing his father and later on marrying his mother. It seems strange to the reader that Oedipus is not more careful about what he does. For example, when he killed king Laois at the crossroads, he should have realised with the oracle in mind that anybody he kills is likely to be his father. He however reacts carelessly by succumbing to his emotions when the King annoys him. Oedipus returns to Thebes and saves it by solving the riddle of the sphinx. However, he leads to its destruction since he is the cause of the plague. It is destroying themes. Thus his fortune tends to be his misfortune. These examples show how Oedipus fulfils the oracle even though he is trying to escape. The reader gets a haunting glimpse into the mindset of Oedipuss wife and mother. This is portrayed to the reader through the actions that she takes. She is a woman who after all who wanted want to kill her son to prevent the oracle from being fulfilled only to find out years later that she is married to him, which leads her to commit suicide later on. She expresses her disbelief in the oracles by telling Oedipus that they are powerless, however, in the next scene she is praying to the oracles to help Oedipus to stop his strange behaviour. Also in this scene, a messenger brings news from Corinth that Polybos is dead and Oedipus should return to Corinth. Though Oedipus is pleased about the kings death since he proves that the oracles dont come true. Yet still he refuses to return because Merope is alive. His fear is that he will fulfil the prophecy since his mother is alive. Oedipus, remains a mystery to both the reader and himself. He does not know his true identity and this becomes the source of his demise. He comes to find out his true identity, but in doing so, his sudden tragic end is brought closer. The reader at this point is left to wonder, what is the way out. Unfortunately, the answer as we come to realise in the latter parts of the book is one that is not easy. Fate has already chosen Oedipuss destiny and nothing can change it. A feature of tragic plays by Shakespeare. The writer connotes a certain sombre picture and depressing mood, which is characteristic of most of Shakespearean tragedies. The employments of understatements that lead to humour are also evident in most parts of the text, and this makes for an interesting reading. For example throughout the play, there are references to sight such as, you cannot see, yet you know the nature of this plague and light, o light, light now everything is clear which are ironic because Oedipus blinds himself later on. Also, the blind prophet Teireseis knows about Oedipususs true identity but Oedipus who isnt physically blind does not know his true identity. His servant Kreon whose name means king is also an irony since he turns form a messenger to a king. Throughout the play, there are references to sight such as, you cannot see, yet you know the nature of this plague and light light, light now everything is clear which are ironic because Oedipus blinds himself later on. Also, the blind prophet Teireseis knows about Oedipususs true identity but Oedipus who isnt physically blind does not know his true identity. His servant Kreon whose name means king is also an irony since he turns form a messenger to a king There are three hero archetypes that suit the character of Oedipus; The quest, the initiation and the sacrificial scapegoat. Oedipus delivers Thebes by solving the riddle of the sphinx and thus fulfils the first archetype which is that of a hero who who solves an unanswerable riddle to save his kingdom. He does this on his journey to discover his true identity. The second archetype is that of the phase of separation. This happens when he leaves Thebes, is transformed and returns to become king and save his kingdom. The third archetype is when in order to save Thebes he has to banish himself from the kingdom to restore it back to fruitfulness. This has the elements of a tragedy because no matter the decision he makes he it is going to be detrimental to him. Even though Irony plays a crucial role, other elements such as heroism and tragedy come in the text. We find Oedipus entangled by his own principles. He is always in that twilight zone, one between acceptance of the harsh reality and total rejection of the things he goes through. The choice of the latter is detrimental to both his character and that of the people he leads and governs and he thus chooses the former remaining a true tragic hero.

Friday, September 20, 2019

The Levels Are Core Product Benefits Marketing Essay

The Levels Are Core Product Benefits Marketing Essay BMW has the image of a premium car manufacturer who is know for its well driving cars with a sportier performance than their competition, prime example of this is the fact that BMW only produces rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive cars. Their premium image comes from the fact that they produce high-quality and relatively high prices automobiles. Even though their prices are relatively high the perceived value level is still at a sufficient level because of the balance with high quality. One of the core product benefits would be technology. For example EfficientDynamics which manages to lower fuel consumption without really compromising the performance BMW is known for, through means such as lightweight construction, a start-stop function, brake energy regeneration and tires with less roll resistance just to name a few. BMW has won many awards for innovation for measures such as these so their technology is at a high and innovative level. Product Attributes BMW was founded in 1916 and its first car went on sale in 1929, a well known and old brand known for its innovation is one of the strengths BMW can build on. Not only in the automobile branch but also known for its aircraft engines and motorcycles. Design, especially under Christopher Bangle recent design has been an important factor, loved by some hated by others the new design direction Bangle took was a hot topic in automobile discussions. What cannot be denied is that BMWs have a distinctive design with some elements that have been in its cars for decades. For example the characteristic grille, first introduced in 1933 and still in use on every car model BMW manufactures. Another part of design is that BMW designs all its products with recycling in mind, Design for Recycling makes sure that the right materials are used and recycling is easier because it is being accounted for at a design stage. BMW has a programme called BMW Individual in which such as the name states a customer can customise its car to great extent. Options such as exclusive paint, leather colours and types and more extensive audio/video possibilities are all part of this programme, all to satisfy the customer to the greatest extent. Support Services The normal delivery of an automobile consists of having it made ready by your dealer and having it delivered to your home. With BMW it is possible to pick it up at the factory it was produced at and have a tour there for example and visit the BMW museum, it is even possible for American customers to make use of this programme and BMW will even take care of the shipping afterwards. An exclusive offering which turns a simple delivery into a whole experience. BMW offers a long 12 year warranty on the body of the car, 3 years on the paintwork and 2 years on the rest with no maximum amount of kilometres used. Furthermore there are programmes that allow you to extend the warranty beyond this time for a premium. Every consumer has access to the BMW group Service Center which can be phoned 24/7 and is free of charge. BMW also offers BMW Financial Services, which is a lease and financing company. They offer lease agreements but also insurance, not only on cars but they even offer home or travel insurance. To summarize BMW produces high quality products which have a few characteristics they are well known for. There are many factors in which BMW has a great product strategy but the most notable factors would be driving quality, BMWs offer a high degree of performance in its cars. Also one very important factor is its technology, most notably EfficientDynamics through which BMW manages to lower fuel consumption and emissions without compromising the quality driving it is known for. There is also the design which characterises its cars as typical BMW and last but not least the high level of support services. Miscellaneous One of the biggest issues global society is facing is global warming, this is especially important in the automotive industry as their products play a (large) part in this issue. Car manufacturers face a bit of a paradox, their product is inherently harmful to the environment yet at the same time they try to be as environmentally conscious as possible. BMW not only tries to be environmentally conscious in their products they also strive to be this in their organisation. As stated on their website all BMW Group employees are guided by the ICCs Business Charter for Sustainable Development. Managers are stimulated to implement environmental guidelines and convey this message onto their employees. Just some examples are reducing the amount of paperwork that goes with every car as it goes down the production-line in the factory to reduce the amount of paper used. Turning off unused factory equipment in the weekends. Grouping the production of same coloured cars together so that the painting equipment has to be cleaned and sterilized less often. BMW Group acknowledges its responsibilities and commits to apply latest the technologies in order to enhance safety and lower fuel consumption and noise and exhaust emissions. As stated previously BMW applies Design for Recycling in which at the design stage there is already being accounted for optimizing the recycling process. BMW also is developing alternative fuel technologies such as BMW CleanEnergy which allows for the use of liquid hydrogen as a fuel. Furthermore BMW Group suppliers are required to adhere to the standards which BMW applies to its organisation and products. It is through technologies such as BMW Efficient Dynamics that the consumer is actually experiencing a lower fuel consumption and lower emissions. All of this achieved through lightweight construction, energy management and modern technology. For example in the Netherlands BMW has 129 models which have a green label, greener labels in turn allow for lower costs for the car. To summarize, although BMWs product is harmful to the environment they try to minimize this through the use of company-wide policies and design philosophy to ensure environmentally conscious production and technology to minimize fuel consumption and emissions. Sources Essentials of Global Marketing Svend Hollensen http://www.bmw.com/com/en/insights/overview.html http://www.bmw-warranty.co.uk/Pages/Information.aspx?page=Products/Comparison.htm http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Content/Owner/BMWUltimateService/Warranty.aspx http://www.bmw.co.uk/bmwuk/about/corp/environment http://www.bmwusfactory.com/Environment.aspx?id=282

Thursday, September 19, 2019

How MTV Maintains Its Dominance Essay -- essays papers

How MTV Maintains Its Dominance Music Television, a basic cable service known by its acronym MTV, remains the dominant music video outlet utilizing effective marketing and competitive business practices throughout its nineteen year history. The creation of the "I Want My MTV" marketing campaign and use of the campaign throughout the 1980's helped the cable outlet secure a substantial subscriber base. MTV dealt with competition from cable mogul Ted Turner's Cable Music Channel by creating a fighting brand, sister cable service VH-1, along with facing challenges by numerous other music video programming services. Through exclusivity agreements with record labels for music videos and limiting access to cable systems owned by MTV's parent company, MTV exercised anticompetitive and monopolistic means to fend off competition. From its launch, MTV successfully applied these marketing and competitive business practices. The board of the Warner - AMEX Satellite Entertainment Company (WASEC), a partnership between Warner Communications and American Express, gave approval in mid-January 1981 for the creation of a cable service that would broadcast music videos . Music videos, song length visual depictions used in the promotion of a musical act's latest release, were already popular on European television since the mid 1970s. A deadline of August 1, 1981 was set for the launch of this new cable service as programs featuring music videos were beginning to appear on cable outlets such as Home Box Office and USA Network. The set-up and programming of the entire operation was to be established in approximately six-and-a-half months. Bob Pittman, a WASEC programming executive with a background in radio, wanted to ensure the new music video outlet delivered programming that appealed to its target audience of twelve to thirty-four-year-olds. This age demographic was both desirable and difficult for advertisers to reach as young adults typically did not watch much of what television offered at the time. He determined that, with little exception, the cable service would have no distinguishable programs. Video upon video would be presented by on-air personalities dubbed video jockeys, veejays for short, who would also provide entertainment news and conduct artist interviews. The absence of scheduled programming was, as stated by Tom McGrath in MTV: The Maki... ..., Tom. MTV: The Making of a Revolution. (Pennsylvania: Running, 1996), p. 47. Ibid., p. 53. Ibid., p. 47. Ibid., p. 48. Ibid., p. 48. Ibid., p. 50. Banks, Jack. Monopoly Television: MTV's Quest to Control the Music. (Colorado: Westview, 1996), p. 34. McGrath, Tom. MTV: The Making of a Revolution. (Pennsylvania: Running, 1996), p. 62-63. Ibid., p. 80. Ibid., p. 80. Ibid., p. 81. Ibid., p. 81. Ibid., p88. Ibid., p. 88-89. Ibid., p. 89. Ibid., p. 124. Ibid., p. 124. Ibid., p. 125. Ibid., p. 125, 129. Ibid., p. 129. "Ted Turner Turns off the Music." The Economist. 8 December 1984: 77. Ibid. Ibid. Ibid. Denisoff, R. Serge. Inside MTV. (New Jersey: Transaction, 1988), p. 155. Ibid., p. 155. Ibid., p. 155. Ibid., p. 156. Bibliography: Banks, Jack. Monopoly Television: MTV's Quest to Control the Music. Colorado: Westview, 1996. Denisoff, R. Serge. Inside MTV. New Jersey: Transaction, 1988. McGrath, Tom. MTV: The Making of a Revolution. Pennsylvania: Running, 1996. "Ted Turner Turns off the Music." The Economist. 8 December 1984: 77. How MTV Maintains Its Dominance Essay -- essays papers How MTV Maintains Its Dominance Music Television, a basic cable service known by its acronym MTV, remains the dominant music video outlet utilizing effective marketing and competitive business practices throughout its nineteen year history. The creation of the "I Want My MTV" marketing campaign and use of the campaign throughout the 1980's helped the cable outlet secure a substantial subscriber base. MTV dealt with competition from cable mogul Ted Turner's Cable Music Channel by creating a fighting brand, sister cable service VH-1, along with facing challenges by numerous other music video programming services. Through exclusivity agreements with record labels for music videos and limiting access to cable systems owned by MTV's parent company, MTV exercised anticompetitive and monopolistic means to fend off competition. From its launch, MTV successfully applied these marketing and competitive business practices. The board of the Warner - AMEX Satellite Entertainment Company (WASEC), a partnership between Warner Communications and American Express, gave approval in mid-January 1981 for the creation of a cable service that would broadcast music videos . Music videos, song length visual depictions used in the promotion of a musical act's latest release, were already popular on European television since the mid 1970s. A deadline of August 1, 1981 was set for the launch of this new cable service as programs featuring music videos were beginning to appear on cable outlets such as Home Box Office and USA Network. The set-up and programming of the entire operation was to be established in approximately six-and-a-half months. Bob Pittman, a WASEC programming executive with a background in radio, wanted to ensure the new music video outlet delivered programming that appealed to its target audience of twelve to thirty-four-year-olds. This age demographic was both desirable and difficult for advertisers to reach as young adults typically did not watch much of what television offered at the time. He determined that, with little exception, the cable service would have no distinguishable programs. Video upon video would be presented by on-air personalities dubbed video jockeys, veejays for short, who would also provide entertainment news and conduct artist interviews. The absence of scheduled programming was, as stated by Tom McGrath in MTV: The Maki... ..., Tom. MTV: The Making of a Revolution. (Pennsylvania: Running, 1996), p. 47. Ibid., p. 53. Ibid., p. 47. Ibid., p. 48. Ibid., p. 48. Ibid., p. 50. Banks, Jack. Monopoly Television: MTV's Quest to Control the Music. (Colorado: Westview, 1996), p. 34. McGrath, Tom. MTV: The Making of a Revolution. (Pennsylvania: Running, 1996), p. 62-63. Ibid., p. 80. Ibid., p. 80. Ibid., p. 81. Ibid., p. 81. Ibid., p88. Ibid., p. 88-89. Ibid., p. 89. Ibid., p. 124. Ibid., p. 124. Ibid., p. 125. Ibid., p. 125, 129. Ibid., p. 129. "Ted Turner Turns off the Music." The Economist. 8 December 1984: 77. Ibid. Ibid. Ibid. Denisoff, R. Serge. Inside MTV. (New Jersey: Transaction, 1988), p. 155. Ibid., p. 155. Ibid., p. 155. Ibid., p. 156. Bibliography: Banks, Jack. Monopoly Television: MTV's Quest to Control the Music. Colorado: Westview, 1996. Denisoff, R. Serge. Inside MTV. New Jersey: Transaction, 1988. McGrath, Tom. MTV: The Making of a Revolution. Pennsylvania: Running, 1996. "Ted Turner Turns off the Music." The Economist. 8 December 1984: 77.

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Where Would I Be Without Freedom? :: essays research papers

I walk upon the earth and marvel at the ability to let the grass cushion my wandering feet. What if my feet could not wander? What if I were a slave to this rich soil, then where would I be?Society may not be controlled, and it may wander aimlessly perhaps, but it wanders on its own course. I walk with society and against it, and I have the freedom to do this. I would not be able to write such an essay if I didn’t have my freedom. It is this freedom that allows me to write an essay differently from other people and is what has taken many others and me as far along in our journey.Freedom is the grass that cushions my step, the softness that allows me to tread anywhere without the fear of persecution. Without this layer of protection I would not want to stray far from what I know. Without protection from the corrupt world, I would remain the same immature child who could not walk far from what I could not see.Light liberates darkness the same as freedom liberates slaves. Darkness is the absence of light just as slavery is merely the absence of freedom. Without the light of this freedom I would be in the shadow of darkness; confined to the barren ignorant lands that light never reaches. Grass ceases to grow and life as I know it would be useless – dead. The fire that burns within the soul is fueled by the sun, fueled by the liberation and freedom which allows us to fill ourselves with worldly and unworldly beliefs.There is little faith behind a society who does not have the ability to choose its own unworldly beliefs. Being spoon-fed from birth by my Orthodox Baptist parents, I rode my own spirit into the arms of God and the ways of Christianity. Faith may guide many a man and his heart, but freedom guides the soul. No one knows the truth concerning God, religion, or existence, but the freedom to seek the truth like I have has made me whole. Without freedom I would still place myself higher than everything else and perceive myself as my own master.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

The Coptic Museum in Cairo :: History, Informative

The Coptic Museum in Cairo is a life-like record of one of Egypt's periods all fraught with various antiques and monuments reflecting the different civilizations that graced the land of Egypt starting by the Ancient Egyptian civilization, passing by the Greek, the Roman, the Coptic, and lastly the Islamic. The Coptic Museum lies behind the walls of the famous Roman Fortress of Babylon in the ancient district of Cairo (Misr Al-Qadima). The area surrounding the museum abounds in lively monuments of open museums that depict with the Coptic Museum the history of the Coptic Period in Egypt. Six paramount, ancient, Coptic Churches share ground with the Coptic Museum. They date back somewhere between 5th and 8th century AD. The place holds the church of Abu Serga, the most ancient in Egypt. It was raised above the cave which the Holy Family sought refuge into as they fled from Herodus's oppression to Egypt. The place, moreover, embraces Virgin Mary's Church known as the Hanging Church; a great ancient worship house of world stature that was among the very first to host Coptic rituals on the face of earth. The museum was built in an artchitectural style using wood in ceilings and oriels (arabesque and lattice glass). Some biblical verses are written against them ornamented with Coptic embellishments like plants, especially grapevines, birds such as eagles, ostriches and peacock which all imply a certain philosophy and a specific significance in the Christian creed. Marble pillars and fountains ornamented with mosaic are more than present under the roof. The Coptic Museum in Cairo encloses rare treasures from the Coptic Period exhibiting a dimension of Egypt's civilization. The Coptic Museum in Cairo :: History, Informative The Coptic Museum in Cairo is a life-like record of one of Egypt's periods all fraught with various antiques and monuments reflecting the different civilizations that graced the land of Egypt starting by the Ancient Egyptian civilization, passing by the Greek, the Roman, the Coptic, and lastly the Islamic. The Coptic Museum lies behind the walls of the famous Roman Fortress of Babylon in the ancient district of Cairo (Misr Al-Qadima). The area surrounding the museum abounds in lively monuments of open museums that depict with the Coptic Museum the history of the Coptic Period in Egypt. Six paramount, ancient, Coptic Churches share ground with the Coptic Museum. They date back somewhere between 5th and 8th century AD. The place holds the church of Abu Serga, the most ancient in Egypt. It was raised above the cave which the Holy Family sought refuge into as they fled from Herodus's oppression to Egypt. The place, moreover, embraces Virgin Mary's Church known as the Hanging Church; a great ancient worship house of world stature that was among the very first to host Coptic rituals on the face of earth. The museum was built in an artchitectural style using wood in ceilings and oriels (arabesque and lattice glass). Some biblical verses are written against them ornamented with Coptic embellishments like plants, especially grapevines, birds such as eagles, ostriches and peacock which all imply a certain philosophy and a specific significance in the Christian creed. Marble pillars and fountains ornamented with mosaic are more than present under the roof. The Coptic Museum in Cairo encloses rare treasures from the Coptic Period exhibiting a dimension of Egypt's civilization.

Forever war Essay

Forever war is a novel base on scientific fiction with both contemplative and action laden of interstellar wars between the enigmatic Tauran species and humanity, it has themes like brutality of enigmatic the wars and those involved in wars and reasons why a solder may return home many centuries after the war. The novel is all about a university student, William Mandella, who is called up for elites United Nations task force that is being gathered for war against the Taurans, a strange species realized when they abruptly attacked human colonists ships. Besides being sent for scouting/ reconnaissance purposes, politics of vengeance are also a reason for their formation The army consists of very educated individual with good physical and mental health and the theme of forever war begins in the training camps when very many casualties occur due to the live weapons and the harsh conditions in the training camps. The recruits undergo grueling training on earth and there after on Charon. The newly recruited solder leave for action and travel through worm hole like phenomena (collapsars) that lets ships to envelop many light years within a divided second. However there are relativistic effects realized due to the frequent traveling though the collapsars at almost light speed. The initial encounter with the unarmed Taurans far way from the planet becomes a massacre as the non resisting enemy is wiped out. Mandella painfully reflects how typical that encounter was for man kind past records with interaction with other cultures. From soldier’s point of view, that first expedition only lasted only some months but due to time dilation, several years had passed upon returning to earth. As they return along the long journey, they are attacked by Taurans who have highly advanced weapons while they cannot arm themselves. Marygay, a fellow soldier and a companion and lover to Mandella resume to civilian life but after some time they realize that they cannot fit in the society that has greatly evolved beyond what they can comprehend. The war veterans escape and resume to the army upon realizing the world government is officially encouraging homosexuality to prevent food wars and control overpopulation. They enlist to the army even though they realize that the military does not treat solders with much value but are used as machines. This further displays the Joe idea behind forever war in the Mandellas life and those of other soldiers. Mandella, through luck is able to survive four years of service to the military that can be termed as a number of centuries due to time dilation and as a result he attains higher ranks not from his personal imbibitions but through seniority as he is the oldest surviving soldier in that war. Despite of this Mandella is separated from his lover Marygay who has been his companion on earth since the time of his youth this is by the inevitable and unfriendly military machinery. After engaging in war for many thousand years from the earth, Mandella and other soldiers battle in trying to survive the last conflicts of war. During the past time mankind begins to clone himself and the results of cloning are also called man. Through a special form of communication, the clones are able to communicate with the Taurans who eventually are able to bring peace. It is then realized that the Taurans are clone who could not communicate with the pre-cloned man there leading to misunderstanding meaning that the war was a colossal mistake especially by the trigger happy community. The worst thing in the war from Joe’s point of view is that one is fighting a strange enemy in such a hostile environment and being trained efficiently to fuel yearns for blood. There are also problems when fighting in the clumsy combat in very low temperature besides traveling long distances in the black holes (collapsars). There are many ways a soldier can meet his death while fighting under such conditions there by leading to time dilation that results to the title of the book forever war. The progressions of displaying life as a combatant both in the combat situation and during training are unforgettable and gripping. The author has set a lot of understanding as a soldier during the Vietnam War in to the novel. The two main strengths put in the book are the depiction of progressive alienation of the combatants from the rest of mankind (humanity) and the psychological experience of being a combat that fortunately ends in a sorrowful revelation that the war they were engaged in was merely a blunder. In the novel, the armed forces stuff seemed well presented throughout. There is a particular attention grabber where by when the electricity does not work, the army alternatives is edged weapons. The military implication was well developed though the science in it may be kind of rubbish. Any one who doubts war could be as a result of an enemy that never was should consider the a recent event as the United States army panic stricken response to the international criminal court and their bizarre setting up of a national missile defense, this project will be costly in terms of monetary terms but will be to defend the US against a risk that is vanishingly not likely to become apparent . At the end, Mandela traces his love that had been lost for any years and the other humankind is identified as a race of the bisexual psychic clones. The Forever War doesn’t have happy termination as Mandella and Marygay find each other as the book end with the announcement of their first baby boy, they are in a prison planet where by the genetic curiosity has forced the human race to abandon its humanity in favor of monstrous liaison in the company of its former foe. REFERENCES Joe Haldeman: The Forever War, retrieved on 21st September, 2007, available at www. strangewords. com/archive/forever. html Joe W Haldeman (2003) The Forever War, Econo-Clad Boos publishers, US Review by Nicholas Whyte, retrieved on 21st September, 2007, available at www. nicholaswhyte. info/sf/forwar. htm Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, retrieved on 21st September, 2007, available at www. wikipedia. org/wiki/The_Forever_War

Monday, September 16, 2019

What Is a Data Warehouse

Question 1 What is a data warehouse? What problems does it solve for a business? A data warehouse is a place where data is stored for archival purpose, analysis purpose. Usually a data warehouse is either a single computer or many computers servers tied together to create one giant computer systems. Data warehouse solve a lot of problems to companies as it helps to structure files and avoid unnecessary duplication of data.Data warehouse also allows to easily updating data and encourages management to regard data as a resource that must be properly managed just as any other resources. Question1B What do you see as the benefits of using a web-like browser to access information from a data warehouse? The benefits of using a web browser to access information from a data warehouse is that it allows users to have access to different search engines and opens up different links with the relevance key search. Some results will be more complete than others as they have different ways of indexi ng websites.Using a web browser to access information from a data warehouse is also useful as the links give you access to images and videos which interact users but can also slow down the logon level of speed operations meaning that the data warehouse is accessed at a fast speed. Question2 The SAP system is a collection of software that performs standard business functions for corporations. Here are some applications developed by SAP for consumers use, they are regrouped into categories of utilities[1]. Financials applications The SAP Financials applications contain all of the functionality needed for enterprise-wide financial management. These include: Financial Accounting (FI), Provides a complete financial accounting solution, including income statements, balance sheets, journals, ledgers, and all areas of financial accounting. †¢ Enterprise Controlling (EC): Assists in controller tasks. †¢ Capital Investment Management (IM): Assists finance organizations in their capi tal investments and tracking. †¢ Controlling (CO): Assists the controller organization. †¢ Treasury (TR): Assists with transactions related to the U. S. Treasury. Human Resources applications †¢ Personnel Administration (PA): Assists with all areas of personnel administration, including applicant tracking and personnel history. Personnel Development (PD): Assists with training and educational status of employees. These systems handle all of the mundane HR tasks, such as personnel and payroll, and also a number of more esoteric HR functions, such as seminar and convention management. Logistics applications The SAP Logistics applications include SAP's most popular modules. †¢ Materials Management (MM): Manages raw materials, inventory, and all aspects of goods manufacturing. †¢ Production Planning (PP):Offers sophisticated tools for planning large production environments. General Logistics (LO): Manages logistics for companies that require large-scale deployme nt of goods and resources. †¢ Sales and Distribution (SD): Manages the inventory and distribution of finished goods. †¢ Plant Maintenance (PM): Manages the resources required for large manufacturing plants. †¢ Quality Management (QM): Captures and maintains quality control for manufacturing environments. †¢ Project System (PS): Assists with the scheduling of project tasks and interdependencies between tasks. ;; Oracle is the leading company in a leading software development and provides usiness with systems and information with reliable, secure, and integrated technologies[2].These software’s include: †¢ Agile Link-to-SAP XI: Agile Product Collaboration provides a comprehensive solution to manage bill of material (BOM), item, and engineering change order (ECO) data necessary for product content collaboration across the manufacturing supply chain. †¢ Oracle Communications for SAP RM-CA Manage: SAP RM-CA Manager integrates the BRM billing platform with SAP Revenue Management–Contract Accounting (SAP RM-CA), a revenue management system that SAP offers to the telecommunications industry Siebel Connector for SAP R/3: The Siebel Connector for SAP R/3 supports both synchronous and asynchronous transactions across application boundaries. The resulting consistency of data provides efficient coordination between front and back-office operations. †¢ Oracle Business Intelligence Applications (BI Apps) are prebuilt BI solutions that deliver intuitive, role-based intelligence for everyone in an organisation that enable better decisions, actions, and business processes.Based on best practices, these solutions enable organisations to gain greater insight and value from a range of data sources and applications including Oracle E-Business Suite, PeopleSoft, Siebel, and third party systems such as SAP. †¢ Imaging ; Process Management (I/PM), part of the Stellent assets, provides organizations with a scalable solution focused on process-oriented imaging applications and image-enabling enterprise applications.With I/PM, organizations can quickly integrate their content and processes directly with Oracle and other third party enterprise applications, such as EBS, PeopleSoft Enterprise, JD Edwards Enterprise One and JD Edwards World, Microsoft Business Solutions, SAP, Lawson, and Baan. Here are the advantages of these two very competitive companies in the industry of enterprise application software reported by Eweek[3]. Oracle advantages |Control of the Oracle database | |Without data, enterprise applications are little more than empty containers.As the Oracle database platform evolves, it is | |becoming the data management system for enterprise applications. | | | |More open environment | |Oracle has done a better job of embracing Web- and Java-based application development paradigms that are familiar to a broader| |number of developers. | | |Customers relationship management | |Due to its acquisitions of Siebel and PeopleSoft, Oracle has a deeper knowledge of business processes, driven more often than | |not by front-end CRM (customer relationship management) applications. | | | |Middleware | |Oracle isnt that much better than SAP in this category, but at least Oracle has recognized its weakness in the middleware area| |enough to try and acquire BEA. | | |Mid market channel | |Oracle has a stronger history in the channel than SAP, and, as such, has a better ability to leverage third-party solution | |providers in the small and midsize business market. | | | |Flexibility | |Oracle is a little more flexible in its approach to the business processes it will support, compared with the more | |hierarchical SAP model. | | |Global development Team | |Oracle development teams work together around the globe with relatively equal levels of autonomy. | | | |More third party application | |Years of working with ISVs on its database have created a stronger Oracle ecosystem. | | |Stronger OEM par tnership | |The Oracle database is a critical piece of enterprise software driving server sales for Dell and Hewlett-Packard (and making | |the latter companys sales force an extension | SAP advantages Legion of consultants | |A large army’s worth of business consultants owe their professional existence to SAP and help keep SAP the market leader. | | | |CIO loyalty | |Many CIO’s3 have invested millions of dollars in SAP and have staked their careers on its continued success. | | |Partnership with IBM | |IBM is probably one of the largest resellers of SAP software, on top of DB2 databases. | | | |Partnership with Microsoft | |Although SAP has ambitions in the SMB space in which Microsoft sells its own applications, a marriage of convenience results | |in a lot of Microsoft Office-to-SAP enterprise application work. | | |Open source | |Although SAP would balk at the idea of open-source application software, it provides tons of resources for the development of | |open-sou rce infrastructure software—making more money available for SAP software. | | |Business Process Integration | |Years of work in this area have resulted in a depth of expertise that is difficult to replicate. | | | |Global Footprint | |SAP has extended its enterprise application customer base around the world. | | |German Engineering | |Although it is sometimes seen as overly rigid, a reputation for attention to detail works in SAPs overall favor. | | | |Vertical market penetration | |Compared with Oracle, SAP has had more time to gain expertise across a broader array of industries. A recent Forrester research paper[4] found that Oracle has a strong middleware platform and better support of open standard and as such it is the right choice for customers who rely heavily on custom development in conjunction with packaged applications. The reporters Wang and Rymer asserted that companies in the high-tech manufacturing market segment would likely be better off with Oracle while co mpanies in the pharmaceutical and utilities industries would be more likely to choose SAP.In the light of this report my choice between theses systems will be based on the targeted market segment, in other words I will select the vendor that best suit my business activity. So therefore, I will select Oracle enterprise application if my company focuses on high-tech or with heavy reliability on custom development in conjunction with packaged applications. My choice in the other case will be to go for SAP if my business is found in the utilities industries or pharmaceutics. Making these choices will surely enable great customers satisfaction since they provide employees with the best equipments to serve these customers.Question3 Week 4 Lecture summary relating to: Data base models A data base model is a theory or specification describing how a data base is structured and used . several models have been suggested: The Hierarchal model is organized in to a tree like structure aiming to k eep data in an organized manner. This structure allows one relationship between two types of data i. e the parent child relationship, the child may have only one parent but the parent can have many children’s. The Network model organizes data using two fundamental records and sets.In other words the network model allows a many to many relationship meaning that the program maintains a current position and navigates fron one record to another by following relationships in which the record participates records can also be located b supplying key values. ( we have seen that most data bases used on man frame and minicomputer are based on the network or the hierarchal model. Relational model 3 key terms are widely used in the relational data base model these are relations , attributes and domain. A relation is theh colum and rows the named colums of the relations are called attributes and the domain is the set of values.The relational model was introduced as a way to make data base management system more independent. The structure of the relational model is a table where rows and columns of the tables are related. Database Development Entity modeling Entity relationship diagrams and entity relationship model illustrate the correlation and its nature between entities. The entities identifies the needs of the business and holds information of it all, with this method the relationship may be one to one or one to many. There are diverse benefits to the entity relationship modeling as it gives a specified picture of the current and requested system data.Normalization Normalization is the procedure of removing duplication of data. Normalization is also the process of verifying by making sure that there are no problems when updating the database and the operations on the various relations will not lead to conflicting and incorrect data. Part 2 Question1 (iii) What is the role of entity-relationship diagram and Normalization in database? Normalization and ERM are use ful techniques for data management because normalization is the process of organizing data to minimize duplication, it usally divides a database into two or more tables defining relationships between the tables.The objective of normalization is to isolate data so that additions, deletions, and modifications of a field can be made in just one table and then spread through the rest of the data base via the defined relationships. I. e the customers number is related to its matching customers name and matching customer order. Therefore ERM and Normalization techniques ensure that data is well organized so that when updating some data you face no duplications or error. Data modeling is the process of creating a logical representation of the structure of a data base because it provides a unified view of data which is independent of any model.

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Hammer Wines Business Report Essay

Introduction Colin Hammer, after arranging an independent review, has found that many of his employees have been avoiding work and other responsibilities by searching the Internet for non-work related amusements. This act is known as cyber slacking and it is said to cost companies billions of dollars each year and often results in managers blocking or limiting access to certain websites. Concerned for productivity, this report will outline the current usage and array of sites potentially being used by the Hammer Wines employees. The sites include those for entertainment or work purposes, and restrictions based on these findings should be implemented. These restrictions must be forever changing and expanding, as each website has a different effect on the varying departments its respective employees. These modifications will also affect the productivity of Hammer Wines and will be discussed in the report by making an â€Å"internet use† policy. Findings Department Spending Most Time on the Internet Cyberslacking is a prominent occurrence amongst the Hammer Wines employees. However, of all employees, the Receptionists spent the longest time on the Internet throughout the one-week trial (see figure 1.0 below). This may or may not be detrimental to Hammer Wines. Often, receptionists complete their work before their set time, meaning that if they’re browsing the Internet, still answering their phone and have completed required work, productivity will remain normal. Studies also show productivity can increase when employees are less restricted with the Internet. This productivity can swing both ways. Negative productivity will be detrimental to Hammer Wines if the receptionist fails to multitask and therefore ineffectively completes required jobs. Internet Productivity and Cyberslacking From the array of websites (see figure 1.1 below) it is difficult to tell if Cyberslacking is present at Hammer Wines. This is because many websites, such as facebook.com and twitter.com, are huge social marketing websites, but can also used as a cost effective methods for company awareness and advertising. These sites, however, can also be misused for personal use. Unless the employee is caught directly misusing these sites, it is hard to tell weather they are cyberslacking or not. Facebook.com is one example of Cyberslacking. It is Hammer Wines’ second most visited Internet site, being used by Sales and Marketing, Reception, Manufacturing and Distribution, Human Resources @ Training and IT Services. Sales and Marketing are the only employees likely to need the site for work purposes. For all other departments, employees must use Facebook.com for personal interests. Websites, including deals.com are often used for both work and leisure. Reception, Human Resources @ Training, Manufacturing and Distribution, Sales and Marketing are all using this site. Assumptions cannot be made in relation to website use. Human Resources @ Training, Manufacturing and Distributing, and Sales and Marketing departments all have valid work-related grounds to use Deals.com, as it is great for promotional and comparative purposes. IT Services were found to be using Games.com. A total of 120 minutes was recorded throughout the week. This is a website purely dedicated to fun and games. This is the seventh most used website recorded. Although it is only a small fraction of the Internet usage, it is clear that productivity has decreased in the IT department, and through the given statistics, Cyberslacking is present. Similarly, Tatts.com was used by the Sales and Marketing department, for up to 80 minutes throughout the recorded week. Tatts.com is a betting website and has nothing to do with the Sales and Marketing of Hammer Wines. However, productivity can be increased in the workplace, with employees having some freedom on the Internet. The use of social media and other personal websites can release stress and tension, thus not wholly being to the determent of Hammer Wines. Conclusion Hammer Wines has a vast array of websites being used by employees for both personal and work use. Cyberslacking is present amongst all employees, with websites aimed at socialization and productivity which both highly used. This, however, is hard to monitor as some sites – such as Facebook.com or Deals.com – are used in the companies Sales and Marketing department, but also used in recreational down time by most, if not all, other departments. It is important for Hammer Wines to implement a strategy to monitor all Internet usage. Receptionist work productivity remained high in correlation to time spent on internet, however, it was obvious the Cyberslacking was overruling the IT department, as they spent 120 hours over the duration of the week on a games and entertainment website. Solution Internet Use Policy Hammer Wines should enforce an â€Å"Internet User Policy† in the employees contract, defining the terms of use for recreational Internet. Any employee found misusing the Internet for purposes strictly other than work, may lead to disciplinary action, and their position at the company may be compromised. Blocking Sites Permanently blocking all Internet sites at Hammer Wines could result in a drop in productivity. Alternatively, a system that allows employees to have an allocated time throughout the day, to specifically visit sites such as Facebook.com and Twitter.com will allow staff members to have high productivity through compromise and strategy. One example of strategic blocking is unblocking all websites for 15 minutes every 3 hours, enabling employees to use restricted sites that coincide with structured break times (lunch, snack and end-of-day). A second option for Hammer Wines is to block all websites, only allowing those who hold a position of authority (manager) or employee that has spoken to someone in a position of authority, to get a specific code to access a blocked website. This code then unblocks all sites and remains unblocked until the page is exited. This could be implemented when departments wish to use sites such as Facebook.com for marketing or promotional purposes.

Saturday, September 14, 2019

Printing Press Consequences

The Consequences of a Forgotten Invention There have been people who have influenced every person in the world yet a seldom few know their contributions let alone their names. Of these people was a man named Johannes Gutenberg; the man who invented the printing press. The printing press is one of those inventions that most people take for granted and do not realize their importance. Without the press we would still be handwriting every single copy of any book every written and so the question is what were the main consequences of the printing press? That is, what happened as a result of the invention of the printing press?The answer is that it marked the transition from script to printing and it allowed the mass production of information, which in turn allowed ideas to spread quicker. The ability to have a mass production of information has transformed almost all aspects life and all fields of study. Two of these topics include religion and geography and exploration. This essay will first explain the importance of the transition from script to printing and then will go on to explain the impact the press had on literature and geography and exploration in order to elaborate on the latter consequence listed above.Perhaps the absolutely most important thing about the invention of the printing press is that it marked the transition from script to printing. As seen in Document A, whilst comparing the two images, the effect of Gutenberg’s invention is very clear. In the top visual, which shows the dictation method, it can be seen that the process is very lengthy and tiring. Also, only a few books are visible. Whereas, in the bottom visual, which shows the printing method, there are many papers in sight and the process seems to be a lot less time-consuming.From this it can be concluded that printing is a lot more efficient method of producing books and no longer required laborious hours of writing manuscripts. This conclusion can be supported by the next documen t: Document B. By looking at the maps it becomes apparent that the people back then also had similar opinions about the printing press as, with-in thirty years, the number of printing presses in Europe more than quintupled. In 1471, there were about a dozen presses but by the end of the century, there were upwards of 65 in the continent. However, Document C represents a contradicting opinion.This source claims that people still liked hand-written documents over those that were printed. This was bound to happen because, even like today, hand-made items are always considered more precious but the more practical solution will always prevail, which, in this case, was the printing press. In the subsequent paragraphs, the consequences of this transition on various aspects of life will be explained. ‘Gutenberg’s invention probably contributed more to destroying Christian concord and inflaming religious warfare than any of the so-called arts of war ever did. These twenty-four w ords written by Elizabeth Eisenstein in her book, ‘Printing Revolution in Early Modern Europe,’ (Document E) perfectly describe the consequence of the printing press on religion. Around the same time as the birth of the printing press, a desire for reformation in the Church was also arising amongst the people. According to history, Martin Luther lit the fire of desire by posting his 95 Theses on a Church door. However, what is not being taken into account is that Luther’s ideas spread quickly solely because of the printing press, as John Man explains in Document D.Had his ideas not spread all over Europe with-in a month, reform would have come much later or perhaps never. Similar to Luther’s 95 Theses, the Polyglot Bible, which allowed ordinary people to understand the Bible as it was written in nine different languages, would not have spread around Europe so rapidly if it were not for the press. Both, the Polyglot Bible (Document G) and Luther’s 95 Theses (Document D), fueled the Protestant reform but would not have even close to as big of an impact if it were not for the printing press.The map in Document F verifies this statement because it shows how quickly Protestant ideas spread around Europe. In merely 60 years, Europe went from being completely Catholic to roughly half Protestant and half Catholic. This in itself further emphasizes how mass production of information allows ideas to be spread faster and therefore demonstrates the one of the consequences of the printing press. Along with the religious turmoil came times of great exploration. Partially credited to Renaissance ideals, Europeans began to explore the world. Perhaps the most famous explorer of all is Christopher Columbus.In 1492, he did indeed sail the ocean blue to discover the Americas. After Columbus, came other great sailors from various other European nations who explored other parts of the world. Believe it or not, the printing press served a great purp ose in exploration too. Columbus sent a letter to the King of Spain, which talked about the New World. According to Document H, this letter was translated and published over and over again and with-in a year it reached places as far as Antwerp. In the succeeding years Europeans embarked upon a great number of voyages.This indicates that Columbus’ letter was likely to have sparked curiosity or even jealously into the hearts of other Europeans and so they to began to explore the world. There was an obvious correlation between exploration and maps. As seen in Document I, the more people that explored, the more accurate the maps were became. The relationship goes the other way too. The more accurate the maps were, the better the explorer can judge where they were, which then allowed them to have a better sense of direction. The printing press played a huge role in the publication of maps.With the press, maps now looked the same, unlike before when they were drawn by hand, which a llowed for inconsistencies amongst copies of the same work. Once again, this highlights both consequences stated above: the press allowed the mass production of information and marked the transition script to printing. In conclusion, it can be clearly seen that the printing press revolutionized the world on a countless number of levels. It transformed the way people communicated and the way information was dispersed. The transition from script to print was huge because the press was far more efficient for publishing any kind of information.As a result, there could now be a mass production of information. It was made obvious, through the examples given, how mass production fueled the Protestant Reformation and perhaps even sparked the age of exploration. Taking all this information into account there is no doubt that the consequences of the printing press were that it marked the transition from script to printing and it allowed the mass production of information, which in turn allowe d ideas and information to spread over a large distance in a short period of time.

Friday, September 13, 2019

Religious Fundamentalism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Religious Fundamentalism - Essay Example   Christians and Muslims widely differ in their interpretation of historical events. For example, Crusades was a religious war and fundamentalism formed its bedrock. Both Muslims and Christians interpret this huge historical event differently. For example, Muslims interpret this event as a series of military campaigns run by Christians to stop the expansion of Islam and restrain the growing power of Muslim rulers. Many Christians were becoming impressed by Muslim civilization which was not tolerated by Christian fundamentalists and they started this war. Christians, in contrast, believe that expansion of Islam was not an issue, but Pope Urban II announced the first crusade to help Christians restore their access to the holy places in Jerusalem. What are some common threads between Christian and Islamic religious fundamentalism? Many traits are shared by Christian and Muslim religious fundamentalists. For example, it is claimed that right-wing religious extremists and their Muslim c ounterparts share five main characteristics. These common characteristics, as claimed by research, are found in nearly all fundamentalists. These are â€Å"racism, bigotry, intolerance, disdain for education, hatred of gays and women and people of different faiths and non-believers†. Both Christian and Muslims fundamentalists gush with hatred and vengeance for gays and empowered women. Also, both are found bursting at the seams with racist ideas and they also equally think low of people from other faiths.Â