Friday, December 27, 2019

Tools for Drawing Simple Floor Plans

Sometimes all a homeowner needs is a simple floor plan to help with remodeling and decorating projects. You might think that you could find some easy tools on the web, but first youll have to wade through all of the software intended for 3D design. These programs are overkill for a floor plan. Fortunately, there are a variety of easy-to-use online tools to help draw simple floor plans. Determine Your Needs Why do you want to draw a floor plan? A landlord may want to show the setup of an apartment to a prospective tenant. A realtor may use a floor plan to sell a property. A homeowner may draw a floor plan to better formulate remodeling ideas or to decide where to place furniture. In all of these cases, a floor plan is used for communication—to visually express the use of space. Dont think that a floor plan will let you build a house or make extensive remodeling decisions. A floor plan sketch can communicate spatial ideas from a homeowner to a contractor, but the person doing the construction is the one who knows where the bearing walls and shear walls are located. Floor plans suggest general ideas, not detailed specifications. Use the Right Tool A good home design software program will let you create some pretty fancy renderings with elevation drawings and 3D views. But what if you only require a general idea of where the walls and windows go? In that case, you dont really need high-powered software just to draw these shapes and lines. Using inexpensive (or free) apps and online tools, you can whip together a simple floor plan—the digital equivalent of a napkin sketch—and share your plan on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social networks. Some tools will even let you collaborate with family and friends, providing an online page that everyone can edit. Mobile Apps for Drawing Floor Plans You wont need a computer to draw floor plans if you have a smartphone or tablet. A few of the most popular floor plan applications work on mobile devices. Browse the applications store for your device, and youll find a variety of options: RoomScan by Locometric would be fun to use even if you didnt need to draw a floor plan. Simply hold your iPhone or iPad up to an existing wall, wait for the beep, and calculations are made using the GPS and gyroscope functions. Like all apps, RoomScan is an evolving work-in-progress, moving toward its marketing goal of being The App That Draws Floor Plans By Itself.MagicPlan uses the camera and gyroscope functions of your mobile device to turn a 3D room into a 2D floor plan. The app also includes a tool to help you estimate the costs and materials for a project.Stanley Smart Connect, from Stanley Black Decker, is one of the first mobile apps by a major manufacturer. The Bluetooth-enabled program allows you to take measurements and design room plans using your smartphone. Online Tools for Drawing Floor Plans If youd rather work on a computer, the possibilities are almost limitless. Drawing floor plans on a big screen can make it easier to fiddle with the design. Online tools will let you create scale drawings to envision your remodeling and decorating projects—and most of these tools are free: FloorPlanner.com is free and allows users to create and save 2D and 3D designs. Pro and business memberships include additional tools for a fee.Gliffy Floor Plan Creator is a simple tool for drawing 2D floor plans that allows users to move around furniture and decor.SmartDraw is a graphics tool for creating flow charts, graphs, floor plans, and other diagrams.RoomSketcher is made for creating 2D and 3D floor plans. Basic features are free, but you have to pay a fee to use the advanced tools.EZ Blueprint is a simple program for Windows computers that allows users to generate basic floor plans and layouts. Designing on the Cloud Many of todays floor plan programs and applications are cloud-based. Simply, cloud-based means that the floor plan you design is stored on someone elses computer, not your own. When you use a cloud-based tool, you provide details such as your name, email address, and where you live. Never give out information that you feel violates your safety or privacy. Choose tools that youre comfortable with. As you explore cloud-based tools for drawing floor plans, also think about whether youd like to print out a copy of your design. Some cloud-based tools can be viewed online only. If youd like to make copies, look for software or apps that will allow you to download projects onto your own computer.   Despite these concerns, theres a lot to love about drawing on the cloud. Cloud-based programs and applications are wonderful for creating designs that can be easily shared. Some tools allow multiple users to work on the same design, so you can ask friends and family to make suggestions and changes.

Thursday, December 19, 2019

Historical Lack Of Gun Control - 2184 Words

History of the issue/problem The United States created the second Amendment in order to ensure a well-kept militia for the states to protect their own interests against a possibly tyrannical federal government. Today, the vast modernization of society, and especially weaponry, has called into question the way in which the Second Amendment should be interpreted in creating policy. Many claim the gun control debate began after the assassination of President Kennedy in 1963 due to a sparked public interest in the relative control and safety of guns in America. Prior to 1968, most guns and ammunition in the United States were sold over the counter or by mail order and gun control was essentially unregulated. The first major gun control effort in the United States was in 1837 when the state of Georgia banned handguns. This decision was quickly ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, which set a judicial precedent for a lack of government interference in the regulation of firearms (Longley). The long historical lack of gun control measures by the United States encouraged a large economy and manufacturing of weaponry in the United States. Lack of firearm regulation and increased weaponry production led the United States to become number one in the world in most guns per capita, averaging about 88.8 guns for every hundred people. A historical emphasis on protecting individual rights under the Second Amendment, and easy access to guns was emphasized in policy through gunShow MoreRelatedThe Controversial Issue Of Gun Control1161 Words   |  5 PagesThe controversial issue of gun control is one of the most debatable topics among politicians and civilians alike. This is because of the complexity of gun control and the long history that is related to the subject. Gun control is typically an effort, by the government, to create legislation that regulates the sale and use of firearms within the country. There are various arguments that surround this topic which include gun-related violence, accid ents, self-defense, murders, suicide, constitutionalRead MoreA Stop Action : Reduce Mass Violence1309 Words   |  6 PagesA Call to Action: Reduce mass violence While researching texts written about the gun control and how to reduce mass violence, I found a few authors who published books about the gun control in America. These authors often placed the gun control they were studying into an historical context by discussing the important events in murders cases of the past years. Gun control has recently created a massive uproar throughout the United States because of the recent, and sincerely unfortunateRead MoreThe Issue Of The Second Amendment1035 Words   |  5 PagesYou Can Have My Gun When You Pry It from My Cold Dead Hands Those that oppose upholding the Second Amendment should consider the following scenario: It is the middle of the night, an armed intruder breaks into a home in a well-lit residential neighborhood; the intruder knows the home owners are home, and despite this knowledge, illegally enters the home. The father, awakened by the noise, listens for a second and realizes that someone has broken into his home. Concerned for the safety of his familyRead MoreIs Gun Ownership a Right?1214 Words   |  5 Pagespeople kill people, or do guns kill people? According to the U.S. Constitution, the Second Amendment states that the right to bear arms should not altered.(Bill of Rights). Many American citizens believe this amendment is an individual right, while others believe that it is only a collective right intended to restrict Congress from taking away a states right to self-defense. This, along with other current events, has given rise to heated debate on the topic of gun control. History has show n that thereRead MoreGun Control Should Not Be Controlled As It Reduces Sense Of Self Defense1454 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction Gun control can be defined as the entire laws that legalize the invention of firearms in a certain state. In other words, it is the regulation of distribution of firearms in a country. For a couple of years, government has struggled to reduce the rate at which firearms are used in a country. This has helped to reduce various crimes that were carried out by people who were said to own guns. Research shows that about 90% of deaths originate from use of firearms. For this reason, it isRead MoreEssay on America Needs Stricter Gun Control Laws1530 Words   |  7 PagesGun control has become more of a hot topic in recent years. Some believe that there is no need for additional gun control. On the other hand, we have some that believe that the government can improve gun laws. Although many believe that gun control will violate their rights, the idea of stricter gun control laws can help communities. We live in very violent times. There are daily accounts reported in the media about shootings. We do well to ask, Is there a solution to this growing crisis? YesRead MoreThe Debate on Gun Control and the Second Amendment Essay1132 Words   |  5 PagesGuns have been around for a very long time. People love being able to have the freedom to do what they want, especially when they can possess something that make them feel superior. The introduction of the Second Amendment opens up the controversial, yet well anticipated opportunity for United State citizens to be able to own guns. Americans enjoy the benefit of being able to own guns for decades over people in other countries. People can buy guns and carry them around in public. They own guns forRead MoreDo People kill People, or do Guns Kill People1705 Words   |  7 Pagesdebate on the topic of gun control. History has shown that there are positive and negative effects of gun control laws and high profile events that have lead to a highly controversial debate. Around 1788, James Madison stated that the Second Amendment was written to assure the southern states that Congress would not â€Å"undermine the slave system by disarming the militia, which were then the principal instruments of slave control throughout the South† (Bogus 1). Gun control laws, which are laws thatRead MoreHuman Expansion through Environmental Interaction Essay682 Words   |  3 PagesDiamond’s Guns, Germs, and Steel details the human interaction with the environment through the extensive detail that was provided about the development and expansion of agricultural systems leading to population growth and the spread of disease. Guns, Germs, and Steel also provides detailed descriptions on how technological inventions come about and how those inventions have the capability to influence the world. In addition to the study of how humans interact with their environment, Guns, Germs,Read MoreA Research Project On Gun Violence1549 Words   |  7 PagesNeed for the Project There is a need for this research project because gun violence has become a very prevalent issue within the past decade. Its frequency has resulted in the formation of many myths, questions, and connections with mental health disorders. This country is searching for answers and this research will be designed to uncover the secret truths of gun violence and mass murders. By performing studies and revealing their results, it is the purposes of the project to help authorities better

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Lennie Made the Right Decision in Mice and Men free essay sample

Of Mice and Men Essay It has to be a tough decision to make when your option is shooting your best friend. In â€Å"Of Mice and Men† by John Steinbeck, George decided to shoot one of his best friends, Lennie. â€Å"Of Mice and Men† is about some farmers that dream to get there own place. The book takes place in the Salinas Valley. George and Lennie travel together and Lennie is always getting them into trouble, though, Lennie truly doesnt mean to. It lead to a heartbreaking decision for George. George made the right choice on shooting Lennie because he did it out of love. George could have got blamed also for killing Curley’s spouse if he helped Lennie. George and Lennie might have been able to run away and not of been caught, but that is by chance, Curley had the police searching too. Curley said, â€Å"you’re comin’ with us, fella† (98) because he didnt trust George and thought he was in on it. We will write a custom essay sample on Lennie Made the Right Decision in Mice and Men or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Also George said â€Å"the guys might think I was in on it† (95) to Candy. George is saving Lennie from suffering. He knew Lennie would be lynched and tortured if he was found and didn’t want him to go through that. Curley said â€Å"ill shoot ‘im in the guts† (96) when he found out about it. Candy also told George that â€Å"Curley gon’ta wanta get ‘im lynched† (94). So George saved him from the pain by shooting him in the back of the head so Lennie didnt feel a thing. George stopped Lennie from hurting anything/anyone else. Yes, Lennie doesn’t mean to hurt people/animals and he doesnt know his own strength, but he gets George in trouble by these mistakes and still does harm to other people/things. Lennie said â€Å"I pinched their heads a little and they was dead-because they was so little† when he is talking to George about Mice. Lennie also said â€Å"I was jus’ playin’ with him. . . an’ he made like he’s gunna bite me. . . an’ I made like I was gunna smack him. . . an’ I done it. An’ then he was dead. † When lennie is talking to Curley’s wife about the dog he killed. George made the right choice on shooting Lennie because he did it out of love. George could have got blamed also for killing Curley’s spouse if he helped Lennie. George is Saving Lennie from suffering. George stopped Lennie from hurting anything/anyone else. George saved himself from any chance of trouble or pain that could have been caused.

Tuesday, December 3, 2019

Witch Of Blackbird Pond Essays (853 words) -

Witch Of Blackbird Pond CH 1 The main character loads a ship called the dolphin. While on the dolphin she makes some friends and some enemies. A lot of the people on the ship think she is a witch. They think this because she jumped off the boat and she could. Predictions I think once they arrive the people on the dolphin will put kit on a witch trial. I don't believe you're a witch if you can swim CH 2 No one is talking to Kit right now. Her friend Nat teases her a lot. It seems that at this point that Kit loves to read. Not much has happened yet. Predictions I still think that the crewmembers are going to put Kit on witch trial. I don't care who the person was I would talk to the person no matter what even if she were a witch. CH 3 Kit finds her aunt and uncle and cousins. She has two cousins Merry and Judith. Her uncle did not know that Kit was coming (How embarrassing) Predictions Wouldn't you be so embarrass if you showed up and they didn't know you were coming. CH 4 At her aunt and uncles house and gives them clothes as a present. The only person who can keep them is Merry. Kits uncle didn't know she was coming Predictions I think that Kit feels uncomfortable at her aunt's house. I would feel uncomfortable too especially if they didn't know I was coming CH 5 Kit is forced to go to church with everyone even though she doesn't want to. At church she meets Abby and Will. Kit doesn't know that church is an all day thing here. Predictions I think that Will likes Kit. Will is going to come visit her at her aunt's CH 6/7 In chapter 6 the reverend came over for dinner. They gave up two days of sugar just for him. Matt doesn't like him. Will wants to come see Kit. In seven Will does come over I guess I was right. Will was so nervous he froze up in front of everyone Predictions I don't like Judith very much. I think Kit is beginning to like Will. CH 8 Kit and Judith have to go to the onion field and weed it the field is near the widow's house. Predictions I think Kit is starting to like living with everyone CH 9/10 Kit is trying to teach kids to read. She tried to teach them a play but it didn't work. Kit ran into the meadows and stayed there for hours. Kit is still trying to teach them. She goes to Hannah's house and sees Nat. Predictions I think that Hannah might be a good witch if a witch at all. Kit is not a witch though. Hannah and Kit will become good friends CH11 Kit runs into Prudence and talks to her. Prudence wants to read but her mom says it's stupid. Kit privately teaches her. Predictions I think that Hannah is trying to cover up something she's just to nice. CH12 School is finally over. Kit goes to Hannah's house. When she gets there Nat is there Kit helps mere Hannah's roof. Predictions I think Nat is going to stay for a while and help out Hannah. CH13 Kit finds out that John likes merry and not Judith (that's good) even though its work the husking bee is fun. Judith isn't disappointed about John (that's too bad) Predictions I think Will will stay after the husking bee. Matt will take Hannah for with craft. CH14 Andros will become Mayer. He will try to take away the charter. Nat has to stay because the dolphin is against the wind Predictions Hannah is going to try to stop Andros from taking away the charter I still think Hannah is a good witch if any CH15/16 There is a meeting held by no other than Andros. The charter was lost. The people are safe in Connecticut. Kit teaches Prudence how to write. Predictions I think that Hannah will be banned for doing witchcraft CH 17 Merry and Judith get sick the town people go to burn down Hannah's house down. Kit goes to take Hannah. Hannah gets on the Dolphin Predictions I think now they will think Kit is a witch because she helped Hannah. CH18 Judith might get better from her cold. Now that Hannah is gone Kit is thought to be the witch just as I predicted. Predictions I don't think Kit is a witch I do think

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

The Patriot Summary Essay Example

The Patriot Summary Essay The movie I choose to watch as the title implies was The Patriot. I found this movie intriguing for many reasons, to start the movie not only tied in real historical locations and events, it did so while maintaining a good and deep story. To prove to you that I watched the movie I plan on highlighting some of my favorite scenes in no particular order. To start the scene after Benjamin son Gabriel is killed and there at a camp where Gabrielle body lies on a cot. Harry enters the tent where Benjamin and his deceased son reside and starts to talk of vengeance and the likes, to which Benjamin responds that he doesnt know why men think that they can get vengeance for the life of another man. At the moment I thought that he had turned a new leaf and he was done with the killing, but to my surprise he only felt passionate about what he said for a couple of minutes and then went straight back into the army to do exactly what he had Just questioned minutes earlier. The next scene that stands out in my mind isnt exactly my favorite for what happens during the scene but rather for the significance it carries throughout the entire movie. When the Martins farm Is raided and ultimately burned by the British the day after a battle near the home Benjamin son Thomas is killed by William Toboggan after trying to save his brother Gabriel from the gallows (which for the time he did). We will write a custom essay sample on The Patriot Summary specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The Patriot Summary specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The Patriot Summary specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer As Toboggan and his men ride way Benjamin grabs his weapons and kills a group of British soldiers, however before this the camera zooms In on a bag of tin soldiers that Thomas had played with. Later In the movie In multiple locations we can see Benjamin melting a tin soldier and making It Into a musket ball, another Interesting side note Is that you only see him melt little soldiers before they go Into battle and win. That sums up some of the scenes I found to be rather enjoyable In The Patriot.

Sunday, November 24, 2019

Dance Flexibility and Strength Essay Essay Example

Dance Flexibility and Strength Essay Essay Example Dance Flexibility and Strength Essay Paper Dance Flexibility and Strength Essay Paper Rachel Standstill Q Flexibility and strength are two key components of a dance performance. Explain how you have developed your own flexibility and strength to enhance your dance performance. In this essay I am going to discuss the Importance of strength and flexibility to a dance performance. I am going to make reference to my personal experience, and explain techniques used by dancers to Improve strength and flexibility. To briefly conclude, I will state how these methods have enhanced my overall performance. Flexibility Is the maximum range of movement available around a Joint. For example, In the spine, It refers to the amount a person can curve their spine In each direction. Strength Is the maximum force that can be exerted In a single movement. In a solo I was choreographing, I decided to Pl © In second as I did a motif. At first I struggled to hold this for the required length of time, and was not happy with how deep my Pl © was. To deepen my Pl ©, I used the frog exercise. Here you sit with the soles of your feet touching, grabbing your ankles and leaning forward over your legs, pushing your knees towards the floor with your elbows. This improves rotation in the hips and extends the gracious. Now my Pl © looks more impressive as it it deeper. To improve the length of time I could hold the Pl ©, I decided to improve my core strength. Used the plank; here you get into a press up position and hold yourself there, or can do a half plank, which is on your elbows. I used progressive overload, where you gradually increase the amount of time you hold the exercise for. This improved the amount of time I could spend in Pl ©, but also improves how I hold myself in turns, and means I an be lifted without putting too much weight on my partner. The fact I can hold myself better means my performance looks more continuous and I look surer of my movement. In a duet I was choreographing, we decided to do a synchronized backbend. As I could not go as far as my partner, so I started doing exercises to increase flexibility in my back. Mainly, I would lie on my stomach, put hands on either side of my head, and extend my arms, pushing upwards and arching my back. This Increased how far backwards I could curve my spine. This means the movement Is more appealing to the audience as we are more evenly matched, so It looks more In unison. Also in the duet, we decided to put In a lift. At first, I struggled to lift my partners weight. Again I used progressive overload, as I gradually held her weight for longer each time. I also did arm exercises such as push-ups, so that I was building up muscles In my arms. After all this development, I could lift my partner around her waist, which allowed us to do more complex lifts. This makes the performance more effective for the audience, and meant we could be more confident, which put my partners mind at rest that nothing would go wrong. In this essay I have discussed flexibility and strength, and described exercises which can improve these. I have also discussed how these have improved my overall dance performance. Dance Flexibility and Strength Essay By researchable In this essay I am going to discuss the importance of strength and flexibility to a explain techniques used by dancers to improve strength and flexibility. To briefly Flexibility is the maximum range of movement available around a Joint. For example, in the spine, it refers to the amount a person can curve their spine in each direction. Strength is the maximum force that can be exerted in a single movement. In a solo I was choreographing, I decided to Pl © in second as I did a motif. At first I struggled to was. To deepen my Pl ©, I used the frog exercise. Here you sit with the soles of your the length of time I could hold the Pl ©, I decided to improve my core strength. I used the plank; here you get into a press up position and hold yourself there, or can do a increased how far backwards I could curve my spine. This means the movement is more appealing to the audience as we are more evenly matched, so it looks more in unison. Also in the duet, we decided to put in a lift. At first, I struggled to lift my longer each time. I also did arm exercises such as push-ups, so that I was building up muscles in my arms. After all this development, I could lift my partner around her

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Business questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Business questions - Essay Example As Jones & George say, consumption and investment rates are highly dependent on the economic aspects and the political scenario respectively (128). The political force, in my opinion, is the major determinant of successful business transactions. Political forces determine whether a society will be peaceful and stable enough to allow for investment. As Lynch indicates, the Chinese would benefit from venturing into the U.S markets as there are fewer trade barriers, alternative energy sources are in plenty, as well as the Chinese are better placed to learn new technologies that could benefit their home markets (1). With the Chinese shifting a lot of focus in the U.S markets, Lynch is of the opinion that U.S.A. will gain from job creations by the Chinese. The Chinese companies have sustained investors with loans, which is shifted to U.S economy (Lynch, 1). With the IMF expecting the Chinese outward investment to augment, the U.S assets are slowly gaining prominence among the Chinese buyers. The U.S markets and economy will automatically grow, while back at home, the Chinese manpower is grabbed by the world’s superpower (Lynch,

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Movies and TV Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Movies and TV - Essay Example Through complex and often contradictory signs, this episode shows that people cannot change their economic, political, cultural, religious, social, and gender conditions, because they subscribe to implied stereotyped myths that simplify their lives and renders complex issues of degraded humanity and declining culture as invisible. The episode depicts the complicated signs of myths in direct and indirect manners, especially those pertaining to teaching and religious signs. People accept myths, where they are â€Å"more than true† (Seger 347). Myths â€Å"connect and speak† with many people. One of the myths in the Simpson’s episode is the myth of a great teacher (Moore 404). This myth argues that a funny and creative teacher can change his/her students’ lackadaisical attitudes and behaviors toward learning and life (Moore 404). Lisa’s teacher aims to change them to model students, but in a bad way, because she has been recruited by the Movementarian sect already. The â€Å"sign† in the episode can also be indirect and contains conflicts, because Lisa struggles with her grade-sensitive personality and the need to assert her independence against social brainwashing tactics. When she falls into the brainwashing of society, the episode underscores the futility of fighting powerful institutions. Myths are better, because they make life simple and easier to understand. Another myth being dismantled in this episode is the myth of faith in God. The episode shows signs that directly attack sects like the Movementarian that takes advantage of the weak-willed and weak-minded. It, however, draws parallel with the Catholic Church, because the latter also takes money from its members in form of donation and promotes â€Å"truths† about life and how it should be lived. The Church also uses seemingly hypnotizing, repetitive chants. The main argument of this episode is that God has been turned into a lucrative business. The hero s ymbol is also present when people idolize God, because â€Å"glamour is always vulnerable to those who love it† (Postrel 354). People want a savior, someone who is more than themselves and yet seemingly similar to themselves. The episode cautions people who easily fall into the trap of blind faith, such as when people do not even check who that man waving inside the Rolls Royce car is and if there actually is a spaceship inside the barn. With the myth of faith and the superhuman God, people are lambs that can be led astray to their misfortune and death. The Simpsons also perpetuates and questions gender roles and stereotypes. Neuhaus argues that The Simpsons presents a comparatively placid appraisal of domestic gender roles (762). On the one hand, it â€Å"playfully and humorously questions the function of the nuclear family in American society† (Neuhaus 762). Marge always forgives Homer, no matter how insensitive and irresponsible he can be as a husband and father. On the other hand, the episode also imbibes the â€Å"centrality of female domesticity to the very definition of ‘a family’ † (Neuhaus 762). Marge follows her husband’s decision, although she feels wary about it. She is still under the male grasp. The episode, however, portrays a conflicting role, when Marge escapes the Movementarian’s community and seeks help from Reverend Timothy Lovejoy. She and the Reverend save Homer

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Energy, Metabolism and Cells Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Energy, Metabolism and Cells - Essay Example Furthermore, there are four ways by which enzyme activity is regulated by the cell. Photosynthesis and Aerobic Respiration Photosynthesis and aerobic respiration are two intracellular processes that work hand in hand in order to bring about the chemical transformation of sunlight into usable energy, in the form of ATP (â€Å"Photosynthesis and Respiration,† 1999). Basically, photosynthesis is the process through which plants convert sunlight to glucose, with the chemical equation: 6H2O + 6CO2 ? C6H12O6 + 6O2. ATP for use by the plant itself is also produced by the light reactions of photosynthesis (Carter, 1996). However, since the main product of the photosynthetic process – glucose or sugar, C6H12O6 – needs further conversion into a form considered usable by the plant and animal body, this conversion is made possible by the process that complements photosynthesis: aerobic respiration (Farabee, 2007). Through aerobic respiration, ATP is produced from glucose. Th e chemical equation for aerobic respiration is C6H12O6 + 6O2 ? 6H2O + 6CO2 + 36 ATP (Burkett, 2005). This means that in the process, 36 units of ATP or energy is produced. In short, plants produce glucose through photosynthesis, and this glucose is consumed and utilized by the plant and animal to produce ATP through aerobic respiration. Photosynthesis itself is a complex process made up of the light and dark reactions. The Light Dependent Process, or Light Reactions, uses the direct energy of sunlight to produce energy carrier molecules – ATP and NADPH – needed in the second process, the Light Independent Process, or Dark Reactions, where glucose, or C6H12O6, are produced (Farabee, 2007). The Light Reactions in the thylakoid membrane of the chloroplasts, the require sunlight to strike the chlorophyll and carotene molecules in the leaves of plants in order to trigger a series of reactions that will eventually produce ATP and NADPH (Farabee, 2007). In the Light Reactions , the hydrogen atoms of water, H2O, are also removed for use in reducing NADP+ to NADPH (Kimball, â€Å"The Thylakoid,† 2011). In the ensuing Dark Reactions or Calvin Cycle, which occur in the stroma, carbon dioxide is captured and combines with RuBP, a 5-carbon chemical, to finally produce a 6-carbon glucose, C6H12O6 (Farabee, 2007). Now, in order for this glucose to be usable, it must be consumed by the plant itself or the animal but it must first be used to produce ATP through aerobic respiration. Aerobic respiration is a three-stage process where ATP is produced during each stage. Glycolysis, the first of the three stages, occurs in the cytoplasm and involves a 10-step process that ends up with the breakdown of glucose, C6H12O6, into two pyruvic acid molecules, C3H4O3, and in the process produces a net of 2 ATP and 2 NADH (Gregory, 2011). Each of the two pyruvic acid molecules now goes to the matrix of the mitochondrion for an intermediate process known as pyruvate oxidat ion or oxidative phosphorylation, and produces CO2 and an acetyl group. The acetyl group then combines with CoA to form Acetyl CoA, and producing 2 NADH in the process. In fact, there are actually two Acetyl CoA molecules at the beginning of the next stage, the Krebs Cycle, so there are two Krebs Cycles from one Glycolysis process (Burkett, 2005). The Krebs Cycle, which occurs in the matrix of the

Friday, November 15, 2019

the Chemical contamination of food

the Chemical contamination of food Food and beverages is a common term when it comes under hospitality industry. However, employees working under this sector of the hospitality industry tend to overlook a very important aspect in this industry, safety and hygiene as they continue to impress their superior or guests with their work efficiency. Safety and hygiene which both have often been neglected caused various problems and conflicts involving employers, employees and even the guests or customers of the industry. In some cases, the negligence of safety and hygiene had cause a loss in business, reputation and also legal implications to companies in this industry. Often there are cases whereby a highly reputable food and beverage outlet have lost their reputation and business due to negligence in their food preparation. Safety and hygiene is so vital that we cannot ignore the importance of it, especially in the food and beverage industry. Good and hygienic food attracts crowd. You will come across a scenario whereby people queue up just to be served in a food outlet compared to another outlet serving the same food a few doors away. The main reason behind this scene is that, the outlet serves quality and hygienic food. What draws the meaning of safety and hygienic food? It all comes about the implication of food contamination and the negligence in the preparation. Stale food cause by poor preservation and expired foodstuff are the examples which caused food contamination. Occasionally, we discover foreign objects in our food and this is due to negligence and carelessness in food preparation. Physical contamination of food Food contamination falls into three main classes of definition, and they are physical contamination, chemical contamination and also biological contamination of food. Physical contamination of food is defined as any foreign objects that falls into our food during the manufacturing or preparation process. During the manufacturing of food, carelessness plays a very important role in the contamination of food. Often we come across packed food with inedible foreign objects in it. This is caused by the carelessness and negligence of workers in the process of preparing the food. 1.1 The wear and tear of machinerys parts accidentally got mixed into the food. Lubricants that are used to grease food processing machineries are also one of the physical contaminants that got into food. There are some food processors that do not comply with FDA requirements to use only stainless steel in food preparation. 1.2 Human parts such as hair, fingernails, jewelries and clothing parts are some of the contaminants that fall into food. Employees working in the food preparation sector are not aware of the importance of proper dress code while preparing food. This negligence greatly affects the safety and hygiene of food preparation. 1.3 Storage of food is so important that many outlets do not pay much attention to it. Foods prepared are not immediately served to customers. This requires good handling such as covering of food to prevent moving objects from contaminating the food. Insects are prone to swarm around aromatic food and may cause food contamination. There are so many factors related to physical contamination of food that it is impossible to describe each and every detail herewith. Thus we will continue with some other factors such as chemical contamination of food. 2) Chemical contamination of food Chemical contamination of food is defined as food being contaminated by other chemicals accidentally. What are those hazardous chemicals? 2.1 One of the critical chemical that contaminates our food is pollution. Pollution can be classified in to the pollution of air, water and soil. 2.1.1 Pollution of air occurs when pesticide sprays are being used too near to foodstuff causing the air covering the food stuff to be full of hazardous pesticide sprays. In farms, pollution of air occurs when a large amount of pesticides spray are being used on to the plantations causing the food to be chemically contaminated 2.1.2 Pollution of water happens when untreated water is used in food preparation. Water which is not properly stored in containers might have been exposed to contaminants. Iron pipes which are used to deliver water might contain undesirable elements which might react with food which is hazardous to health. 2.1.3 Pollution of soil happens in plantations where our vegetables are being planted. Often farmers over-use animal drugs and agrochemicals which result in the contamination of soil. Soil may even consist of toxic metals from toxic waste being disposed at the area of plantation. These chemicals when consumed or ingested are extremely hazardous to health. 2.2 Food additives are often added to food to enhance the taste or to extend the shelf life of the food. However, these additives are subjected to defined exposure levels and international food safety standards. Food over exposed to food additives might result in a chemical change and will be hazardous to health. For instance, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized a few chemicals such as Bisphenol A, Melamine and Acrylamide to be a health issue when there are overly being added into food. 3) Biological contamination of food Biological contamination is defined as food containing natural occurring substances which are poisonous or hazardous when consumed. 3.1 Employees always neglect hygiene in food preparation. We have come across cases where employees work in food and beverage sector do not wash their hands after using the toilet. Employees should understand that millions of germs stick on to their hands after they use the toilet. Other than that, things that we touch everyday such as money, staircase railing or shopping carts are full of germs invisible to our naked eyes. 3.2 In food preparation industry, proper dress code should be implemented. This happens when workers tend to sneeze and cough when they are working. This causes a lot of bacteria or germs to land on the food, causing it to be biologically contaminated. 3.3 Food also can be contaminated biologically when raw food is being processed on contaminated surfaces. There are cases where financially poor countries attempting to make bigger profit by neglecting safety and hygiene. Raw food which is processed on surfaces contaminated with virus, bacteria, germs dirt and dust, will be extremely dangerous to health when consumed. This concludes the three contaminants that affect the safety and hygiene of food. Question 1 (b): What is the definition of portable water, explain its uses. Introduction Water is the most vital resource to life on earth. Water covers 70.9 percent of the earths surface and even 60 percent of our human body consists of water. Without food, human can live up to 49 days, however without water human being can only live up to 7 days. Clean water is extremely essential to human and other life forms. 1.1 Portable water is defined as water with total dissolved solid contents at about 150ppm which is suitable for drinking and sanitary purposes. 1.2The earth we are staying in is full of water sources. However, not all of this water is fit for consumption and sanitary purposes. In order to produce portable water, different water from different sources is treated with different ways and methods in order to produce portable water. 1.2.1Sea water undergoes desalination process by distillation. Then the water will be treated with flash ejectors. The desalinated water will then be remineralised to achieve the desired solid content level. 1.2.2Water which has been used for sanitary purposes can also be treated in order to obtain portable water. The sanitary water will undergo aerobic decomposition to remove all unwanted residues to obtain clear water. Then this water will be treated with coagulators and chlorine dosing. 1.2.3 Water from river or lakes can also be treated to obtain portable water which is fit for consumption and sanitary purposes. River or lake water will be treated with coagulator and later on chlorine dosed to obtain portable water. 1.3 Nowadays, portable water is used widely in all fields of food and beverage industry. Portable is used to ensure the safety and hygiene of the water used. We might not know the quality of water flowing from our tap but we do see packed portable water as an assurance of safety and hygiene. 1.3.1 Portable water is developed to prevent any unwanted pathogens, diseases vectors or waterborne diseases that are commonly found in water. It also prevents consumption of contaminants found to exist in popes delivering water source. 1.3.2In food and beverage industry, portable water is used widely as drinking water or in food preparation. Portable water is specially treated in order for it to be fit for consumption. Portable water may not be of only packed mineral water or drinking water. Portable water may also be referred to as filtered water by aftermarket filters attached to our water pipes. These stand alone water filters filter water to a desirable solid content and cleanliness level so that it is fit for consumption. 1.3.3Portable water is also used for sanitary purposes. As said earlier, water may contain of waterborne diseases and pathogens may be harmful to humans. Portable water is used in bathing or cleaning process so as to avoid any diseases or sickness to human being. Conclusion In conclusion, safety and hygiene is a very important aspect not only in hospitality industry but also our everyday life. Good safety and hygiene must always be practiced so in order to achieve better living. Good safety and hygiene must not only be practiced in food preparation, but also the food we eat. Always use portable water which is free of all waterborne diseases, pathogens and virus vectors for consumption and sanitary purposes. In food preparation, always practice good safety and hygiene so as to avoid any contaminants from contaminating the food in any of the means. Question 2 (a). What should the manager do about and employee who reports to work with the following symptoms: fever, coughing and a sore throat? Introduction Hospitality industry is an industry which consists of food and beverage, tourism and lodging establishment. Most of the time, employees of the hospitality industry have to service and serve guests or customers. That is why employees have to practice good safety and hygiene at all times. Food preparation is one of the fields in hospitality industry. This field requires very good practice of safety and hygiene. Employees must be in proper dress code all the time and must disinfect their hands to avoid any germs on their hands before preparing food for customers. This is very important as customers might be infected if germs appear on food-stuff. In hotels and lodging establishments, front office personnel have to face a lot of customers daily. Employees have to practice good safety and hygiene to their own grooming in order to leave a good impression to customers as the front office gives customers an impression of the whole lodging establishment. 2a. 1 If an employee reports to work with symptoms of fever, coughing and a sore throat, the manager should attend to this employee immediately. The manager must identify the seriousness of the employees illness. If the employee have serious signs of sickness and may be contagious, the employee should be stopped from work immediately. 2a.1.1 Worker with contagious sickness should not be allowed to work, especially in the hospitality industry as the hospitality industry. This is because workers often have to be in contact with customers. If employees are down with contagious sickness, customers will also be infected. 2a.2 The respective worker should be immediately stopped from work. No matter how serious the sickness symptoms are, employees shouldnt be allowed to be in contact with guests or customers. If guests are infected by employees or workers, the restaurant or hotel will lose their reputation. In some cases, restaurants even got involved in legal implications just because of customers who are infected with sickness because of employees. 2a.3 The worker or employee that reported to work with sickness symptoms like fever, coughing and sore throat should be quarantined from other workers. As said earlier, these symptoms are contagious. We certainly do not hope that because of one black sheep, all the workers and employees are being infected of any sickness. 2a.4 The manager in charge should immediately send the respective worker to the panel doctor. The employee should be given medication to suppress his or her sickness. 2a.4.1 The worker should then be given medical-leave which respect to the seriousness of his or her illness. The worker should be advised not to come back to work unless that he or she does not have anymore of sickness symptoms. 2a.5 The manager and supervisor in charge should then check all the pieces of work that the sick employees have been in contact with. The pieces of work that the employee has been in contact with should be disinfected immediately to avoid any germs from infecting other workers. 2a.5.1 The manager should also check all other workers and employees who have been in close contact with the sick workers. They should all be sent to the panel doctor for diagnostic. If they are found to be sick, they should be given medical-leave as well. 2a.6 Managers and supervisors hold a very important responsibility in monitoring employees and workers. They should be aware of the conditions of workers and employees at all times. Workers and employees have to be dismissed from work if they are found to be sick or having any discomfort. 2a.7 Finally, the manager in charge should advise and warn all workers and employees to not report to work when they are having sickness symptoms. This takes into account of the safety and hygiene of the hospitality industry where employees and workers have to be in contact with customers directly or indirectly. Conclusion Sickness symptoms like fever, coughing and sore throat are signs that lead to other contagious diseases. The fatal H1N1 and SARS are examples of contagious sickness or diseases that originates from fever, coughing and sore throat symptoms. Managers and supervisor must be alert and aware of the employees condition at all times to avoid any untoward happenings. Question 2(b) Why is hand washing so important? Introduction Safety and hygiene as one of the most important aspect in hospitality industry and must be practiced at all times. In hospitality industry, employees are required to have close contact regardless of direct or indirect with customers. That is why, safety and hygiene is very vital in this field. In hospitality industry, we always want the best for customers, the safest and even the cleanest. In food preparation segment of hospitality industry, employees must bear in minds that although they might look clean but they are not free from all sorts of germs and microorganism. Employees must at all times disinfect or clean their hand before proceeding in food preparation process. In many other segments of the hospitality industry, most of the employees have to deal with customers. Most of the time, employees have to shake hands with customers as a sign of a deal or a sign of friendship. However, not all of the employees are aware of how much transfer germs or microorganisms are involved in this hand shake. In order to practice good safety and hygiene at all times, all employees of the hospitality industry must be advised of the importance of washing their hands. 2b.1 Washing hand is define as the act of cleansing ones hands with or without the use of water or other forms of liquids, at times with the use of soap. Since we know what is washing hands but why is it so important? Why must employees of the hospitality industry wash their every now and then? 2b.2 Washing hand disinfects our hands. Washing hand is actually the best defense against all diseases. Our hands contact hundreds of foreign objects daily. All these objects contain millions of pathogens and most of them are harmful to health. These germs stick to our hands like gums to the bottom of your shoes. Since food preparation is one of the field in the hospitality industry, what happens when these pathogen are being transferred from employees hands to the food they are preparing? 2b.3 Our hands are capable of carrying millions if germs causing illness like colds, flu and diarrhea. We have come across cases where we claim that we have consumed unclean food. However most if the time, these unclean food that we are referring to, are contaminated food by germs transferred from employees hands. At times, we even do not wash hands before consuming food claiming that we did not touch anything dirty. We must be aware that no matter what we touch, we are prone to being infected by germs. 2b.4 Employees of the hospitality industry must also be enlightened of the importance of drying their hand after washing hands. It is proven that damp hands spread 1000 times more germs than dry hands. Employers play a very important role in preparing the appropriate sanitizers and hand dryers for employees use. 2b.5 Washing hand also prevents Staph infection. Staph is MRSA (Methycillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureu), a kind of flesh eating bacteria lurking in sweaty areas. As we all might have known, kitchen is a very hot place. Kitchen attendants must beware of the infection of these bacteria. These bacteria are known to lurk around areas where there is sweat. Kitchen attendant work long hours in the kitchen causes them to sweat a lot. However, washing hands with proper soap or sanitizer totally removes these bacteria. 2b.6 Research shows that there are millions of germs hiding under our watches, bracelets and rings. Employees of the hospitality industry must be aware of this. Whenever employees wash their hands, they must also clean of disinfect these jewelries. However, in some field of hospitality industry, employees are not allowed to wear any piece of jewelries in order to prevent their hand from infected by germs and transferred to customers. 2b.7 Employees must also remember to wash their hands after using the toilet. The toilet is one of the spots with the highest number of bacteria and germs lurking around. Statistics shows that the number of germs on our hand doubles after we use the toilet. This is extremely dangerous as we may bring germs of various diseases with us on our hands and may be transferred or infected to customers at any time. Conclusion Washing hands is the most basic step in safety and hygiene in hospitality industry. Employers play an important role in ensuring the employees to wash their hands whenever necessary. The importance of washing hand does not apply only to employees of the hospitality industry but also to all of us. As said earlier, washing hands is the best defenses against all kinds of diseases as our hands are use for a lot of purposes including food consumption. In order for a disease free healthy living, always bear in mind the importance of hand washing and always practice good safety and hygiene starting from hand washing.

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

How Games Makes a Better World

How games can make a better world A few months ago I saw a talk by Jane McGonigal on TED. com. She has been a game designer for about 10 years now and she had some really interesting ideas about how we spend way to little time playing videogames. We are currently spending 3 billion hours a week playing online games. That might sound like an awful lot of playing games and not so much solving problems like hunger, poverty and climate change. But according to her research, we have to increase that playtime to 21 billion hours a week to survive the next century. Have you ever heard about an â€Å"epic win†?That’s when you succeed with something and the outcome is so extremely positive that you didn’t even know that it was possible. What we need is to transfer epic wins into the real world. But that’s not an easy task. In game we become the best version of our self. When we are playing games we get much better confidence and we are much more likely to stand up and try again after failure, as opposed to when we try to tackle real life problems. In game the missions and problems that you have to solve are always match to the level you’re currently at. That means that before you even start, you know it’s possible.You have to work hard to succeed, but you know it’s possible. When we face a problem in real life we often don’t feel the same way. We often feel overvalued by the problem, depressed or frustrated. In game you rarely feel that way. So what is it in games that make us feel like we can achieve everything? What is it that games have that the real world doesn’t? When you’re first showing up in a cooperative online game, like Guild Wars, World of Worldcraft or Little Big Planet, there are people that are willing to support you with a world saving mission right away.All these collaborators that are willing to help you achieve your epic mission is nothing that exist in real world situations. Thereà ¢â‚¬â„¢s also a lot more positive feedback in games than it is in the real world. Games like Guitar Hero always boost your confidence by giving bonus point when you for instance managing to play all the notes right at a really difficult part of a song. Or when you make an awesome slide in the middle of the solo. You don’t get that kind of positive feedback in real life. When I’m done cleaning my room, I wont get â€Å"+1 cleaning†. Or when I’ve finished this homework I wont get â€Å"+25 school†.The problem is that it’s so rewarding to play computer games that many people decide to spend almost all of their time in this virtual world. Just because they think the virtual world is better than the real one. So far, gamers have spent 5,93 million years solving the problems in World of Worldcraft. Imagine if we somehow could transfer all that problem solving in to the real world! How we could do this has been a mystery for me ever since I heard h er speech. Until now that is. Just a few days ago I read a really interesting article in the news magazine â€Å"Ny Teknik†.The article was written by Helen Ahlbom and she gave some very good examples on how we are already making the world better with games. Nissan and Fiat has developed new cars models that save your fuel efficiency in an onboard computer. You later upload your statistics to their website and compete with each other on who can drive most eco friendly. I got so interested by these new ideas that I just had to visit Fiats website to see it for myself. It appeared that the transferring of all the good stuff from games to the reality had already begun.The game gives you a lot of positive feedback on your driving, much like the feedback I earlier said you didn’t get for real world accomplishments. I’ve already started making my own computer games. I always thought that computer games was just something silly you played when you where bored. But now I see how games can make the real world a better place. These new ideas has really got me thinking and I think that this is something that I actually would like to have as a job in the future. ———————– A portrait taken by the photographer Phil Toledano of a gamer on the verge of an epic win This is a screenshot from Fiats website

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Max Weber †Bureaucracy Essay

Describe the principles of organisation (sometimes known as the ‘classical organisations principles’) in a bureaucracy. What are the pros and cons of working in a bureaucracy? What was Max Weber’s contribution to the study of bureaucracy? At the beginning of the 20th Century, after the industrial revolution began, theories of classical management began to emerge. The industrial revolution was a massive turning point in history and the economic market was transformed for the better. The world average capita increased over tenfold (Maddison, Angus. The World Economy: Historical statistics, 2003). With the increase in the average income, there was an increase in jobs. The downside to this was that managers had a bigger workforce to deal with and were unsure how to train them and deal with them professionally and effectively. Henri Faylor was considered to be the founder of the classical school of organisation. In 1916, he constructed 14 principles or organisation that could be applied worldwide and in all workplaces. His 14 principles are as follows: 1: Division of labour- allocate tasks to specific workers, and then they know their job 2: Authority- Management are in charge and give orders 3: Discipline- employees listen to these orders 4: Unity of command- only one superior gives orders 5: Unity of direction- One manager, one plan 6: Subordination of Individual Interests to the general interests- Business comes first and foremost 7: Remuneration- Fair wage to all workers 8: Centralisation- the allocated decision makers 9: Scalar chain- communication goes through the chain of command 10: Order- allocated place for employees and materials 11: Equity- kindness and fairness from employer to staff 12: Stability of tenure of personnel- keep staff turnover to a low 13: Imitative- praise and reward employees who carry out tasks without being asked 14: Espirit de corps – keep team moral high Faylor, along with Max Weber studied management roles and believed they  found a revolutionary way in which managers should behave in the workplace, train and react towards their staff to increase productivity, therefore profits. Their theories and principles (though have been tweaked and slightly updated) have lasted the test of time and are still being used in many workplaces today. There are three assumptions based on the classical theory 1-The relationship between employees and management is defined by means of formal structured communication process, defined tasks, defined accountability, and formalised procedures and practices, defined tasks, defined accountability, and formalised procedures and practices to avoid any conflict in their relationship. 2-Workers have been treated as economic man who can be motivated by means of money only. 3-Workers have been considered as a product of means of production or as a cog in the wheel. (International Research Journal of Finance and E conomics-Issue 41, pg 61, 2010) The theories and principles of classic management play a major part in bureaucracy. The rules and guidelines of bureaucracy are very clear and can be identified easily. The higher up in the company you are, the more power and authority you have. The lower you are placed in the company; you will have little to no authority. The principles of bureaucracy are as follows 1- Hierarchy of authority: Managers sit at the top of the hierarchy. They give orders and commands and their subordinates must obey. 2-Unity of command: each member of staff deal with one superior and only one! They will deal with this superior for all reasons concerning work – tasks, problems etc 3-Task specialisation: workers with specialised knowledge will use this to carry out specialised tasks. 4-Responsibilities and job descriptions: Each employee follows their allocated job. They know what is exactly required from them at work. 5-Line and staff functions: Staff managers are there to serve the company and to help make it a success. Staff mangers are not there to carry out primary purposes. (DuBrin, Andrew, Essentials of management, pg257, 2009) Max Weber’s part in classical management is very much geared towards bureaucracy and believed its the most efficent way to organise a successful business. Weber felt that too many businesses were being ran on a personal level and that owners/managers should not treat their staff as friends, but  their attitude towards their subordinates should be strictly professional. Weber argued that a professional relationship would not only be beneficial to the buisness, but also to the staff. Staff would know their job role clearly and any promotions made would be given to members of staff based on their hard work ethic and not on their personality or personal relationship with the the employer. Weber outlined the charcteristics of bureaucracy as follows: 1-A continuous organisation of official functions are bound by rules. 2-Specialised – Staff know exactly what is expected of the. 3-A clearly defined hierachy of offices- Each official knows who to report to. 4-Rules – a re clear and all members of staff are made aware of them. 5-Impersonal- equality to all. No hatred or favourtism. 6-Free selection of appointed officials- officials are appointed through qualifications and not through bias or favour. 7-Full-time paid officials- the higher the hirearchy rank, the higher the pay. 8-Career officials- promotions is based only on merit and not by favour. 9-Private/public split – business and private life are completely seperate. 10-Discipline and control within the workplace. (www.HRMguide.com) Bureaucracy made modern civilisation possible (DuBrin, Andrew, Management essentials, 2012, pg265) Bureaucracy is severely required in large firms – without it there would not be structure and therefore the businesses would not run in an orderly manner, therefore would not thrive and expand. Without expanding businesses we would not have the privilidge of such advanced technologies, certain medicines and many other luxuries we all enjoy today. Labour is divided out in a bureaucracy, therfore all staff members know there job and what is exactly expected of them. If an employee is good at their job, it gives them confidence in what they’re doing, therefore makes them more at ease within their workplace. Rules and guidelines are explained to them from the outset, so discrepancies are generally kept to a minimum. As I outlined before, bureaucracy allows those within a workplace to be promoted on the basis of their skills and work ethic rather than being promoted because of their personality or  personal relationship with higher management. Weber highly advocated his principles, but he was also aware that it would not be without fault. He even pointed out a fault of bureaucracy himself – â€Å"Iron cageof control†. This refers to Weber’s feelings that when individuals work within a bureaucracy, they get â€Å"trapped in a system that is purely based on teleological effeiceny, rational calculation and control† (www.corwin.com) Weber’s views on bureacracy have also come under scrutiny from fellow sociologists. Argytis (1957) argued that people who follwed classical management theories were more likely to be unhappy and fail within the workplace. He felt that people working within a democracy are treated like children, they work to a short term perspective and have minimal control over their working lives – adults don’t respond well to being treated this way at work and therfore will not respond well towards the company/business. Another disadvantage of working in a democrac y is what is referred to as ‘Red Tape’. This refers to all the paperwork and procedures that is required when working in a demococracy. Weber’s views were that this negative impact was not meant to be included in his theories. When a bereacratic form has been implimented within a workplace, its very hard to remove, so therefore employers who wish to change the dynamics of their business and get away from a bureacratic form may find this a very lenghtly and costly process to do so. Generally, companies want their staff to use their time at work produtively and effectively – time is wasted in a bureaucracy as the chain of command is used, therefore employees speak to their senior, who then report to theirs and so forth. If an employee were able to go straight to the manager in charge, this would save time and money – profit in a company is crucial to keep it running. There are two main types of organisation structure. The flat structure and the tall structure. The flat structure represents organisations with few levels in the hierarchy which have a broad control span, as opposed to the tall structure which has more levels however more focused areas of control. There are many benefits of the flat structure. As there are fewer hierarchical levels there is less ‘administrative distance’ between grades which makes communication a lot easier. It also makes the organisation a  lot more personal without contradicting Weber’s principle of keeping professional relationships. Also, as the span of control is so vast it is vital to employ competent employees to ensure a smooth operational process, resulting in a better workforce and meeting business objectives. However the main disadvantage of this structure is perhaps the authoritarian structure itself. In order for this structure to function properly there must be a definite split between superiors and suborinates otherwise the authority levels are undermined. Group conflicts are more likely in a â€Å"them versus us† situation, and if a manager socialises with their staff they are merging the statuses of the groups. Communications between subordinates often become a problem, as there is no difference in authority between the grades. Then there is the tall structure, which many people often prefer because of the number of hierarcical levels. This gives more scope for promotion prospects which in turn generates a motivated workforce. Certain orginisations require this form of structure, one of the best examples being the military and its rank structure. It has many levels of authority, which is more effective when dealing with instant decisions and rapid adaptations ‘on the ground’. Other organisations like this are the fire service, police and hospitals. So both structures have pros and cons, and work well in different situations. Whichever structure may fit the organisation better it is plain to see that a bureaucracy benefits it more than it would disadvantage it. Being in a bureaucracy is better for the company, and the staff within it, resulting in a better managed and motivated workforce which is turn increases productivity and professionalism. Bibliography DuBrin, Andrew. Essentials of management, 2009. DuBrin, Andrew. Essentials of management, 2012. International Research Journal of finance and economics – issue 41, 2010 Maddison, Angus. The World Economy Historical statistics, 2003 www.corwin.com (visited site on 12/11/2012) www.HRM.guide.com (visited site on 12/11/2012 Word count including quotes and references-1722

Friday, November 8, 2019

Phil 2200. Ethics Essays

Phil 2200. Ethics Essays Phil 2200. Ethics Essay Phil 2200. Ethics Essay A. New Uses A bucket is a home object used for various purposes at home, and the applications include; washing clothes, fetching water. Other uses for the bucket include bathing, cleaning of the utensils and keeping them, storage of trash collected in the house, storing water for drinking, transportation of goods from one place to another, building the rocket stove, making a water filter. It is also used as a fire extinguisher, grow food. Harvesting rainwater, heating up water, raising chicken. B. Exotic Association In the activity, I found the following words in the book I used, soft, green, power, grab, and jug. The word soft is not related to the bucket. Green is related to the bucket since the bucket may either be in the color green. There is no power connection to the bucket in any form. There is a link between the grab and the bucket since when you want to move from the bucket from one position to another you have to grab it. Jug is a house object similarly a bucket is a home object. C. New Ideas Topic: Workplace violence Workplace violence refers to the threat of violence against workers in a working area. It may involve physical assaults, verbal abuse, threats or homicide. To deal away with the issue secure the place by incorporating video surveillance mechanism, install alarm systems, increase lighting illumination in the area. The second way to address the issue is by equipping the field staff with cell phones and alarms, which are handheld, make them prepare a daily work plan and ensure that you keep a person who is in charge of putting or keeping contact with the workers throughout the day. Provide intensive maintenance of the employer vehicles for emergency purposes. In life, people perceive things differently. The way a person judge something might be entirely different from the way other people see it. The whole idea emerges from the Critical or creative thinking, decision-making and problem-solving. These are the essential life skills that every individual ought to make either inductive or deductive judgments.

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Definition and Usage of Union in Mathematics

Definition and Usage of Union in Mathematics One operation that is frequently used to form new sets from old ones is called the union. In common usage, the word union signifies a bringing together, such as unions in organized labor or the State of the Union address that the U.S. President makes before a joint session of Congress. In the mathematical sense, the union of two sets retains this idea of bringing together. More precisely, the union of two sets A and B is the set of all elements x such that x is an element of the set A or x is an element of the set B. The word that signifies that we are using a union is the word or. The Word Or When we use the word or in day-to-day conversations, we may not realize that this word is being used in two different ways. The way is usually inferred from the context of the conversation. If you were asked â€Å"Would you like the chicken or the steak?† the usual implication is that you may have one or the other, but not both. Contrast this with the question, â€Å"Would you like butter or sour cream on your baked potato?† Here or is used in the inclusive sense in that you could choose only butter, only sour cream, or both butter and sour cream. In mathematics, the word or is used in the inclusive sense. So the statement, x is an element of A or an element of B means that one of the three is possible: x is an element of just A and not an element of Bx is an element of just B and not an element of A.x is an element of both A and B. (We could also say that x is an element of the intersection of A and B Example For an example of how the union of two sets forms a new set, let’s consider the sets A {1, 2, 3, 4, 5} and B {3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8}. To find the union of these two sets, we simply list every element that we see, being careful not to duplicate any elements. The numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 are in either one set or the other, therefore the union of A and B is {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 }. Notation for Union In addition to understanding the concepts concerning set theory operations, it is important to be able to read symbols used to denote these operations. The symbol used for the union of the two sets A and B is given by A ∠ª B. One way to remember the symbol ∠ª refers to union is to notice its resemblance to a capital U, which is short for the word â€Å"union.† Be careful, because the symbol for union is very similar to the symbol for intersection. One is obtained from the other by a vertical flip. To see this notation in action, refer back the above example. Here we had the sets A {1, 2, 3, 4, 5} and B {3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8}. So we would write the set equation A ∠ª B {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 }. Union With the Empty Set One basic identity that involves the union shows us what happens when we take the union of any set with the empty set, denoted by #8709. The empty set is the set with no elements. So joining this to any other set will have no effect. In other words, the union of any set with the empty set will give us the original set back This identity becomes even more compact with the use of our notation. We have the identity: A ∠ª ∅ A. Union With the Universal Set For the other extreme, what happens when we examine the union of a set with the universal set? Since the universal set contains every element, we cannot add anything else to this. So the union or any set with the universal set is the universal set. Again our notation helps us to express this identity in a more compact format. For any set A and the universal set U, A ∠ª U U. Other Identities Involving the Union There are many more set identities that involve the use of the union operation. Of course, its always good to practice using the language of set theory. A few of the more important are stated below. For all sets A, and B and D we have: Reflexive Property: A ∠ª A ACommutative Property: A ∠ª B B ∠ª AAssociative Property: (A ∠ª B) ∠ª D A ∠ª (B ∠ª D)DeMorgan’s Law I: (A ∠© B)C AC ∠ª BCDeMorgan’s Law II: (A ∠ª B)C AC ∠© BC

Sunday, November 3, 2019

Warranties Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Warranties - Research Paper Example In case a service or product does not perform as promised, the warranty should ensure that exchanges or repairs are done in regard to the product (Martin, 2000). Basic information about warranties 1. They are loved by retailers On a factual basis, most of the retailers usually get more profit from the warranty contracts that they would get from the sale of the products. In actual sense, a consumer pays a price that is higher by approximately 20% or 10% in order for a warranty to be extended by the manufacturer. Most of the retailers would most probably subcontract the deal with a third party company for half the amount paid so as to avoid the risk that is involved with the risks. That is a strategy that may be used by companies in an attempt to maximize on their revenue. 2. The consumer may already be covered but he or she is not aware The holders of American express cards usually have the privilege of the extending the length of the warranty from the manufacturer by a year while the holders of a MasterCard or visa signature usually have the time doubled. There are also some manufacturers who may offer a discount rate that is fixed if the product’s level of damage does not reach the level of return. 3. The warrant will most probably not be used People usually enter into warrant contracts so as to reduce the risks that may be involved in case the product that has been purchased does not perform as expected. Most of the appliances that are bought with a warrant do not in most of the times break down. 4. Types of warranties 1. Manufacturer’s warranty This form of warranty is a warranty that is drafted and written by the manufacturer and included in the products that are produced by the manufacturer. The company usually guarantees that its products will be free of any defects for a specified time period after the day of purchase. The warranty however does not cover any accidental damages that are caused by the user to the product. In such an agreement , repairs or replacement of the product are usually done freely by the manufacturer (Barron, 2000). 2. Extended warranty This type of warranty is also known as a service contract. This type of warranty is an agreement that signed between the selling company and the consumer or a consumer and a store that is in offers coverage on behalf of the manufacturer for a fee. Manufacturers usually do not provide warranties that are extended but the store or retail store in which the product is purchased usually offers the warranty. The extended warranty is usually added as a cost to the price of the product. The purchaser of a product should ensure that the warranty is done in writing and he or she should not rely on the salesperson to make an explanation in regard to the warranty. 3. Store warranty A store warranty can be perceived to be another name for an extended warranty or service contract. In such a scenario, the store offers to extend a warranty for a fee. The warrant is associated wi th a risk in that if the store runs out of business, the purchaser will be left without any form of coverage (Parisi, 2000). 4. Third party warranty The warranty can also be called a service contract. The warranty is different from a store warranty on the side of the company that offers the coverage of the warranty. The consumer will have to pay for the extended warran

Friday, November 1, 2019

Leading change at Corus Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Leading change at Corus - Essay Example 91). Implementing change sometimes require a sense of urgency. Of immense importance is to understand change, drivers and barriers of change and identify strategies and initiatives geared towards leading change effectively. This study explores and examines changes that have occurred at Corus, how the company has managed them, barriers that have been faced concerning change and reasons for the changes. Tata Steel Group is the world’s sixth largest producer of steel. Corus forms part of the group in Europe being the second largest producer of steel in Europe with approximately  £12 billion annual revenue. Corus produces over 20 million tons annually in U.K. and Netherlands. The company has a global network of service centers and sales offices employing about 42000 staffs across globe (Corus, 2010). Corus has been a leader in supplying steel to various markets across the globe. Long Products Business is Corus’ business unit that manufactures steel in France, Scotland and England. The three units produce various steel products that range from wire rod to the steel plate to steel rail. Key markets for the Long Products Business include engineering, construction, mining, machinery, earthmoving equipment, fastening, rail and ship building. Continuous improvement gives business a competitive advantage enabling it to stick ahead of its competitors and also increase market share. Good use of experience and skills enables organizations to enhance better products and processes. In the context of Corus, the company uses continuous improvement to drive new and innovative products development and meet customers’ needs (Corus, 2010). Continuous improvement practices have enabled Corus to solve problems that face its steel works and win significant contracts. Continuous improvement practices coupled with the dynamic market environment gives

Wednesday, October 30, 2019

UCAS application questionnaire - additional personal statement Essay

UCAS application questionnaire - additional personal statement - Essay Example Therefore, with the increasing human population, various issues arise like environmental degradation, overpopulation, poverty, and drought as well as human conflict, which need urgent attention as a way of preserving humanity and expediting it to keep in touch with the constant changes2. I also want to empower others after my training so that they can embrace education and knowledge. This degree will equip me with the necessary knowledge that is applicable in the outside world to solve real issues at the grass root level. This empowerment will pave way for innovativeness and knowledge that is a key factor in actualising the daily solution of problems that are recurrent and threatening to the existence of mankind. As the common saying goes, â€Å"Knowledge is power†, I am optimistic that by the time of completion of my course, I will have attained general and specific knowledge3. This automatically means that my whole perception of the world will have changed and hence my decision making will be rational. Apart from the knowledge acquisition, I will also improve my interrelation with others. Through the constant interaction with my classmates, who will be from diverse origins, I will be able to understand them more and empathise with them. This interaction will also foster inner understanding of others and in the long run lead to peaceful coexistence since all education and technological inventions will not be useful without peace. Technological improvements will revolutionise the whole concept of business. In the next decade, business activities will primarily be run through the internet since it bridges the gap between the producers and consumers4. Through the introduction of online buying and selling of goods and services, the world has become a better place as all the required business transactions that were initially manual will be fully computerised. Transport and communication will be swift and broadened in that many people will

Monday, October 28, 2019

The cookie program Essay Example for Free

The cookie program Essay 1. Can you identify examples of decision about each part of the mix that are being made in the cookie program? Yes, the decisions made on the cookie program is the Four Ps. Product what is being sold is the top selling girl scout cookies (thin mint, do-si-dos, trefoils, samosa, lemon chalet cream, and tagalongs Place the girl scout have to go to places that are very populated such as shopping center where there is a lot of people and money is being spend. Promotions are commercial the Girl Scout organization make. The girls make sings for their table and have sing to attract people attentions. Pricing now the girl scouts are charging $4.00 rather than $3.50 this makes it better because is solid dollar amount and no change. This makes it easier for the girls to keep track of their money and is no change involve. 2. How well do you think the Girl Scout cookies succeed in relationship marketing? I feel like they are very successful in relationship marketing. They are very good at customer loyalty because there area lot of people that like their cookies a lot of their customer always wait for the girls scout to start selling cookies. Another factor of relationship marketing is interaction, they are taught to be very polite and say thank you to people even if they dont buy cookies. They are very good at interacting with since they are always asked what the money of the cookies is being used for. Long-term engagement is s strategy that directly engages consumers and invites and encourages consumers to continue to buy more Girl Scout cookies. 3. Do you think the experience of cookie selling, and more generally the lesson you might learn from this course about marketing and sales, can still be beneficial, especially to someone who might find the activities so hard? Yes I feel like the experience of cookie selling and learning about marketing and money management is very beneficial to a girl scout. They get a life lesson and have an early perspective on how to manage money. It also teaches the girls scout how to do marketing which could help them in the future with marketing a school car wash or a sport event. They also get to see the actual side of sale because they get to talk to a professional sales trainer Jeff Goldberg that helps them in the future.

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Listening Report Essay -- essays research papers fc

Concert Analysis: Songs Around the Word I Offer Thee by Allen Ridout 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Gregorian chant consists of a single-lined melody and is monophonic in texture. This piece also consists of these basic structures as well as not having any harmory or counterpoint. This piece performed by U of I faculty member Steven Rickards, is sung a cappella. 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  This piece differs from the traditional Gregorian chant of the Middle ages because of the jumps and leaps presented in the piece, which show that the piece was written after the period. Another reason it differs from chant is because this is plainchant rather than Gregorian. It is also sung in English, rather than the traditional Latin text. Ahavant Olam by Ben Steinburg 3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Cantillation, according to the Harvard Music Dictionary, is to chant or recite (a liturgical text) in a musical monotone; recitation or reading with musical modulations. One of its features is that the piece is straight out of the torah 4.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  One of the main reasons why this piece has a Jewish sound is it is in minor key, giving it the drama of a jewish piece. It also has a monotonic sound present. In some parts of the piece, the vocalist embellishes some of the long syllables, making it melismatic. Mizi Westra did a great job of bringing out the main idea of the text which is peace and love. 5.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The main role of the piano on this piece is to establish the melodic idea. The pianist, Amy Eggelston, lets the vocalist take over but makes it like they are singing together. The pianist plays just as an important role as the vocalist, making her not an accompanist. Leit etter livet by Christian Sinding 6.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I believe that the piece is talking about happiness and fulfillment. The piece is entitled Leit etter livet which translated means â€Å"Seek after Life and Live it.† The performer exemplifies this with his happy singing and the piano has an ascending line that also portrays happiness. Det forste by Edvard Grieg 7.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Mr. Samuelson interprets the piece in a few ways. First, with his urgency. He displays his passion and oneness of the music. He uses lots of dynamics and also in some cases bends the pitch, which makes the piece more interesting. He also displays a gre... ...he violin. It was raspy in nature and did not flow with the violin. What really impressed me about the duo of Hunt and Enzinger was their patience. They never rushed tempos and took their time with melodies, making the outcome a beautiful performance. The music was simple and could have been rushed but never did. Overall, this concert was very well put together and the musicians were very classy and talented. I wish we had that many talented musicians here at this university. I would recommend this concert to anyone who has an interest in vocal music. Bibliography Sacred sound and social change : liturgical music in Jewish and Christian experience By:  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Lawrence A Hoffman; Janet Roland Walton Notre Dame : University of Notre Dame Press, 1992. The Triumph of Pierrot, The Commedia dell'Arte and the Modern Imagination, Martin Green and John Swan, rev.ed. 1993, Penn State Press. The Life of Debussy   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Author: Nichols, Roger 184 pages Pub. Date: Jun 1998, Publisher: Cambridge Univ Press Joseph machlis,Kristine Forney. The enjoyment of music. 9th edition. Ww Norton and company, 2003. new york Websters Music dictionary of music,

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Mariano Azuela’s the Underdogs

Mariano Azuela’s The Underdogs, is about a brotherhood of the Mexican people taking a journey with only one thing on their mind; revenge against Huerta and the Federales. In this story, we as the reader are confronted with characters, such as Demetrio Macias, who is destined to lead his people into the depths of retaining an incorrupt lifestyle and hopes to find peace from the effect of war. Although Demetrio is seen as one of the main characters in the novel, we are also briefly engaged in the other revolutionary forces under Pancho Villa, Carranza, Obregon, and by peasants under Zapata.These appositional forces gain strength against the Huerta government as well. The Underdogs almost symbolizes a Robin Hood story, in which, Demetrio and his peasant guerrilla forces revolt against a higher commanding army of the government, that relies on corrupting the lives of innocent people. After reading the novel, the appendix which follows, brought on a wide range of comparisons and co ntrasts between the fictional story and the real events of the Mexican Revolution.To begin, The Underdogs is depicted as a â€Å"circulatory novel† in which, Azuela suggests that Demetrio and his men never make any progress geographically, but instead are going around in circles. We can only assume that Azuela does this on purpose to make room for what he thinks is a literary connection between the story and the Revolution, in saying that the Revolution was ineffective and unsuccessful(p. 93). Although this example does not really tie into a universal agreement with the effects on the Mexican Revolution, it is interesting to gain an understanding on where Azeula’s thoughts are within his novel.However, the debate arises when the topic of ‘ignorance and confusion’ is introduced. The appendix argues that Demetrio and his army do not obtain a revolutionary mind set when it comes to fighting the Federales. Instead, they have more of a personal response. For ex ample, one of the rebellious peasants under Demetrio, whose name is Guero Margarito, says â€Å"He[General Orozco] slapped my face when I was a waiter at Delmonico’s in Chihuaha†(p. 62). We as the reader are submitted into a personal motivation that is driving Guero to take part in this Revolution.We are also informed in the beginning of the novel that Demetrio has a personal reason for joining up with the rebel forces, when he was persecuted by a powerful landowner and political boss. There also lies a demoralization within Demetrio pertaining to revolutionary decisions. At one point he says, â€Å"Truth is I don’t understand these here politics†(p. 71) and at another point in the story, he shows a puzzling understanding toward General Natera when Demetrio is asked if he’s going to side with Villa or Carranza.Both of these examples equally show Demetrios fundamental comprehension of the Revolution, which further justifies his participation in it f or personal reasons rather than political ones. Azuela also dramatizes on the caudillismo, which means, the tendency to follow the lead of strong men because of personal allegiance rather than political conviction. We see that Demetrio is a strong follower of this definition, in that he will gladly do what a strong man, such as Natera, will command him to do, without having to understand any political bounds.In comparison to the novel to the history, it is true that Demetrio and his men were very poor and unequipped when it came to uniforms and weapons, as opposed to the Federales who did obtain a more bountiful amount of armory and new technological advances, such as the machine gun, which played a hefty role in demolishing the rebel forces. In contrast to the heavy duty weapons that the Federales acquired, the Mexican rebels only had the tools that they secured off of the enemy dead, like knives, homemade weapons and the limited amount of rifles.Through the novel, Azuela writes as if we are seeing a small yet brave army with knives stand tall and victorious over a much larger group of soldiers with machine guns. However, when we read about a past historical battle between the rebels and the Federales, a revolutionary officer named Solis tells of how his soldiers were â€Å"mown down by the machine gun fire†(p. 97). But, in the story, we read that Demetrio and his soldiers charge up a hill and knife the Federales, while Demetrio â€Å"lassoes machine guns, roping them as if they were wild bulls†(p. 43).We can only accept Azuela’s decision to make it seem like the rebel forces had a chance against the Federales when indeed, they had a very slim possibility in succeeding. Although Azuela leaves out some true historical events, the appendix comments on how Azuela’s unique and descriptive style of writing still leaves a meaningful connection between the novel and the reader. For example, in one passage, Azuela describes the Villista ai rplanes in action, referring to them as something the peasants in Mexico can relate to. He first compares them to a canoe, then to an automobile, and then to bombs to the act of feeding chickens.However, it is important to note that Villa and his legendary Division del Norte are never seen in the novel, but the appendix does not argue that Azuela’s writing is very rich in respect to connecting the reader’s perception of war with his words. This also generates the panoramic atmosphere that Azuela brings across in his writing when really he is rather focusing on a limited scope(p. 98). â€Å"Azuela’s main focus in the novel is not trained on the vast historical sweep or ideological intricacies of the Revolution; his deepest interest is in its most humble protagonists†(p. 99).This quote from the appendix invites a very important question; what was Azuela thinking when he named the book, The Underdogs? Demetrio and his men are against all odds of winning the Mexican Revolution, but if we think about this question in a wider retrospect, when we actually begin to understand Demetrio or Luis Cervantes’s character even, we would agree with the appendix that these men are nothing compared to underdogs. Yes, they have come from the bottom of society, however, they are now fighting for something that they believe in, their interests, and â€Å"they are on the winning side†(p. 9). The reader is brought into a view of men who have decided to meet and rise into arms against the corruptions and injustices of their lives. In reconnecting back to the panoramic statement, the appendix comments on Azuela’s approach on fragmenting his writing and lacking history within the Revolution. Within this technique, he decides to write about the things that he himself witnessed and merely ignores the experiences of famous leaders of the Revolution like Villa, Carranza, Obregon or Zapata.Even when General Natera is in a scene with Demetrio, Azuela simply does not paint any interesting emotion within his character. Instead, Azuela is clearly focused on connecting the reader with the underdogs in any chance he gets. The appendix describes that, â€Å"Their faces, expressions, actions, thoughts, hopes, and fears fill the pages of the novel†(p. 100). Azuela has also been deliberately attacked with accusations regarding his misunderstanding of the Mexican Revolution in regards to his fragmentary approach to writing The Underdogs.However, he simply explained in an interview that he was just trying to show â€Å"the forest and not the trees† or the ignorance of the abuses and the personal benefit from the Revolution(p. 101). In this case, Azuela did succeed. In reading Anita Brenner’s Review of the novel, she says that it is an â€Å"isolated masterpiece† however, she fears that there are still flaws within the novel. For example, she feels as though the story races and does not build like his othe r ones.She thinks that a foreign reader of Azuela’s work would â€Å"mistake fatigue for futility† and come to the conclusion that these rebel forces of men would have been killed for no practical purposes when their lives signified a spiritual change(p. 118). Since Azuela is not categorized as a post-revolutionary idealist, a reader may think that these men died for a less heroic cause, when this isn’t true at all. Brenner also comments on the lack of feeling she gets when reading the English version of the novel as opposed to the Spanish version.She ends with awkward and misunderstood phrases that the translator decided to use and remarks on how the â€Å"greatest modern book can only be retained in its true Spanish tongue†(p. 119). In conclusion, The Underdogs, by Mariana Azuela symbolizes a double-edged sword. In one viewing, it foreshadows the succession that Azuela mirrors within his words as applying a distinct focus on the protagonists; the pictur esque and real emotions depicted by Demetrio and his army. And in a second, more authentic notion, almost fails to unite with the Mexican Revolution through Azuela’s fragmentation approach and limit on historical events.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Issues Concerning IT Outsourcing

Companies are increasingly outsourcing the management of information technology (IT) for reasons that include concern for cost and quality, lagging IT performance, supplier pressure, access to special technical and application skills, and other financial factors. The outsourcing solution is acceptable to large and small firms alike because strategic alliances are now more common and the IT environment is changing rapidly. Although the mix of factors raising the possibility of outsourcing varies widely from one company to another, there are a series of themes that explain most of the pressures to outsource. First of all, general managers† concerns about cost and quality drive outsourcing. The same issues such as getting existing services for a reduced price at acceptable quality standard came up repeatedly. Second, failure to meet service standards can force management to find other ways of achieving reliability. It is not atypical to find a company in which cumulative IT management neglect eventually culminated in an out-of-control situation the current IT department could not recover from. Management can see outsourcing as a way to fix a broken department. Third, a firm under intense cost or competitive pressures, which does not see IT as its core competence, may find outsourcing a way to delegate time-consuming, messy problems so it can focus scarce management time and energy on other differentiators. Next, several financial issues can make outsourcing appealing. One is the opportunity to liquidate the firm†s intangible IT asset, thus strengthening the balance sheet and avoiding a stream of sporadic capital investments in the future. Also, outsourcing can turn a largely fixed-cost business into one with variable costs. This is particularly important for firms whose activities vary widely in volume from one year to another or which face significant downsizing. Outsourcing has identified numerous potential benefits. Financial benefits from outsourcing included rapid funding of new systems development and economies of scale and scope. As consolidate infrastructure through IT outsourcing, a firm can experience cost reductions in hardware and software licensing, facilities, and support headcount. Outsourcing, also, can capitalize on an outside vendor†s extensive IT problem solving knowledge. An outside vendor had the ability to get more of the technology that came out. They could spend money on investments that a company couldn†t afford internally. That opens up a lot more avenues to future technologies. An outside vendor would manage the IT function more efficiently. A vendor†s main competency is managing computer systems. Through their skills, leverage, and economies of scale, they could provide a level of efficiency that could not be achieved at the outsourcer. Finally, Perhaps most important, outsourcing allow internal IT managers to focus on the development of a new IT infrastructure. Underlying the outsourcing effort is a fundamental strategy to offload legacy applications and operations so a firm could focus on developing new strategic application to support the global business processes, which were being reengineered. There are many ways to manage IT outsourcing since every company has different culture, strategy, structure, people, and process. Also, many important issues such as structure, Information management operating processes, management processes, human resources management should be clarified. However, I†m here going to use Xerox†s outsourcing process. A company may go through 5 phases to reach a successful outsourcing; Fact Gathering, Request for Proposal and Data Gathering, Feasibility and management Approval, Baseline Building and Evaluation, Due Diligence and Contract Awarded. At first, information management (IM) collects the facts the company faces and design team recommendation. Then IM request for information to numerous vendors. After compare their response with evaluation checklist which includes technical, HR, financial, contractual factors, IM conclude the feasibility of outsourcing and make recommendation for management. Then, with the Management†s approval, IM start to build best-case model and contract terms while evaluate the vendors† proposal using evaluation checklist again. Then, the final negotiation and selection for contract development will be made and, finally, terms are finalized and contract is drafted. Many outsourcing contracts are structured for very long periods in a world of fast-moving technical and business change. Eight to ten years is the normal length of a contract in an environment in which computer chip performance is shifting by 20 to 30 percent per year. Consequently, a deal that made sense at the beginning may take less economic sense three years later and require adjustments to function effectively. Exacerbating the situation is the timing of benefits. The first-year benefits are clear to customer, who often receives a one-time capital payment. The customer then feels relieved to shift problems and issues to another organization. The situation from the outsourcer†s perspective is just the reverse. The first year may require a heavy capital payment followed by the extraordinary costs for switching responsibility to them and executing the appropriate cost-reduction initiatives. All this is done in anticipation of a back-loaded profit flow. At precisely the time the outsourcer is finally moving into its earnings stream, the customer, perhaps feeling the need for new services, is chafing under monthly charges and anxious to move to new IT architectures. If the customer has not had experience in partnering activities before, the relationship can develop profound tensions. The evolution of technologies often changes the strategic relevance of IT service to a firm. From the customer†s viewpoint, assigning a commodity service to an outsider is very attractive if the price is right. Delegating a firm†s service differentiator is another matter. The customer that made the original decision on efficiency will judge it differently if using effectiveness criteria later. IT outsourcing has so many positive effects for a company even though it still contains various problem needed to be solved. In the Internet age, any company may want to focus its internal staff on moving it to the environment that will support them tomorrow and outsourcing could be one of the best solutions. Also, outsourcing is really more of an integration of two separate businesses to be successful. Both want to take the best parts of each culture and put them together. In addition, critical success factors including existence of a multi-years, corporate commitment to the IM strategy and outsourcing, and quality culture and attitude should be considered in outsourcing.