Activity Based Learning in Commerce Education Essay

Vocational education covers education and skill developed at all levels from post-primary to tertiary education both through formal and non-formal programme. Technical and Vocational Education, defined it as a â€Å"Comprehensive term embracing those aspects of the educational process involving, in addition to general education, the study of technologies and related sciences and the acquisition of practical skills, attitudes, understanding and knowledge relating to occupations in the various sectors of economic and social life. The main objectives of the vocational education are to fulfill the national goals of development and the removal of unemployment and poverty, to impart education relevant to increased production and productivity, economic development and individual prosperity, to meet the need for skilled and middle-level manpower for the growing sectors of economy, both organised and unorganized, to attract sizeable segment of population to varied vocational courses so as to reduce the rush to general education courses of universities and institutions for higher learning and to prepare students for self-reliance and gainful self-employment. The primary objective of Commerce education the preparation of people to enter upon a business career, or having entered upon such a career, to render more efficient service therein and to advance from their present levels of employment to higher levels. † During the post independence era, commerce education has emerged as one of the most potential pursuits in the wake of industrialization. Most of the Education Commissions have held that commerce education is primarily meant for providing the students in-depth knowledge of different functional areas of business so as to prepare people required by the community for the purposes of trade, commerce and industry. Commercial activity is present in almost every day-to-day activity that takes place in our environment. Formal courses at schools and colleges are only systematic, scholarly presentations/records of the experience. For teaching any subject effectively first of all teacher should be clear about its general as well as specific objectives of each topic/concepts because this will only help the teacher in selecting the appropriate approach and method of teaching according to the content. So for teaching commerce effectively teacher has to be thorough with the objectives of teaching commerce at all levels. Commerce is a subject which is very close to us, so for effective teaching of commerce it is all about listening, questioning, being responsive, and remembering that each student and class is different. For this teacher should adopt Socratic instruction approach. It’s all about eliciting responses and developing the oral communication skills of the quiet students. It’s all about pushing students to excel, which is basic requirement of commerce teaching. Commerce is a subject where a teacher can use all the methods effectively such as lecture, discussion, role playing, seminar, supervised as well as independent study, project method, field trip, etc. A major concern however is that teacher should actually use these methods in classroom teaching. Activity method is quite suitable for teaching Commerce as a Vocational Subject. In the wards of Rousseau, â€Å"Instead of making the child stick to is books keep him busy in workshop where his hands will work to the profit of his mind. † Thus learning by doing, by activity and experience is the first and the most natured form of learning. One of the arguments against using these methods is that they consume more time but if we use different methods according to the needs of the content then it will help in achieving HOTS at the same time they are not at all time consuming. For example if you field trip as a method for teaching banking it will consume at the most two-three hours to take students to the nearby bank and observe the functions of the employees of the bank and then the teacher can just discuss about the observations of the students in the class room and with this the chapter will be over. This will also help in retention of knowledge for longer period. This is also one of the ways to facilitate learning i. e. relating the curriculum to the student’s lifestyles. Teaching of commerce can be made more effective by relating the subject/content with the daily life of the students and commerce is such a subject who can be related with the daily life of the students by giving examples, by adopting project based learning method. Right from the beginning we are saying that commerce is a practical subject as well as related to real life, so for teaching it effectively we should encourage students’ participation. For students participation teacher should provide opportunity to students to ask questions, answer questions in a meaningful way, offer challenging and thought provoking ideas, plan interactive activities, show approval for students’ ideas, incorporate student’s ideas into lessons, and ask students whether they have understood the concept before proceeding. Keeping in view the importance of activity method for commerce education we present this paper entitled â€Å"Activity Based Learning in Commerce Education – With Special Reference to Vocational Commerce Education†. The main objectives of this paper is to: †¢Describe the meaning and importance of activity-based education. †¢Apprise the Service Activities in commerce based vocational education. †¢Explain the Internship/On-the Job Training activities in commerce based vocational education. †¢Analyze the School/College based Enterprise Education – Production-cum Training activities in commerce based vocational education. †¢Examine Education and Business Partnership/Institute – Industry Linkages activity in commerce based vocational education. Meaning and Importance of Activity based Learning Activity-based instruction involves the activities. This is in opposite of pure lectures. It means hands-on approaches to instruction, using manipulative to engage multiple senses, as opposed to just listening to a lecture. For instance, the teacher used note cards in a lesson to teach complete subjects and predicates. On the note cards he wrote (from a prompt) complete subjects and complete predicates, separate from each other, and had the students find their match. As opposed to just listen the teacher tells them what the differences are, they see them, evaluate them, and synthesize them. Activity-bases instruction revolves around students learning though hands-on activities. This method can be great, especially for tactile learners. It breaks up the monotony of the basic teacher-led lecture; students listen and take notes system. Let’s face it, not all students learn from listening to their teacher drone on for 50-90 minutes a day. Activity-based allows students to demonstrate an understanding of the material and, usually, work with a partner or group, which leads to socialization Activity based learning, on the other hand, helps children connect their learning to real life and encourages them to innovative ideas. In the end, it is only creativity that leads to path breaking discoveries and inventions in the world. Activity based learning, therefore, holds the key to better and more relevant education. What is Hands-On Learning? Hands-on learning is learning by doing. Hands-on learning involves understanding things while doing and experiencing them which as we know are the highest form of understanding. This can be done through simple activities and toys based on elementary scientific principles which closely simulate real-life scenarios, give enough scope for innovation and challenge and make learning science fun and exciting. Vocational education has always understood that if you want someone to learn to repair an automobile, you need an automobile to repair. If you want to teach someone to cook, you put him or her in a kitchen. Did anyone hear of teaching someone to swim in a traditional classroom? Likewise, we do believe we are learning that in order to truly teach science, we must â€Å"do† science. Hands-on learning means many different things to different people. It has become a slogan and is often used to describe any activities in classrooms that use materials. Hands-on learning, however, is not simply manipulating things. It is engaging in in-depth investigations with objects, materials, phenomena, and ideas and drawing meaning and understanding from those experiences. Other terms for this are inquiry learning, hands-on, and minds-on learning. Learning by well-planned activities and experiences in a well-engineered program is a quality instructional approach. It causes students to rely on the evidence instead of upon authority (encyclopedia, minister, doctor, text, teacher, parent). Most students live in an authoritarian world with little or no opportunity to practice decision-making because nearly everyone tells students what to do and when to do it. We continually graduate students, who do not yet have the ability to set up a simple experiment with controlled variables, collect and interpret evidence, or make correct interpretations based upon that evidence provides students with a similar set of experiences so everyone can participate in discussions on a level playing field regardless of their socio-economic status. In this way, special benefits are not awarded to those who, by virtue of their wealth or background, have a greater number of experiences under their belts forces student thinking by requiring interpretation of the observed events, rather than memorization of correct responses. Activity based learning method is adopted in vocational commerce education in +2 level Vocational Education Programme and developed curricula & instructional material. For development of vocational commerce curricula we invite the experts from professional institutions, university departments, vocational commerce teachers and industrial experts for preparing in activity based. In this curricula we not only provide the syllabus but also provide the activities like course introduction, job opportunities, job description, job analysis which includes knowledge, skills & personality traits, course objectives, scheme of studies & examination, on-the-job training site & syllabus, inputs for the course, agencies for procurement of inputs, suggested list of collaborating organizations, teaching staff and their qualifications, suggested list of reference books, career mobility, and list of experts involve for development of the curriculum. Simultaneously, we also developed activity based instructional material to involving the industrial experts. We also utilize the services of industrial experts for curricular transactions, skill/practical training, on-the-job training, apprenticeship training and evaluation of student’s performance and conducting campus interviews for placement of students. For implementing activity based learning in vocational commerce education the following activities are mainly adopted apart from the transaction of theory and practical activities: Service Learning Activities Service learning activity is a method of teaching whereby students learn and develop through active, unpaid, participation in organized academic and practical activities that are conducted in and designed to meet the needs of their communities. Service learning links activities to the school/college curriculum and provides students with a real-world context in which to apply their academic skills. Through service learning, students learn critical thinking, communication skills, teamwork, civic responsibility, mathematical reasoning, problem solving, public speaking, vocational skills, computer  skills, scientific method, research skills, and analysis. Service learning may take place in the school/college, the community at large, in non-profit community agencies, private businesses, or government agencies. This service is also a vehicle through which schools and colleges can teach the skills of democratic citizenship. By allowing students to venture out of the classroom to examine the world around them, and by providing them with opportunities to address the problems they see, service learning teaches young people that they have the power to change their communities and their world for the better. Equally important in any discussion regarding service learning is the connection of these types of activities to the academic programs experienced by all students. The following elements are essential to any service-learning program: †¢Integrated curricula wherein community service activities are a natural adjunct to classroom learning experiences. †¢Preparations whereby students identify and analyze a problem, select and plan a project, and receive training and orientation prior to the service. †¢Action, which is meaningful, appropriate for the ages and abilities of the students primarily, involved, is supervised, and provides for a feeling of ownership by the students during and at the conclusion of the project. †¢Reflection time consisting of structured discussions, readings, working on a project, etc. , all designed with the idea that students should be thinking critically and learning from their experiences as an individual or as a group. †¢Celebration of the achievements and accomplishments of the students to be shared with the students and the recipients of the services as well. Through service learning activities, students come into contact with decision makers in their communities (e. g. , business people, government officials, and other members of the community). Because of projects that address real needs, students must seek the assistance of community members and leaders, and the community is able to see its young people as problem solvers and full members of the community. The more students work in the community, and the more successes they experience, the more likely they are to continue to be involved after they leave schools and colleges. The following student service learning outcomes: Service Outcomes: †¢development of strong values and reasonable morals †¢a sense of personal worth and competence †¢positive self esteem †¢a willingness to explore new roles and interests †¢a willingness to take risks and an acceptance of fresh challenges †¢acceptance of the consequences of behavior †¢ability to take responsibility for problem solving †¢sense of the obligations of public life in a democratic republic Intellectual Development and Academic Outcomes: †¢increased basic academic skills such as reading, writing, calculating, speaking, and listening †¢enhanced ability for problem solving, reviewing choices, analytical criticism †¢learning-from-experience-skills, such as observation, questioning, knowledge †¢application, summarizing, testing and assessing results †¢motivation to learn and retain what has been learned. Social Growth and Development Outcomes: †¢concern for the welfare of others †¢social responsibility †¢political strategies †¢civic preparation †¢exploration of service-related career paths †¢sensitivity toward people from a wide range of backgrounds †¢development of character, judgment, insight, and sensitivity to underlying themes Internships/On-the-Job Training Activity Internship means unpaid work-based experiences where a student â€Å"samples† a particular industry or business for a period of time by working on a single project or a number of different projects. It defines â€Å"Internships† as highly structured workplace experiences taking place over a number of weeks during which a student completes a planned series of activities or a project(s) and achieves a set of learning objectives designed to give a broad understanding of a business or occupational area. On the Job Training (OJT) refers to that component of vocational curricula which takes place in a real job situation under the supervision of an expert in plant supervisor or master craftsman, aiming at the development of proficiency and self-confidence. On the Job Training (OJT) is an integral part of the vocational curricula, which enables the students to use theoretical knowledge in the real work situation. This helps the student to observe and understand the practical intricacies and make them well equipped, confident and motivated so that he will be able to take up any task with ease. As an initial step, it is proposed to train the students for 30 days in the concerned industrial firm during end of the academic year, which gives exposure to the latest technology, and equipment, which are not available in the schools and colleges. Thus the scheme will definitely improve the vocational skill, competency of the students and thereby the quality of Vocational Commerce Education. The on-the-job training provides the student a guarded exposure to the real world of work under the supervision of expert worker and teacher guide, before the individual fully/really enters the job on permanent basis as an employable worker. The research studies indicate that the on-the-job work experience makes a person suitable for taking up self-employment since this training develops motivation, self-confidence and proficiency in production. It is the only mode of instruction in vocational courses, which goes beyond the level of skill training and takes the persons into the domain of intricacies of the occupational field. The overall impact of on-the-job training is to train the student in the competency of work, to attain self-confidence and work habits and attitudes before these individuals enter the actual occupational field that is to prepare square pegs for the square holes. Internships/on-the-job training help students transcend from school/college  to the work place by offering â€Å"hands-on† learning in real work settings over a relatively long period of time. The experience is designed to give students a better sense of the jobs within a particular business or industry. Further, the internship provides students with information about all aspects of the business to aid them in understanding, through experience, how each part of a company aids the other in meeting the goals and objectives of a business or industry. Internships are designed to allow students to accomplish the following: †¢Apply basic skills to the workplace by observing the relationship between academic skills and knowledge and a particular job †¢Develop employability and problem-solving skills which can be transferred back to the classroom †¢Increase self-esteem by becoming a valuable and productive worker in an adult environment †¢Focus on a career interest through participating in an in-depth, day-to-day job experience †¢Recognize the connection between school/college and the workplace and how both are related and necessary to achieve personal and professional goals. Internships involve many more partners than just the participating students. At a minimum, the following individuals and organizations should be included in any internship program: †¢Students who will be working with a teacher and a business or a community organization as an intern †¢Parents/guardians who will be providing support to the student and/or soliciting cooperation from various businesses and industries in the community. †¢Educators who will be working with the students to define the internship activities; provide continuous instruction, advice and supervision; help the student integrate their workplace activities with the classroom; and, coordinate the logistics of the internship †¢Business and community organizations which will collaborate with the teacher and the student, provide opportunities for the students to complete their intern activities, instruct and evaluate the student and coordinate internship activities with the schools and colleges †¢Community partners (e. g., chamber of commerce, labor unions, service organizations, etc. ), which can provide internship, experiences for students and help to recruit other community organizations and businesses. As part of the internship/on-the-job experience, students will be expected to: †¢Discuss all assignments with both the teacher and the workplace supervisor. †¢Review and understand all of the performance criteria established for the internship assignment and understand what constitutes an acceptable level of performance. †¢Know the job site expectations, rules, culture, and the nature of the job to be performed. †¢Accept feedback and constructive criticism from the job supervisor. †¢Develop a regularly scheduled time for meetings with the job supervisor to review past performance and discuss future tasks and expectations. †¢Maintain communications with the teacher assigned to coordinate the internship program regarding both positive and negative feelings regarding the assignment. †¢Learn about the overall nature of the business or industry before the internship begins. †¢Become familiar with the specific work being done in the area assigned, the employees with whom you will be working, and the job tasks they perform. †¢Become knowledgeable about your particular assignment and how your tasks will fit into the overall operations of the business. †¢Determine the workplace expectations regarding dress and generally accepted business practices. †¢Know and understand the hours to be worked and the procedures to be followed if late or absent from the job. †¢Become knowledgeable with any machinery and the safety measures to be used when operating the equipment. †¢Learn the tasks to be completed and the person(s) other than the supervisor to whom one can turn to with questions or to help resolve problems. †¢Complete all forms, materials, and evaluation sheets required prior to and during the internship. School/College Based Enterprise/Production-cum Training Activities Small business is the lifeblood of our economy. Research, breakthrough thinking, idea generation, processes, and relationships are the elements entrepreneurs bring to the marketplace. Students need to learn and explore the challenges that are inherent in beginning a new business or maintaining an existing business. Entrepreneurs embody the marketing concepts in creating goods, services or ideas for consumers. Entrepreneurship begins with forming the attitudes and unique talents associated with that of a risk-taker. Entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial skills, and the economic role of citizens are all part of the study of business, industry, labor, and agricultural organizations and their role in a local, state, national and international economy. General knowledge of business operations and economics is not only critical to a student’s ability to get a job, it is important to job success and to the vitality of employing businesses. Agencies working with small business development say lack of appropriate management and marketing skills are the most common factors in small business failures during the first year of operation. For many entrepreneurs, business success depends on the skills they gain in school/college. Work-based learning and marketing education bring knowledge of business operations and economic systems into the general and the vocational commerce curricula. All students, regardless of future career aspirations, need an understanding of marketing, business, and economics. Students involved in a marketing, school/college-based enterprise activity have the responsibility to: †¢Design a career development plan to achieve personal, educational and career goals. †¢Use a variety of communication technologies to effectively communicate with associates, customers, employers and suppliers. †¢Explain the nature of risk management. †¢Explaining and comparing types of unit inventory control systems. †¢Describe and explain the types of economic systems, factors which affect pricing and determine pricing strategies. †¢Prepare policies and procedures for extending credit and evaluating credit risks. †¢Prepare a cash flow and profit/loss statements. †¢Determine the factors related to lease or purchase of a facility. †¢Develop an organizational plan. †¢Write job descriptions, personnel policies, and establish standards for job performance. †¢Develop a business plan and establish objectives for the business. †¢Describe the factors entering into the selection of a business location. †¢Analyze various types of business ownership. †¢Describe and interpret major guidelines provided by the Occupational Health and Safety Act. †¢Distinguish between business ethics and social responsibility. †¢Identify a manager’s role in customer relations. †¢Recognize problems and implement plans of action to bring about change. †¢Explain the relationship between span of control and delegation. †¢Describe the role of management and employees in the achievement of quality. †¢Describe the customer focus of total quality management. †¢Interpret market research to identify target marketing. †¢Estimate market share for a particular product or service. †¢Choose a marketing plan and project the outcomes of the plan. †¢Develop a promotional plan for a business. †¢Develop a promotional plan and preparing a promotional budget. †¢Develop a sales promotional plan. †¢Explain the key factors in building a clientele and developing effective buyer/seller relationships. †¢Design a sales training program. Establishing Business and Education Partnerships/Institute Industry Linkage Activities. It is well known that schools alone cannot provide students with all of the necessary academic and technical skills necessary for them to be successful. What is needed is the support and cooperation of the community at large and the business and industry sector in particular. Through the formation of business and education partnerships, teachers and employers can create learning opportunities, which will expose students to the skills, experiences and attitudes necessary in today’s work place environments. Not only do these associations provide a real world context where students can apply what they have learned in the classroom but they also provide significant rewards to the employer as well. Features In Developing Linkages †¢Identification of vocational opportunities. †¢Development of curricula and instructional material †¢Utilization of facility/infrastructure in industry for specific skills training, specialized skill training, on-the-job training and apprenticeship training. †¢Utilization of professionals and technicians for curricular transaction and skill training †¢Evaluation of student progress and certification. †¢Placement in Industries and business organizations The following are some of the benefits to the business and industry sector as a result of establishing a partnership with the schools/colleges: †¢Developing employee satisfaction from sharing time and talents with the students †¢Enhancing the business image in the community. †¢Creating the prospect of identifying and attracting better future employees †¢Favorable publicity for all partners †¢Creating the opportunity to influence the course of education †¢Improving morale of the students, teachers, administrators, and staff †¢Giving students a better understanding of the free enterprise system †¢Communicating the community at large and the business and industry sector in particular the school/college goals and the obstacles faced in meeting those goals. †¢Increasing school/college pride with placement of students †¢Improving school attendance, punctuality and academic achievement For developing a plan for business/education partnerships, it is necessary to survey the community. In conducting this recruiting research, the following questions should be considered: †¢What businesses and industries are located in the district? How large are they? †¢Are the businesses and industries local, statewide, national, or international corporations? †¢Do the organizations have public service programs and/or a public relations staff who would be interested in furthering a business and education partnership? †¢What businesses currently employ parents of students or family members of teachers in the school district? †¢To what extent does the business or industry offer goods and/or services, which would, are of benefit to the students’ education? †¢Who is the ultimate decision maker in the business or industry being recruited? The School’s/Colleges Role in Establishing Business and Education Partnerships The following are some of the steps a school or college should take when attempting to establish a collaborative relationship with business and industry: †¢Create awareness within the school/college community of the concepts and the development of business and education partnerships. †¢Develop a business and education partnership task force to explore various partnership opportunities. †¢Develop a partnership plan that reflects the needs of the school/college community and the capabilities/offerings of the business/industry sector. †¢Seek a commitment from the school/college board, school/college administration, teaching staff and the senior management staff of the business or industry. †¢Ensure that the goals and objectives of the partnership are clearly understood by all parties involved in the program. †¢Incorporate the partnership into the school’s/colleges activities to the maximum extent possible. †¢Develop an ongoing support system for the partnership. †¢Ensure that the partnership is curriculum focused. †¢Establish evaluation criteria and a recurring evaluation timetable for the partnership. †¢Publicize partnership activities throughout the community and highlight the positive results achieved through the cooperative arrangements. †¢Create partnerships in critical academic areas where normal business and industry interests may not be available. †¢Designate specific program coordinators at both the school/college and the business/industry sites. †¢Provide overall coordination for the maintenance and support of the partnerships. †¢Maintain flexibility regarding the needs of the school/college and the business or industry. †¢Ensure that the relationship between the school/college and the business partners is reciprocal. The Role of Business and Industry in the Partnership As a partner in the education program, the cooperating businesses and industries will have the responsibility to: †¢Provide role models and mentors. †¢Exemplify the benefits and advantages of an education. †¢Enhance a student’s self image. †¢Encourage regular school/college attendance and punctuality. †¢Share employment readiness information with the student, the coordinating teacher and the parent/guardian. †¢Serve as advisors on partnership task forces and curriculum development committees. †¢Encourage parental involvement in all phases of the business and education experience. †¢Initiate special projects to increase student involvement and experience. †¢Serve as resources for teachers regarding current workplace skills; business operations; technological and operational changes to the business resulting from market place demands; and keeping current with the trends in labor market information Business and education partnerships have a positive effect on and increase the effectiveness of school coordinated, student work programs. Moreover, by working together, these collaborations have been shown to be a critical component of any successful program, which has established working alliances between schools/colleges, local businesses and industries, and the community. Through these partnership agreements, each partner can share important information, build a mutual collection of resources, and clearly focus the programs on the students. While the majority of partnerships exist in urban and suburban areas, they are also being successfully implemented in rural communities. They reduce the isolation and expand the resource base of small schools by getting businesses more directly involved in the education of youth and the professional development of teachers through the sharing of expertise, resources, and experiences. Be it an urban or rural, the increased communication between business and schools helps students make a smoother transition from the classroom to the workplace. Communities and businesses receive the benefit of better prepared workers, while schools become more efficient at promoting career development and planning, preparing students for further education and citizenship, enhancing student self-esteem, and reducing dropout rates. Conclusions and Suggestions Commerce based vocational education is totally service and practical activity based education.

Littlefield Executive Summary

Production Planning and Inventory Control CTPT 310 Littlefield Simulation Executive Report Arlene Myers: 260299905 Rubing Mo: 260367907 Brent Devenne: 260339080 Miyaoka Scenario, Re: Littlefield Technology Simulation Game: Inventory Management Executive Summary At the onset of the game, we determined there were a few key things that had to be addressed to succeed. The first was to avoid stock outs which had already occurred in the first 50 days. We quickly moved to avoid stock outs by raising the order point.We did this without formal calculations at first to ensure we did not suffer anymore stock outs while we did the analyses. Upon further analysis, we determined the average demand to date to have been 12. 3 orders per day. We forecast demand to stay relatively stable throughout the game based on the information provided. The standard deviation for the period was 3. 64 and the safety factor we decided to use was 3. 0 (98. 86% certainty). Based on the consistent lead time of 4 days, we needed ? 49 kits plus safety stock of 2 x 3. 64 x 3 ? 2 which gave us our order point of 71 kits. Immediately after determining this, we moved to the EOQ: EOQ=2* 3216*1000. 1* 600This equation gave us our final order quantity of 327, although based on slight demand fluctuations we had been at 321 prior to that. Our next move was to determine what machines need to be purchased and how many. Our strategy was to get lead times down below . 5 days and offer customers that lead time to maximize revenue. The difference between remaining at $750/order vs. $1250/order could have been as high as 1. million dollars over the life of the game (218 days) therefore the cost of new machines was small compared to the benefit and the overall revenue potential made it imperative to get to the lowest lead times possible. Because all stations were at times operating at full, we knew that all would create a bottleneck if left to operate as is. We could also see based on the order intake on a given d ay as compared to their operating ratio for the various stations, that a single machine added to each may be sufficient.We immediately decided to purchase machines for all stations believing this may be sufficient to drop lead times to our target. Shortly after purchasing these machines, we changed to contract #2, and after more monitoring we were able to fairly quickly change to contract #3 without any further machine purchases. We monitored lead times and revenues constantly, but at no time felt that the purchase of additional machines was necessary. We believe that our speed at getting these decisions made, and the changes put in place, was crucial to our eventual success.We did see large drops in cash when inventory was purchased but believed that we had done the correct calculations and that we were best to stay the course. We did exactly that until shortly before the time we were to lose control of the factory. We looked at several different strategies to ensure stock was avai lable throughout the last 50 days of the game and that we got caught with minimal inventory at the end of the game. The original plan was to order sufficient inventory and safety stock and carry it through, but upon changing our order point, we quickly realized that we had inadvertently order 350 kits immediately.This forced us to change the strategy slightly, we lowered the order point to almost lead times based on the consistency of the demand and safety stock, and calculated the units we would require, plus enough to ensure that we did not order kits immediately prior to the shutdown. If this plan had worked perfectly, we would have ended up with 51 kits in stock, but that would have required that the demand during the last 50 days be higher than the average. This could have happened based on standard deviation, but as it turns out the daily average demand for the period was exactly 12.We ended up with 182 kits remaining, obviously more than we had hoped, but we did not get caugh t with an outstanding order, or a huge number of units. In conclusion we ended the game in first place and therefore would change very little about how we played the game. We would have been able to reduce the inventory on hand at the end of the game, but the fundamental strategy of getting lead times below . 5 days and maximizing revenue, and our willingness to trust that the calculations made would lead to maximum revenue despite times when we dropped from first, allowed us to win this game.

Existence of God Argumentative Paper Essay

There are many different types of arguments for the existence of God. With each argument there is a conception presented of God. For each argument there are different approaches. I will be focusing on the Cosmological and Teleological Arguments. Teleological Arguments are known to be arguments from divine, arguing from order in the universe to the existence of God (1).With the ordering of the universe, created by an intelligent being, they hold that it is ordered towards a purpose or an end. The Cosmological Argument â€Å"is the argument that the existence of the world or universe is strong evidence for the existence of a God who created it. It is a first caused argument where the existence of the universe, the argument claims, stands in need of explanation, and the only adequate explanation of its existence is that it was created by God† (1). Behind this argument, it holds that though the universe still needs explanation for its existence, the existence of God Himself does not. In the article McCloskey is critical of these arguments for God’s existence supporting his stance by offering the problem of evil as reasoning to not believe. He believes the belief in the existence of God is not a source of strength and security (2). However, if we are to use the Cumulative Case approach we can have successive truths. This case cumulates the Cosmological, Teleological, as well as, the Moral Arguments together. It gives us the conclusion of a personal, moral, intelligent creator of the universe as the best explanation for the universe we experience (3). McCloskey maintains that the Teleological Argument is not satisfactory and that it can be rejected simply by rejecting its premise. The premise holds that there is in fact evidence of purpose and design. McCloskey says though, that there were many things that were considered evidence or proof, prior to evolution, but those very things are now not being considered as so. Thus, in order to be a proof, there has to be given indisputable examples. Given that the Teleological Argument, presenting disputable examples, says McCloskey, there is no proof. There can be no form of argument with evidence of an intellectual design and/or designer. I would have to argue with McCloskey by using the â€Å"fine-tuning argument.† Within the universe is nothing short of precision, not only of natural laws, but the beginning stages and state of the universe. These both are pointers to an intelligent Creator. The universe is finely-tuned maintaining physical constants of nature (5).The strength of gravity should be considered. With the occurrence of the Big Bang. The gravity had to have precision because even with a little more force used on either side, it would not have occurred as the Big Bang, but the Big Crunch. Even with the slightest change in gravity, it could change the world into something completely other than what we know. That which is being offered as evidenced cannot be questioned. If we were to give to evolution as truth, there is still no grounds for believing it is true. It does nothing but in the end support the theist position, and shows that evolution needs teleology. McCloskey’s main objection to theism is the presence of evil in the world, â€Å"No being who was perfect could have created a world in which there was unavoidable suffering or in which his creatures would(and in fact could have been created so as not to) engage in morally evil acts, acts which very often result in injury to innocent persons† (1). With this problem on McCloskey’s mind, he holds it to the theists. He still wonders how the theist does not take this to mind seeing that it goes against the perfection of the divine purpose. There can be no grounds in a belief of a perfect being. Even if all reason was thrown out, he says the theist at best could only present a pool of beings full of â€Å"concern, dismay, and anxiety, rather than comfort and security† (1). There is a logical problem of evil and there is logical inconsistency when there is both the existence of God and of evil. The atheist holds that there is severe contradiction between claiming God is good, yet evil exists. Mackie, an atheist, says â€Å"†¦the contradiction does not arise immediately; to show it we need some additional premises†¦these additional principles are that good is opposed to evil, in such a way that a good thing always eliminates evil as far as it can, and that there are no limits to what an omnipotent thing can do. From these it follows that a good omnipotent thing eliminates evil completely, and then the propositions that a good omnipotent thing exists, and that evil exists, are incompatible†(8). There exists two kinds of evil. There is â€Å"human evil,† and â€Å"natural evil† in which atheist claim are both forms of needless suffering. The logical problem of evil claims the â€Å"tension† between simultaneously having evil in the world, while also having a perfect God. This would without a doubt be a logical contradiction according to the atheist. There is also the evidential problem of evil. With this claim, there is not contradiction, but the fact that evil exists, if give grounding evidence for being able to reject that God is all-powerful. It is a weaker version of the former, and claims that it is highly unlikely that an all-perfect God exists. Plantinga responds with trying to defend that it is reasonable to believe in God, even without evidence. His positio n is known as â€Å"Reformed Epistemology†. In order for his view to hold he would have to reject the Evidentialist Credo., which he claims rests on Classical Foundationalism. This led him to his positive view, or â€Å"Reformed Epistemology.† This holds that a belief in God is â€Å"properly basic.†Some object to these claims, saying that evil is logically required for good and is needed for us to see the good. Evil is a means and will cause good. There is given the â€Å"free will† defense that is meant to try and answer the problem of evil. Either this would come about by humans free will resulting in a greater good and that evil is ascribed the humans and not God. However, those who oppose this, bring up the issue of natural evils. Mackie stands his ground that God should have given human beings free will in such a way that we always chose the good. The atheist propose God did not create men to choose between right and wrong, and that God is morally inconsistent. In response, the free will theodicy attempts to defeat the former by claiming the suffering of the innocent is justified because of the existence of free will. We as humans have misused our free will, thus what is known as ‘moral evil.’ Other sufferings from evil come from the natural evils. While McCloskey challenges the free will defense, Plantinga proposes the law of non-contradiction. He argues for there could be logically possible affairs whereby God would be unable of creating a world of both evil and autonomous humans (9). Evans puts it simply, â€Å"It does not seem to be true that a good being always eliminates evil as far as it can. What is true, perhaps, is that good being always eliminates evil as far as it can without the loss of a greater good or the allowance of a worse evil† (1). McCloskey objects to the cosmological argument claiming, â€Å"mere existence of the world constitutes no reason for believing in such a being†(1). There has been great objection to this however because of the fact of contingent objects. God is the â€Å"first cause,† the one who began it all. Because there is not explanation for contingent beings, if God is a necessary being, He is the necessary cause of the existence of creation and we as beings. God has no cause, otherwise He would not be God. It is the very existence of the world that implies the existence of God. The â€Å"laws of nature† imply the existence of a lawgiver, God. This position was held by Aristotle, holding firmly against the possibility of infinite regress. The argument from contingency suggests that it is possible the universe might not have existed, thus needing explanation of why it does in fact exist. In essence, it must have a cause. This leads to the belief in â€Å"necessary being,â⠂¬  meaning a being that needs no explanation. The temporal cosmological argument holds that the beginning of the universe was either caused or uncaused. However, objectors to this say we cannot actually claim whether the universe â€Å"had to exist.† Also, a â€Å"necessary being† comes into question. The refuters say this line of argument does not give enough explanation of why there could not be more than one cause. There is no ground for putting God as the first cause or prime mover. Time and causality as we know it cannot be grounds for explaining the beginnings of the universe. However, those objecting to McCloskey, hold if there were a being like the universe, then he would exist in time, thus he himself came into existence. But, the ultimate cause must not have come into existence. For it to be an ultimate cause, the ultimate Creator must be outside of time. (10).What McCloskey fails to realize, is that not every argument is going to capture every aspect of God. There are many different arguments that go abo ut doing that. If God does not exist, then all has no hope of immortality. Life, the world, and everything in it is meaningless. There would be no purpose or significance to anyone or anything. This leaves us with no ultimate meaning without immorality and God. Would we be able to say there was any purpose or meaning to someone who lived just to die? To be born just to pass out of existence? Lane says that it is not just each individual person that is headed towards the grave, but the universe itself is headed for extinction. This all in all is hopeless. Dying man, in a dying world. If this is the case, the small details in life do not matter, it does not make a difference. Our behaviors, our choices do not matter. Dotoyevsky said â€Å"If there is no immortality then all things are permitted† (11). Without God, there is no accountability, morality, or sense of right and wrong. Even more so, in a universe without God, good and evil do not exist (11). However, if we were to say there were no God, we would still be without purpose because we would just be accidental. We would just be accidents of chance. The only view that can save the human race from itself is a theistic view (11). The only thing going for an atheist is living with the fact of the absurdity of life. Such a view makes it impossible to live a fulfilling, happy life. For the atheist, absurdity of life and creating meaning for one’s life is a contradiction. A major disadvantage of atheism is that no one has hope or faith for reward of good or and punishment of evil. A believer’s hope is this, Christ. Ephesians 3:11 tells us that God had a purpose I mind before He created. Man within his own voluntary will would be able to love and choose God. Nature alone points to God. Humanity and the universe itself does not have to exist. Both are not self-existent but caused. There is no explanation for their existence. Within a Christian world view, life is not meaningless and pointless ending at the grave. We have hope in the resurrection and of eternal life. God and immortality are both necessary for a meaning full life (11). Bibliography 11- Craig, William Lane. â€Å"The Absurdity of Life without God.† In Reasonable Faith: Christian Truth and Apologetics, by William Lane Craig, 71-90. Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2008. 1-Evans, C. Stephen, and R. Zachary Manis. Philosophy of Religion: Thinking About Faith. Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2009. 8- Kunkle,Brett. â€Å"The Logical Problem of Evil.† Truth Never Gets Old. April 21, 2009 2- McCloskey, H. J. â€Å"On Being an Atheist.† Question (1968): 63-69. 5- Biologos. â€Å"What is the â€Å"fine-tuning† of the universe, and how does it serve as a â€Å"pointer to God?† 9- http://kevinfannystevenson.blogspot.com/2012/07/on-being-theist-response-to-h-j.html 10- http://www.existence-of-god.com/first-cause-argument.html

Critically discuss the relationship between fast subject and the Essay

Critically discuss the relationship between fast subject and the principle of potentialily in the graduate labour market - Essay Example The labour market management has responded by defining the type of life that graduates should aspire to, dream of, be ready for and expect (Taylor 2012). By defining what job applicants should possess, management has embraced the subject of fast that mirrors the aspirations, inner promises and desires present in every unemployed graduate (Costea 2012). Human resource management have therefore developed ethos which outline expected potential and values that should be possessed by a graduate, in order to feel the advertised job opportunity (Szcześniak 2013). The ability to tailor an individual into the desired person has had far reaching consequences among job applicants. After critically reading job adverts, graduates tend to be displeased by the approach taken to describe the ideal candidate for a given job (Nura 2014). With terms such as intelligent, dynamic and creative being used in most of the job advertisements, readers of the adverts are mostly develop an inner feeling of permanent unhappiness. To university graduates, the reality of labour market turns out to be worse as compared to their expectations (Sciarra 2012). The optimism of being a special character waited by the graduate labour market turns out to be the opposite. The main reason leading to the fast subject being the need among human resource managers to recon cile conflicting demands in graduate labour market. Managers have been forced to learn appropriate ways of managing the uncertain world, as it is changing very fast. The ethos set by managers has been considered to comprise aspiration benchmarks that students need to weigh their potential and future character (Lakshmi 2013). For instance, ethos has been used by HRM to define the ideal customs, values and of a future employee (Costea 2012). The desired ethos has been incorporated in job advertisements. Thus, students and graduates have to

Atherosclerosis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Atherosclerosis - Essay Example The lesions of atherosclerosis start with fatty deposits and gradually develop into complicated lesions. The progressive development of atherosclerotic is classified into six types with increasing effect of compromising the function of the arteries. The first four types of the atherosclerotic lesions do not produce clinical symptoms, while the fourth and fifth type produces clinical symptoms. These clinical symptoms are dependent on the site of compromise of the integrity of the artery. The metabolism of lipids and their serum levels, body fat, obesity, infections and inflammations have a role to play in the development of atherosclerosis and are high risk factors for the development of atherosclerosis. In addition gender, heredity, diseases related to diet like metabolic syndrome, and life style are all factors that contribute to the development of atherosclerosis by themselves or in conjunction with the other factors. Two mechanisms are involved in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis consisting of chronic endothelial injury and elevated lipid levels. Risk factors like infection, inflammation, and smoking can lead to epithelial injury and elevated lipid levels encourage formation of plaque loaded with lipids and initiate the formation of clot or thrombus. The formation of thrombus can lead to a total blocking of the lumen of the artery, which clinically manifests itself in different ways, depending on the location of the blockage, Occlusion in the arteries that supply blood to the heart manifest as myocardial infarction, while in the case of occlusion in the arteries supplying blood to the brain manifests as a stroke or a cerebrovascular event. Infarctions in the liver and kidneys through similar mechanisms impair their functions. The impaired blood flow as a result of the occlusion, if not reversed immediately can lead to ischemia of the involved tissues and death of the tissues, Pharmacological

Hardships of Slavery in the 1800s Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Hardships of Slavery in the 1800s - Essay Example The Slaves were treated as animals and therefore not entitled to freedom On the other hand; men farmed, herded animals and served in the colonial armies. Slaves were treated as animals and therefore not entitled to freedom. In most parts of the world, slavery was perceived as a means of accumulating wealth and social status. Â  The slaves went through severe challenges and harsh treatment by their masters. In fact, they were forced to work under the scorching sun and severely whipped. The slaves were worked to death regardless of their health condition. They slaves succumbed to severe ailments such as smallpox, tuberculosis, typhoid among others. Enslaved women were sexually harassed by their masters (Kempadoo 6). Despite the many hardships, African slaves were in the highest demand to work in the plantations. This was fueled by the perception that African slaves were immune to severe tropical diseases than slaves from other continents. It was believed that Africans were more experienced in the agricultural field than people other continents. Additionally, African slaves were considered to be muscular and could tolerate adverse climate and hard labor, unlike slaves from other races. African slaves were captured through various ways, for instance, the Europeans enticed them with gifts and false promises. The slaves were as well auctioned in an open market just like common commodities (Orlando 149). Some Africans who failed to meet their debts were sold to pay the debt. Additionally, the Europeans initiated wars between African communities to weaken them and attacked them once they become defenseless.

School Uniforms A Necessity or Just Another Extreme Policy Essay

School Uniforms A Necessity or Just Another Extreme Policy - Essay Example Though some might disregard it as trivial, yet the reality of the matter is that this very issue decides the basic foundation of our society and its regimentation. The issue that this paper would seek to analyze would be that of school uniforms; are they actually a necessity or just another ploy to keep the society in check. Whether it is in fact actually a matter of extremity of regulatory behavior or something that can hold the society fundamentals in place. School uniforms as we all are aware are common to many nations across the globe; used mostly in the primary and secondary schools. While the most widely recognized are those which are worn by students at schools, other types can be occupations such as nursing etc. If one was to examine the dress code itself, the normal pattern has been that of wearing clothes of more passive nature. In the United States, the scenario is such that though many schools do not have uniforms per see, they do have regulated dress code. The dress code limits the amount of skin that can be exposed. The limitations can be found for such garments that either have holes in them, or are obscene, gang-related or even unsafe in certain cases.( Millikan) However, certain elements of what this standardization has to be analyzed and studied before deciding the fate of these uniforms. As this paper would go on to prove, the requirement of today is the existence of these uniforms. The society of today has been considerable weakened by negative influences and such uniforms are required in order to hold together the foundations of our society. In the private schools such as the Catholic ones uniforms can be found as a common aspect.( Millikan) The above details highlight the fact that though there are none of the stringent uniform codes, schools still sticks to certain standards. The reasons behind are due to the government's requirements to create such a society in which acts of violence, obscenity are controlled. The American society is a society which strongly believes in the rights of its citizens ,at the same time, these rights are regimented within certain boundaries and by instilling these values form the primarily level, the governments hope achieve to goal. (The Star online,2008) The above paper has merely examined the sort of practices that prevail regarding the use of uniforms and the variations that can occur due to the type of control and interest that is exhibited by the government. Now, regarding the question of how efficient a role these school actually play as a tool of necessity or a weapon to subdue the masses from the foundation; a study which was published by David Brunsma and Kerry Rockemore states: "The findings indicate that school uniforms have no direct effect on substance use, behavioral problems or attitudes". (Brunsma & Rockemore 1998) This paper will go on to prove contrary to the above findings that school unifo

Do the policies and ideology of multiculturalism unite us or divide us Essay

Do the policies and ideology of multiculturalism unite us or divide us - Essay Example In order to promote multiculturalism, policies are in place to protect ethnic identities of immigrants and Canadian ethnic minorities. There are programs for education, employment and support for navigating government services. However, these policies do not always result in equal treatment. Multiculturalism is a laudable goal and it looks good from the outside. However, it is not always good from the inside. The idea of multiculturalism, especially in Canada, makes people feel like they are part of a greater good, a bigger picture promoting anti- racism, and that they fighting for group and individual equality. However, policies created to help protect identity or to aid aboriginals protect their culture or immigrants to integrate into Canadian society sometimes offer advantages to immigrants that native born Canadians do not enjoy. One very visible difference in policy is in the area of education. Canada has actively recruited immigrants to boost the economy for more than a century . Because of the Offical Languages Act in 1969 to mollify Quebec separatists, numerous ESL and EFL programs exist for adult immigrants across the country to help new arrivals integrate (Derwing and Thompson 2005). However, over the years these programs have been modified to emphasize the employability skills of participants and to communicate Canadian values. Other programs, such as neighbourhood national festivals are promoted and subsidized by the government to allow immigrants to communicate their culture to other Canadians in an effort to promote understanding, acceptance and equal opportunity. The LINC program improved upon its predecessor by adding women, who were considered unemployable, to the list of beneficiaries, but it still emphasized â€Å"Canadian† values, rights, and responsibilities (Bettencourt 2003, 25), including laws, shopping and banking, plus information for services (Bettencourt 2003). It was changed again in 2000. Based upon standards of measurement o f language skills, it aims to bring all immigrants’ language skills to a useful level (CIC 1996). Various changes were made to this program by the CIC (CIC 2001; CIC 2006; CIC 2007; CIC 2009) While all this work to help new immigrants benefits society as a whole, the amount of money spent on these programs is not equalled in educations programs for native born Canadians. For example, a native born Canadian who moves to Quebec is not eligible for free French lessons, nor is a Quebec resident who moves to an English province. This is seen as favouring immigrants at the cost of native born Canadians. Education of immigrant children required a change in Canadian school systems. However, public education is the purview of the provincial governments, not the federal government (JEAN-PIERRE, 2011). So many provinces have developed multicultural programs to help resolve the problems of immigration of non-English or French speaking immigrant children. Since schools are funded mostly by property taxes, this is seen as spending the taxes of the Canadian middle class, generally native born, citizens on programs that do not visibly benefit their children. While a case can be made for the value of foreign language instruction to child educational and intellectual development, Canadian schools already offer bilingual education: French and English. Adding other languages might be better accepted if those added languages

Electronic money challenges and solutions Essay

Electronic money challenges and solutions - Essay Example As Bill Gate, the founder of Microsoft puts it: E-payment or electronic payment is a technique of making transactions over the internet or some other electronic system. The transaction takes place in the form of secure data transfer from one end to the other. The greatest advantage of an e-payment based transaction is the speed with which the transaction gets completed. Other benefits include the ease with which the transaction can be completed; the users do not have to be physically present to make these transactions and in fact, both buyers and sellers can meet in the electronic market to make electronic transactions using electronic money. There are various forms of e-payment systems that are in use nowadays. These include credit cards, debit cards, online transfers, wire transfers, e-money like Pay Pal, and other modes through which people make payments over the web. Most of these systems are based on a ID and password system to protect against unauthorized usage. With an increase in the magnitude of online applications and systems, there is a growing threat of security issues, vulnerabilities and exposure on the use of electronic transmission, and internet based systems. This has been a concern for companies, individuals, government and law enforcement agencies. Doing transactions online means making payments for the goods and services that are purchased; this leads to a need for developing a mechanism to make these 'e-payments'. This further translates into developing and implementing a security process to ensure that these transactions are carried out keeping the confidentiality, integrity and availability of the systems intact. An e-transaction is as susceptible to fraud as any other transaction, if not more. The fraudsters are many in the electronic world, are dispersed all round the globe, have update knowledge and expertise about the systems and computers, and are attacking to gain access to, and in many cases, to use the identity, fun ds and communication of a person in illegal, unethical and undesired way. 2.1 Security Issues for E-Money and E-Payment Systems Security of electronic money refers to establishing the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information when it is passed through the electronic system. Some security requirements for an electronic money transfer system are outlined below (British Standards, 2006, p.3): Confidentiality - ensuring that information is accessible only to those authorized to have access to it. Integrity - safeguarding the accuracy and completeness of information and processing methods Availability - ensuring that authorized users have access to information and associates assets when required Authenticity - information should be available to sender and recipient, who must prove their identities to each other Non-repudiation - assurance/ proof that the transmitted message was indeed received (ECD, 2007). 3. Key Challenges and Recommendations for Electronic Payment Systems A description of specific risks and challenges of online transactions is provided below. 3.1 Privacy and

Retail Marketing and Logistics Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Retail Marketing and Logistics - Case Study Example This way they maintain good hold over quality and are in position to quickly phase off food items that outlive their utility. Gregg's have their own registered charitable trust and they are actively engaged in providing grants and donations for needy causes. Their social activities include the environment, children's cancer research, breakfast clubs that provide free, nutritious breakfast for primary school children in socially disadvantaged areas, and raise funds for children in need. Their exposure to these social activities gives them the advantage of maintaining good public relations and also the marketing thrust in new regions where they open shops. Their social obligations are noteworthy and they encourage their staff to be involved in these ventures. Apart from these, their emphasis on customer satisfaction is fundamental to their success. They also constantly review their product range to ensure quality, taste and value for money. Products that appear to lose popularity are taken off the shelves without much loss of time. The products on display reveal a rich variety of food items and invite the buyers to purchase and try them. The shop design is continually modified and refined to improve the shopping experience. They are also ever on the lookout for new opportunities to open shops in areas where they perceive their products have demand (Greggs). Along with Retail Marketing Mix Along with the vision to open shops wherever there is the prospect for business, Greggs ensure that there is good management of their staff and their products are made to customer's satisfaction. This hawkish policy of making their presence where there is need has provided the company with good growth results. The company boasts of a sound system alive to customers needs and just waiting for opportunities to open shops in populated areas of towns and cities. Their marketing strategy is intrinsically held together in wooing the customers through the use of benign staff and products expertise. The policy of being where the customers are is responsible for the expansion of their business and in addition the customers are made to feel that they are welcome. The art of beguiling the customers with a smiling staff and healthy, hygienic foodstuff needs alert management trained to prod the manpower in the right direction of retention and growth (Greggs the Bakers (Shop)). The investment in purchasing or renting the shop premises is augmented with skilful handling of people in house and outside. Use of Relationship Marketing for Competitive Advantage Relationship management in Greggs is an aspect that they have diligently nurtured to secure competitive advantage. It is not only the relationship among the staff but also the way this translates with the customers. Even if the shop or outlet is small in comparison to the

A Detailed Insight into Indonesia Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

A Detailed Insight into Indonesia - Essay Example The largest and the most famous amongst these are Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan, New Guinea, and Sulawesi. It shares borders with Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor, Singapore, Philippines and Australia. Since this country is located right near the Australian, Pacific and Eurasian tectonic plates, it is an earthquake prone country and also sees a high level of volcanic activity. Indonesia is a hot and humid tropical country and experiences a lot of rain. Since its location is on the seacoast, Indonesia has long been an important trade center, right from the seventh century with strong trade relations with China and India. As a result, it adopted many Indian and Chinese cultural and religious practices and had many Hindu and Buddhist dynasties that ruled here. Its rich natural resources have also attracted many other foreign traders, who also added their cultural influences. The Muslim traders brought in the religion of Islam, while European powers that have also left a cultural impac t, fought over the right of the Spice Trade in the island of Maluku. The different ethnic and various religious societies that inhabit the various islands of Indonesia are different from each other and they reflect the natural diversity of this colorful country. Although the islands that form this archipelago are all connected to each other through trade, wars, politics and the formation of the republic of Indonesia, they have managed to stay apart, culturally.

Revenge and Delay in Hamlet Essay Example for Free

Revenge and Delay in Hamlet Essay The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark by William Shakespeare is one of his most influential tragedies telling the story of treachery, revenge and moral corruption. The play is about Prince Hamlet who seeks to exact revenge on his uncle Claudius for murdering his King Hamlet, Claudius’s brother. Hamlet’s father then succeeds the throne and takes as his wife Gertrude, the old King’s Widow and Prince Hamlet’s father. â€Å"As doth well appear unit our state, But to recover of us by strong †(1. 1. 01-102) These word by Horatio, Prince Hamlet’s close friend reveals to the reader one of the crucial themes in this play, the need for revenge, not just by Hamlet but by Fortinbras, the Prince of Norway and Claudius through Laertes. Their emotions, thoughts and action are fueled by their craving for vengeance and as the three revenge plots intertwine, it is revealed that the nature of revenge is not simple but complicated as the reader sees Hamlets inner struggle to take action, and his inability to make decisions. see more:conflict in hamlet The indecision, hesitation and delay are what make the plot stand out from other revenge stories. The main plot in the play is that of Hamlet who is visited by the Ghost of his father telling him to avenge his death. Hamlet’s response was â€Å"Hast me to know’t, that I, with wings as swift, As meditation or the thoughts of love, May sweep to my revenge† (1. 5. 29-31)Sets the plot for revenge but later he is seen having his doubts as expressed in the line â€Å"Fie upon’t, foh! About, my brains! † (2. 2. 574). After Hamlet establishes Claudius’ guilt, by staging the murder of Gonzago he gets the opportunity to kill the unattended Claudius in his chamber but allows this opportunity pass after soliloquizing the matter and saying that killing Claudius will not be revenge as he will go to heaven. Throughout the play he is reflective and pensive and delays the moment as long as he possibly can. He is later exiled when he accidentally kills Polonius. After another visit by his father’s ghost he makes up his mind. He returns to Denmark and in a fencing match that ensues, he manages to kill both Laertes and Claudius even though he dies from the wound he received from the Poisoned tip of Laertes sword. Claudius on the other hand, uses Laertes as tool to carry out his plan to kill Hamlet. Laertes is blinded by the need of vengeance such he would do whatever it takes to accomplish this without any hesitation whatsoever. Claudius takes advantage of this situation and it’s quite evident in the following lines: â€Å"Laertes, was your father dear to you? Are you like the painting of a sorrow† (4. 7. 05-107) and â€Å"To show your father’s son in deedmore than in words? † (4. 7. 123-124) Laertes replies: â€Å"To cut throat i’the church. † (4. 7. 125)Claudius cultivates this thirst and his ability to act rashly which drives him in a fencing match with Hamlet. This turns into a bloody ending and ultimately leads to Hamlet and Claudius’ death. Fortinbras, the prince of Norway wants to avenge the death of his father by creating so large an army that would over the Danish army. He is a strong-willed leader described as â€Å"Hot and full† (1. 1. 96), with a tendency to act rashly as opposed to Hamlets continual hesitation delay. While Hamlet is contemplating on the issues of life, death and morality of revenge, Fortinbras is out to conquer lands. However, he also listens to his friend Horatio who advices him to wait before he attacks Denmark. This allows him in the end to achieve his vengeance without doing much. Hamlet himself considers Fortinbras a model of greatness, as he passed him with his army he remarks, â€Å"To be great, is not to stir without great argument but to find quarrel in a straw, When honor’s at the stake. † (4. 4. 52-55) Fortinbras is not bothered too much with thoughts and is quick to take action to preserve his family’s honor. In conclusion it can be said that the main reason Hamlet fails on his mission of vengeance is due to his hesitation partly brought by his own cowardice and partly due to his inner conflict with the moral outlook of it all. Laertes fails because he is too quick to move into action without careful consideration of the situation at hand. Fortinbras on the other hand, succeeds because even though he was quick to take action, he listens to his uncle’s advice. In the end, this teaches the reader the importance of thinking clearly, coherently and sticking to our principles prior to taking any actions.

Criminology Essays Policing Future Criminal

Criminology Essays Policing Future Criminal Policing Future Criminal Policing in the future Introduction Terrorism as defined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA),† is the use of force or violence against persons or property in violation of the criminal laws of the United States for purposes of intimidation, coercion, or ransom.† (August, 2007). The group of people committing this act often use threats to create fear among the public. These people try to convince citizens that their government is powerless to prevent terrorism. The Acts of terrorism include threats of terrorism; assassinations; kidnappings; hijackings; bomb scares and bombings; cyber attacks (computer-based); and the use of chemical, biological, nuclear and radiological weapons. (FEMA, 2007). In the future the act of terrorism would be even worst because of new technologies and inventions. The question is who will protect the people? What can the law enforcement do in the future to stop terrorism? On going studies and researches are being done by the police department to create a strategic move to stop or interrupt any act of terrorism. This essay will include issues that may arise in the future of policing from the perspective of individual police personnel, police management and the community. The focus of this essay is on the law enforcement its strategy and plans in the future in policing the community. Law Enforcement New Challenges – Police Personnel In the future police officer would play the role as the keepers of the peace, antiterrorism specialists or community outreach agents. (Stephens,2005). Gene Stephen is a noted criminal justice futurist and has surveyed police experts and found out that a better educated police officers with improved people skills and a stronger understanding on emerging technologies will be crucial to successful policing in the future. Police officers are being addressed in the past as â€Å"peace officers,† and define public policing as the â€Å"absence of crime.† This has been change as the time goes by and as the crime committed becomes even more complicated. In the 21st century policing has become even more challenging for the police personnel, wherein causes of crimes and disorder often lie outside their community, demanding new and innovative approaches from police. Today offenders are usually thousands miles away while committing the crimes. Terrorists act may takes place in a certain place without the physically presence of the criminals. Such act includes chemical and biological mayhem, community hackers and crackers wherein they can manipulate data’s in the system even if they are thousand miles away. In the United States the most prevalent crime committed is the identity theft often assisted by Internet scams. How can police personnel cope up with this technology? Probably the best way to treat criminals committing such crime should be counteracted by the same act that they committed it. Due to the increasing crime committed brought by the new technologies international conventions involving different countries was held last November 2007. The convention was entitled â€Å"International Policing Toward 2020.† Future of policing depends on what type of the society being policed. The ability of the police personnel to identify the society that needs to be policed is important. Whether the police will need to use harsh type of policing or you need to ask the cooperation of the society. The key to an effective policing in the future is that police personnel must have a deeper understanding of what he was up to. This mean police personnel must be knowledgeable enough to handle crimes in the future. Trainings and seminars are being conducted on various areas in the United States. One organization who’s been handling researches, teaching and training police is the Society of Police Futurists International (PIF). The PIF consists of men and women who are most likely to understand the path ahead and be able to predict the threats and promises to expect in the next few years. Since we are living in the 21st century wherein criminals just can place a chip on anything and then destroy everything, PIF focuses on the new technology. The police futurist focuses on the high tech communication and state of the art technology. Police personnel can adjust in this kind of situation by proper training and education. The government can increase the fund in the education that can be given to the police. To be able to attend to crimes like cyber crime police personnel must know what he is up to. One of the problem concerning the trainings and education of police personnel is the financial fund. In the article written by Jeremy Wilson the director of the Center on Quality Policing at the RAND Corporation (a non profit research corporation), he identifies that the United States are having a hard time meeting the new challenges in policing. Based on his analysis they need the support of the federal government to go far beyond traditional local crime-fighting duties. As a result of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, police today and in the future have a major new homeland security responsibility. Because of what happened the country need an extra hand from its community by recruiting enough number of police personnel to handle surveillance of airports, government building, mass transit systems and other potential terrorists’ target. They also have additional duties to foil terrorist’s attacks before they occur. The law enforcement agencies must be ready anytime to respond the possibility of other complicated attack such as chemical, biological and other unconventional weapons. Police Management Managing police force is much more complicated than handling an organization. It is not just hiring someone because you like him. Today recruiting is even harder after the Sept 11, 2001 bombing. People who want to join the force should be checked carefully for you might hire a terrorist undercover. Today the organization needs to require more officers, with more skills at a higher cost. Now the problem will be the financial availability. Before the police management focuses only on the daily needs of the organization such staffing needs and mandatory training requirements. But to adapt in the new security duties and changing labor force, police department will need to develop a long term plans for recruiting the right officers with the right skills. Unfortunately the police department is not equipped enough to check every person who wants to join the department. Aside from the lack of equipment the department also lacks on funds. Federal assistance to police departments has dropped in 2007. The chiefs of police reacted on the cutting of funds for the law enforcement nationwide. The role of the police personnel and the department is important not only during this time of terrorism but in the future as well. Trainings and education on the new technologies is important. How can police personnel fight terrorists attacking the system of a government agency if he doesn’t know how to fight it? Technologies nowadays are very much complicated as compared before and in the early 90’s. To fight these high tech attacks the police department should be very much aware of the new technologies to become effective. A five year plan is suggested in fighting the terrorists starting from the community, city, nationwide and then internationally. The department should show the government how important is the additional funds in policing the future. Funds will be allocated to chosen personnel trainings and education. They will be the one who will forefront the department during the time of terrorists act either biologically, chemically and technologically. Focusing on their needs such as proper compensation, additional incentives and other benefits is important to help them become more dedicated not only on their job but in the department as well. It is therefore best to plan, present and proves to the government that the planning for the future of police management needs the federal support especially in funding. Proper planning is the main key for an effective policing in the future. The planning has to start with the police officer, the department and then the government. Community Policing â€Å"Community policing† is the term given to describe the wide range of policing reforms. (Columbian Journalism Review, 1999) In as early as 1980’s the liberal police executives and academics have been advocating the notion that police work directly, in an equal partnership, with community groups on prevention strategies appropriate to a particular community’s problems. Community policing includes an aggressive police presence in high-crime areas. In the September 11, 2001 attack of terrorist, the police visibility is seen not only on the city where the attack happened but nationwide as well. The question might be if the crimes committed are getting more complicated and now the identity theft and hackers are very much rampant how can community policing act on this crimes? As mentioned in the police management training and education is important, and then if a police force is equipped with advance technology as well as educated on the new technologies then this will not be a problem. The U.S. Justice Departments Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) defines the term broadly as any policing aimed more at crime prevention than on chasing and catching bad guys; those tactics can include working with the community, decentralizing command, or simply increasing the number of beat police officers in a community. All these approaches have their defenders and critics, and all can point to some sort of research showing that they help make neighbourhoods safer, but they are not the same thing. The approach in community policing has become popular and has gained support from the government because of what they might have seen as effective in policing in the future. Community policing is the new approach to public safety. It combines the best aspects of several time-proven policing techniques in order to combat not only crime and disorder, but also the fear of crime and the likelihood of crime. It is both a philosophical approach and a set of practical steps to carry out that approach. It a police work with the community and other organizations, both public and private, to address local concerns and move towards long-term solutions to crime related problems. Community policing is the involvement of the community it requires more than just involving the citizens but it also requires the inclusion of other governmental agencies, the educational system, public and private social service providers and many local business. Also included are the criminal justice system, human rights groups, religious-based resources, and any other groups that can help find and maintain solutions to the communitys needs. In addition, the family unit must again become a major player in the crime prevention arena. It is therefore literally means that involving everybody to fight against criminals who wants to destroy peace and order not only in one location but worldwide as well. Community policing also includes preventive measures. The goal of community policing includes the following: To empower the people to resist crime and unsafe conditions by resolving the root issues instead of acting on the same act again and again. Preventive measure is important than acting on the crimes. Provide an adequate response to street-level, quality-of-life complaints in the community without reducing the departments capability to continue to respond appropriately to emergencies. To partner with different organizations such as schools, social service agencies, citizen groups, and others with one purpose to developed effective preventive strategies. Reduce the demand for future police by addressing the cause of public safety problems Reduce the fear of crime. To encourage the citizens and community groups in solving the day to day problem solving and prevention activities, while maintaining full response capabilities and relieving certified personnel from tasks not requiring their particular training or expertise. Furnish the township with quality essential police services; subscribe and conform to the highest professional standards in an effort to protect the constitutional rights, lives, and property of the citizens consistent with community goals and policies. The best approach in community policing especially in fighting terrorism it is best to first identify the cause and work cooperatively by creating a plan that can be useful not only today but in the coming years. It is effective to balance the approach one that relies equally on law enforcement, crime prevention, and community involvement in issues about crimes and terrorism. Conclusion The future of policing lies on the people involved on it. A plan is important in dealing with criminals and terrorism. Nowadays you are not sure who you are dealing with. You might be hiring a terrorist without knowing it. Your plan maybe effective but without proper funding and cooperation from the different department and organization of the community and the government then the plan will not be successful. As mentioned above the following factors are important education, training, community cooperation and funds. To achieve the foresee future of policing the combination of the above factors should be present in planning. Since terrorism is an international concern it is best to be up dated on convention and seminars on new preventive measures that the different countries are doing to fight and stop the increasing number of terrorism. Prevention is better than battling with these terrorist. If the police force where able to prevent such act before it will take place then million of people will be safe. As what medical personnel would say â€Å"Prevention is better than cure.† Police force can also adopt this phrase. Since United States are among the nation who is being attacked by terrorist it is best for them to plan policing not only today but in the future as well. Reference: Embracing the Future of Law Enforcement, Platypus Magazine, December 2007, http://www.metafuture.org/afp%20newsletter%202007.pdf Policing, Columbia Journalism Review, February 15, 1999, http://www.allbusiness.com/information/publishing-industries/166642-1.html Scheider,M., Chapman,R., April 2003, Community Policing and Terrorism http://www.homelandsecurity.org/journal/Articles/Scheider-Chapman.html Wilson, J.,May 23, 2006, Police Personnel Crisis Needs Federal Leadership http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp dyn/content/article/2006/05/22/AR2006052200886.html www.fema.gov

Video On Demand Services Of Netflix Information Technology Essay

Video On Demand Services Of Netflix Information Technology Essay Netflix which established in the 1997 is the largest online movie rental company in the world. It famous by the service that offers their customers subscribe the DVD online or online streaming without any due date or late fees. Until the end of year 2009, they have more than 100,000 movies in DVD catalog, and in 2010, they have over 14 million subscribers. Their competitive advantages are the CineMatch recommendation software and the automated supply chain delivery. The recommendation system that make accurate suggestion movie to their customers, and their 100 plus delivery centers across the country allows 95% customers receive DVD within 1 business day. Currently, many cable and satellite companies offer Video on demand (VOD) which make customers see the video without waiting and reduce the cost of the shipment. In order to survive in the competitive home filmed-entertainment industry, Netflix take series practical actions to strength its VOD service. Netflix offered a digital rental service call Netflixs Watch that allows subscribers to download and view movies or television programs instantly on their PC for free depends on their subscribe plan. Base on the development of entering VOD system through the streaming video, Netflix will create a differentiation compare to other competitors. On the other hand, Netflix will change from DVD online rental segment to distributor of digital entertainment. Generic strategy- Differentiation Netflix was founded in 1990s and pioneered the subscriber based DVD rental service. Compared with most of the competitions which are in store rental service such as Blockbuster, Netflix differentiate itself into a whole new business segment. Netflix created its blue ocean by being entirely different from its competitors. By dominated in the DVD rental market, Netflix required to innovated new technology to compete against competitors who could also cut down the price. For example, Netflix emphasized on customers personalization, they using recommendation system which provide customer movies suggestion according to their renting history. On the other hand, they established over 100 distribution centers to deliver the movies and let customers received the mail within one day. Netflix using Oracle ERP Database to manage inventory, customers data and CineMatch system and adding value to each business activity. http://noisebetweenstations.com/personal/weblogs/?p=2011#ixzz0zsAJGoMY Porters five forces analysis of Netflix Buyer power-low Netflix is the first company that offer online subscribe rental DVD and through the United States postal service to mail to their customers. Netflix provide their customers with many different efficient systems. For example, CineMatch recommendation software offer personalized service to customers according to their subscribed record, almost 85~90% of customers will enjoy the suggestive movies and continue their subscription. On the other hand, Netflix emphasized 95% of customers will receive the DVD in one business day. Therefore, buyer power is low because other companies dont have such recommendation system and services compare to Netflix, and also their month fees are higher than Netflix. For buyers, their switching cost is high, so the buyer power is low. Supplier power-high Netflix buy their movies from the suppliers are movie studio such as Hollywood film distributors and USPS. In the film industry, it is no other substitute can choose in the rental market. Therefore, the supplier power is high. Threat of Substitute-high The VOD (Video on demand) is a new system that allows users use set-top box, computer or other player devices to watch video at any time. VOD is a threat of substitute for Netflix because customers no longer want to wait for the mail anymore; they want to see the movie right away. Therefore, Netflix has to align with VOD system to maintain its market shares. Threat of New Entrants-low It costs a significant capital for new entrants to enter in VOD industry, so that will be a hard barrier for new entrants to get into the market. On the other hand, the existing rental retailers already has the experience in marketing, that is a huge experience advantage exceed the potential entrants. Therefore, the threat of new entrants is low. Rivalry among Existing Competitors-high This industry has several main video rental companies that engaged in price war competition, such as Blockbuster, Hollywood video and Redbox. Most of the competitors have developed the digital box to integrate with VOD system in order to satisfy the customers need. On the other hand, Apple and Amazon both offer customers downloaded digital videos and watched on their TV by Apple TV and TiVO, respectively. Therefore, the video rental market for VOD system has encountered strongly competition. Netflix value chain Primary activity: Inbound Logistics: Netflixs strategy is establishes partnership with top studios such as Hollywood studios, twentieth century Fox in order to expand its library data. Therefore, Netflix have more new categories of movies or TV episodes available for their customers. Operation: The online recommendation system provided the best movie that is not usually the high-demand new release for customers because they are frequently out of stock. Based on the recommendation system, company can arrange their inventory management without harass the deficiency of supply. Moreover, the company devoted to expanding the distribution centers to deliver mail within 1 day to their customers. Outbound Logistics: Netflix cooperate with United States Postal Service (USPS) to reduce the delivery time and costs. The returned of the movie from customers is through by USPS to the closest Netflixs distribution center. Marketing and sales: Netflixs members are available using devices of Microsofts Xbox 360, Sonys PS3 and Nintendos Wii consoles to watch movies and TV episodes; Blu-ray disc players from Samsung, LG and Insignia; Internet TVs from LG, Sony and VIZIO; the Roku digital video player and TiVo digital video recorders, and until recently Apples iPhone, iPad and iPod touch are accessible as well. Service: Netflix continuing developed the new technological system such as recommendation system, distribution center, Oracle System and the development with VOD system to provide customer convenient online subscribe experience in order to enlarge their subscribers database. Support activity: Procurement: Netflix purchases titles directly from the studios to expand the library database, therefore their customers have more varied choices either on the delivery movies and online download service. Technology development: Netflix provided a free Netflix application for iPhone and iPod touch, allowing their members on plans starting at just $8.99 a month to instantly watch movies or a series of TV episodes on their iPhone or iPod touch without charging additional costs. Human resource management: To evaluate employees job performances for Netflix is the website for customers satisfaction. Therefore, employees have to realize the companys core values, openness, approachability and honesty well before offering service to customers (Patty McCord, 2009). Data Mining Netflix has also makes an outstanding data mining to create its competitive advantages. For example, Cinematch recommendation system synthesizes customer rental behavior and movie ratings to assist the company to recommend the movie to customers. This system will make customers keep subscribing and purchasing the movie. In addition, the system also helps company to invest wider range of movies. Netflix avoid to spend too much money by identify more niche film markets and expand distribution for smaller-budget films. In this situation, the company can save money by increasing demand for lesser-known films and reduce demand for big-studio blockbusters. Customer Relationship Management Systems (CRM) Customer relationship management (CRM) systems helps Netflix serve their customers more efficiently. The information that collects from their customers stored in the data warehouse and analyzed by CRM system. By using this system, Netflix can analyze the needs of customers and further realized customers behaviors. The goal of CRM system is to crate positive experiences for customers instead of the negative experiences (Haag 50). One of the most important technologies that support Netflixs customer relationship management is its custom-built intelligent agent. An intelligent agent is artificial intelligence software that helps or acts on behalf of the user to perform repetitive-computer related tasks (Haag 224). By using this system, Netflix know customers preferences and disliked. Moreover, Netflix is able to give accurate, personal recommendations to their customers. Supply Chain Management Systems (SCM) By using supply chain management (SCM) systems, Netflix can keep track on its inventory and information that go through its transaction processes. Furthermore, SCM system helps Netflix to reduce its inventory at the warehouse and distribute its products more efficiently. One of the SCM systems for Netflix can effectively reduce the inventory in warehouse by notify employees where to deliver its inventory as soon as DVD arrives in the warehouse. When the inventory arrives at the warehouse, it is immediately sent off to its next destination (Haag 189). Consequently, most of the times inventories are on the way of traveling and being used by a consumer and very less time staying in the warehouse. This method also makes sure that the product reaches its next destination as soon as possible. Netflixs SCM system also tracks inventory and determines the fastest route to let the DVD into customers hands. Enterprise resources plan (ERP) Database is resources to help the company better understand customers behavior and analyze operational efficiency. Oracle System is a system that Netflix uses to manage the companys database, so it is a backbone for organizational operation (Netflix website, 2010). The system utilizes the data to manage inventory, financial result of the companys performance, and customers data (Netflix website, 2010). On the other hand, Oracle ERP database is also to support the Cinematch System. In addition, the entire DVD library and logistics are also managed through this system. The company is using this system to manage its companys information more effective. Video on demand (VOD) Cooperate with other companies: broadband-enabled devices According to the trend and the popularity of using VOD system for the rental DVD market, Netflix see the potential market and started to align with other companies to advance this new technology to viewing movies. Because consumers are not willing to wait for the movies arrive by mail, instead, they seek for the company that allows them to see the movie right away to satisfy their need. For example, Netflix have partnership with LG Electronics, Samsung Blu-ray disc players, Microsoft Xbox 360 console, TiVo digital video recorders, and the Nintendo-Wii. All these devices allowed the members through the hardware to enjoy Netflixs services. In January 2010, Netflix have partnership with Funai, Panasonic, Sanyo, Sharp, and Toshiba, which also allowed consumers to watch movies and TV episodes through the digital televisions. Furthermore, iPad from Apple developed a Netflix app in 2010, allowing members access Netflixs library of movies and television shows. Recommendation Netflix creates their values by differentiate itself between their competitors, especially Blockbuster. Its outstanding systems make the company accounted the most of the market shares in this industry. However, Netflix is not satisfied the current succeed and still develop the advance technologies, for example developed VOD system and established the partnerships with other companies to increase their amount of subscribers. In conclusion, Netflix should creates company values through innovation and improvement, also improve the CineMatch system to advance the personalized website experience. http://www.solarsquirrel.com/MIDS/System_Analysis.html#ErpDatabase http://www.stanford.edu/~aditya86/Netflix.pdf http://noisebetweenstations.com/personal/weblogs/?p=2011 http://www.wikinvest.com/wiki/Netflix_%28NFLX%29 http://www.squidoo.com/what-is-blue-ocean-strategy http://noisebetweenstations.com/personal/weblogs/?p=2011#ixzz0zsAJGoMY http://cahdsu.wordpress.com/2009/08/04/infs-762-data-mining-at-netflix/