Discussion Board Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Discussion Board - Research Paper Example Southwest Airlines is one such organization that has focused on the Low Cost Producer Strategy (bags fly free!) in order to compete in the market. Southwest Airlines offers lower cost services to customers and is a low-cost-carrier. Southwest has almost never served a meal to passengers onboard and has cut on many of the other services that most airlines provide. Since the economic turmoil, as airlines started firing employees, Southwest Airlines fired none and rather cut on the salaries of its employees. This increased the employee loyalty towards the company and strengthened the customer base. This flexible nature has enabled Southwest Airlines to purchase the highest number of 737-700s (Bundgaard, Bejjani & Helmer, 2006) The use of information technology has never the less created the risks of security breaches. Online reservation requires passengers to provide credit/debit card details, that customer are hesitant to provide. However, Southwest has made sure that no fraud ever occurs and all reservations are secured. Apple Inc., a renowned American organization specializing in computers, believes in innovation and thus makes use of Differentiation Strategy as its competitive strategy. Apple has pioneered several inventions and come up with PDA’s, iMac, iBook, iTunes, iPod, iPad etc. taking the market by storm. Apple has continued to provide customers innovation when it comes to gadgets and has created some of the finest electronic products. The differentiation strategy creates monopoly and reduces the chances of substitutes taking over. Apple Inc. has hired this policy and thus is able to pass on the costs to customers, without losing customer loyalty. This strategy is viable since Apple has rare competitors who cannot replicate Apple’s market strategy and exploit their sales. Despite strict regulations, Apple has come under numerous security breaches where its data was hacked and

Struggles for Freedom and Equality Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Struggles for Freedom and Equality - Assignment Example Martin Luther King took more of a collaborative approach. In essence, he felt that this battle was for whole America, not just the African Americans themselves. King felt that it was the duty of the humanity to act on the behalf of equality, and that a non-violent approach would go long ways to ensure that equality will be achieved for African Americans. Malcolm X was a Muslim, and believed in Muslim principles. His most famous line was â€Å"By any Means Necessary†. Malcolm X understood that to simple play â€Å"fire with fire.† This was a complete different approach to his colleague - Martin Luther King. Malcolm X understood that freedom must be achieved by any means. However later in his life, he changed his views and become more susceptible to nonviolence. Even during the famous March to Washing, Malcolm X felt that this would destroy the focal point of black freedom. In essence, he was a segregationist and was confined to the equality of African Americans within

Jørn Utzons House in Hellebæk

Jà ¸rn Utzons House in Hellebà ¦k The Architects house in Hellebà ¦k, Denmark, fifty kilometres north of Copenhagen, was built in 1953 on the designs of the great architect, Jà ¸rn Utzon, aimed to be his own home in one of his most loved areas of his country. Small, yet spacious, this dwelling is hidden in the green Danish forests not far away from the place he grew up and loved so much. This house was built at the commencement of Utzons career with limited funds: The story goes that Utzon could only afford a regular suburban lot but bought one at the end of a street, cancelled the driveway and persuaded the local forester to let him enter trough the forest instead. (Anon., May 2008) In this essay I intend to look at how this house functions, both aesthetically as well as ergonomically. I will analyze its style, layout and both its external and internal structure with references to the time and location it was built in. I will also examine the practical functions it provides. Subsequently, I am going to compare it to two other houses which either have been an inspiration for the architect or have been themselves influenced by Utzons Hellebà ¦k house. The House at Hellebà ¦k is not just another paradigm of a typical modern mid-century house but one of the very first structures to feature the trend of single-storey, flat-roofed residences with long glass walls. The whole faà §ade of the house is made up of yellow brick and large glass panels which create long uninterrupted, parallel walls. The north brick wall is completely blank in the sense that the architect punctured no windows in it at all except for the front door. As for the interior, the kitchen and the living room are situated in the core of the house while the bedrooms are at the sides and are only illuminated by roof openings due to Utzons desire to keep the bareness of the north wall. His determination to avoiding openings lead that the internal walls have no doors but mere gaps between them as passageways, and he achieved that by arranging them in such a way that the doors were ceiling high. The walls extend from ceiling to floor with black-painted wooden strips so the walls can be moved, the rooms re-arranged according to the need later on. (Jorn Utzon) By designing this house, the architects aim, was to make a modern and attractive residence that accommodated his wants and needs. At that time, he was married with children and needed a family house that would please him both aesthetically and emotionally by allowing him to enjoy the beauty of the Danish woods on his slightly elevated porch. On the other hand, he needed it to have enough room for a family while keeping the construction on a low budget. What is interesting about this residence is the fact that if you inspect it from the south, you will see a lightweight structure with thin timber framing and glass plates. On the other hand, if you stand on the north side, you will observe a heavy, stone building with no openings for the building to breathe. The south lighter side which stands on a solid brick wall, is said to be inspired by eastern, Chinese architecture. (20th century houses) With the construction of this house, Jà ¸rn Utzon was the first to bring the open-plan movement to the then conservative Denmark as it features a large open space and minimizes the use of small, enclosed rooms. This is in strong contrast with the traditional Danish houses with strictly defined rooms (Denmark, Unofficial Handbook, Royal Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 622-644). This house is yet an even more contradictory structure to that area due to the architects choice not to provide north-facing openings since the conventional housing of the 50s used to have large windows on every side. Yet, the south side and the use of brick balance everything up. One of the things that catches my eye on this house is the precise geometry in which the yellow bricks are placed. The entire building seems like it has been very carefully constructed, taking into consideration every little detail. The geometry is emphasised by the two very long parallel walls on either side. The structure of the house, resembles that of a traditional Japanese house that was designed according to the ancient Kiwari modular system. This was a very simple method of building based on standard dimensions and spacing between columns which was measured in 6 to 6.5 Shaku (1818mm to 1969.5mm)(Davies book 2). Utzon borrows this scheme and converts it into his own culture, the traditional Danish brick. In the Utzon house it is the humble brick that sets the module both externally and internally.(Davies). All the proportions are planned on an 120mm grid which is devised by Danish brick and cement joints, timber panels, floor tiles and brick paving. The Japanese influence is not only apparent in the structural elements of the house but in the interiors and decoration as well. The materials used outside are the same as inside: yellow brick, Oregon pine, aluminium and black-painted skirting boards and ceiling strips. The whole plainness of it all is what reminds me of Japanese quality. Photos of the interiors which are geometric, with straight edges, a grid-like placement of furniture, ample wide, open space and a very generous usage of long timber planks bring to my mind the simple lines that traditional Japanese architecture followed. The architect himself recalls all the different sorts of materials used in this project; walls and doors are framed with Oregon pine boards, the kitchen, grill niche, shower and bathroom are all adorned with the same yellow brick but glazed white and shiny like porcelain. The flooring in the entrance hall, kitchen and round the fireplace consists of yellow-brown oblong tiles made of clay. Utzons main inspiration for creating the Hellebà ¦k house, were Frank Lloyd Wrights Usonian houses (1936) and especially Jacobs House which was the first out of this series of small ranches in West America. The windows, the single-storey and open plan structure as well as the flat roof and the use of brick and timber were obvious elements which Utzon mimicked after Wrights work. After the Second World War, Utzon decided to travel to the United States where he stayed with Frank Lloyd Wright for several months. He closely observed the great architect who was at the peak of his career as he worked. This is very noticeable in Utzons work following that journey. Jacobs House is located in Madison, Wisconsin and was created by Wright during a major pause of his career in the 30s due to being affected by the times depression. The architects main intention was to create a large collection of such houses that were both economical and environmentally friendly. The materials used in this project were timber, stone, glass and bricks made out of baked clay, a series of resources that state a clear relation to the areas vernacular(www.usonia1.com). This is exactly what Utzon did for his own house. Wrights concept included an L-shaped floor plan with a two by two grid as a guideline. Utzon consequently used a certain pattern as well by making everything a multiple of 120mm. The living and dining areas as well as the kitchen are all in a single open area in contrast to the two bedrooms and the study which are enclosed in their own rooms. He, as well as Utzon, make the same clear distinction between the private and public areas of the house, the serving and served. The whole house is characterized by the simplicity of the materials and space. Floor heating, Chinese method. Both houses. A house in which was undoubtedly influenced by Utzons creation is Richard Hordens residence in Poole Dorset. Utzon is a great mind in the history of architecture and his Hellebà ¦k house still remains as an example of how well he could implement modern structures of the mid-century. The yellow brick is still standing symmetrically and geometrically inside the deep Danish woods.

Hollywood and the Vietnam War Essay -- Vietnam War Movies

Human history has been kept alive through a variety of mediums over the centuries. Throughout much of time, stories were told verbally to younger generations while written records and artifacts enhanced the story’s authenticity. In the late 19th and early 20th century, technology revolutionized story-telling with the invention of the video camera. Rather than hearing anecdotal stories about historic events, people could now see images of events happening all over the world. In addition, motion pictures were created to present fictional and non-fictional stories for education and entertainment. The United States, and specifically Hollywood, became the center of the film industry world-wide. The widespread social and political changes which occurred in the mid-20th century shaped the country we live in today and Hollywood began creating films about events at the time. A few common themes for this time period include racism and civil rights, communism, youth culture, musical tren ds, and the Vietnam War. The film’s director was largely responsible for the accuracy of a movie and, because of freedom of speech, directors were open to presenting these events in the manner that he or she wished. The worldwide audience and popularity of films made it an attractive medium for directors and actors to convey a variety of plots and viewpoints. As a result, film began to play an important role in how social issues, political issues, and military conflicts were perceived by the viewing public. Perceptions of historical events changed between the time immediately following the event and decades later. This is true of current issues such as the AIDS health epidemic and the military conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, and the Middle East. Perhap... ...tnam War: Three Films Hollywood Made With Honor. Retrieved November 25, 2015, from The Chicago Tribune: http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1985-04-28/entertainment/8501250766_1_vietnam-war-commercial-feature-films-vietnam-era Stone, O. (Director). (1989). Born on the Fourth of July [Motion Picture]. Stone, O. (2009, December 4). The Journal - Bill Moyers Journal - Oliver Stone. (B. Moyer, Interviewer) Public Broadcasting Service. Suid, L. (n.d.). Film Comment. Retrieved November 25, 2015, from Hollywood and Vietnam: http://filmcomment.com/article/hollywood-and-vietnam Toplin, R. B. (1991, December). The Historian and Film: A Research Agenda. Journal of American History, 78(3), 116-1163. Wetta, F. J., & Novelli, M. A. (2003, July). "Now a Major Motion Picture": War Films and Hollywood's New Patriotism. Journal of Military History, 67(3), 861-882.

Language & state of chaos Essay

The lexical choices made by Beckett in the first act show many things, such as the relationship between Estragon and Vladimir, and the confusion of the characters as to the time and the meaning of their actions. The main characters, Estragon and Vladimir, switch roles continually, so not using language as an expression of their selves, therefore the words used show no badge of identity. This shows interchangeability in the characters, so keeping the audience searching for the characters’ own distinctive personality. This role switching that not even the characters’ roles/ personalities are certain. This confusion is increased with the characters’ inclination to talk in adjacency pairs like they are both speaking from the same train of thought To say that the language is in a state of chaos suggests there is utter confusion in the play, the audience can hear and understand the individual words being said, but cannot put them into a relevant context or meaning. This ‘chaos’ is seen frequently throughout Vladimir and Estragon’s conversations; although taking turns with one another while speaking, they do not engage in a conventional conversation, one character talks about one topic, while the other talks about a different subject all together. The first moment I have chosen reflects this chaotic language; the two characters talk about the bible, beginning in conventional adjacency pairs, Vladimir: â€Å"Did you ever read the bible? † Estragon: â€Å"The bible†¦ I must have looked at it† but then the conversation starts to waver on Estragon’s part – Vladimir: â€Å"Do you remember the story? † Estragon: â€Å"No. † Vladimir: â€Å"Shall I tell it to you? † Estragon: â€Å"No. † And finally, the language and conversation between the two becomes chaotic – Estragon: â€Å"Saved form what? † Vladimir: â€Å"Hell. † Estragon: â€Å"I’m going. † This deterioration in the exchanges between the two characters shows the pettiness of them both; they seem to squabble about anything, no matter how inane it seems to the audience. This can be seen as due to the lack of meaning or activity in their lives, with them using any method of keeping boredom at bay. This interaction between the two characters shows their abuse of Grice’s maxim of relevance, as one character’s speech holds no relevance to that of the other’s. In this moment in the play there is a lot of uncertainty for both the characters and the audience, which Beckett creates mainly via the language used by the two main protagonists. The characters are unsure about what the other is talking about, Estragon: â€Å"Who? † Vladimir: â€Å"What? † Estragon: â€Å"What’s all this about? â€Å", and they are also uncertain of what really happens in the bible, Vladimir: â€Å"But all four were there†¦ why believe him rather than the others? † The audience is made uncertain of the meaning of the character’s talking about the bible, it is near the start of the play so they do not know what is to come. My second moment is different form my first as Estragon and Vladimir are now joined by two passing characters, Pozzo and Lucky, although Lucky does not speak till later on in their meeting. Pozzo speaks of how much pressure Lucky, his knook, puts on him, this is all an act on his part, but Estragon and Vladimir believe him, they repeat Pozzo’s words to add definition and to show their feelings of sadness towards him, Pozzo: â€Å"It’s terrible†¦ he must go†¦ I’m going mad†¦ I cant bear it†¦ any longer†¦ † Vladimir: â€Å"He can’t bear it. † Estragon: â€Å"Any longer. † Vladimir: â€Å"He’s going mad. † Estragon: â€Å"It’s terrible. † This makes Estragon and Vladimir look rather naive as they believe Pozzo straight away and accuse Lucky of ‘crucifying’ Pozzo, but are then told by Pozzo that he was lying. Estragon and Vladimir’s language in this moment is still chaotic, repeating themselves and each other, and showing confusion at what each other said, using the word ‘what’ several times as a response. Their ‘adjacency pairs’ are jarred and do not seem to fit together, Vladimir: â€Å"I don’t think so† Estragon: â€Å"What? † Vladimir: â€Å"I don’t know† Estragon: â€Å"Ask him†. They then go on to talk mundanely about the evening, which turns into babblings of irrelevant words, Vladimir: â€Å"Worse than the pantomime. † Estragon: â€Å"The circus† Vladimir: â€Å"The music-hall. † Estragon: â€Å"The circus† This is an example of their words and thoughts reflecting a single unit, as if it were just one person speaking, showing their relationship to be so close they are starting to think alike. This chaotic language also reflects the uncertainty theme, which runs through the play, shown through the character’s lexis and actions (seen in the secondary text). This chaos is shown when Pozzo appears to have lost his pipe, Estragon says â€Å"He’s a scream. He’s lost his dudeen. † This is a word coined by Beckett which does not seem to have any meaning, showing how Beckett uses language to confuse the audience, as it seems slightly ridiculous how Estragon makes up a word purely to rhyme with ‘scream’. The chaotic language in the play seems mainly on a humorous level, for example, in the second moment chosen Vladimir rushes off to relieve himself, while doing this Estragon shouts â€Å"end of corridor on the left†, even though both the characters and audience are aware they are in the middle of nowhere with just a tree. Both of the moments chosen show language to be in a state of chaos, thus supporting the opinion that nothing is certain in the play, although there are certain factors that make this statement debatable which should be taken into account, for example, Vladimir and Estragon’s relationship, they have known each other for a long time as they share memories etc. It can also be said that the certainty of some topics in the play is left up to the audience to understand, through the situation and the characters.

A Tragic Story Of Jerry Cruncher English Literature Essay

Jerry Cruncher is a Victorian joker in a tragic narrative. Transitioning from Jerry Cruncher ‘s amusing life to Lucie Manette ‘s tragic life creates a hearty balance go forthing the reader desiring more from each scene. His lower category dark wit contrasts the visible radiation and aired tone of the blue bloods established by Charles Dickens, the writer of â€Å" A Tale of Two Cities † . With such a sad narrative, Dickens uses Jerry Cruncher sparsely and efficaciously to supply amusing alleviation, dark comedy, and societal sarcasm to interrupt the melodrama and do the reader laugh merely plenty before immersing back into the love, decease, and unhappiness. The character Jerry Cruncher refers to himself as an honorable shopkeeper, an dry statement made by a adult male whose trade is sedate robbing. He describes this occupation as, â€Å" Goin ‘ fishing † , which is a lampoon of the chief subject, Resurrection ( Dickens chapter 20 ) . Many characters go through a Resurrection throughout the novel and it ‘s merely suiting for Jerry Cruncher ‘s â€Å" Resurrection † to be delving up organic structures. This amusing alleviation shows how Dickens is a maestro of balance. Sydney Carton, whose Resurrection is the most of import, is balanced by the amusing Resurrection of Jerry Cruncher. Ironically, it is because of this occupation that Sydney Carton can blackjack Solomon. Since Jerry dug up Roger Cly ‘s grave and did n't happen anything but stones, Sydney uses this as purchase ( the chapter with the rubric named about cards or whatever ) . This amusing state of affairs, and Jerry Cruncher surprisingly assisting non aching the state of affairs, non merely continues the subject of Resurrection, in a alone Jerry Cruncher-esque manner, but besides provides amusing alleviation to an otherwise serious secret plan turn. His idiom besides provides amusing alleviation. The chief characters speak in a prosaic, consider tone while Jerry speaks in a haphazard, random tone. The words he uses to depict serious things puts the reader at easiness. He describes sedate robbing as fishing, he describes praying as flopping, and he uses a â€Å" tungsten † for the missive â€Å" V † . These small things, Dickens is a great maestro of inside informations, assist equilibrate out the heavy dramatic subdivisions. Not merely is Jerry ‘s idiom good story, but the fact that Jerry negotiations to himself throughout the novel is every bit good. The ground he talks to himself is n't explained in the novel but it is still a genius word picture and continues Jerry ‘s hallmark amusing alleviation in serious state of affairss. Many of the funniest minutes of the novel are the conversations Jerry has with himself. Dickens uses Jerry Cruncher for dark comedy excessively. Jerry beats his married woman against the wall because she is praying, or â€Å" flopping † as Jerry calls it, for him ( Dickens chapter 14 ) . This kind of comedy can be misunderstood but Dickens ‘s usage, merely plenty, makes for more comedy in the state of affairs instead than the dark. He complains that she is praying for him and admonishes her for her aid, but the Crunchers are a lower category household and do necessitate aid to better supply for themselves. It ‘s a paradox ; Jerry wants to be good off but does n't take the aid that he needs. In the very terminal of the novel, Jerry repents about his incorrect behaviors. He pledges to be a sedate digger non a robber, and pledges to let his married woman to pray for him ( dickens terminal of book find it ) . This alteration is the concluding amusing alleviation. The realisation was expected but ne'er envisioned, for, Jerry, seemed to be the character that would n't alter in the book. Dickens, nevertheless, used this alteration to be the concluding comedy to supplement the terminal of Sydney Carton. Jerry Cruncher is a better and funnier character by altering into a sympathetic and normal individual. Wife crushing usually is n't amusing, but in the context of the state of affairs, Dickens manages it good. Jerry ‘s married woman is seeking to assist her hubby and her kid by turning to faith. He tells her to halt praying for him and that he does n't necessitate faith. After he fails at happening a organic structure to delve up, he beats her. Jerry Cruncher crushing his despairing married woman, merely seeking to assist, could be highly violative, but in the custodies of Dickens, is dark comedy at its best. With books like â€Å" Oliver Twist † and â€Å" Great Expectations † , Dickens masterfully satirizes the lower category and â€Å" A Tale of Two Cities † is no exclusion. Social sarcasm is a strength of Charles Dickens and by utilizing Jerry Cruncher ‘s character, he satirizes the lower category of London. The narratives go back and Forth between the Manettes, a rich, blue household and the Crunchers, a lower category household. The blunt contrast keeps the narrative alive and reviewing non leting the reader ‘s attending to roll. The Manettes day-to-day life, house conditions, and interaction are warm and ask foring. Lucie and Dr. Manette ne'er argue and ever talk to each other in a loving manner. And when Charles Darnay is added, Lucie ‘s and Charles ‘ conversations are every bit as loving. But with the Crunchers, their place is nil like the Manettes and every word uttered from Jerry is condescending towards his married woman. He beats h er with a shoe, with his fist ; with virtually anything and despite all of this, his boy still wants to be merely like him ; an sarcasm that Dickens uses often. The attitude Jerry has, ne'er accepting aid, in changeless denial of his illegal occupation, and maltreating his married woman, will be cyclical. Until person stairss in and rights all of Jerry ‘s wrongs, something his married woman would make if she could acquire a word in, small Cruncher will be an exact transcript of Jerry. Dickens even explicates this in his usual witty sarcasm in Chapter whatever look it up ( Dickens etc ) . This dry rhythm was directed towards the hapless. His societal commentary was to carry the hapless to assist themselves and utilize their milieus, the people they knew, and even faith to actuate and animate them to achieve a better life or at least create a better life for their kids. Jerry ‘s composite, a mastermind failing Dickens gives him, allows Jerry to do his ain Resurrection at the terminal of a book giving a sweet satisfaction to the reader. The many utilizations Jerry is used for is amazing. Jerry acts as a ironist, being a typical hapless male ne'er accepting anyone ‘s aid, a comedian supplying amusing alleviation, and a counter weight to set to the heavy melodramatic plot line of love, decease, and Resurrection. By utilizing Jerry as interruption point, the reader is able to recover their emotions lost in the old chapter. One would believe that Jerry Cruncher, with his many utilizations, would resemble more of a chief character than a minor character. Merely the glare of a great author, like Dickens, can film over the boundaries of the chief and minor characters making stimulating and every bit competent minor characters able to transport their weight, and sometimes even more so, than major characters. The manner Dickens is able to satirise so many state of affairss with utilizing merely one character is singular and shows why Dickens is considered to some as the greatest novelist in the English linguistic commu nication. With Jerry Cruncher going a dynamic character in the terminal, his character transcends minor character and becomes an in between, a in-between character. His amusing alleviation breaks the reader from the weightiness of play and allows the reader to be entertained and laugh merely long plenty before Dickens goes right back into the action. The upper category, the Manettes, provide the calamity, while the lower category, the Crunchers, provide the comedy. Jerry Cruncher was non merely a amusing character, but helped Dickens alter the universe by being Dickens ‘s whipping boy to the hapless. Social sarcasm amusing alleviation dark comedy, Amusing alleviation, delving Gravess etc, Dark comedy- married woman whipping, flopping, Social satire- the lower category, the difference the contrast of the upper category, lower category are treated less but their attitudes do n't let them to be helped, his boy wants to copy him etc,

Gross domestic product v gross national happiness The WritePass Journal

Gross domestic product v gross national happiness Introduction Gross domestic product v gross national happiness IntroductionConclusionRelated Introduction Human beings are created in a unique way. The qualities we engage differentiate us from one another, as we are gifted with unlimited blessings. We have almost full control over our actions and behaviour, which is the reason why we sometimes struggle to innovate new methodologies for our well-being. Going back in history we started our lives from caves until being part of this Global village. The question we ask, that are these changes such as measuring Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as well as Gross National happiness (GNH) really for the best? Within this assignment, in the light of Economics we will be discussing the way Nations/States manage their lives (well being). The main focus will be on explaining the differences between Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and what the state of Bhutan in the Himalayas call ‘Gross Nation Happiness’ (GNH). The assignment will then move onto discussing the main problems of measuring both GDP and GNH. GDP formally known as Gross National Income (GNI) has been elaborated from a Russian-born, American educated, and â€Å"Father of National Income Accounting†. Dr Simon Kuznet introduced the method of calculating National Income, although concept of National Income has existed for hundreds of years. Consistent measure of National Income remained invisible or nonexistent before Kuznet’s work. Byrns, R T. While the GDP and the rest of the national income accounts may seem to be arcane concepts, they are truly among the great inventions of the twentieth century. (Paul A. Samuelson and William D. Nordhaus) Like any other process, the method National Income (NI) has crossed many stages to become GDP. At this day and age we have a barometer to gauge the financial health of a Nation and yes, money plays a vital role to fulfil the necessities of life, but it has been proven that stress levels are much higher within the wealthier communities. The question, which arises here, is what is it that’s lacking, despite of having fair and good financial health, especially in developed countries, as the majority are still not living a happy life. Crabtree, S. (Oct 2009) However, GDP was intended to be a measure of economic growth. GDP was never planned to be a measure of overall social well-being. This western economic theory makes the statement that economic growth will enhance social well-being. Research has indicated that in most cases this statement is true, for example when basic human needs are better met. However, GDP is seen to be an imperfect measure, as it does not account for the environmental and social degradations that often accompany economic development. â€Å"Although gross domestic product (GDP) is not intended to be a measure of societal welfare, it is often used as such. One shortcoming as a welfare measure is that it fails to account for the non-marketed value of natural resource flows.† Turner, P. Tschirhart, J. (1999) Moreover, GDP was intended to help politicians with the circumstances of World War II. (Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2000). It was a guide to post-war economic policy and it is hard to underestimate its success. William M. Daley, U.S. Secretary of Commerce, stated that: â€Å"Since the end of World War II, when the GDP accounts were more fully developed and in wider use, the boom and bust swings are much less severe. They have had a very positive effect on America’s economic well-being, by providing a steady stream of very useful economic data.† The success of the GDP can be seen in its ubiquity, it has become the pre-eminent measure of economic and, to a large extent, social well-being. Gross National Happiness (GHN) on the other hand, which has been attributed to the former king of Bhutan, is seen more important than ‘Gross Domestic Product’ The former monarch is said to have made GNH the guiding philosophy of Bhutan’s development process, soon after his enthronement in 1972 (Thinley 2007). However, it was not until the late 1980s, that the king began to use the GNH concept openly in an attempt to ensure that economic development was in harmony with Bhutan’s culture, institutions and spiritual values (Ura and Galay 2004). Introducing Bhutan and GNH to outside ideas and institutions began in the early 1960s, and apparently picked up pace in the 1970s (Ura and Galay 2004). In that context, the GNH concept probably evolved as good-humoured play on words to make the point that the development process ought not be directed toward increasing GNP if this is at the expense of traditional values. Some critics have had difficulty in accepting the GNH concept. This is mainly due to the word ‘Gross’ as in GNH this does not appear to have any meaning, where in GNP it does, it also does not have a meaning corresponding to that in national income accounting. However, this has not prevented the GNH concept from becoming a national objective in Bhutan. Article 9 of the Constitution of this new democracy states: ‘The State shall strive to promote those conditions that will enable the pursuit of Gross National Happiness’. Furthermore, GNH has been debated around the world for many years. Nevertheless, it has received overwhelming support and encouragement from all over the world, be it scholars, educationists, politicians, researchers alike. In addition, GNH is widely discussed internationally. At least four international conferences have been held specifically on GNH, attracting participation by scholars from different disciplines and different parts of the world. (Ongmo, S Dec 2009) b) The reason for the overwhelming support and sympathy that the GNH concept is receiving worldwide is that the citizens everywhere are dissatisfied with the way societies are progressing currently in the world. They are increasingly concerned with their quality of life where GDP is the sole yardstick used for measuring social progress prompted by globalisation. Now people are demanding for more sustainable and complete approach to development taking into account dimensions such as social, environment and culture into policy framework. Comments such as the below have been made which is making GNH the next phenomenon. ‘Our industry should be boosting gross national happiness’ (Pollard, I 2008) In this context, GNH challenges the one sided measure of social progress using GDP as the only indicator. The Bhutanese government refuses to consider GDP as a good indicator enough to measure development. It argues that GDP is simply a measure of the currency that switches hands and it doesn’t take care of the growing social problems and deteriorating natural resources of a nation. (Sonam Jamtsho, Principal, Peljorling MSS, Samtse ) In today’s age, we have mentioned GNH is a potential substitute for GDP. (Ray, Debraj (1998): Development Economics, New Delhi 1998.) As we have found that GDP has failed to measure on whether it has benefited the nation or not as its only focus has been on the on economy. Factors such as natural disasters haven’t been considered which could contribute to the GDP growth as it stimulates economic activities such as increasing demands for construction. Also I have fund that the measure of GDP isn’t accurate as there is fear that statistic errors along with pollution factors aren’t being included, which would affect the overall performance. GDP also fails to measure things like quality improvement, this is due to the fact GDP can only measure the price as value, but not the quality of goods being produced. Saturday, January 31, 2009, 17:19 Also when assessing the performance of nations, GDP is often the policy used to measure wealth. However, it fails to meas ure more delecate forms of wealth, which are maybe more important to the average persons well being. Harrell, E Sep 2009. Nevertheless, I have found that changes or adbating to different policies will be a real challenge as for example swapping our UK standard of living for that of an average Bhutanese citizen would be very hard to adabt . By Eben Harrell Wednesday, Sep. 16, 2009 In contrast, GNH has become a more complete indicator as it draws upon a broader set of social, environmental and health measurement. One of the GNH creators Lyonpo Jigmi Thinley states: â€Å"We have to think of human well-being in boarder terms. Material well-being is only one component. That does not ensure that you are at peace with your environment and in harmony with each other.† GNH aims to evaluate sustainability, wellbeing and quality of life. There are nine index variables and many different metrics, which it uses to measure GNH. For example some on the key measurements include total household income, the highest level of education, the value of voluntary work and unpaid housework, natural capital such as energy, air and water quality, sustainable transportation, levels of health and education, crime, pollution and recycling levels. However, GNH faces its own limitations. Certain elements which make GNH become possible such as happiness from love is in fact hard to be measured by a rare method as people have different perceptions towards what happiness really means to them. In addition, GNH is only an indication and does not solve the real problems. For example, after releasing GNH in Bhutan, the country still faces challenges such as poverty and alcoholism. It will be argued here that the happiness revolution might, instead of bringing about the return of â€Å"utility,† ultimately condemn this concept for being simplistic, and reveal that subjective well-being cannot serve as a metric for social evaluation without serious precautions. Fleurbaey, Marc(2009) However, no measure has yet be proven to be perfect as the concept of GDP has risen concern of why the world measuring its development, progress and even sense of success by the GDP, if it does not properly account for the things that are beneficial or destructive to society. After all, the economy is just the exchange of goods and services that are meant to enhance the standard of living. Economist Alan Greenspan, and even the inventor of GDP, Simon Kuznets, warned about using GDP to measure well-being and prosperity (Haggart, 2000). Policy makers and Nations such as the U.S have intended to make positive changes to improve the structure. U.S have requested the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) to revise the way it measure’s GDP levels and growth. One of the changes consisted of switching to a chain-weighted method of computing aggregate growth which depends on the current price information. This allowed BEA to measure GDP growth more accurately by using a new, chain-weighted procedure which would eventually eliminate upward biases in the incoming data. This indicates that challenges have been reconised when gathering accurate data for GDP and that policymakers are to some extent trying to   make changes to enhance the method. However, study has shown that there are drawbacks which aren’t allowing the new measure to work as swiftly as it was intended to, as there has only been a small impact on the analysis of the macro economy. The new data, however, showed that the economy has been growing a bit less rapidly over the last few years than they had expected. The new policy also didn’t alter any estimates of the effects of monetary and fiscal policy on inflation, employment, and the budget and trade deficits. Key data on inflation, such as the consumer and producer price indexes, will not be changed, nor will the data on employment or the budget and trade deficits. On the whole, the most significant consequences of the revised GDP measurement system may be that growth in recent years will be marked down and the chronic upward bias to ongoing estimates of aggregate growth eliminated. Policy makers have recognized that GDP successfully measures the national Ð µconomic strÐ µngth, however, as discussed above ,GDP fails to measure things that ‘make life meaningful’. Morgan Housel January 1, 2011. Collaborating GDP and GNH has been discussed in many states such as the U.S and the UK. Concepts of measuring both happiness and Gross are in talks, but research suggests that there is a lot of work involved, however, there are signs that they are working in the right direction. A strategy in the U.K which many of us are aware of, track trends that affect the communities well being by using data from the census surveys where government agencies that track health, the environment, the economy and other societal barometers. U.S on the other hand, are working with a research team at Princeton who are working with the Bureau of Labor Statistics to incorporate this kind of charting (census) into its new time use survey, which began last year and is given to 4,000 Americans each month. Dr. Alan B. Krueger, a Princeton economist working on the survey stated that: The idea is to start with life as we experience it and then try to understand what helps people feel fulfilled and create conditions that generate that, This method is intended to equip and educate the American quest for ever more income. But that benefit would have to be balanced against the problems that come with the increased stress imposed by additional testing. We should not be hoping to construct a utopia, Professor Krueger said. What we should be talking about is piecemeal movement in the direction of things that make for a better life. paradise-engineering.com/happiness/gnh.html China on the other hand, started using, what is known to be a complex index called Human Development Index (HDI), that was established by Nobel Prize laureate Amartya Sen, which was then replaced by Gross National Product in 1990. China, who is another nation which is attracted to the concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH) as they found it an urgent necessity to move away from the GDP-led approach to a more human-centred style of government. The difficulties that many nations are facing that happiness cannot be measured. The IEA, quite fairly argue that the satisfaction levels have not really gone up or down since records began in the 1950s might simply show that measuring happiness is a very imprecise science. As the authors point out, many happiness measurements are based on a three-point scale, with people asked if they feel unhappy, happy, or very happy. Basing government policy on such an imprecise measurement would be like the Bank of Englands monetary policy board basing its policy decisions on whether people say they are feeling poor, rich or very rich, they write. Its not just rising income levels that dont appear to affect happiness levels. Rising levels of violent crime also dont appear to affect it. The high unemployment of the 1980s dont seem to affect it. Nothing seems to affect it. It just continues in a straight, boring line. So what policy conclusions can we draw from this? None, it would be fair to suggest. The main problems identified were indicators such as the service input as defining and measuring has become very complex as Some business have mixed service departments in which trying to differentia could be a hard task. Also measuring non market goods such as housework and raising a family is also a challenge. GDP figures also exclude the making of goods and services that are not sold within markets. This component includes housework, meals cooked at home, and child care provided by parents, as well as services volunteered for charities and other groups. For example, when parents care for their own children, the value of their care does not appear in GDP. However, when parents pay for child care, those services appear in GDP. GDP also includes only a very imperfect estimate of production of goods and services sold on the underground economy (or black market). This activity includes production of illegal goods and services (such as drugs and prostitution). It also includes production of legal goods that goes unreported to avoid taxes. Many estimates suggest that the underground economy in the United States amounts to between 5 and 10 percent of GDP; this figure is even larger in many other countries. Conclusion Also when renting a property the expenses appear in GDP as payments towards housing services, where on the other hand if you own the property GDP includes the government’s estimate of the rent that you would pay if you were renting. Also pricing of goods isn’t accurate as these are measured using old, higher prices, overstating the increase in the value of production. Research has also shown that double counting is also a major problem. Ref needed. Monday, 16 June 2008 Posted by Jules Evans politicsofwellbeing.com/2008/06/problem-with-measuring-happiness.html Illegal Economy The economy which can be shown incorrectly due to corruption, bribery and drugs business. Statistical Errors People measuring the economy not performing their duties with honesty or the standard they are using are not current to measure the accurate value of GDP. Pollution Factor Pollution factor can ¶t be included in GDP. Facilities and living standards facilities and living standards improvement can ¶t be indicated by GDP, to show whether the people of the country are worst off or well off. Quality Improvement As the time passes quality improve with speed as compared to the price, GDP can only measure the price as value but not quality. scribd.com/doc/35771023/Difficulties-in-Measuring-Gdp

The Clinton-Lewinsky Scandal essays

The Clinton-Lewinsky Scandal essays On January 17th, 1998, President Clinton videotaped a deposition for the Paula Jones lawsuit against him. December 19th, eleven months later, Bill Clinton became only the second president in our nation's history to face impeachment from congress. The 1998-1999 was a tumultuous year for the President, the media, and the American people as a whole. Yet, the most intriguing and surprising aspect of the scandal was not that Bill Clinton would ever cheat on his wife or that his administration would survive such a terrible scandal. Nor was it a revelation that the media would be zealously intrigued by a sex scandal involving the President. The one aspect of the Lewinksy Scandal that was truly interesting was the response of the public. Despite the knowledge that Clinton had an affair with an intern and probably lied about it, Clinton's job approval rating did not decrease or even stay the same- his ratings rose to levels approaching 70% Every time a new damning piece of evidence came to light, media pundits everywhere believed that Clinton's ratings would fall. Yet, they were wrong. The Republican Party believed that the scandal would finally bring down Clinton and his popular support. They also were wrong and paid a considerable political price. How did this happen? To help understand and explain this phenomenon, I will examine three political actors the President, the media, and the public - and their relationship with each other. I will discuss President Clinton's past and his history of scandals. The way that each actor has dealt with Clinton's scandal-ridden past has had an important effect on how each responded to and was affected by the Lewinsky Scandal. Each actor's respective response to the scandal will be illustrated and then explained. While many explanations have emerged to explain or at least make sense of the Lewinsky scandal and its effect on politics, I believe that the best explanation lies in studyi...

Buying Essay

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Celebrated Cases Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Celebrated Cases - Essay Example overwhelming evidence, the offender was found guilty of several counts of aggravated sexual assault and felony murder for killing the young girl while committing other atrocities on her. The jury ruled that Timmendequas carried out the crime â€Å"purposely† and â€Å"out of his own conduct†, propping his eligibility for a death penalty. He was sentenced to death, a ruling that was upheld by the Supreme Court of New Jersey on appeal (Scheb, 2010). This Case was the basis for the adoption of Megan’s law. With all the controversy surrounding it, it requires that the names of sexual offenders and pictures of their faces be distributed to members of a community in the event that such an offender resides among them. The profiles of these offenders are also available in databases accessible by any interested group or persons (Shultz, 2005). The New Jersey legislature was prevailed upon to adopt the Sex offender Community Notification into law. Eventually, the U.S Congress cemented a legislation that required every State to register certain specified offences and the offenders. It subsequently raised the bar for every State to implement community notification. This law had unanimous approval in most States, with some such as Florida not bothering to debate the positives over the negatives of enacting such a law (Siegel, 2011). However, Courts took a more critical assessment of these laws and struck out parts of the provisions . Scholars of law also had varied reactions and criticism. . Coming before it was the Weterlling Act enacted by Congress in 1994, stipulating that all offenders charged and convicted with sexual offenses be registered. The Megan Case provided a platform for the improvement of this Act: Emanating from the huge debate it elicited nationwide, there emerged the policy for mandatory registration of all sex offenders, including related offences such as false imprisonment and kidnapping. It would not only stop at that, communities were to be notified if

A View from the Bridge by Cherokee McDonald & Two Ways of Seeing a Essay

A View from the Bridge by Cherokee McDonald & Two Ways of Seeing a River by Mark Twain - Essay Example 2. Comparative Analysis Although the two essays deal with two different subject matters and themes yet there are some similarities in the thematic concerns and symbolism incorporated by the two authors. However the technique or the style of narration utilized and the depiction of the theme and symbols highlight their individualistic writing styles. 2.1. Narration Technique Mark Twain in his treatise uses the technique of third person narration which provides the readers with a chance to draw their personal conclusions as he acts as a mediator between the reader and the text. On the other hand McDonald employs the first person narration technique. Although generally it is assumed that first person narration limits a text’s interpretations for the readers since it is a first hand account of a writer’s explication of a situation. Yet the incorporation of the dialogues can be inferred as a technique employed in order to establish a close connection between the action of tak ing place in the essay and the readers. The use of dialogues also camouflages the presence of the writer or the narrator in the text. However a major similarity that is observed in the depiction of writing style is that both authors illustrate detailed descriptions. As observed that McDonald says, â€Å"He was a lumpy little guy with baggy shorts, and a faded T-shirt and heavy sweat socks falling down over old sneakers† (). Similarly Twain states, â€Å"A broad expanse of the river was turned to blood; in the middle distance the red hue brightened into gold†¦ in another the surface was broken by boiling, tumbling rings, that were as many-tinted as an opal; where the ruddy flush was faintest, was a smooth spot that was covered with graceful circles...high above the forest wall a clean-stemmed dead tree waved a single leafy bough that glowed like a flame in the unobstructed splendor that was flowing from the sun† (). Hence both the writers pay special attention to t he minute details. 2.2. Thematic Concern A major common theme that both the authors deal with in their respective pieces of work is the theme of innocence although the manner in which they project it is different. It is stated in Two Ways of Seeing a River that, â€Å"Now when I had mastered the language of this water and had come to know every trifling feature that bordered the great river as familiarly as I knew the letters of the alphabet, I had made a valuable acquisition†¦ All the grace, the beauty, the poetry had gone out of the majestic river† (). This line can be interpretted as, that the writer believes it is better to retain an aura of mystery or innocence and all the secrets should not be revealed so that it can stimulate human curiosity and interest. Since when all the mysteries are unveiled as is the case with the river than it becomes monotonous and even stifling because the newness fades away. Moreover in terms of human beings and their behavior it can be perceived that Overanalyzing of people or even ones self can result in the loss of beauty (however bittersweet) of humanity. A similar theme is used by McDonald in his essay. He emphasizes the importance of innocence through the actions of the blind child i.e. since his lack of sight hinders his quest for knowledge the

MICROFINANCE IN DEVELOPING ECONOMIES Dissertation

MICROFINANCE IN DEVELOPING ECONOMIES - Dissertation Example However, microfinance units cannot be equally successful in all economies, became they all have different demographics and social structures. Despite the fact that many nations have seen success following the inclusion of microfinance units, it cannot be established that all emerging nations would experience a similar degree of success. This present paper will examine the scope of success of microfinance units in Saudi Arabia through an examination of the profitability and efficiency of operations of these financial units in the economy. In most of cases it is an inefficient financial system which is found to be the prime reason behind the failure of microfinance units, which is why it is necessary to examine the extent to which the financial system of a nation is capable of bearing such a responsibility, before arriving at any conclusion. This paper will conclude that Saudi Arabian banks are currently in a poor state to make the microfinance movement a success. However, if necessary measures are undertaken, the trend could be reversed. Chapter 1 – Introduction 1.1 Definition and Brief History Microfinance institutions are responsible for boosting the social status of a poorer section of a nation’s population by providing financial assistance. Their prime function, however, is that of microcredit, which involves forwarding loans on a cooperative basis to groups of people so that no single individual is liable. This helps to reduce their burden substantially (Feigenberg, Field & Pande, 2010). Their popularity among the poorer sections of society, which comprise a major part of developing economies, has even spurred normal commercial banks to adopt some of their strategies. Microfinance institutions might be owned by government bodies or non-governmental ones, and they might also be involved in tasks other than forwarding credit to poorer sections of society (Consultative Group to Assist the Poor, 2011). The concept of microfinance has spread across the globe from a small region in Bangladesh where Muhammad Yunus, an economics professor at the University of Chittagong, advanced nearly $30 to a group of poor villagers. An important term of this loan was that the entire group as a whole stood liable for the debt, so that the burden was divided equally among the individuals in the group. The initial loan helped the villagers to generate a continual flow of future income and, eventually, sustain their respective households. When Yunus noted the importance of such loans advanced on cooperative terms, he decided to popularise the concept across Bangladesh. Such a measure was understood as an important stepping stone towards poverty eradication. Yunus initiated the construction of Grameen Bank in 1983,

Society violence in the Public School Research Paper

Society violence in the Public School - Research Paper Example ("Public Schools: New Violence Against Teachers - TIME.") However, it must be understood that this violence is coming from a source – many children attending public schools grow up in unsafe environment and face conflicts at home with their parents. Nurturing children in unstable atmospheres leads them to believe in the fact that violence is the answer to everything in life and thus they take up such measures in order to have their voices heard. Most teachers state that it is the parents who are to blame. This statement stands true because most parents of such children have problems of their own and often include their children in the fights that they have which leave them scarred. Children of divorced parents might be subject to violent behaviour at home and that frustration comes out on other people because the kids think that it is alright to behave like their parents have been. Adolescence is the time when children learn the quickest and act with even greater haste and thus if their emotions are left immature during this period, then they are bound to take up violent means. Many children spend their time on the streets with gangs of people inflicted by drugs and other substances. Children learn the art of using these substances at an early age and this causes their behaviour to differentiate from others. They often fall prey to peer pressure and take up violent methods just in order to be accepted by certain people. (Be aton, Hellman) Children learn from what they see, may it be their parents fighting at home or even television programs and violent video games. It is the duty of the parents to ensure that children do not watch things that are not meant for them. It also a parent’s duty to provide a sheltered and strong environment for their children so that they grow up to be civilized and mature human beings. The psyche of a child gets affected by watching war movies, action

Organization changestrategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Organization changestrategy - Essay Example Some of the employees are even fearing for their jobs if they complain about the work environment. Employees are also concerned that management is not adhering to company policies, yet forcing the employees to follow company policies. Employees feel resentment over this . Because of the overwhelming production schedule, Frontline Supervisors are not training employees properly and they leave a lot of the decision- make up to the hourly employees. Some of the employees are voicing concerns that because of the lack of communication, professional development and leadership from management, they are concerned for their personal safety. However it comes to the attention that Frontline Supervisors are not happy, either. Their concerns are that no one from upper management will back them up when it comes to making technical or managerial decisions. Here the only solution to the problem that we can see is that there is no communication among the employers and the employees. There needs to be a communication between the employers and the employees so that the problems are solved and sorted out. In the case study we see that there are many issues among the employees that they are afraid to discuss with the higher authorities having the fear in there minds that they will get fired consequently. Here the authorities also seem to be in trouble. ... Decision making as a process is recognized all over the world for its importance. It is the process which is the result of thinking processes that go on which in the need leads to the final action implemented as the result of the thinking process. Every decision-making process always ends in a final selection. The output can be an action or a judgment of choice. In this case the upper authorities need to define and clarify the issue and need to see if they deserve any action or any implementation. If the implementation is needed than when is it needed. It deals with the urgency or not. By the upper management all the facts should be gathered and understand their causes. The higher authorities should be thinking about the options and solutions. The pros and cons of each option should be properly considered (Ullman, 2006, p.23). Proper consultation should be done in the case where it is necessary. After all the consultation process the best option should be selected. Any possible vagueness should be or 'foot in both camps' compromise. The authorities should make there employees aware of the decision that has been made as they are the stakeholders and they are the ones who ill be affected by the decision in the end. In any company the stakeholders are those who are the ones directly effected by the decisions that the authorities make so they are the ones who need to know the decisions that have been implemented in nay case that have been made by the authorities. In this case study we see that there is no communication between the employers and the employees which is basically leading to many problems ands confusions in the lower

Anything related to radioactivity or the nucleus Essay

Anything related to radioactivity or the nucleus - Essay Example An apprehension also exists that the debris from the tsunami, which may be contaminated with radiation, is likely to spread towards the east of Japan and probably may reach the US west coast in about two to three years time. The main threat derives from the fact that radiation can be carried to other parts of the world through air as well as water. Evidence points to the possibility that marine organisms, migrating out of Japan Sea, may be exposed to radiation and these â€Å"might subsequently be harvested by US fishermen† (Buck & Upton p.2). Therefore, scientists suggest that the US authorities should keep monitoring the radiation levels in the seafood so harvested, or being imported from Japan. However, they find solace on the premise that any possible radiation in the sea water will get diluted quickly and will not be â€Å"a problem beyond the coast of Japan† (Buck & Upton p.2). Environmental pollution or contamination is a serious hazard and there is a rising need for creating awareness of this problem among the masses. This article deals with a current issue of highly significant nature and, therefore, is very relevant in the present day. The authors have clearly brought out the problem and its specific impacts on the environment and, therefore, information contained in this article is useful not only for scientists and environmentalists but also for the general public. The article further emphasizes the need for continued monitoring of radiation levels as a response measure to combat contamination. Thus, this article is a significant contribution to the field of environmental studies and can create awareness in the public about the problems radiation can cause to the environment. Buck, H, Eugene & Upton, F, Harold. Effects of Radiation from Fukushima Dai- ichi on the U.S. Marine Environment. Congressional Research Service. 2012. Web. 15 August 2012.

Organization changestrategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Organization changestrategy - Essay Example Some of the employees are even fearing for their jobs if they complain about the work environment. Employees are also concerned that management is not adhering to company policies, yet forcing the employees to follow company policies. Employees feel resentment over this . Because of the overwhelming production schedule, Frontline Supervisors are not training employees properly and they leave a lot of the decision- make up to the hourly employees. Some of the employees are voicing concerns that because of the lack of communication, professional development and leadership from management, they are concerned for their personal safety. However it comes to the attention that Frontline Supervisors are not happy, either. Their concerns are that no one from upper management will back them up when it comes to making technical or managerial decisions. Here the only solution to the problem that we can see is that there is no communication among the employers and the employees. There needs to be a communication between the employers and the employees so that the problems are solved and sorted out. In the case study we see that there are many issues among the employees that they are afraid to discuss with the higher authorities having the fear in there minds that they will get fired consequently. Here the authorities also seem to be in trouble. ... Decision making as a process is recognized all over the world for its importance. It is the process which is the result of thinking processes that go on which in the need leads to the final action implemented as the result of the thinking process. Every decision-making process always ends in a final selection. The output can be an action or a judgment of choice. In this case the upper authorities need to define and clarify the issue and need to see if they deserve any action or any implementation. If the implementation is needed than when is it needed. It deals with the urgency or not. By the upper management all the facts should be gathered and understand their causes. The higher authorities should be thinking about the options and solutions. The pros and cons of each option should be properly considered (Ullman, 2006, p.23). Proper consultation should be done in the case where it is necessary. After all the consultation process the best option should be selected. Any possible vagueness should be or 'foot in both camps' compromise. The authorities should make there employees aware of the decision that has been made as they are the stakeholders and they are the ones who ill be affected by the decision in the end. In any company the stakeholders are those who are the ones directly effected by the decisions that the authorities make so they are the ones who need to know the decisions that have been implemented in nay case that have been made by the authorities. In this case study we see that there is no communication between the employers and the employees which is basically leading to many problems ands confusions in the lower

Kingship Comparison of Henry V and Beowulf Essay Example for Free

Kingship Comparison of Henry V and Beowulf Essay This essay is a comparison of the kingship of King Henry V in the play â€Å"Henry V† written by William Shakespeare and Beowulf in the poem â€Å"Beowulf† translated by Seamus Heaney. The specific texts to be used for this purpose is the â€Å"Henry V† book of the Folger Shakespeare Library series and the â€Å"Beowulf† poem found in The Norton Anthology of English Literature 7th edition Volume 1, respectively. Henry the Fifth and Beowulf are ideal kings fit to become role models for the leaders of today because they have great ideas of their kingship and leadership which made them rule over each of their kingdoms with strength, courage and faith in God’s providence as their source of power. These similar qualities and characteristics make their kingship successful and fruitful. Henry the Fifth is worth emulating for he is a great and powerful king who holds his role as a king with highest regard. He manifests his ideas of kingship through his deeds throughout the play. First, he sees his kingship as a serious matter. Thus, he acts responsibly forgetting the â€Å"wildness† of his youth. This is evident in his sudden transformation from the wild Prince Hal that he was in the past to a responsible and mature King Henry V. This is what Canterbury observes and states: â€Å"The breath no sooner left his father’s body But that his wildness, mortified in him, Seem’d to die too: yea, at that very moment, Consideration, like an angel, came, And whipp’d the offending Adam out of him, Leaving his body as a paradise, To envelop and contain celestial spirits. Never was such a sudden scholar made; Never came reformation like a flood, With such a heady current, scouring faults; Nor never Hydra-headed wilfulness So soon did lose his seat, and all at once, As in this king† (Shakespeare, 13). This change in him is probably because of his desire to be respected as a ruler of his people. Indeed, he has matured over the time that he is required to stand up as a king. Second, he considers that his kingship depends on the will of the people. Hence, he consults his leaders before he makes a decision. He specifically asks information from the leaders of the church, the Bishops, about the Salic law and his rightful claim to France and if there should be a reason for him to go to war if the king of France won’t accede to his claim. He also expresses his worry about leaving the country to go to war against France. He finally decides to go to France after hearing the advice of the bishops and after listening to the insult of the Dauphin through his messenger (19-23). Third, he believes that a king should have restraint and self-control. That is why when he was insulted by the message of the Dauphin, he did not react irrationally. He showed cool-headedness with these words: â€Å"We are glad the Dauphin is so pleasant with us; His present and your pains we thank you for. When we have matched our rackets to these balls, we will in France, by God’s grace, play a set to strike his father’s crown into the hazard. † He also adds: â€Å"But tell the Dauphin, I will keep my state; Be like a king, and show my sail of greatness† (35). Moreover, he could have prevented the Dauphin’s messenger from coming out alive from England. Instead, he allowed him safe passage. If he were some other irrational king, he would have taken revenge right away. But he did not and thus, he showed his greatness as a king. He also chose his words well in sending his message to the Dauphin through his uncle Duke Exeter (75). Fourth, he assumes that a king should be brave and courageous to lead his soldiers to war. Therefore, he is not afraid to go to war even if it will cost his own life. He does not leave his soldiers on their own to fight for the country instead he goes along with them and encourages them to move on. Henry V admonishes his soldiers with these words: â€Å"But every rub is smoothed on our way. Then, forth, dear countrymen. Let us deliver Our puissance into the hand of God, Putting it straight in expedition† (65) and â€Å"We are in God’s hand, brother, not in theirs. March to the bridge† (119). Fifth, he has concern for his subordinates and his soldiers. When he was still contemplating to go to France to claim his rightful place, he thought of the women and the children who will be left behind when the men will go to war (29) especially that another country might attack their country if the king and all the men are away. He also became worried for his soldiers after he disguised as an ordinary man and talked to some of his soldiers (153). This concern is also demonstrated when he prays â€Å"O God of battles steel my soldiers’ hearts. Possess them not with fear† (155). Sixth, he knows that his kingship is not a reason for abuse. So when he and his troops have taken over the town of Harfleur, he commands his soldiers not to loot and he tells them to respect and show mercy to every citizen in that town. He charges Exeter to have mercy on the people and show fairness and justice because he wants to win the people’s loyalty and respect (99). Seventh, he understands that a king should practice impartiality. Thus, he gives punishment to anyone who violates a law of the land or his word even if the person is an old friend, and he gives rewards to anyone who deserves it. King Henry V manifests this characteristic when Lord Scroop who was very close to him, Earl of Cambridge and Sir Thomas Grey who are also old friends conspired with France to kill him. He then ordered that they be arrested for treason (59). Another instance was when he allowed the execution of Bardolph, a former companion in his younger days, for stealing a communion plate from a church (115). Eight, as a good leader he believes that a king needs to delegate work to his subordinates. This is what he did when he tells his uncle Exeter, brothers Clarence, Warwick and Gloster, and Huntington to go with the King; And take with you free power to ratify, Augment, or alter, as your wisdoms best Shall see advantageable for our dignity, Anything in or out of our demands† (219). And most of all, he believes on a greater power who is the Almighty God whom he considers as his source of power. He continually refers to God in the play. King Henry says: â€Å"But this lies all within the will of God, To whom I do appeal† (37) when he decided to go to war against France. He expresses his anxiety by saying â€Å"God’s will, I pray thee wish not one man more. By Jove, I am not covetous for gold† (163) while his soldiers are fighting in the war. At the end of the battle, he speaks to God with these words: â€Å"O God, thy arm was here, And not to us, but to Thy arm alone Ascribe we all! When, without stratagem, But in plain shock and even play of battle, Was ever known so great and little loss On one part and on th’ other? Take it, God, For it is none but thine† (199). King Henry V does not take the glory of the victory in the battle but he praises God for it. Similarly, Beowulf even before he was made a King of the Geats has the qualities of a good and great king as Henry the Fifth is and he is also worth imitating as a leader. The following are the ideas of kingship he manifested. First, Beowulf is compassionate as a leader. When he heard of Heorot’s predicament because of Grendel’s deeds, he went to Heorot to fight Grendel and freed Heorot of its miseries (lines 400-460). He has compassion towards people that is why he sacrifices even his own life to save others. Second, he uses his strength which is the gift that God has given him as a way to help people who are in need. This is the means by which he was able to defeat Grendel, Grendel’s mother and the Dragon in order to free the people who are attacked by these creatures. There are times when he is about to be defeated but because of the great strength which he believes comes from God, he is able to overcome his deadly and monstrous foes. Third, he is a brave and courageous warrior who never steps back from a challenge especially when he fights Grendel and Grendel’s mother. His bravery and courage can be seen throughout the poem. This was once again proven when as a king who is already old in age still hopes to fight the Dragon that has besieged his own land. Unfortunately, after he killed the Dragon, he also died. Fourth, he knows that a king should rule with discretion. He is even praised by Hrothgar with these words: â€Å"The Lord in his wisdom sent you those words that Beowulf is fit to be king of the Geats and they came† (lines 1840-1860). Fifth, as a leader, he has great concern and responsibility for his men. Thus, when he was about to go and fight Grendel, he asks Hrothgar to take care of his men because he might no longer come back alive with his fight against the monster. And the most important of Beowulf’s qualities as a warrior and ruler is that he looks up to God as his source of power, guidance and protection. Throughout the poem, God is praised with such words as: â€Å"in triumph and gladness. The truth is clear: Almighty God rules over mankind and always has† (line 700). Beowulf also expresses in the poem: â€Å"But the lord of Men allowed me to behold- for He often helps the unbefriended† and â€Å"If God had not helped me, the outcome would have been quick and fatal† referring to his fight with Grendel’s mother. In addition, he says: â€Å"So I praise God in his heavenly glory that I lived to behold† (line 1779). In conclusion, Henry the Fifth and Beowulf exhibit the good qualities of a great king anchored on strength, courage and faith in God’s providence. Both of them are wise, strong, brave, and devoted to God as their one and only source of power. They have very admirable traits which any king, ruler or leader in these modern days should pattern after. References â€Å"Beowulf†. Translated by Seamus Heaney. The Norton Anthology of English Literature 7th edition Volume 1. Eds. M. H. Abrams and Stephen Greenbalt. USA: W. W. Norton Co. Inc. , 1999, 29-98. Shakespeare, William. â€Å"Henry V†. The Folger Shakespeare Library. Eds. Barbara A. Mowat and Paul Werstine. New York: Washington Square Press. 1995.

The Purpose Of Transformational Leadership

The Purpose Of Transformational Leadership What is leadership? In the world today, people are getting neglect of the word leadership and abuse the power of the leadership. Few examples of abuse power such as screaming at staff, threatening the staff, setting excessive expectation and demands from staff. When leaders are not using their power correctly, it might lead to a way of bullying. Leadership is a motivating process whereby he or she influences a group to achieve a common goal (Williams McWilliams 2010). Good leaders help the team and direct them to the right way, when the team members feel motivated by their leaders, eventually they will try their best and contribute themselves in their own team. There are many types of leadership, the aim of this essay is to determine the difference between transformational leadership and transactioanl leadership. Transformational leadership define as an approach where it brings changes in a group or team. It is carried out by motivating members of the group to achieve beyond what they could otherwise do. The purpose of transformational leadership is to change and improve a team and transform into a better team to perform better in their work. Besides managing daily work, a transformational leader also work their strategies out for their team to a better performance and success. Transformational leadership is positively related to performance (Jens Rowold, Anette Rohmann, 2009) Transformational leaders also set their targets to push their work team to a greater performance stages and in the time giving chances for personal and professional improvement for all members. A transactional leader motivates subordinates by exchanging rewards for services rendered ( Ming Alan 1990 ). In the other hand, transactional leadership is define as an approach where it requires an exchange process between the leader and followers. Rewards will be awarded to all members who excel in their performance and punishments will given to poor performers. A transactional leader uses disciplinary power and an appropriate amount of rewards to boost team members performance for the best result. Transactional point out that leaders motivate their followers by replacing their results with rewards. Transactional leaders usually only care and make sure everything goes successfully. Transactional leadership is positively related to performance (Jens Rowold, Anette Rohmann, 2009) Transformational leadership and transactional leadership are very important for leading a team to success. Transformational leadership are the point to strategic development of a business and helps to reach to success via the team-building skills and the vision of the leader. Transactional leader gives different benefit depends on their capability. Transactional leader deal with all the informations that collected together to set up a strong and powerful fame in a marketplace and yet maintaining the working team productivity at the best status.Burns (1978) argues that transactional leadership entails an exchange between leader and follower (Deanne et al. 1997). Followers receive certain valued outcomes (e.g. wages, prestige) when they act according to their leaders wishes (Deanne et al. 1997). The differences between transformational leadership and transactional leadership is transformational leadership offer beyond exchanges, rewards and punishment. It is said to have a closer supervisory relationship. For transactional leadership, it has a distant relationship and leaders are alert of the link between performance and reward. Other than that, transformational leadership creates a vision and may motivate followers to strive beyond what they could do, where it brings innovation whereas transactional leadership is more of a straight-forward approach by practicing standards. Moreover, transformational leadership is more active and forms new expectation in employees and transactional leadership is more responsive and the main point is dealing current problems. Furthermore, transformational leader not only stimulates employees to understand and settle the issues, it also creates a learning opportunities and motivate their employees to work smart for targets that go beyond self interest. Transactional leader encourages employees by setting aims and promising bonus for required performance. Tan Sri Anthony Francis Fernandes which also known as Tony Fernandes, is a perfect example of a transformational business leader in Malaysia. Tony Fernandes shown his transformational leadership qualities as a founder of Tune Air SDN BHD. Air Asia became successful and the best airline in asia after Tony Fernandes managing and handling it. This shows that Tony Fernandes is a great leader. The reason why Tony Fernandes is a great transformational leader because during work, he was totally commited to his followers and his business and approachable to the media. Besides that, he wore his companys official cap and T-shirt to most of the official function. He also gave his contact number to the media that he talked to and he did participated himself in an advertisement for his company. By this way he can tighten the relationship between his employees and himself. To be a good leader, brave to take a risk is not enough. Tony Fernandes also made a big changes in AirAsia. He gathered a lot of new and innovative ideas, example of travel insurance, medical care, online booking and etc. He also changed the original concept of the company and replaced with low-cost and no-frills strategy. Directly, this will lower the value of chain. Several indicators has shown that the productivity of the company was excellent compared to the other low-cost market segment company. Tony Fernandes not only fight for his company, his own benefit and his profit, he also fight for environmental friendly as well. Because of him, AirAsia was fighting against paper waste and carbon emissions. In addition, Tony Fernandes succeeded in persuading his employees to unite on his project. He invested on the new aircraft and new type of fuel-efficient Airbus 320 to pull down the cost of maintenance and fuel. Because of that, the cost of marketing was also decreased and his effectiveness of the allocating channel which led him became a good leader towards his followers. He even convince his suppliers to purchase aircraft at a lower price compare with other companies. His performance led rapidly to major profit and this made his employees in the company faithful and loyal to him. From here, this shows that he was totally gained respectful and appreciated by his followers. In overall, transformational leadership nurture the importance of team work, mutual admiration and thinking. Leader should be more intructive, directive and authoritatibe. Type of leadership being used in an organisation does not really matter, what important is how one uses its leadership to achieve its goals and how one proves their productivity, efficiency and credibility.

Ballard Fuel Cell :: essays research papers

THE BALLARD FUEL CELL The Ballard fuel cell is a power generating device which combines hydrogen (which can be obtained from methanol, natural gas, petroleum) and oxygen without the use of combustion in order to generate electricity. Since fuel cells operate very quietly and efficiently and their only emissions are pure water and heat they are expected to be the future of power generating machines. The PEM fuel cell is made of two plates with a plastic membrane coated with a catalyst in the middle. Hydrogen is then fed through the channels on one side of the plates and oxygen is fed through the other side. The hydrogen and oxygen atoms are drawn toward each other. Only one part of the hydrogen atom – the proton – can pass through the membrane. The electron has to take the long way around through an external circuit. This creates electricity. The oxygen side attracts protons and electrons that have traveled through the external circuit. This is where the byproducts water and heat are formed. Each fuel cell operates continuously as long as hydrogen is supplied. Single cells are combined to produce the required amount of power. PEM fuel cells operate at around 90 degrees Celsius and give off 90 degrees Celsius of heat, which is a fairly low temperature. This is much better than high temperature combustion engines, which operate at about 2500 degrees Celsius and give off 125 degrees Celsius of heat. This means the Ballard fuel cell can react quickly to load changes and makes it ideal for motor vehicles. Which is why Honda, Nissan, Volkswagen Yamaha, Daimler Chrysler and Ford have commercialized the use of these cells. The cities of Vancouver and Chicago are currently testing Ballard’s fuel cell transit buses. They are seeing the maintenance requirements of the pollution free buses as well as the public reaction to the program.

The Bluest Eye: How Society Took Pecola’s Innocence Essay example -- T

The immoral acts of society raped Pecola Breedlove, took her innocence, and left her to go insane. The Random House Dictionary defines â€Å"rape† as â€Å"an act of plunder, violent seizure, or abuse; despoliation; violation.† The Random House definition perfectly describes what happens to Pecola over the course of the novel. From Pecola’s standpoint, society rapes her repeatedly, by their judgmental attitudes towards everything that she is; she is â€Å"ugly,† she is poor, she is black. In Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye, Morrison shines a critical light on society, illumining the immoral acts that it participates in, through the story of how a little girl is thrown by the wayside since she does not embody the societal ideal. Instead of one human antagonist for our protagonist, Pecola, we see most of society as the antagonist. The immoral acts of society destroy Pecola Breedlove from the inside out. One of the first immoral acts that society introduces to Pecola is lust – lust for â€Å"whiteness†, for beauty. She is taught from a young age that beauty is one of the standards that she will be held up to. In addition, society tells her that the key of being beautiful is being white, something Pecola never can be. One of the major quotes in the book shows just how powerful common belief can be. â€Å"†¦they stayed there because they believed they were ugly†¦ No one could have convinced them that they were not relentlessly and aggressively ugly,† [Emphasis added] (Pg. 28). Although, Morrison does not actually say that the Breedloves were physically ugly, she implies that society told them they were ugly, therefore they believed they were ugly. This belief came from society setting a standard that Pecola could never reach. Sadly, this poor little girl did n... ...nd Jane† lifestyle that Morrison introduces us into, we see a poor girl that is put down and society rapes. You may think Pecola was just one horribly unlucky child, that her problems are the cause of being at the wrong place at the wrong time. Yet, that is a naà ¯ve way of thinking; the evidence obviously shows that Pecola was tormented because society told everyone that she is an ugly â€Å"little black bitch†, that happened to be raped, making her even less human. Therefore, any negative event that happens to her, small or large, is something she is expected to have and she brought it on to herself. To me, the biggest argument that Morrison makes with her first novel is that society is the most powerful judge in our everyday life. If society deems use to be not worthy of its care or time, we should expect hell from it; and Pecola Breedlove is deemed not to be worthy.

Homework 5 Solution

Tax 4001 Spring 2011 Homework Set #5 Solution PAGE 1 # 1 a) Amount Realized$37,500 Basis(45,000) Real Loss(7,500) Recognized Loss$0 because personal use asset c. The real loss is $0. b) Same as (a). Like-kind exchange rules do not apply to personal-use assets c)Her recognized loss is $0. Since the form of the transaction is a theft, the recognized loss is the lesser of the adjusted basis or the fair market value of the asset, reduced by the insurance proceeds that she received (see Chapter 6).Therefore, the opportunity for the theft loss deduction on personal use property is not present in this case because the insurance proceeds received of $37,500 equal the fair market value of $37,500. #2 a. amt realized$65,000 â€Å"loss† basis 76,000 Recognized Loss(11,000) b. $0. The proceeds of $68,000 are between the gain basis of $80,000 and the loss basis of $60,000. Therefore, neither gain nor loss is recognized. #3 a. $225,000 b. $200,000 (note: only the building can be depreciated ) c. $225,000 Basis for the gain is adjusted basis d. She would be better off to sell the house and buy another one.Because the house is her personal residence, she could exclude the gain on sale. Then she would be able to depreciate the new house at a higher basis #4 a. Amt. Realized$265,000 Adj Basis 175,000 Real Gain90,000 b. Recoginzed Gain is $65,000 which is the less of realized gain or boot received. c. Adjusted basis of Land| $175,000| Gain Recognized| 65,000| Boot| (65,000)| Adj Basis of Building| 175,000| . Tax 4001 Spring 2011 Homework Set #5 Solution PAGE 2 . #5 Amt. Realized$1,235,000 [125000 + 900000 + 210000] Less: Basis of Apt850,000 Real Gain 385,000 b. Recog Gain$335,000 Cash plus mortgage Postponed Gain$50,000 . | | Basis of Apt Bldg| $850,000| + gain recognized| 335,000| Less: Boot received| (335,000)| Basis of Office Bldg| $850,000| #6| | Cost| $200,000| Legal Fees| $21,500| Streets and Sewers| $700,000| Basis| $921,500| #7 Basis b4 casualty$10,000 Insurance pro ceeds 13,500 Casualty Gain3,500 Basis after insurance – #8 FIFO method used to determine which shares were sold, therefore Tommy Is treated as having sold 100 of the shares he purchased on 10/16/06 Per Share Basis = $7500/125 shares = $ X Number of Shares Sold (100) =$ 60 6,000 per share Basis of Shares Sold Sales Procceds| 18,000| Less: Basis| (6,000)|LTCG| $ 12,000| Tax 4001 Spring 2011 Homework Set #5 Solution PAGE3 30. | a. | Realized gain- $9,000 [($12,000 fair market value of new asset+ $4,000 boot received)-$7,000 adjusted basis of old asset]. Recognized gain= $4,000. | | | Postponed gain= $5,000. | | | New basis= $7,000 ($12,000 fair market value of new asset- $5,000 postponed gain). | | b. | Realized loss = $1,000. | | | Recognized loss= $-0-. | | | Postponed loss= $1,000. | | | New basis= $16,000 ($15,000 fair market value of new asset+ $1,000 postponed loss). | | c. | Realized loss = $1,500. Recognized loss= $-0-. | | | Postponed loss= $1,500. | | New basis= $9,500 ($8,000 fair market value of new asset+ $1,500 postponed loss). | | d. | Realized gain= $10,000. Recognized gain = $-0-. | | | Postponed gain= $10,000. | | | New basis = $22,000 ($32,000 fair market value of new asset – $10,000 postponed| | | gain). | | e. | Realized gain = $2,000. | | | Recognized gain= $1,000. | | | Postponed gain= $1,000. | | | New basis= $10,000 ($11,000 fair market value of new asset- $1,000 postponed gain). | | f. | Realized loss = $2,000. Recognized loss= $-0-. | | | Postponed loss= $2,000. | | | New basis= $10,000 ($8,000 fair market value of new asset+ $2,000 postponed loss). Tax 4001 Spring 2011 Homework Set #5 Solution PAGE4 32. a. Since the owner is an owner-investor, the taxpayer use test applies. Replacing the warehouse that is rented to various tenants with a shopping mall that is rented to various tenants in a different location qualifies as replacement property. Amount realized Adjusted basis Realized gain $ 700,000 (470,000) $ 230,000 Recog nized gain $ -0- The basis for the replacement property is: Cost Postponed gain Basis $ 700,000 (230,000) $ 470000 b. Since the owner is an owner-user, the functional use test applies.Replacing the warehouse used in his business with another warehouse in a different state which is to be used in his business qualifies as replacement property under the functional use test. Amount realized Adjusted basis Realized gain Recognized gain $ 400,000 (300,000) $ 100,000 $ -0- The basis for the replacement property is: Cost Postponed gain Basis $ 400,000 (100,000) $ 300,000 c. Since Swallow was an owner-user of the building, the functional use test applies. Thus, Swallow's use of the replacement property and of the involuntarily converted property must be the same.Since Swallow's use of the four-unit apartment building is different from the use of the building in its retail business, the apartment building does not qualify as replacement property. Amount realized Adjusted basis Realized gain R ecognized gain $ 300,000 (250,000) $ 50,000 $ 50,000 The basis for the apartment building is its cost of $300,000. d. Not qualified replacement property because they are owner-users so functional-use test applies. Thus they must recognize their realized gain of $30,000 and their basis in the duplex is $200,000.

How Technology Changes Our Lives Essay

There is no doubt that technology has affected all of our lives. Whether it is positive or negative will be determined by the success of our ability to communicate with those around us. Now days the pace of innovation is increasing every day. It’s always a race to have the newest coolest technology. * The Internet is the fastest-growing tool of communication ever. It took radio broadcasters 38 years to reach an audience of 50 million, television 13 years, and the Internet just 4 years. * The Worldwide Internet Population is estimated at 1.08 billion. In 2000 there were 400 million users, and in 1995 20 million users. * In 2001 more information could be sent over a single cable in a second than in 1997 was sent over the entire Internet in a month. * The cost of transmitting information has fallen dramatically. A trillion bits of information from Boston to Los Angeles from $150,000 in 1970 to 12 cents today. E-mailing a 40-page document from Chile to Kenya costs less than 10 cents, faxing it about $10, sending it by courier $50. * The average total cost of using a local dialup Internet account for 20 hours a month in Africa is about USD 60 a month and USD 22 a month in the US. The average African monthly salary is less than USD 60. * Native English speakers represent 35% of the on line population, although they are less than 10% of the world population. Native Chinese speakers represent the second largest group: 16% of the online population. * In Chile 89% of internet users have had tertiary education, in Sri Lanka 65%, and in China 70%. * Iceland has the highest percentage of internet users (68%); the United States stands at 56%; Malaysia 34%; Jordan 8%; Palestine 4%; Nigeria 0.6%; Tajikistan 0.1% The Gender Divide. Read more:Â  How Has Technology Changed Our Lives * The typical Internet user worldwide is young, male and wealthy – a member of an elite minority. * A gender gap exists in access and usage of information and communication technologies. Women represent 42% of Internet users in the world. 37% in Italy and Germany. * The gap is narrowing in certain countries: Brazil 47%, Thailand 49%, United States and Canada 51 * At the end of the 20th century, 90% of data on Africa was stored in Europe and the United States. * With only 18% of the world population, OECD countries contain nonetheless 79% of the world’s internet users. * The United States, with a population close to the population of the Middle East, has 199 million Internet users while the Middle East has only 16 million. * 34% of internet users are in developing countries. 81% of the world population is in developing countries. * The density of fixed telephone lines and mobile telephone lines is 5 times more in developed countries than in developing countries. PC ownership is 11 times more, and internet usage 8 times more. [developed=western Europe, Australia, Canada, Japan, new Zealand, the US; everyone else in developing] * Of the estimated 5-8 million internet users in Africa, only about 2 million users are outside of North and South Africa. This implies about 1 user for every 250 to 400 people. This compares to the world average of 1 for every 15 people and a North and European average of 1 user for every 2 persons. * Within the Global South, opportunitie s are also unevenly distributed. In the Dominican Republic, 80% of internet users are in the capital. In China, the two cities of Shanghai and Beijing contain as many internet users as the 15 least connected provinces of 600 million people combined. In India, home to a major global hub of innovation, only 0.4% of people use the Internet. * Of the approximately 816 million people in Africa in 2001, it is estimated that: * 1 in 4 have a radio * 1 in 13 have a TV * 1 in 35 have a mobile phone * 1 in 40 have a fixed line phone * 1 in 130 have a PC * 1 in 60 use the Internet Telephones * One third of the world population has never made a telephone call. * While Sub-Saharan Africa contains about 10% of the world’s population, it accounts for only 0.2% of the world’s 1 billion telephone lines. * The cost of renting a telephone connection on the African continent averages about 20 percent of GDP per capita compared to a world average of 9 percent and an average of only 1 percent in high-income countries. * There are under 5 telephones per 100 people in India. * In the world, there are over 1.2 billion fixed telephone lines, 1.3 billion cellular subscribers and 140 billion international telephone traffic minutes each year. Mobile Telephones * As of 2002, mobile subscribers worldwide have outnumbered fixed-line subscribers. The mobile cross-over has taken place across geographic criteria, across socio-demographic criteria such as gender, income, or age, and across economic criteria. * Brazil has the same number of cellular phone subscribers as the whole of Africa combined. Asia, with 450 million subscribers, has twice the number of subscribers as the Americas combined. There are 836.5 million mobile subscribers in OECD countries. * While the United States has 199 million cell phone subscribers, it is not part of the top ten countries with the highest percentage of mobile subscribers. 55% of the US populations are mobile subscribers. * Africa holds only 3% of the world’s mobile subscribers, yet Africa is the first place where mobile subscribers outnumbered fixed-line subscribers. In five years (1997-2002), the number of cell phone subscribers in Africa grew by 1600%. * Nicaragua has more than 3 times more mobile ph one subscribers than fixed land lines (739 thousand compared with 214 thousand). * The number of mobile subscriptions per 100 people in a given country range from 120 in Luxembourg, to .44 in Malaysia, 24 in Jordan, 13 in Palestine, 3 in Nigeria et 0.7 in Tajikistan. Patents * OECD countries, with 14% of the world’s people, accounted for 86% of the patent applications filed in 1998 and 85% of the scientific and technical journal articles published worldwide. * Firms in developed countries currently account for 96% of royalties from patents, or $71 billion a year. The Computing Sector * In the UK, women constitute only about 20% of computer science classes (AGCAS 2003). In the US, the percentage of female computer science bachelors has decreased by 28% between 1983 and 1998 (Gurer and Camp 2002). Similarly in the computer science industry, the average female presence hovers around 20% (DfES 2001, AAUW 2000). * The computing industry exhibits vertical segregation (certain occupations for women, others for men) as well as horizontal segregation (women clustered in lower echelon occupations); in 1991 only 10% of the members of the British Computing Society were women. In 2000 9% of US IT engineers were women. On the other hand, 80% of data entry personnel was female. (Ahuja 2002; Webster 1996; Taggart & O’Gara 2000) EWaste * 220 million tons of old computers and other technological hardware are trashed in the United States each year. * Only 11% of PCs are recycled; the percentage for televisions and mainframes recycled is lower. * The United States generates more e-waste than any other nation . * An estimated 50-80% of e-waste collected in the United States for recycling is exported to areas such as China, India or Pakistan. Unusable equipment is also being donated or sold to developing nations as a way to avoid recycling costs.