International Marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 5

International Marketing - Essay Example I propose that the company starts operations in Dubai and later set footprints in other cities like Abu Dhabi and finally cover the other Emirates that make up UAE. My long term goal is for the company to have a strong brand presence in the Middle East and ultimately become the market leader in this potentially rewarding market. My main reason for choosing Dubai as the international market of choice is because of its strategic location in the Middle East, physical environment, income levels, population and industry conditions. According to Gilligan and Hird (1996), a strong economy is essential for the success of a company in the international market. A keen look at Dubai reveals that the city is one of the richest and it is also emerging as one of the most glamorous. Income levels are quite high and this is backed by a strong economy with plenty of oil and gas reserves. The tourism industry in Dubai is also blossoming and the real estate market is emerging as among the best in the world. The influx of foreign professionals mostly from the western countries has made the Dubai market suitable for investment. High income levels in particular present a very good opportunity for the company to increase its sales. Disposable income is quite high and taking into consideration that bottled water is a luxury, then this presents a market opportunity not to be missed. Availability of manpower is another factor that influenced my decision. Professionals around the world have made Dubai their home because of the quality of life it offers. The company will therefore have a wide pool of professional to choose from. Walsh (1993) points out that availability of qualified and affordable labour is a key ingredient for the success of a company on the international scene. The cost of labour is considerably low because of the large number of migrants who go to Dubai in search of jobs. This means that Highland Spring ltd will have access to not only qualified labour but also at an

History 1920s Essay Example for Free

History 1920s Essay America went through many social changes with the American Revolution and industrial revolution. During the 1920’s, the face of America began to change more into an urban society. Many differences between the rural and urban sides of America emerged. Historians consider the tensions of the 1920s as a backlash against the rising urban America, which turns out true. Rural people believed that the city lacked morals. The urban city dwellers lashed back saying that rural residents did not understand the technology of modern times. In the 1920s, for the first time in American history, more people lived in cities rather than the countryside. People living in the more rural parts of America saw the urban lifestyle as a threat to traditionally shared value. The cities, a haven for political corruption and distraction, had much more alcohol and prostitution problems than their countryside counterparts did. With the rise of Hollywood and films, people found an escape from their routine life and went to see movies that portrayed what it really meant to live the American dream. However, the rural side of the country stuck to the old ways of agriculture life as the struggle between old and new still went on. With the rise in media also came an increase of cultural battles. The media brought about a revolution of morals since many urban Americas saw the changes in media and lifestyle as liberation from the old countryside Victorian past. Granted, the rural Americans did not see it this way. They felt that American had begun to change in sinful ways and that the ethicality of America had begun to decay. Many people in the countryside also resented the amount of immigrants coming into America. As a result, the Klu Klux Klan revived and revolted against the immigrants, Blacks, Catholics, Jews, and any modern or progressive movement. Located mostly in the rural parts of America, the Klu Klux Klan greatly showed their discontent with the modern American lifestyle. The South showed their animosity towards the foreigners and Blacks through discrimination and racism. However, none of this stopped the urban rise of America that the country would soon have to accept.

Art Styles of Last 100 Years :: essays papers

Art Styles of Last 100 Years The turmoil and changes that the world has faced over the last one hundred years has brought about some of the most interesting and intricate art styles ever. Some of the most influential artists have also arisen amongst these styles. Artists such as Andy Warhol, Salvador Dali, and Jackson Pollack are the leaders in their arts. Art movements and styles such as abstract expressionism, surrealism, the Cubist Movement, pop art, and international styles in architecture have been influenced by social life, war, reacting to other art forms, and rebelling. I will talk about these art forms in the following paragraphs. Abstract expressionism does not describe any one particular style, but rather a universal attitude, not all of the work was abstract, nor was it all-expressive. These artists put morally loaded themes onto their canvases. In contrast to the themes of social realism and regional life that characterized American art of previous decades. The main exponents of the field were Pollock, de Kooning, and Rothko, but other artists included Guston, Kline, Newman and Still. The painters who came to be called â€Å"Abstract Expressionists† shared a similarity of outlook rather than of style-an outlook characterized by a spirit of revolt and a belief in freedom of expression. Surrealism was a means of reuniting conscious and unconscious realms of experience so completely that the world of dream and fantasy would be joined to the everyday rational world in â€Å"an absolute reality, a surreality.† The major surrealist painters were Jean Arp, Max Ernst, Andre Masson, Rene Magritte, Yves Tanguy, Salvador Dali, Pierre Roy, Paul Delvaux, and Joan Miro. With its emphasis on content and free form, surrealism provided a change to the existing, highly formalistic Cubist Movement and was largely responsible for bringing about in modern painting the traditional value on content. The Cubist Movement began as an intellectual revolt against the artistic expression of previous eras. The cubists didn’t use the sensual appeal of paint, texture and color, subject matter with emotional charge or mood; the play of light on for, movement, atmosphere, and the illusionism that proceeded from scientifically based perspective. The cubists used fragmented and redefined pictures within a shallow plane or within several interlocking and often invisible planes. The International Style of Architecture has influenced buildings since World War 2. Beginning in Germany in the 20’s, the International Style consists of industrial materials such as glass, steel, and concrete in the form of geometric shapes.

Otitis

Otitis is a general term for inflammation or infection of the ear, in both humans and other animals. It is subdivided into the following: Otitis externa, external otitis, or â€Å"swimmer's ear† involves the outer ear and ear canal. In external otitis, the ear hurts when touched or pulled. Otitis media or middle ear infection involves the middle ear. In otitis media, the ear is infected or clogged with fluid behind the ear drum, in the normally air-filled middle-ear space. This very common childhood infection sometimes requires a surgical procedure called â€Å"myringotomy and tube insertion†.Otitis interna or labyrinthitis involves the inner ear. The inner ear includes sensory organs for balance and hearing. When the inner ear is inflamed, vertigo is a common symptom. An ear infection (acute otitis media) is most often a bacterial or viral infection that affects the middle ear, the air-filled space behind the eardrum that contains the tiny vibrating bones of the ear. C hildren are more likely than adults to get ear infections. Ear infections are often painful because of inflammation and buildup of fluids in the middle ear.Because ear infections often clear up on their own, treatment often begins with managing pain and monitoring the problem. Ear infection in infants and severe cases in general require antibiotic medications. Long-term problems related to ear infections — persistent fluids in the middle ear, persistent infections or frequent infections — can cause hearing problems and other serious complications. The onset of signs and symptoms of ear infection is usually rapid. Children Signs and symptoms common in children include: Ear pain, especially when lying down Tugging or pulling at an ear Difficulty sleepingCrying more than usual Acting more irritable than usual Difficulty hearing or responding to sounds Loss of balance Headache Fever of 100 F (38 C) or higher Drainage of fluid from the ear Loss of appetite Vomiting Diarrhea Adults Common signs and symptoms in adults include: Ear pain Drainage of fluid from the ear Diminished hearing Sore throat When to see a doctor Signs and symptoms of an ear infection can indicate a number of different conditions. It's important to get an accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment. Call your child's doctor if: Symptoms last for more than a day Ear pain is severeYour infant or toddler is sleepless or irritable after a cold or other upper respiratory infection You observe a discharge of fluid, pus or bloody discharge from the ear An adult with ear pain or discharge should see a doctor as soon as possible. An ear infection is caused by a bacterium or virus in the middle ear. This infection often results from another illness — cold, flu or allergy — that causes congestion and swelling of the nasal passages, throat and eustachian tubes. Role of eustachian tubes The eustachian tubes are a pair of narrow tubes than run from each middle ear to high in the back of the throat, behind the nasal passages.The throat end of the tubes open and close to: Regulate air pressure in the middle ear Refresh air in the ear Drain normal secretions from the middle ear Swelling, inflammation and mucus in the eustachian tubes from an upper respiratory infection or allergy can block them, causing the accumulation of fluids in the middle ear. A bacterial or viral infection of this fluid is usually what produces the symptoms of an ear infection. Ear infections are more common in children, in part, because their eustachian tubes are narrower and more horizontal — factors that make them more difficult to drain and more likely to get clogged.Role of adenoids Adenoids are two small pads of tissues high in the back of the throat believed to play a role in immune system activity. This function may make them particularly vulnerable to infection and inflammation. Because adenoids are located near the opening of the eustachian tubes, inflammation or enlargement of the adenoids may block the tubes, thereby contributing to middle ear infection. Inflammation of adenoids is more likely to play a role in ear infections in children because children have more active and relatively larger adenoids. Related conditionsConditions of the middle ear that may be related to an ear infection or result in similar middle ear problems include the following: Otitis media with effusion is inflammation and fluid buildup (effusion) in the middle ear without bacterial or viral infection. This may occur because the fluid buildup persists even after an ear infection has resolved. It may also occur because of some dysfunction or noninfectious blockage of the eustachian tubes. Chronic suppurative otitis media is a persistent ear infection that results in tearing or perforation of the eardrum. Risk factorsSymptoms Age. Children between the ages of 6 months and 2 years are more susceptible to ear infections because of the size and shape of the eustachian tubes and becaus e of their poorly developed immune systems. Group child care. Children cared for in group settings are more likely to get colds and ear infections than are children who stay home, because they're exposed to more infections, such as the common cold. Infant feeding. Babies who drink from a bottle, especially while lying down, tend to have more ear infections than do babies who are breast-fed. Seasonal factors.Ear infections are most common during the fall and winter when colds and flu are prevalent. People with seasonal allergies may have a greater risk of ear infections during seasonal high pollen counts. Poor air quality. Exposure to tobacco smoke or high levels of air pollution can increase the risk of ear infection. Family history. A child's risk of ear infections increases if another member of the family has had ear infections. Ethnicity. American Indians and Inuits of Alaska and Canada have an increased risk of ear infections Tests and diagnosis By Mayo Clinic staffYour doctor c an usually diagnose an ear infection or another condition based on the symptoms you describe and a relatively simple office exam. The doctor will likely use a lighted instrument to look at the ears, throat and nasal passage. He or she will also listen to your child breathe with a stethoscope. Pneumatic otoscope An instrument called a pneumatic otoscope is often the only specialized tool that a doctor needs to make a diagnosis of an ear infection. This instrument enables the doctor to look in the ear and judge how much fluid may be behind the eardrum.With the pneumatic otoscope, the doctor gently puffs air against the eardrum. Normally, this puff of air would cause the eardrum to move. If the middle ear is filled with fluid, your doctor will observe little to no movement of the eardrum. Additional tests Your doctor may perform other diagnostic tests if there is any doubt about a diagnosis, if the condition hasn't responded to previous treatments, or if there are other persistent or s erious problems. Tympanometry. This test measures the movement of the eardrum. The device, which seals off the ear canal, adjusts air pressure in the canal, thereby causing the eardrum to move.The device quantifies how well the eardrum moves and provides an indirect measure of pressure within the middle ear. Acoustic reflectometry. This test measures how much sound emitted from a device is reflected back from the eardrum — an indirect measure of fluids in the middle ear. Normally, the eardrum absorbs most of the sound. However, the more pressure there is from fluid in the middle ear, the more sound the eardrum will reflect. Tympanocentesis. Rarely, a doctor may use a tiny tube that pierces the eardrum to drain fluid from the middle ear — a procedure called tympanocentesis.Tests to determine the infectious agent in the fluid may be beneficial if an infection hasn't responded well to previous treatments. Other tests. If your child has had persistent ear infections or per sistent fluid buildup in the middle ear, your doctor may refer you to a hearing specialist (audiologist), speech therapist or developmental therapist for tests of hearing, speech skills, language comprehension or developmental abilities. What a diagnosis means Acute otitis media. The diagnosis of â€Å"ear infection† is generally shorthand for acute otitis media.Your doctor likely makes this diagnosis if he or she observes signs of fluid in the middle ear, if there are signs or symptoms of an infection, and if the onset of symptoms was relatively sudden. Otitis media with effusion. If the diagnosis is otitis media with effusion, the doctor has found evidence of fluid in the middle ear, but there are presently no signs or symptoms of infection. Chronic suppurative otitis media. If the doctor makes a diagnosis of chronic suppurative otitis media, he or she has found that a persistent ear infection has resulted in tearing or perforation of the eardrum.Treatments and drugs By May o Clinic staff Most ear infections don't need treatment with antibiotics. What's best for your child depends on many factors, including your child's age and the severity of symptoms. A wait-and-see approach Symptoms of ear infections usually improve with the first couple of days, and most infections clear up on their own within one to two weeks without any treatment. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians recommend a wait-and-see approach for the first 48 to 72 hours for anyone who is otherwise healthy and who is:Six months to 2 years of age with mild symptoms and an uncertain diagnosis More than 2 years old with mild symptoms or an uncertain diagnosis Treating pain Your doctor will advise you on treatments to lessen pain from an ear infection. These may include the following: A warm compress. Placing a warm, moist washcloth over the affected ear may lessen pain. Pain medication. Your doctor may advise the use of over-the-counter acetaminoph en (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, others) to relieve pain. Use the drugs as directed on the label.Because aspirin has been linked with Reye's syndrome, use caution when giving aspirin to children or teenagers. Although aspirin is approved for use in children older than age 2, children and teenagers recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms should never take aspirin. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns. Eardrops. Prescription eardrops such as antipyrine-benzocaine (Aurodex) may provide additional pain relief. To administer drops to your child, warm the bottle by placing it in warm water. Put the recommended dose in your child's ear while he or she lies on a flat surface with the infected ear facing up.Benzocaine has been linked to a rare but serious, sometimes deadly, condition that decreases the amount of oxygen that the blood can carry. Don't use benzocaine in children younger than age 2 without supervision from a health care professional, as this age gro up has been the most affected. If you're an adult, never use more than the recommended dose of benzocaine and consider talking with your doctor. Antibiotic therapy Your doctor may recommend antibiotic treatment for an ear infection in the following situations:Children under 6 months old with a probable diagnosis of ear infection Children 6 months to 2 years old with a certain diagnosis of ear infection Anyone with a probable ear infection and moderate to severe ear pain Anyone with a probable ear infection and a fever over 102. 2 F (39 C) or higher Even after symptoms have improved, be sure to use all of the antibiotic pills as directed. Failing to do so can result in recurring infection and resistance of bacteria to antibiotic medications. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what to do if you accidentally skip a dose. Ear tubesIf your child has otitis media with effusion — persistent fluid buildup in the ear after an infection has cleared up or in the absence of any infe ction — your doctor may recommend a procedure to drain fluid from the middle ear. During an outpatient surgical procedure called a myringotomy, a surgeon creates a tiny hole in the eardrum that enables him or her to suction fluids out of the middle ear. A tiny tube is placed in the opening to help ventilate the middle ear and prevent the accumulation of more fluids. Some tubes are intended to stay in place for six months to a year and then fall out on their own.Other tubes are designed to stay in longer and may need to be surgically removed. The eardrum closes up again after the tube falls out or is removed. Treatment for chronic suppurative otitis media Chronic infection that results in perforation of the eardrum — chronic suppurative otitis media — is difficult to treat. It's often treated with antibiotics administered as drops. You'll receive instructions on how to suction fluids out through the ear canal before administering drops. Monitoring Children with f requent or persistent infections or with persistent fluid in the middle ear will need to be monitored closely.Talk to your doctor about how often you should schedule follow-up appointments. Your doctor may recommend regular hearing and language tests. Prevention Tests and diagnosis Prevention By Mayo Clinic staff The following tips may reduce the risk of developing ear infections: Prevent common colds and other illnesses. Teach your child to wash his or her hands frequently and thoroughly, and teach your child not to share eating and drinking utensils. If possible, limit the time your child spends in group child care. A child care setting with fewer children may help. Avoid secondhand smoke.Make sure that no one smokes in your home. Away from home, stay in smoke-free environments. Breast-feed your baby. If possible, breast-feed your baby for at least six months. Breast milk contains antibodies that may offer protection from ear infections. If you bottle-feed, hold your baby in an up right position. Avoid propping a bottle in your baby's mouth while he or she is lying down. Talk to your doctor about vaccinations. Ask your doctor about what vaccinations are appropriate for your child. Seasonal flu shots and pneumococcal vaccines may help prevent ear infections.

Are People Too Dependent On Technology Today?

People love things to be easier, that’s why people invented technology. As many more technology is created, there has been a debate whether we are becoming too dependent on technology today. In this Essay I will justify if people are too dependent on Technology today.Some people say we use technology in everything and in every single day of our life that we can’t live without it. Others say technologies are just there to help us do things easier. Yes, people are too dependent on technology today because we barely use books and notebooks for studying, most of us now does not use maps and compass anymore, and people now rely on emails, messages, social networking and others. To begin with, we barely use books and notebooks for studying nowadays. Students now take advantage of Internet to do their assignments without many efforts.Students today have to use technology for even just copying notes. Our books and notebooks are slowly replaced by laptops, tablets, eBooks and et c. Most teachers now put notes and textbooks online for easy access. Some students claim some school today still does not allow student to use electronics to take notes or use it for books. Maybe this is true but school board will probably change this rule for the good of all students. Second, most of us does not use maps or compass anymore. Nowadays, people depend on GPS to find places instead of using the good old fashion maps. GPS is a satellite base system for navigation, it directly show you the way to the place you want to go. These days no one bothers to buy or even use maps. Most people now can’t go anywhere without GPS with them.A few people would still prefer to use maps because GPS can distract people from driving and can cause serious accidents. This might be true but it is hard to imagine that people who use GPS regularly can still remember how to look up a map. And lastly, people now depend on emails, messages, social networking etc. We now rely on technology to connect with our friends and families. The traditional way of writing and sending letter is now being replaced with communication by mobile, emails, social network etc. In addition, we can now talk and see our friends and family in the same time through technology.What is more, workplaces are becoming more and more dependent upon technology. Most of employees have their own mobile phone or computer so that they could exchange information  or documents as soon as they want without leaving their desks. Although, there are still some people would rather communicate person to person to do things together or to avoid misunderstanding conversation. While this perhaps true, nowadays people are too busy that we do not have time to see each other anymore or we are too far away from each other.Through mobiles, emails, and etc. we can connect with anyone faster, cheaper, and easier. It is clear that we depend on modern technology too much today. Not only we are too reliant on it, society no w considers technology as necessity. Even though technology helps us do everything easier, we cannot forget about the bad effects it brings to us. Using modern technology for everything makes people lazier and inactive in life. We now remarkably dependent on technology that now people hardly use books and notebooks, people lost the knowledge of using maps, and now people would rather communicate through mobile, emails, social networking etc. to each other. We are no slowly seized by technology. Someday our world will change and the things we have now and before will disappear and will be taken over by Technology.

Cultural and Rhetorical Analysis of Presidential Debates

Cultural and Rhetorical Analysis of Presidential Debates Obama presidential debates are highly discussed in the United States because it is an important event for each U.S. citizen who has the right to vote and attend the elections. The debate between candidatures – Obama and Romney – underlines specific rhetorical and cultural approaches to engaging into discussion and introducing their viewpoints on specific issues related to politics, economics, and social organization.Advertising We will write a custom critical writing sample on Cultural and Rhetorical Analysis of Presidential Debates specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In order to define cultural underpinnings and issues of the debate, I will focus on the analysis of The Tonight Show with Jay Leno in which Barack Obama is invited as a guest. The program relies on both humorous and political issues, as well as unveils certain important cultural dimensions of the presidential elections. The critical examination will allow to d efine the modern attitudes to gender and sexuality, as well as how they are treated at the threshold of the presidential election campaign. In particular, although the program is dedicated a variety of issues, including social vision, cultural background, traditions and celebrations, and religious views, Barack Obama still manages to interpret all these topics in the light of the upcoming elections. Although the show does not cover fully the essence of political situation, as well as the content of presidential debates, it still focuses on the Obama’s attitude toward cultural, economic, and social issues. Specific attention requires his position concerning the gender roles distributed in American society. His religious and social beliefs, therefore, reflect his general opinion on the role of women and men. While tracing the interview, both Leno and Obama focus on very interesting issues that are beyond politics. This is of particular concern to their discussion of womenâ€⠄¢s capability of doing decisions, and Obama’s views on health care and military system that are directly associated with discussion of gender and social role. While discussing Obama’s attitude to rape, specific emphasis is placed on the role of male politicians in making decisions about women’s health care issues. I plan to discuss all these issues in much detail to define what cultural and national undercurrents are highlighted in Obama’s speech. The TV program is associated with discussing various issues that are not confined to any political and religious outlooks. Nevertheless, because Obama was invited to the show during the election campaign, the most of the topics covered strongly correlate with this situation.Advertising Looking for critical writing on government? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More With regard to the above, the target audience is the U.S. citizens who are interested in voting and participating in presidential races. Regardless what topics have been discussed, should it be family issues, economic situation, Obama’s personal life, all these topics were centered on attracting more audience who is concerned with the election campaign. Within the context of gender stereotypes analysis, Ott and Mack state, â€Å"the competing interpretations of gender in contemporary society give rise to confusing, often contradictory message about various roles of men and women† (p. 193). However, despite the presence of patriarchal system of power ensuring restricted representation of women, Obama still emphasizes the right of women to decide on the type of treatment, as well as other decisions that concern their health. Judging from the President’s position, the equality between men and women is a serious problem for politicians. I have also noticed that most of the issues related to over discussion of gender are concealed by general political statements related to such urgent problems as tax rates, unemployment, and security welfare in the United States. Social interaction is closely associated with gender stereotypes, even though they are veiled with general discussions about social structures attributed to contemporary life. Making connection of the importance of women’s decision with the politics of the current government, Obama recognizes that most of politicians releasing reforms, acts, and other regulations are males. Therefore, in order to intrude into issues related to female health, the president strives to solve this problem at legislative and political levels. The availability of basic health is important and, therefore, the Supreme Court should have a direct impact on the analysis of the issue. While discussing the capability of women to make important choices about their health, Obama stresses that this aspect should also relate to family issues, which once again refers to the presidents conservative outlook on women’s place in society. The very recognition and emphasis already testifies to the president’s constantly changing patterns of considering women and their limited access to politics. Therefore, it is purposeful to judge that Obama has concealed views on gender that are confined to the conservative position of roles of women as housewives, but not as feminine activists taking part in various social, cultural and political measures.Advertising We will write a custom critical writing sample on Cultural and Rhetorical Analysis of Presidential Debates specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The influence of media on representation of gender is tangible. I agree with Gill’s statement about media coverage: â€Å"rather than reflecting reality†¦the media are involved in producing or constructing particular versions of reality in order to make them ‘real’ and persuasive† (44). The focus on distortion and bias challenges the accuracy of comprehending the real state of affairs, as well as leads to a deviated form of political action that refers to ‘bad’ stereotypes. Finally, the media approach provides no distinction between degrees of meaning. In fact, it only addresses the content representation ignoring the fact that woman can symbolize a range of meanings, such as comfort, sexuality, stability, and conservatism. All these aspects could be highlighted in the television program episode. Specifically, Obama does recognize the existing distribution of gender role due to the actual emphasis on the male politicians and women’s capability to make decisions. The place of women’s in politics is heavily argued because there exist evidence stereotypic framework that is imposed on Obama’s speech in the show. Certainly, media has a potent impact on the President’s elaborations on this issue. Because he realizes that has great responsibili ty because he exposes his family as an example that other Americans should follow. For instance, when he talks about family related issues, Obama mentions his wife’s contributions constantly and refers to her role as a wife. Therefore, this is an additional media stereotypes affecting Obama’s ideology. Although the attitude to gender and sexuality in contemporary society is represented in various contexts, the Presidents still adheres to a heteronormative, objective perspective. I believe that Obama articulates ideas in a reserved, unemotional way, which allows him to maintain an image of an ordinary man that most voters believe he is. Such a position, therefore, is premised on standardized assessments of functions performed by males. Due to the fact that the contemporary society recognizes the masculinity and femininity are different aspects that should be considered as opposites, Obama takes the role of a heteronormative position as the one opposed to homosexual ster eotypes, which once again signifies Obama’s negative rather than neutral attitude to homosexuals.Advertising Looking for critical writing on government? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More There is also an assumption that male’s heterosexual orientation should be associated with unemotional, restrained, and objective evaluation of various issues (Fourie 306). In contrast, homosexuality is more connected with greater emotionality, which is attributed to a negative connotation. The connection between gender and sexuality is evident, but little consideration is done concerning its representation in political sphere. In fact, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno produces new perspectives which allow to uncover Obama’s actual view on sexuality and gender. Although the speech did not specifically relate to the discussion of gender issues, there are still contextual and rhetorical signs uncovering certain angles of the aspect. It should be stressed, however, that gender and sexuality are constructed through the prism of identities. The changing patterns also testify to the shifts in perceiving and evaluating the role of gender and sexuality. This is of particular con cern to role models, as well as to how they are covered in media. The media reflects on the relationships and situations from various social angles, specifically when it comes to the discussion of gender equality. In this respect, I agree with the point that â€Å"women have the formal right to most things that a man can do, and vice versa: situation where this is not the case become wellpublicised courtroom battles† (Gauntlett 4). Due to the fact hat even personal relationships has undergone democratic influence, marriage is analyzed beyond social, cultural, and political environments. In the television program under analysis, there is a kind of devaluation of such values because the anchor employs humorous approach to treating both marriage and politics. Therefore, discussing issues relating to gender seems to be as natural and as discussing such common aspects as tax payment and employment rates. Overall, because the television program episode does not overtly discuss gend er issues, its format allows to address the contemporary problems and introduce a handful of opinion on it (Ross n. p.). Although Obama is considered here as president whose view on gender should be neutral, its attitude to gender issues could be explained from the position of male gaze. This is of particular concern to his obligations with regard to the roles and responsibilities he takes in life. Although his position in political life is identified, Obama still recognizes the existence of opposition between masculinity and femininity. At the very beginning of the show, I have noticed that Obama talks about his family from the perspective of the American Dream stereotypes that restrict his view on society in general. Further considerations taken by the guest of the show are connected with the discussion of women’s capabilities and rights. From this viewpoint, Obama is more interested in representing the feminist view on the problem of women’s health and security. In conclusion, the analysis of the The Tonight Show with Jay Leno proves that media employs powerful rhetoric tools to influence public opinion. Media coverage also creates new stereotypes concerning the role of gender and its connection to sexuality. Although, the episode at issue does not address directly the issues of gender and sexuality, the speakers are concerned with the problem of gender equality. Their personal views on family issues and the place of women in society are also uncovered during the discussion. Fourie, Pieter J. Media Studies: Media History, Media and Society. US: Juta and Company Ltd, 2010. Print. Gill, Rosalind. Gender and the Media. US: Polity, 2006. Print. Guantlett, David. Media, Gender, and Identity: An Introduction. London: Routledge, 2008. Print. Ott, Brian, and Robert Mack. Critical Media Studies: An Introduction. US: John Wiley Sons. 2009. Print. Ross, Karen. The Handbook of Gender, Sex, and Media. US: John Wiley Sons. 2011. Print.

The Sindhu (Indus) River

The Sindhu (Indus) River The Sindhu River, also commonly referred to as the Indus River, is a major waterway in South Asia. One of the longest rivers in the world, the Sindhu has a total length of over 2,000 miles and runs south from the Kailash Mountain in Tibet all the way to the Arabian Sea in Karachi, Pakistan. It is the longest river in Pakistan, also passing through northwestern India, in addition to the Tibetan region of China and Pakistan. The Sindhu is a large part of the river system of the  Punjab, which means land of five rivers. Those five rivers- the Jhelum, Chenab,  Ravi,  Beas, and  Sutlej- eventually flow into the Indus. History of the Sindhu River The Indus Valley is located on the fertile floodplains along the river. This region was home to the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, which was one of the oldest known civilizations. Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of religious practices starting in about 5500 BCE, and farming began by around 4000 BCE. Towns and cities grew up in the area by about 2500 BCE, and the civilization was at its peak between 2500 and 2000 BCE, coinciding with the civilizations of the Babylonians and Egyptians.   When at its peak, the Indus Valley Civilization boasted houses with wells and bathrooms,  underground drainage systems,  a fully developed writing system,  impressive architecture, and a well-planned urban center. Two major cities,  Harappa  and  Mohenjo-Daro, have been excavated and explored. Remains including elegant jewelry, weights, and other items. Many items have writing on them, but to date, the writing has not been translated. The Indus Valley Civilization began to decline around 1800 BCE. Trade ceased, and some cities were abandoned. Reasons for this decline are unclear, but some theories include flood or drought. Around 1500 BCE, invasions by the Aryans began to erode what was left of the Indus Valley Civilization. The Aryan people settled in their place, and their language and culture have helped to shape the language and culture of todays India and Pakistan. Hindu religious practices may also have their roots in Aryan beliefs. The Sindhu Rivers Significance Today Today, the Sindhu River serves as a key water supply to  Pakistan  and is central to the country’s economy. In addition to drinking water, the river enables and sustains the country’s agriculture.   Fish from the river provide a major source of food to communities along the river’s banks. The Sindhu River is also used as a major transportation route for commerce. Physical Attributes of the Sindhu River The Sindhu River follows a complex path from its origin at 18,000 feet in the Himalayas near Lake Mapam. It flows northwest for roughly 200 miles before crossing into the disputed territory of Kashmir in India and then into Pakistan. It eventually exits the mountainous region and flows into the sandy plains of the Punjab, where its most significant tributaries feed the river. During July, August, and September when the river floods, the Sindhu stretches to several miles wide in the plains. The snow-fed Sindhu River system is subject to flash floods, too. While the river moves quickly through the mountain passes, it moves very slowly through the plains, depositing silt and raising the level of these sandy plains.

Top 10 Ways To Improve Your Daily Commute That You Hate

Top 10 Ways To Improve Your Daily Commute That You Hate Commuting can be terrible- an annoying, uncomfortable waste of time. But it is also an opportunity to multitask in your busy life. Whether you’re driving or taking public transport (or even walking or biking), here are 10 ways you can turn a negative into a positive. 1. Listen to PodcastsTake a little downtime and catch up on all the reading you aren’t doing. Try a podcast or even an audiobook (on headphones or your car stereo). Your commute time will fly by and you’ll learn stuff! Plus you’ll get all the pleasure of reading without having to have your hands free.2. Discover New MusicBored of your same old Spotify playlists? Tired of your music and not sure where to turn for your new favorite tunes? Use your commute to try new artists. If you have wi-fi access while commuting, try a streaming station. If not, make a list of bands you hear about on the radio or at work and look for them on Spotify and download a playlist to your phone. If you like it, keep it! If not, delete!3. Practice Self CareYour commute might be the only time you have â€Å"to yourself† in the week. Make yourself a priority and do something for your mental well being. Try doing gratitude journaling exercises, or just thinking about things that are going really well in your life. Try a simple meditation technique. Or deep breathing. Try giving yourself time to read something for pleasure and tune the rest of the world out- provided you don’t miss your stop. Or use the time to connect via phone or email (provided you aren’t driving) to a friend or family member you don’t get to see enough. If all else fails, just try to decompress a bit and cut your stress.4. Leave Earlier So You Can Slow DownGive yourself a little extra time so you’re not always racing to be on time. If you know you can take your time, you can linger a bit and smell the roses, so to speak- or the coffee! Take a moment to sit and sip a latte. Or enjoy not being pa nicked when you run into traffic. Slowing down a little can really be a grounding way to start your day.5. Check in With Your Work ProgressMaybe evaluating your progress weekly is too daunting a task. But if you’re stuck on a train or in traffic, you can always do a little self-review and see how you did meeting your goals that day. And strategize how you can improve tomorrow. Make sure you’re actually working through your top priorities, and not just spending your day on less important stuff.6.  Mix Up Your Route Once in a WhileIf your commute is too long or annoying, try to find a better workaround! Thinking outside your rut can actually give your brain a boost, and you might just find a way to make your life that much more pleasant! Keep in mind a longer route that’s less annoying or has fewer stops could make all the difference.7. Brainstorm Solutions to Your ProblemsUse the time to brainstorm or troubleshoot problems at home or at work. Take advantage of being alone with your own thoughts and start strategizing. You never know, the next big answer might come while you’re just spacing out and giving your brain a break.8. Sit in SilenceMaybe your life moves too fast and you’re already optimizing every waking moment to get the most out of your time. Maybe you read and listen and engage too much. Maybe you try to cram too much in. Try turning off your phone, your music, putting away that book or magazine and just sit there not doing anything at all. Concentrate only on getting where you need to go safely. You and your fellow commuters will all benefit.9. MeditateBe present in the moment. You don’t need special props or techniques. Just be where you are, take a few breaths, and maybe shut your eyes. Give your brain the recharge it deserves.10.  Ask If You Can Skip ItAll that said, if you have the opportunity to work remotely, or could convince your boss, then you wouldn’t have to commute every day. Make the argument about how much more productive you could be in that time. It’s always worth a shot! If that’s not an option, consider moving closer, or carpooling. Anything to condense or cut out this part of your daily grind.

Impact of age diversity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Impact of age diversity - Essay Example Specifically, these aspects will be examined in the context of the impact of age in the labor force and how this will affect the roles of the managers in the labor organizations as a recent study reported that by 2020, individuals of 50 years old and up will take up a third of the region’s workforce population. Article Analysis The age of the workers is recognized as a relevant determinant of their performance at work. Some employers prefer the old ones for their developed skills from experience, while the others choose the younger for their flexibility and other characteristics. Such assumptions have rooted from a number of research findings pointing out how workers of specific age ranges easily adapt to changes implemented in the work places (e.g., technology, roles and responsibilities, and etc.) while others can or do not (Morris & Venkatesh, 2000; Morris, Venkatesh, & Ackerman, 2005). Other studies also suggest that an employee’s age can tell employers his or her p robable productivity rate. Specifically, groups of researchers have previously proposed that valuable attitudes and behaviors of the workers decline as one ages (Ferris, et al., 1985; McEvoy & Cascio, 1989; Salthouse & Babcock, 1991; Lawrence, 1988); others, on the other hand, cannot particularly point out concrete evidences of the existence of such relationships in â€Å"different age categories of employees† (Duncan & Loretto, 2004). ... Specifically, groups of researchers have previously proposed that valuable attitudes and behaviors of the workers decline as one ages (Ferris, et al., 1985; McEvoy & Cascio, 1989; Salthouse & Babcock, 1991; Lawrence, 1988); others, on the other hand, cannot particularly point out concrete evidences of the existence of such relationships in â€Å"different age categories of employees† (Duncan & Loretto, 2004). Nevertheless, because of prior assumptions related to these, age discrimination has been inevitable (Ferris & King, 1992; Issacharoff & Harris, 1997; Taylor & Walker, 1997); putting the welfare of the members of the workforce -- especially the old ones -- in line while necessitating further management reorganization and implementation from those with higher positions in the workplace. As such dilemmas coexist, it is then important to consider several aspects that affect and, likewise, become affected by the consequences of the age of the employees by the overall performan ce of the workforce as well as the management of the organization. This is particularly true as an unexpected shift of the age of the workforce is to be anticipated after nine years; that is, more than 30% of the members of the United Kingdom workforce â€Å"will be over 50 by 2020† (Snowdon, 2010). In Snowdon’s article, it was noted that the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) reported in a research that majority of the managers in the work organizations in UK are still unprepared for this shift. Although the author seems to lack the efficiency of properly addressing the audience that he intends to tap with his article, it is without a doubt that

The Reasons the Roman Empire Fell Research Paper

The Reasons the Roman Empire Fell - Research Paper Example For the economic reason, Rome’s decline was precipitated by the decline in manufacturing and trade which resulted in the populations loss of purchasing ability. This resulted in the widening between the rich and the poor. For military reason, Rome’s armies became political as it can determine succession of emperors. Soldiers also became scarce as the empire can no longer afford to pay them. Rome resorted to barbarian troops which has no loyalty to Rome and cannot be depended on defending Rome. It is more interested in obtaining spoils of war and cannot be depended on to fight their fellow barbarians in behalf of Rome. Politically, patriotism and pride among Romans dwindled as most emperors no longer command respect and loyalty. Democracy was no longer practiced and its citizens can no longer vote. Rome’s leadership also deteriorated that it slid to patronage politics where loyalty is bestowed to an Emperor instead of the state. There was also no orderly transitio n of power, partly because the military meddles with the succession of the emperors. Rome became divided the creation of two empires brought about loyalty crisis. The division started when Constantine made Byzantium a capital which was formerly in Rome. The succeding emperor, Diocletian thought that by dividing Rome into two would strengthen the empire, in fact brought the opposite and furthered the division of the empire and precipiated its fall. This period marked a crisis characterized by military Anarchy (235 -284 AD) when its emperor, Alexander Severus was assasinated. Rome ceased to be a learning center and instead became preoccupied with gladiator shows and chariot contests instead of intellectual pursuits. In a way also, Christianity contributed to the fall of Rome because it undermined the basis of its leadership such as imperial divinity. Hunger, plagued, famine and war ensued that deteriorated the Roman empire further. In general, Rome fell due to its dependency to non-Ro mans which later turned against the empire. The Antonine Plague which wreaked havoc in 165 Ad also wiped out nearly half of its population with the spread of the epidemics such as measles and small pox. The annihilation of its population precipitated its dependency towards barbarians who turned against the empire. These barbarians were not really concerned with the security and protection of Rome but only with the loot and spoils of war. The infusion of non-Romans into its military also diluted its sense of patriotism and sense of loyalty to the empire. One of the more popular theories which was attributed to the decline and fall of Rome is its moral degradation which is often depicted in popular media such as the movie Gladiator. The series of war it was involved in also caused the demise of the Roman Empire. The first war with the Visigoths in 376-382 AD where Emperor was killed allowed the fleeing Huns to live in the borders of Rome who later rebelled against the Empire and contr ibuting to its instability2 (Goldsworthy, 2009, 13). Rome also lost during the first war. The Alaric war, which was also known as the second war with the Visigoths ultimately led to the sacking of Rome in 410. Alaric invaded Italy and eventually founded the Visigothic Kingdom in Gaul and Hispania3 (Gibbon et al., 2003, 318) Many of its territories, such as those in the regions of Hispania and

Information Technology Project Management Essay

Information Technology Project Management - Essay Example This essay stresses that good understanding of these interactions will help us show the various approaches applied, contribute to an evidence base, and also the future development of the information systems. Importance of understanding this relationship is to help the information system users enhance their ability and discover their needs. This has increased to an increment in management of the risks accrued to children especially in the western societies. This paper makes a conclusion that a better method of governance can work efficiently in management of the failures associated with the information systems. The designing of a better information system requires to be incorporated with the requirements of both the working environment and the practitioners. There should be also a broader development concern of risk constituted to the children and the role the information system experts in relation to child protection. A relevant principle of the social technical is within the philosophical values and premises. This greatly depends on the level of participation. Participation involves co-ordination of the process that exists between information systems experts and the other people at large. The existing interaction of the two parties involved leads to an innovation of an effective organization design. Respect and considerations of all the people involved is crucial for the development of the project. Design is also another principle in the social technical.

Collective Bargaining Process in P-12 Education Research Paper

Collective Bargaining Process in P-12 Education - Research Paper Example Significant Changes in Education Law Section 3012-c The revamp of the old law carried with it major changes in the evaluation process of teachers and principals, known as the new and improved Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR) system for teachers and principals. â€Å"The new APPR system applies only to evaluations of teachers in the common branch subjects or English Language Arts, and Math in grades four through eight, as well as building principals for the school year 2011-2012. The new APPR system will apply to all teachers and principals effective in the 2012-2013 school years. The APPR system requires teacher and principal evaluations to result in a single composite score made up of the several components† (New York Labor and Employment). The composite score shall be the basis for the teacher’s promotion, retention, tenure, termination, and will entitle the teacher to additional compensation. The composite score shall be divided into the following criter ia: The first 40% percent shall be based on the student’s achievement and the other 60% shall comprise of the teacher’s overall effectiveness. Modification of the Existing Provisions of Collective Bargaining Agreement Based on the labor relations standpoint, the requirement of a negotiated appeals process is one of the more contentious aspects of the new law. The appeals process by the way, is developed locally, wherein the teacher or principal shall have the right to question the basis of the evaluation. The factors taken in deriving at such result must be compliant to specific standards and guidelines for reviews and implementation of a â€Å"Teacher Improvement Plans† (TIP) and the â€Å"Principal Improvement Plans† (PIP). This method will be used for those teachers and... It aims to discuss the direct relationship of the new law to the concurrent provisions contained in the previous collective bargaining agreements. Due to the enactment of the new law, it mandated that all collective bargaining agreements entered by teachers and building principals after July 1, 2010 must be harmonize and complement with provisions of the new law. This report stresses that the new law does not require the school district, BOCES, parents’ and teachers’ representative union to indicate the references used in the newly incorporated provisions in the successor collective bargaining agreements. Strict observance must be complied as regard to the consistencies with the provisions of the new Education Law. This paper makes a conclusion that the enactment of the new law redounds to the benefit of the school district, BOCES, teachers and principals because they are given equal opportunities to improve their existing conditions and opens doors for more better opportunities which they can enjoy in the future. In the case of the students, they will be ensured of quality education as their teachers are required to attain a high level of effectiveness among their students. According to Tom Loveless, â€Å"what is certain however is that the scope of bargaining, although previously restricted in many states with regard to issues of wages, hours and working conditions, has in practice greatly expanded beyond those formal limits†.

Healthy Woman Check Ups, Do they make a difference Essay

Healthy Woman Check Ups, Do they make a difference - Essay Example It is important for women to get regular check- ups, because screening tests, such as mammograms and Pap tests, can find diseases early, when they are easier to treat. Some women need certain screening tests earlier or more often than other women. Screening and routine care can help women lower their risk of many health conditions including heart diseases. National Women’s Check-up Day which occurs every 14th of May was established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health to encourage women to visit health care professionals to receive or schedule check-ups and promote regular check-ups as they are vital to enable the early detection diseases. With today's busy lifestyles, finding time to visit the doctor can often be difficult but it is important not to forget about our health. Regular health check-ups are important for women. Even in the absence of symptoms, many physicians recommend routine, yearly doctor visits and physica ls for females of all ages. A full check-up for women includes a comprehensive work-up for general health, including heart diseases, cholesterol, diabetes, major organ functions, osteoporosis and common cancers like liver and colon cancer. Specifically designed for women, the plan also screens for breast, ovarian and cervical cancers as well as pelvic disorders. Physicians integrate the information you provide from your symptoms, past health problems, physical examination and testing to detect disease or a risk of disease. If you feel well and have a normal exam, it's likely you are healthy. Unfortunately, many conditions can escape detection even with the best medical care. Which exams and screenings you need depends on your age, health and family history, and lifestyle choices such as what you eat, how active you are, and whether you smoke. Breast cancer screening aims to detect the disease early in women and thereby reduce mortality from breast cancer. It may not be cost-effectiv e to screen all women equally often, but rather to allocate resources disproportionately across women at different risks of developing breast cancer. This disease burden can be reduced if cases are detected and treated early. Pap smear for cervical cancer, allow the early identification of cancer or pre-cancer before signs are recognizable [PCND, 2008]. Screening for breast and cervical cancer are strongly related with a reduction in cancer mortality [Kerlikowske et al. 1995]. Evidence-Based screening plans and European guidelines recommend a mammography every 2 years for women aged 50-69 and Pap test every 3 years for women aged 25-64 [Perry et al. 2006, ACS, 2011]. Socioeconomic factors were shown to be strongly related to the use of preventive services [Lorant et al. 2002]. Disparities in the utilization of female screening were widely identified. Comparative studies on the use of preventive services in Europe showed inequalities in the participation to screening programs, althou gh the size of the inequality varied among countries [Palencia et al. 2010]. Women with lower health literacy are less likely to carry out routine cancer screening. Ethnic minority, old age and low socioeconomic status are all accompanied by a low chance of undergoing cancer screening procedures [Ackenson, 2007]. In the US characteristics associated with lower rates of Pap test use included low family income and low educational

Cold war Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Cold war - Research Paper Example Each tried to spread their ideologies to many countries as possible throughout the world, effectively dividing the free world between capitalism and communism. America was  lending economic and military assistance to the nations that agreed with its Capitalist  ideology, and Russia doing the same on the other side. This lead to division in, Korea which was split into North and South Korea, as well as Germany, which was divided into; East, for Russian and West for The  US and its allies; the extent of the division was embodied in the construction of the Berlin wall. The 25 miles wall was put up to prevent citizens of the East side from escaping to the west side. Hot conflicts also resulted from the war with the effects and losses being escalated by the backing of the superpower for each side i.e. in Korea and Vietnam. The war was hence fought in a variety of ways such as the arms race, with each country trying to acquire the most advanced atomic weaponry, the space race, where e ach of the two countries tried to make the biggest steps in space exploration as well as arming and supporting countries engaged in fighting with the other side’s supporters. ... From this point onwards both countries endeavored to produce as many weapons of mass destruction as possible mainly missiles, fast planes and bombs. New weapons were experimented on and, by 1960, both nations were working on mobile controlled missiles it was estimated that, by 1961, enough bombs had been made to destroy the whole world most of them by the two rival nations. They had bombs that could cause about a hundred times more damage than the catastrophic Hiroshima bomb had caused in Japan. 2 This had considerable financial implications since both spent millions in the development of weapons although America had the edge since it had a stronger economy. This led to the theory of mutual assured destruction  (MAD) which many claimed was the main reason the world saved from war, each of the two rival camps had so many weapons that if one attacked the other and the latter allies reiterated with nuclear weapons, there would be no winner, but both sides would suffer catastrophic los ses. Around 1970, the two nations were cognizant of the need to deal with the issue more flexibly and talks on reduced armaments begun in Ernest. The death or Stalin, a hardliner was also instrumental in ending the war as he was replaced by Goberchev who was more willing to negotiate with America. Russia backed North Korea in its attempt to invade and take over the south, and the United Nations backed the South, China also joined in the war and, for several years, the two sides fought each other with the armies driving each other to and fro, until they agreed to negotiate. This was; however, one of the conflicts between Russia and the USA albeit by proxy. The Vietnam War was

Healthy Woman Check Ups, Do they make a difference Essay

Healthy Woman Check Ups, Do they make a difference - Essay Example It is important for women to get regular check- ups, because screening tests, such as mammograms and Pap tests, can find diseases early, when they are easier to treat. Some women need certain screening tests earlier or more often than other women. Screening and routine care can help women lower their risk of many health conditions including heart diseases. National Women’s Check-up Day which occurs every 14th of May was established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health to encourage women to visit health care professionals to receive or schedule check-ups and promote regular check-ups as they are vital to enable the early detection diseases. With today's busy lifestyles, finding time to visit the doctor can often be difficult but it is important not to forget about our health. Regular health check-ups are important for women. Even in the absence of symptoms, many physicians recommend routine, yearly doctor visits and physica ls for females of all ages. A full check-up for women includes a comprehensive work-up for general health, including heart diseases, cholesterol, diabetes, major organ functions, osteoporosis and common cancers like liver and colon cancer. Specifically designed for women, the plan also screens for breast, ovarian and cervical cancers as well as pelvic disorders. Physicians integrate the information you provide from your symptoms, past health problems, physical examination and testing to detect disease or a risk of disease. If you feel well and have a normal exam, it's likely you are healthy. Unfortunately, many conditions can escape detection even with the best medical care. Which exams and screenings you need depends on your age, health and family history, and lifestyle choices such as what you eat, how active you are, and whether you smoke. Breast cancer screening aims to detect the disease early in women and thereby reduce mortality from breast cancer. It may not be cost-effectiv e to screen all women equally often, but rather to allocate resources disproportionately across women at different risks of developing breast cancer. This disease burden can be reduced if cases are detected and treated early. Pap smear for cervical cancer, allow the early identification of cancer or pre-cancer before signs are recognizable [PCND, 2008]. Screening for breast and cervical cancer are strongly related with a reduction in cancer mortality [Kerlikowske et al. 1995]. Evidence-Based screening plans and European guidelines recommend a mammography every 2 years for women aged 50-69 and Pap test every 3 years for women aged 25-64 [Perry et al. 2006, ACS, 2011]. Socioeconomic factors were shown to be strongly related to the use of preventive services [Lorant et al. 2002]. Disparities in the utilization of female screening were widely identified. Comparative studies on the use of preventive services in Europe showed inequalities in the participation to screening programs, althou gh the size of the inequality varied among countries [Palencia et al. 2010]. Women with lower health literacy are less likely to carry out routine cancer screening. Ethnic minority, old age and low socioeconomic status are all accompanied by a low chance of undergoing cancer screening procedures [Ackenson, 2007]. In the US characteristics associated with lower rates of Pap test use included low family income and low educational

The prediction about the future impact on current low oil price Essay

The prediction about the future impact on current low oil price - Essay Example Oil prices have slumped almost by 50% ever since the last summer resulting from the longest running slump for twenty years. This is mainly because, the United States shale oil, and to a smaller degree the return of the Libyan oil to the market, has increased supply but a slowdown in the European Union and China economies has abridged demand (Richard Anderson Business reporter, 1). With the thriving United States shale industry indicating minimal signs of decelerating, there are good explanations to predict that the current fall in the price of oil will carry on for some time. This fall indicates that the debt bubble that has been holding the global economy for quite a very long time ever since the World War II is failing to increase significantly. If the debt bubble slumps, then we will be in a big problem (Tverberg).According to the author, OPEC, the cartel of chief global oil producers, has at many times being stepping in to stabilize the prices by cutting production. However, this time round OPEC said that it was not willing to do so even if the oil slumped to $20 a barrel. Without OPEC inventively backing up the oil price, and with possibly weaker demand owing to the slow economic progress, the oil prices are expected to stay at below $100 for ages to come. The future markets indicate the prices will recuperate slowly to reach about $70 by 2019, although numerous experts predict a range of $40-$80 for the subsequent few years and those at higher risks are the ones progressing hard to gain access.

Role of War in Society Essay Example for Free

Role of War in Society Essay Both The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli and Utopia by Thomas Moore examine the role and the importance of war to maintain a strong and successful society. More (via Hythloday) believes that war should be the last option and is not needed in a safe and happy government without the help of auxiliaries and mercenaries while on the other hand, Machiavelli believes that war plays a crucial war in a prosperous and thriving society using other troops and people to avoid war. Machiavelle uses his belief that war is the way to have a strong successful government to shape the society of Italy while More uses the belief of peace and forbearance of war to shape his utopian society. More and Machiavelli have opposing opinions on the values and how the way it can maintain a stability and prosperity in a society. Machiavelli believes that power is attained in a government through the conquering of war and that good law and government follows naturally from good military as we can see in Chapter 12. â€Å"The presence of sound military forces indicates the presence of sound law† (Machiavelli 37). This shows that he believes that a strong developing state directly involves the conquering of war. He believed that successful war is the very foundation upon which all states are built. Machiavelli praises Alexandar the Great, Cyrus, Scipio and Caesar as leaders who gained power through their conquering wars. â€Å"Anyone who reads Xenophon’s life of Cyrus must realize how close Scipio modeled himself on Cyrus, how much that imitation contributed to his glory, and how closely he conformed, in temperance, affability, humanity, and liberty to the thing that Xenophon wrote about Cyrus† (Machiavelli 42). In contrast, More shows his views on war through the Utopians. â€Å"Nothing more inglorious than that glory that is gained by war (More 64). The Utopians viewed war as the last resort and would avoid it at all costs. They hated war and found no glory in the practice of killing others. They would only engage in war to protect themselves and their people, to defend allies, and to relieve oppression. â€Å"No man is to be esteemed our enemy that has never injured us; and that the partnership of the human nature is instead of a league. And that kindness and good-nature unite men more effectually and with greater strength than any agreements whatsoever; since thereby the engagements of mens hearts become stronger than the bond and obligation of words† (More 64). This shows that agreement and unity was very important to the Utopians and they would do anything just to maintain it. They would also try their best to preserve good terms with the people or societies around them. In Machiavelle, all of the issues in the government are in a military point of view because the successfulness in war is crucial to the preservation of the government. â€Å"A prince must have no other objective, no other thought, nor take up any profession but that of war, its methods and its discipline, for that is the only art expected of a ruler. And it is of such great value that it not only keeps hereditary princes in power, but often raises men of lowly condition to that rank† (More 40). Military defense and the strategies required are primary to conquer in war and therefore sustain a happy society. Machiavelle uses the Prince to communicate the importance of war to the audience. â€Å"As for physical training, apart from keeping his troops well disciplined and exercised, he should do a great deal of hunting, and thus harden his body to strenuous exercise, meanwhile learning to read terrain.† This shows that he believed that having brute force would help his army in war to conquer the enemy. War is also what helps a prince to attain power and fortune therefore military and war should be his main priority while ruling. â€Å"..in times of peace he should think about it even more than in wartime. He can do this in two ways, by training the body and training the mind. As for physical training, apart from keeping his troops well and disciplined and exercised, he should do a great deal of hunting, and this harden his body to strenuous exercise..† (Machievelle 41) Princes should always and only think about war especially in times of peace. They need to always be prepared and be in a good state to go to war at any time. â€Å"As for exercising the mind, a prince should read history and reflect on the actions of great men.† Princes should examine the tactics that the past rulers used and put them into action. He should learn from them and learn from both their successes and loses and put them as an example for himself. More in his utopian society would rather use cunning to win rather than brute force because he considered strength to be trait belonging to animals. Unlike Machiavelle, when war is made, the utopians would try to use any technique just to stop war. First one is propaganda in which they would secretly post posters in the enemy territory offering big rewards to people that would assassinate the enemy leaders. The second technique they would use is to promise the throne to the enemy’s rulers brother if he helps the utopians. They would never let things debase to the point where a massacre would occur and would prevent it by not destroying too much of the enemy’s land. nothing more inglorious than that glory that is gained by war â€Å" (More 64). This shows how much the utopians are against war and how much they want to avoid it because they believe that it can ruin their utopian society. Machievelle also believed that one using one own army is best as seen through the example of Cesare Borgia. â€Å"I am never reluctant to cite Cesare Borgia and his deeds. The duke entered the Romagna with auxiliary troops, consisting entirely of Frenchmen; and with them he took Imola and Forli. But then when he found they were not to be trusted, he adopted mercenaries as less dangerous, and hired the Orsini and Vitelli. When he found they too were undependable, treacherous, and dangerous to his service, he got rid of them, and turned to the troops of his own.† (Machievelle 38) The danger with the auxiliaries was because they will always be loyal to their ruler in the end and will probably wait to attack you. Mercenaries on the other hand are better than the auxiliaries but still possess characteristics that are tricky and untrustworthy. Therefore, in the end, Machievelle states that using one’s own troops is the best as Cesare Borgia did in the end. In contrast, the Utopians use spies and bribery to try to stop war. They believe that mercenaries and auxiliaries are tricky but at the same time useful. â€Å"Their second preference is to make use of troops belonging to the nation they are trying to defend; and after them, they enlist as auxiliaries squadrons drawn from their other allies. Lastly they enroll their own citizens. But they always appoint one of their own men who has demonstrated his military capacity to be commander in chief of the whole army.† (More 140) The utopians would do anything to avoid war and they usually would use troops of other nations to fight in war and their troops could be the last resort. They would also avoid fighting on their own land and give the best care to their citizens. A counterargument would be that if ever an intruder invades the Utopian society, war would be initiated. â€Å"For you’ll never find yourself at wat except by your own choice, and peace, not war, ought always to be your first priority† (More 66) Yes if peace cannot be made, war would have to be initiated in the Utopian society but even so, peace is always their foremost choice before they initiate anytime of violence or way on another society. In conclusion, Machievelle’s and More’s contrasting views on war and the strategies and tactics used in war serve one purpose which is to create a stable and prosperous society. Machievelle believes that war using one’s own army is the most crucial factor in maintaining a happy society while More argues that avoiding war using bribery and mercenaries is what the government should be doing no matter what kind of tactics are needed to be used.

The Last Supper: Why the Prediction of Betrayal? Essay example -- Leona

The Last Supper was painted circa 1495 by Leonardo Da Vinci, and commissioned under Ludovico Sforza for the Dominicans of Santa Maria delle Grazie. From the beginning, the painting was considered a masterpiece and therefore, Leonardo was praised time and again for the technical aspects of his masterpiece. Vasari, the first man to write a book of artists' biographies, exclaimed, "a Last Supper, a most beautiful and marvelous thing; and to the heads of the Apostles he gave such majesty and beauty, that he left the head of Christ unfinished, not believing that he was able to give it that divine air which is essential to the image of Christ." Vasari, like most was entranced by the beauty of Leonardo's technique. Even today, most of the books devoted to the Last Supper focus mainly on its technical aspects. The Last Supper is one of the most sacred events of Christian History. According to the bible, it is the last gathering that Christ and his apostles shared before he was crucified. Most depictions of this time period focused on the moment of the beginning of the Eucharist; the moment when Jesus gives up his body and blood to the apostles and mankind. However, Da Vinci's Last Supper was the first to portray the moment right after Jesus predicts that one of his apostles will betray him. Why the moment of betrayal? Why was this one different? In order to begin to answer this question, one must first look at three subjects; the Dominicans of Santa Maria delle Grazie and the Sforza family; their involvement with the Dominicans and the story of Judas' betrayal and how it is portrayed in the painting. These subjects may hold the keys to answering the question; why did Leonardo Da Vinci decide to stray from the normal depictions of the ... ...nturies ago, it is extremely difficult to understand the meaning and purpose behind the Last Supper. It is quite possible that this question will remain unanswered. A better question to ask is why has no one attempted to answer this question before? An artist completely abandons the normal standard of depictions of the last supper (portraying the moment in which Christ gives his body and blood up for the salvation of mankind), chooses an extremely different moment at the Last Supper as the focus of his piece and no one attempts to explain why? Perhaps it was because everyone was so enthralled with the physical aspects of the painting, its technical beauty and therefore failed to ponder the theological meanings behind the painting. Whatever the reason, it is an important key that must be found if one ever wishes to fully understand the meaning behind the Last Supper.

Young Offenders :: Free Essay Writer

Young Offenders   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  These days more and more young people are turning to crimes. These crimes are being committed by young offenders of all ages. The crimes they are committing are get even more and more serious and in the last five years the percentage of youngsters committing more crime has increase by more then 50%. Young offenders are committing these crimes because the know that the punishment is real weak. If you ask me most young offenders think the young offenders act is a JOKE, and trust me I am a young person I know just as other young people.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"A young offender is a person between the ages of 12-17. This person is a person who comities a crime and is given special rights. These right are less server then adults would get if they committee this same offenses.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There are many cases where a young offender has got off much easier then a adult and no punishment at all. In one case in particular â€Å"A boy who was 11 years old who has been in trouble with the law before took a girl with him to his apartment with his gang and then raped her. Then when the police arrived he said you can not touch me† . This to me is very sad first off because he is only 11 years old and he raped a girl but the thing I found most shocking and the rest off the media was that when the police arrived he told them that they could not touch him. Even though he did committee the crime and he should have been charged but sadly e was right. This young offenders knows that the young offenders act is a joke and that is why he committed the crime. He could care less about what he did.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Another case talking about the young offenders act is the James Bulger. â€Å" Had the murder of toddler James Bulger occurred in Canada, his killer would never been charged. Under the Canadian law, no child under the age of 12 can be charged with any criminal act, no matter how odious.† This was a cases which created a lot of heated discussion about the young offenders act. The discussion was that the young offenders act has to be more strictly and changes are need.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In another case a teen was charged for a murder. â€Å"An 18-year-old was killed with a baseball bat Tuesday after he was trapped at the entrance to a chopping mall in Hamilton by six youths out settle a grudge against his younger

Midterm for Information System

MIS EXAM – QUESTIONS 1) Developing a new product, fulfilling an order, and hiring a new employee are examples of business processes. Answer: True False 2) A fully digital firm produces only digital goods or services. Answer: True False 3) A business model describes how a company produces, delivers, and sells a product or service to create wealth. Answer: True False 4) Information technology (IT) consists of all the hardware that a firm needs to use in order to achieve its business objectives, whereas information systems consist of all the software and business processes needed.Answer: True False 5) Computers are only part of an information system. Answer: True False 6) The dimensions of information systems are management, organizations, and information technology. Answer: True False 7) In order to understand how a specific business firm uses information systems, you need to know something about the hierarchy and culture of the company. Answer: True False 8) Business processes are logically related tasks for accomplishing tasks that have been formally encoded by an organization. Answer: True False ) A substantial part of management responsibility is creative work driven by new knowledge and information. Answer: True False 10) Intranets allow firms to work easily with third-party suppliers and vendors. Answer: True False 11) An IT infrastructure provides the platform on which the firm can build its information systems. Answer: True False 12) The six important business objectives of information technology are new products, services, and business models; customer and supplier intimacy; survival; competitive advantage; operational excellence; and A) improved flexibility.B) improved decision making. C) improved business practices. D) improved efficiency. Answer: B 13) Which of the following choices may lead to competitive advantage: (1) new products, services, and business models; (2) charging less for superior products; (3) responding to customers in real tim e? A) 1 only B) 1 and 2 C) 2 and 3 D) 1, 2, and 3 Answer: D 14) The move of retail banking to use ATMs after Citibank unveiled its first ATMs illustrates the use of information systems to achieve which business objective? A) improved efficiency B) customer and supplier intimacy C) survival D) competitive advantageAnswer: C 15) The three activities in an information system that produce the information organizations use to control operations are A) information retrieval, research, and analysis. B) input, output, and feedback. C) input, processing, and output. D) data analysis, processing, and feedback. Answer: C 16) Output A) is feedback that has been processed to create meaningful information. B) is information that is returned to appropriate members of the organization to help them evaluate the input stage. C) transfers data to the people who will use it or to the activities for which it will be used.D) transfers processed information to the people who will use it or to the activiti es for which it will be used. Answer: D 17) Converting raw data into a more meaningful form is called A) capturing. B) processing. C) organizing. D) feedback. Answer: B 18) The fundamental set of assumptions, values, and ways of doing things that has been accepted by most of a company's members is called its A) culture. B) environment. C) atmosphere. D) values. Answer: A 19) The hardware and software used to transfer data in an organization is called A) data management technology. B) networking and data management technology.C) data and telecommunications technology. D) networking and telecommunications technology. Answer: D 20) Networking and telecommunications technologies, along with computer hardware, software, data management technology, and the people required to run and manage them, constitute an organization's A) data management environment. B) networked environment. C) IT infrastructure. D) information system. Answer: C 21) From a business perspective, raw data is transform ed systematically during various stages, transforming it into valuable information, in a process called A) the information value chain.B) the IT value chain. C) information processing. D) feedback. Answer: A 22) The costs for firms operating on a global scale have been drastically reduced by A) networking technology. B) investments in organizational complementary assets. C) the Internet. D) the rise of digital content. Answer: C 23) Which of the following are key corporate assets? A) intellectual property, core competencies, and financial and human assets B) production technologies and business processes for sales, marketing, and finance C) knowledge and the firm's tangible assets, such as goods or services D) time and knowledgeAnswer: A 25) Overproduction or underproduction of goods and services, misallocation of resources, and poor response times are the results of a firm's having A) poor relationships with suppliers. B) poor relationships with customers. C) inadequate information . D) a surplus of information. Answer: C 25) A firm that must invest in new information systems capabilities in order to comply with federal legislation can be said to be investing to achieve which business objective? A) customer intimacy B) operational excellence C) survival D) improved reporting Answer: C 6) Operational management is responsible for directing the day-to-day operations of the business and therefore needs transaction-level information. Answer: True False 27) You would use an MIS to help decide whether to introduce a new product line. Answer: True False 28) Transaction processing systems are most commonly used by the senior management level of an organization. Answer: True False 29) A transaction processing system is a computerized system that performs and records the daily routine transactions necessary to conduct business. Answer: True False 0) Management information systems typically support nonroutine decision making. Answer: True False 31) Functional systems tha t support business processes within a single functional group, such as human resources, are being phased out in favor of cross-functional systems. Answer: True False 32) Managers need TPSs to monitor the status of internal operations and the firm's relations with the external environment. Answer: True False 33) Decision-support systems help managers make decisions that are unique, rapidly changing, and not easily specified in advance.Answer: True False 34) Decision-support systems use internal information as well as information from external sources. Answer: True False 35) ESSs are designed to serve the middle management of the organization. Answer: True False 36) ESSs are designed to incorporate data about external events, but they also draw summarized information from internal MIS and DSS. Answer: True False 37) Enterprise systems often include transactions with customers and vendors. Answer: True False 38) Supply chain management systems are more externally oriented than enterpri se systems.Answer: True False 39) Which of the following is an example of a cross-functional business process? A) identifying customers B) creating a new product C) assembling a product D) paying creditors Answer: B 40) Which type of system would you use to change a production schedule if a key supplier was late in delivering goods? A) ESS B) TPS C) MIS D) DSS Answer: B 41) To monitor the status of internal operations and the firm's relations with the external environment, managers need ________ systems. A) decision-support B) knowledge C) transaction processing D) management information Answer: C 2) Which systems are typically a major source of data for other systems? A) transaction processing systems B) management information systems C) executive support systems D) decision-support systems Answer: A 43) Which type of system would you use to determine the five suppliers with the worst record in delivering goods on time? A) ESS B) TPS C) MIS D) DSS Answer: C 44) A relocation control system that reports summaries on the total moving, house-hunting, and home financing costs for employees in all company divisions would fall into the category of A) knowledge management systems.B) transaction processing systems. C) executive support systems. D) management information systems. Answer: D 45) The term â€Å"management information systems† designates a specific category of information systems serving A) integrated data processing throughout the firm. B) transaction process reporting. C) employees with online access to historical records. D) middle management functions. Answer: D 46) Non-typical business problems with causes and effects that are rapidly changing are typically handled by which type of information system ? A) MIS B) TPS C) ESSD) DSS Answer: D 47)________ systems are especially suited to situations in which the procedure for arriving at a solution may not be fully defined in advance. A) Management information B) Transaction processing C) Decision-su pport D) Knowledge management Answer: C 48) Which type of system would you use to forecast the return on investment if you used new suppliers with better delivery track records? A) ESS B) TPS C) MIS D) DSS Answer: D 49) ESS are specifically designed to serve which level of the organization? A) operational B) end-user C) middle managementD) senior management Answer: D 50) Executive support systems are information systems that support the A) long-range planning activities of senior management. B) knowledge and data workers in an organization. C) decision-making and administrative activities of middle managers. D) day-to-day processes of production. Answer: A 51) Which type of system would you use to determine what trends in your supplier's industry will affect your firm the most in five years? A) ESS B) TPS C) MIS D) DSS Answer: A 52) What is the most important function of an enterprise application?A) increasing speed of communicating B) enabling business functions and departments to share information C) enabling a company to work collaboratively with customers and suppliers D) enabling cost-effective e-business processes Answer: B 53) ________ are designed to support organization-wide process coordination and integration. A) Decision-support systems B) Management information systems C) CRM systems D) Enterprise applications Answer: D 54) Enterprise systems are also known as ________ systems. A) resource planning B) enterprise resource planning C) enterprise supportD)management information Answer: B 55) ________ systems are designed to help firms manage their relationships with their customers. A) CRM B) MIS C) CLE D) CLU Answer: A 56) Which types of systems consolidate the relevant knowledge and experience in the firm to make it available to improve business processes and management decision making? A) TPS B) extranets C) KMS D) CRM Answer: C 57) Which of the following types of system helps expedite the flow of information between the firm and its suppliers and customers? A) intranet B) extranet C) KMS D) TPS Answer: B 8) Which of the following is not one of the fifteen categories of collaborative software tools? A) file sharing B) event scheduling C) white boarding D) extranets Answer: D 59) You work for a highly successful advertiser that is just about to expand nationally. Of utmost importance will be finding a way to store and disseminate their clients' continually updated branding guides, which include multiple image files and text documents, to all of the firm's branches. What system will best serve these needs? A) an intranet with KMS capabilities B) an extranet with KMS capabilitiesC) a TPS with KMS capabilities D) a CRM Answer: B 60) You have been hired by a worldwide non-profit agency to implement a system to handle their donations. The system must be able to handle and record telephone, sms, and Internet donations, provide up-to-the-minute reports, and create highly customizable mailing lists. In addition, event fundraisers nee d to be able to quickly access a donor's information and history. Which of the following systems will best meet these needs? A) TPS B) TPS with DSS capabilities C) TPS with MIS capabilities D) TPS with ESS capabilities Answer: C 1) The interaction between information systems and organizations is influenced A) primarily by the decision making of middle- and senior-managers. B) by many factors, including structure, politics, culture, and environment. C) by two main microeconomic forces: capital and labor. D) primarily by the organization's business processes and culture. Answer: B 62) An organization is a A) stable, formal social structure that takes resources from the environment and processes them to produce outputs. B) formal, legal entity with internal rules and procedures that must abide by laws. C) collection of social elements.D) B and C E) A, B, and C Answer: E 63) How does the technical view of organizations fall short of understanding the full impacts of information systems in a firm? A) It sees information systems as a way to rearrange the inputs and outputs of the organization. B) It sees capital and labor as primary production factors. C) It sees the inputs and outputs, labor and capital, as being infinitely malleable. D) It sees the organization as a social structure similar to a machine. Answer: C 64) All of the following are major features of organizations that impact the use of information systems EXCEPT for A) business processesB) environments C) goals D) agency costs Answer: D 65) Business processes are collections of A) informal practices and behaviors. B) formalized and documented practices. C) routines. D) rights and privileges. Answer: C 66) The costs incurred when a firm buys on the marketplace what it cannot make itself are referred to as A) switching costs. B) transaction costs. C) procurement. D) agency costs. Answer: B 67) Which of the following statements is NOT true about information technology's impacts on business firms? A) It hel ps firms expand in size.B) It helps firms lower the cost of market participation. C) It helps reduce internal management costs. D) It helps reduce transaction costs. Answer: A 68) According to agency theory, the firm is viewed as a(n) A) unified, profit-maximizing entity. B) task force organization that must respond to rapidly changing environments. C) entrepreneurial endeavor. D) â€Å"nexus of contracts† among self-interested individuals. Answer: D 69) The ________ model is used to describe the interaction of external forces that affect an organization's strategy and ability to compete.A) network economics B) competitive forces C) competitive advantage D) demand control Answer: B 70) Which of the following industries has a low barrier to entry? A) automotive B) computer chip C) restaurant D) airline Answer: C 71) Which of the following is NOT one of the competitive forces? A) suppliers B) other competitors C) external environment D) customers Answer: C 72) A manufacturer of deep-sea oil rigs may be least concerned about this marketplace force. A) product differentiation B) traditional competitors C) low number of suppliers D) new market entrants Answer: D 3) A firm can exercise greater control over its suppliers by having A) more suppliers. B) fewer suppliers. C) global suppliers. D) local suppliers. Answer: A 74) The four major types of competitive strategy are A) low-cost leadership; substitute products and services; customers; and suppliers. B) low-cost leadership; product differentiation; focus on market niche; and customer and supplier intimacy. C) new market entrants; substitute products and services; customers; and suppliers. D) low-cost leadership; new market entrants; product differentiation; and focus on market niche.Answer: B 75) When a firm provides a specialized product or service for a narrow target market better than competitors, they are using a ________ strategy. A) product differentiation B) market niche C) mass customization D) proc ess efficiency Answer: B 76) ________ is the ability to offer individually tailored products or services using the same production resources as bulk production. A) Mass customization B) Size customization C) Magnitude customization D) Dimension customization Answer: A 77) Hilton Hotels' use of customer information software to identify the most rofitable customers to direct services to is an example of using information systems to A) strengthen customer intimacy. B) differentiate their service. C) focus on market niche. D) increase efficiency. Answer: C 78) An information system can enable a company to focus on a market niche through A) complex trend forecasting. B) tailoring products to the client. C) intensive product trend analysis. D) intensive customer data analysis. Answer: D 79) Upon which of the following industries has the Internet as a whole been a disruptive technology? A) bill payments B) air travelC) books D) real estate Answer: B 80) Internet technology A) makes it easy for rivals to compete on price alone. B) imposes a significant cost of entry, due to infrastructure requirements. C) increases the difference between competitors because of the wide availability of information. D) makes it easy to sustain operational advantages. Answer: A 81) The Internet raises the bargaining power of customers by A) creating new opportunities for building loyal customer bases. B) making more products available. C) making information available to everyone. D) lowering transaction costs.Answer: C 82) A virtual company A) uses the capabilities of other companies without being physically tied to those companies. B) uses Internet technology to maintain a virtual storefront. C) uses Internet technology to maintain a networked community of users. D) provides entirely Internet-driven services, or virtual products. Answer: A 83) The four key technical trends responsible for current ethical stresses related to information technology are (1) doubling of computer power every 18 months, (2) data analysis advances, (3) declining data storage costs, and (4) ________.A) advances in wireless networking B) international standards for data protection C) networking advances and the Internet D) increased ease in file sharing and copying Answer: C 84) The use of computers to combine data from multiple sources and create electronic dossiers of detailed information on individuals is called A) profiling. B) phishing. C) spamming. D) targeting. Answer: A 85) Accepting the potential costs, duties, and obligations for the decisions you make is referred to as A) responsibility. B) accountability. C) liability. D) due process. Answer: A 6) The feature of political systems in which a body of laws is in place that permits individuals to recover the damages done to them by other actors, systems, or organizations is referred to as A) accountability. B) responsibility. C) due process. D) liability. Answer: D 87) The feature of social institutions that means mechanisms are in place to determine responsibility for an action is called A) due process. B) accountability. C) the courts of appeal. D) the judicial system. Answer: B 88) Which of the following is not one of the five steps discussed in the chapter as a process for analyzing an ethical issue?A) Assign responsibility. B) Identify the stakeholders. C) Identify the options you can reasonably take. D) Identify and clearly describe the facts. Answer: A 89) The ethical â€Å"no free lunch† rule states that A) if an action cannot be taken repeatedly, then it is not right to be taken at any time. B) one should take the action that produces the least harm or incurs the least cost. C) one can put values in rank order and understand the consequences of various courses of action. D) everything is owned by someone else, and that the creator wants compensation for this work. Answer: D 0) European privacy protection is ________ than in the United States. A) less far-reaching B) less liable to laws C) much less stringent D) much more stringent Answer: D 91) The Internet has made the protection of intellectual property A) more difficult, because of the lack of enforcable regulations. B) easier, because of the proliferation of creative and professional software. C) more difficult, because of the ease of copying and transmitting digitized media. D) easier, because of the ability to track user behavior and visits to Web sites and file-sharing services.Answer: C 92) When a cookie is created during a Web site visit, it is stored A) on the Web site computer. B) on the visitor's computer. C) on the ISP's computer. D) in a Web directory. Answer: B 93) The Online Privacy Alliance A) encourages self-regulation to develop a set of privacy guidelines for its members. B) protects user privacy during interactions with Web sites. C) has established technical guidelines for ensuring privacy. D) is a government agency regulating the use of customer information. Answer: A 4) Intellectual property can b est be described as A) intangible property created by individuals or corporations. B) the expression of an intangible idea. C) unique creative work or ideas. D) tangible or intangible property created from a unique idea. Answer: A 95) A limitation of trade secret protection for software is that A) it does not protect against copying the underlying ideas behind the software. B) it is difficult to compare one piece of software to another. C) it is difficult to prevent the ideas in the work from falling into the public domain.D) few software programs contain truly unique elements. Answer: C 96) The strength of patent protection is that it A) puts the strength of law behind copyright. B) allows protection from Internet theft of ideas put forth publicly. C) is easy to define. D) grants a monopoly on underlying concepts and ideas. Answer: D 97) One of the difficulties of patent protection is A) that only the underlying ideas are protected. B) digital media cannot be patented. C) preventin g the ideas from falling into public domain. D) the years of waiting to receive it. Answer: D 8) In general, it is very difficult to hold software producers liable for their software products when those products are considered to be A) part of a machine. B) similar to books. C) services. D) artistic expressions. Answer: B 99) The most common source of business system failure is A) software bugs. B) software errors. C) hardware or facilities failures. D) data quality. Answer: D 100) Two of the three principal sources of poor system performance are A) software bugs and errors and outdated standards. B) hardware or facility failures and malware.C) hardware or facility failures and poor input data quality. D) poor input data quality and insufficient integration with legacy systems. Answer: C 101) The practice of spamming has been growing because A) telephone solicitation is no longer legal. B) it is good advertising practice and brings in many new customers. C) it helps pay for the Inte rnet. D) it is so inexpensive and can reach so many people. Answer: D 102) Which of the five moral dimensions of the information age does spamming raise? A) quality of life B) system quality C) accountability and control D) information rights and obligations Answer: A