Impact of Opec Essays

Impact of Opec Essays Impact of Opec Essay Impact of Opec Essay The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), inter-governmental organization, was established at the Baghdad Conference in Iraq in September 1960 by Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela. These five countries were later joined by eight other countries; Qatar (1961), Indonesia (1962), Libya (1962), United Arab Emirates (1967), Algeria (1969), Nigeria (1971), Ecuador (1973), and Gabon (1975). Ecuador and Gabon withdrew from OPEC in 1992 and 1994. The current eleven OPEC members account for about 40 per cent of world oil production, and two-thirds of the world’s proven oil reserves. Note: Iraq remains a member of OPEC, but Iraq’s production has not been a part of OPEC quota since 1998). The purpose of OPEC is to co-ordinate and unifies petroleum policies among the member in order to limit supplies in the hope of keeping prices high. From 1920s to 1960s, the major oil companies colluded to prevent prices from falling. In th e 1960s, OPEC had started as a group of five oil producing, developing countries, seeking out the member countries’ legitimate rights in the international oil market. So the rise of OPEC was tied to a shifting balance of power from the multi-national oil companies to the oil producing countries. The creation of OPEC intensified the need among the Third World countries for closer cooperation in order to achieve their political and economic objectives. Membership grew to ten within the decade. In 1970’s, member countries took control of their domestic petroleum industries and acquired the right to influence the pricing of crude oil on the world market. There were two oil pricing crises, triggered by the Arab oil embargo in 1973 and the Iranian Revolution in 1979. During the 1973 War between Egypt and Israel, Saudi Arabia refused to increase production in order to halt rising prices unless the United States backed the Arab position. When the U. S. government proposed a military aid package for Israel, Arab States began an oil embargo against the United States and later expanded to the Portugal, South Africa, and Netherlands. The first Summit of OPEC sovereigns and Heads of State was held in Algiers in 1975. OPEC acquired its 11th and final current member, Nigeria, in 1971. In 1980s, oil prices peaked at the early period in the decade. Iranian Revolution and ensuing stop of Iranian petroleum exports had caused panic and speculation in the world oil market. This is called Second Oil Shock. Moreover, the outbreak of the war between Iran and Iraq in 1980 affected the oil market. The Iran-Iraq war removed almost 4 million barrels of oil a day from the world market. Since early 1980s, the world petroleum market confronted OPEC with an unfavorable choice such as cutting price to regain market or cutting production to maintain price. But OPEC did not want to reduce oil prices; for fear that they would loose economic and political gains, and their political influence. Environmental issues began to be discussed as an international agenda In the early 1990s, OPEC experienced a third price crisis when Iraq invaded OPEC member Kuwait. Iraq had long claimed the territory of Kuwait. In 1991 the territorial conflict was worsen by the oil issues. One of them was the continued pumping of oil by Kuwait from a field located under both countries and another issue was low oil revenues for Iraq which made playing off its war debts difficult. Iraqi invasion would expand revenues. Iraqi power in OPEC raised oil price and increases war debts to Kuwait. Iraq thought that the United State response would be political and economic sanction. But the Iraqi invasion causes a military response which was supported by a coalition of western and Arab states. The absence of the two major oil producers (Iraq and Kuwait), could have raised the oil price to ceiling. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and other oil producers expanded production to keep prices from raising a great deal. Since the Persian Gulf War, Iraq has refused to compliant with the United Nations resolutions; in other words, Iraq invasion has resulted in a long term oil embargo. During the 1990s, OPEC continued to emphasize oil production quotas. Oil prices collapsed at the end of the period, but began to increase in the beginning of 21st century, owing to the greater unification of OPEC members and increasing the well-governed oil company in Non-OPEC countries such as (Mexico, Oman, Russia, and Norway), and also increased tensions in the Middle East, and political crises in Venezuela affected oil prices in the world. OPEC has attempted to develop a coherent environmental policy because the international efforts to reduce the oil consumption have been more significant in this century. Economic Impact of OPEC: Our economy depends on its cost, of which a large part is represented by the cost of energy. The cost of the oil products is affected by the price of crude oil, taxation and other causes. The price of crude oil is influenced by the decisions taken by oil producers, especially the price for which they are willing to sell. Oil prices obviously matter to the world economy and OPEC still has influence on oil price decision. Higher oil prices since 1999 was partly caused by OPEC mal-management of oil supply. We can see that OPEC has influence on global economy, because oil prices remain an important determinant of economic performance of each county. If there is a shortage of oil supplies, oil price will rise. This would have all sorts of implications for industry, such as higher transportation costs. Higher costs can lead to lower economic growth. U. S. oil prices began to increase in the early 1970s when OPEC began to assume a major influence on oil prices. In 1970, OPEC members agreed to set an oil export tax rate of 55 percent, and OPEC members started to nationalize the oil industry. In 1973, Arab’s embargo resulted in that crude oil prices increased from average of $4. 15 per barrel in 1973 to $9. 07 in 1974, which led to the United States recession in 1974. In the late 1970’s, during the Iranian Revolution, declination of oil production led huge price increases. U. S. crude oil prices increased from $12. 46 per barrel in 1978 to $35. 24 in 1981. OPEC had huge impact on the economic industries. In term of oil price development, the cost of crude oil for U. S. refiners was $20 in 1996. Oil prices dropped a little in 1997; the cost fell to $12. 04 per barrel. Countries benefited from the lower cost of virtually oil products. Concerning this issue, OPEC member countries agreed to cut production, and OPEC tried to maintain the crude oil price above U. S. refiner cost in 1999. The production cuts pushed crude oil price up, hitting $30 per barrel in 2000. The production, however, started to increase, because OPEC tried to maintain market stability. Economic impact of OPEC has declined in the decades. The United States and other economies are less dependent on oil than they were 20 years ago. Because U. S. and other nation’s economies produces much more national output for each barrel of oil consumed compare to when they produced before. In 1970s, the U. S. economy generated about $250,000 of national output based on per barrel of oil consumed, but in 1999, economy produced about $450. 000 per barrel. This date shows the improved performance of the U. S. economy based on per barrel of oil consumed. Efficiency improvements, seeking out other energy sources have lessened the dependence of the U. S. economy on oil. Another data shows the declination of economic impact of OPEC, the U. S. economy spent more than 6 percent of GDP in crude oil in 1980 and 1981, when average price of crude oil was $28 a barrel. In 1996 to 1997, the price was $20 per barrel. But the percent of GDP spent on crude oil is less than 2 percent and 1 percent in 1998. These data indicates that oil price increases has less influenced the economy than they had in 1980s. Power of Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia’s economy heavily dependent on oil with export oil revenues accounting around 90 percent of total Saudi export earning, 70 percent of state revenues and 40 percent of the its GDP. Saudi Arabia holds the world’s largest petroleum reserves and accounts over one-third and one-half of total OPEC oil production. Saudi Arabia’s oil policy has huge influence world oil pricing. Three basics of its policy are; maintaining stability in oil markets; opposing high oil prices that might discourage demand growth or lead to a rapid rise in Non-OPEC production; maintaining its own dominant market share in the United States. Saudi Arabia has dominated the world oil market by emphasizing the market control and avoiding the new competition and maintaining the higher prices. It is true that the policy has worked well. Saudi Arabia is considered as a dominant firm while many other OPEC countries are price-takers. One thing with the problem that Saudi Arabia is a dominant firm is that its share of OPEC production rose from 24 percent in 1973 to 37 percent in 1980. So Saudi Arabia is in a better situation than other exporters. Within a considerable range of market conditions, Saudi Arabia could stabilize prices by restricting its own production and exports. Saudi Arabia also has a great ability to expand its production, and has wide political influence that reinforces the power that it derives from being the largest exporters of oil. In 1999, Saudi Arabia took a key role in coordinating campaign of OPEC and other oil-producing countries to raise the oil price to its highest level since the Gulf War by managing production and oil supply. Moreover, Saudi Arabia established the Supreme Economic Council to formulate and coordinate economic development policies for institutional reforms. Relationship to Non-OPEC Countries and Prospects: OPEC and Non OPEC countries often agree to reduce oil and gas supply to check prices. This cooperation is rather strange but since both organizations often benefit from high oil price, then each organization may be obliged to cut or increase oil production at the request of the other countries. So oil price is decided based on demand and supply to maximize the profit of producing of OPEC and Non-OPEC. OPEC supplies 40 percent to 45 percent of world’s oil supply and holds 75 percent of proven revenues and Non-OPEC countries produce 60 percent of the world oil (est. 2004). Most Non-OPEC countries have private sectors; there is little government intervention over production level. Non-OPEC productions were more vulnerable to price collapse because Non-OPEC countries’ production costs tend to be higher than OPEC costs. The production of Non-OPEC countries has declined in decades, and OPEC may be more important role to decide oil prices. However, OPEC has actual influence on price, but does not control or set the oil price directly. The world oil market itself appears to be in change of pricing and in a long term the main deciding factor will be substantially of OPEC revenues. The problem of capacity and depletion will be more significant. When oil price increases, countries start to produce more and undersell each other. The question arises as to how efficiently OPEC can implement the long –term strategy? Needless to say, we are faced with the problem â€Å"increasing demand and decreasing supply† in the world oil market. Reduction of oil production in Non-OPEC is also a burden to OPEC. OPEC member countries are aware of growing international need of renewable energy and environmental problems due to use of fossil fuels. But there is no specific alternative energy supply in the near future and there is no significant regulation to control energy consumption in the market based economy. How many people feel it an emergency? How many people know that the United State has refused to sign the Kyoto Protocol? It will not take long before our demand completely exceeds the production capability of the oil countries.

Hypacrosaurus - Facts and Figures

Hypacrosaurus - Facts and Figures Name: Hypacrosaurus (Greek for almost the highest lizard); pronounced hi-PACK-roe-SORE-us Habitat: Woodlands of North America Historical Period: Late Cretaceous (70-65 million years ago) Size and Weight: About 30 feet long and 4 tons Diet: Plants Distinguishing Characteristics: Pointed crest; spines growing out from backbone About Hypacrosaurus Hypacrosaurus received its odd name (almost the highest lizard) because, when it was discovered in 1910, this duck-billed dinosaur was considered second only to Tyrannosaurus Rex in size. Needless to say, it has since been outclassed by numerous other dinosaurs, both herbivorous and carnivorous, but the name has stuck. What sets Hypacrosaurus apart from most other hadrosaurs is the discovery of a complete nesting ground, complete with fossilized eggs and hatchlings (similar evidence has been found for another North American duck-billed dinosaur, Maiasaura). This has allowed paleontologists to piece together a fair amount of information about Hypacrosaurus growth patterns and family life: for instance, we know that Hypacrosaurus hatchlings attained adult size in 10 or 12 years, far sooner than the 20 or 30 years of the typical tyrannosaur. Like most other hadrosaurs, Hypacrosaurus was distinguished by the prominent crest on its snout (which didnt quite attain the baroque shape and size of, say, the crest of Parasaurolophus). The current thinking is that this crest was a resonating device for funneling blasts of air, allowing males to signal females (or vice-versa) about their sexual availability, or to warn the herd about approaching predators.

American Patriotism During World War One Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

American Patriotism During World War One - Essay Example The army provided concise stirring and patriotic speeches in the local communities. The information had both positive and negative effect on patriotism. On one hand, it persuaded people to identify with America and think that, their country was doing the right thing. On the other hand, the information demonized those who opposed the war. Among other things showing American patriotism is the Espionage Act of 1917. The act recommended stiff penalties to those who declined to work in the American armed forces during the war, helped the enemy or distributing information against the war. The Sediction Act was also enacted making it illegal to engrave or publish anything that criticized the government, the army or the constitution on the basis of the war. As a result, many people ended up being convicted by the law for violating these acts as they were considered unpatriotic. All these acts were created in an attempt to create and define patriotism due to the World War 1. The United States wanted to prove that it was a world power thus, the need to make the people invest their efforts in the war. The only way the government could do this is by increasing people’s patriotism to the country. ... For instance, some communities barred teaching of German language in government schools; hence, German Americans were irregularly targets of mob violence. Those Americans who opposed the government’s participation in the war or condemned president’s administration strategies faced challenges to their patriotism. They also risked being convicted or imprisoned based on the Sedicition and Espionage Acts. Even at the end of the war, any patriotic Americans became worried due to the threatened homeland security resulting from the radical ideas adopted, hence, the red scare. During World War 1, passionate patriotism was widespread in the United States. It was as a result of the patriotism, that the red scare took place. During this war, Armistice was performed in 1918 and around nine million people were employed in war industries as suggested by Lorini (1999). Other four million worked in the armed forces hence this shows how people were being patriotic. The Americans showed their patriotism in two main ways during the World War 1. First they showed patriotism by sending sixteen million soldiers to fight in the war. In order to achieve this number of fighters the government had to create a sense of patriotism among the citizens. This patriotism was created through circulation of information (propaganda) which was either correct or not. This was aimed at creating the citizens’ interest in their country hence the willing to fight for it. Secondly, there were also many companies which produced wartime materials. The American government established many companies which ensured sufficient supply of fire arms used by the soldiers during the World War 1. Many people including women who wanted to proof patriotic to the country participated in these companies and

Management , work and Society assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Management , work and Society assignment - Essay Example An occupation can be a job or a business or any other work which gives a return as payment and utilizes the time and effort of a person. Choosing an occupation can be influenced by different factors and those factors can have several barriers. The occupational choice barriers often force an individual to go against their personal choice of occupation. The major objectives of this study would be to highlight the various occupational choice theories, and identifying the barriers of occupational choice and its impact on the process. The paper would also involve the various measures to overcome the occupational barriers through the occupational choice theory (Hitchcock & Mabry, 1971). Findings Different Theories of Occupational Choice The occupation is the key means of living for every individual of the world. There are several different theories to support the occupational choices. These theories provide certain mathematical models to analyse the different factors of choosing an occupat ion for every individual. The theories include Super’s Development Self-Concept Theory of Vocational Behaviour, Holland’s Typology Theory of Vocational Behaviour, Roe’s Theory of Occupational Choice, and Ginzberg’s Theory (Brown, 2002). ... s the self-concept of an individual which reflects the behaviour of the person in a distinct manner such as, ‘I am strong’ or ‘I am smart’ among others. These behaviours help an individual to choose the right occupation by eliminating the occupations which do not suit the self-concept of that particular person. If the person is from commerce background, he or she would never go for the engineering or any science options. Super has also involved the Trait-Factor Theory. This theory relates with the occupational choice regarding various personal traits of an individual and the type of job such as, the aptitudes, the personality, the interest and the features and the requirements of the job. According to Super, an individual has the freedom to choose his or her own occupation and which is very much helpful for the occupational choice (Hotchkiss & et. al., 1979). The other theory of occupational choice is the Holland’s typology theory of vocational behavi our. This theory was proposed in the year 1959. According to Holland, the preferences or the orientation of career depends upon the types of personality. Holland has given six most important career courses i.e. the realistic, which involves the career orientation which is described by the aggressive behaviour, activities interests, physical strengths and skills, and masculinity. These people have a preference of ‘acting-out’ problems. These kinds of people ignore the task which involves verbal and interpersonal circumstances. These are the people who achieve low score on communal skill and sensitivity and score comparatively high on the activities of physical power and concreteness. The other orientation of career is investigative. In this part of the theory, an individual thinks much more than he/she acts,

Cloud Computing †Risk or Opportunity Essay Example for Free

Cloud Computing – Risk or Opportunity Essay Abstract Cloud computing is a term that refers to sources and computer systems available on demand through the network, which can provide a number of computer services integrated without being restricted local resources in order to make it easier for the user and include those resources space for data backup and synchronization self also includes processing capabilities software and scheduling of tasks and push e-mail and remote printing, and the user can control when it is connected to the network in these resources through a simple software interface simplifies and ignores a lot of detail and internal processes. Cloud computing has become increasingly popular because it offers users the illusion of having infinite computing resources, of which they can use as much as they need, without having to worry about how those resources are provided. It also provides greater scalability, availability, and reliability than users could achieve with their own resource The core property in cloud computing that held computing in the cloud; for clarity, the treatment process (and related data) is not confined to the place (places) private and unknown. Thus, this model is the antithesis of the treatment process is located in one or more of the servers are well known. Exposure model cloud of criticism and attack because of privacy advocates, for the ease of large governing the hosting companies for services cloud, and then, can impose censorship and domination, whether legal or illegal, the communication process as well as the data stored in between the user and the host company Introduction Cloud computing has become a ubiquitous term and largely discussed topic in the global information technology (IT) world. Cloud computing has changed dramatically the ways in which organizations and individuals communicate, collaborate and compute. The concept of cloud computing ensures a cost–effective transformation of utility computing principle that allows users and providers a convenient access to resources in a self-service and ‘pay as you go fashion’. Consequently, cloud computing has reduced the cost associated with system administration as well as aided in improving resource utilization and accounting. Since last few years, cloud computing has resulted in a number of positive impacts on the IT ecosystem, thereby giving rise to new markets and widely scattered new user communities (European Commission, 2012). Contextually, the concept of cloud computing is the outcome of the direct industrial needs to enhance resource utilization without intervening consumer requirements. In other words, the concept ensures the use of the available resources in more efficient manner (European Commission, 2012). The paper intends to critically examine the opportunities and the risks associated with cloud computing and draws a valid conclusion on its adoption by organizations. Cloud Computing: Definition, Models and Services Cloud computing was initially used in an academic perspective by Prof. Kenneth K Chellapa who illustrated it in 1997 at the Informs Conference in Dallas as â€Å"a computing paradigm where the boundaries of computing will be determined by economic rationale rather than technical limits† (Petri, 2010). There are various definitions of cloud computing however the most appropriate and broadly accepted definition is being provided by North America National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST). According to NIST, â€Å"Cloud Computing is a model for enabling convenient, on demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort to service provider interaction† (Petri, 2010). There are many cloud computing models for business purposes including: Public Cloud: Public cloud model is provided by vendors and can be accessed over the internet or private network. One or more data centers are used by this model which is shared by multiple customers (Weitz, 2010). Private Cloud: Private cloud model is managed and used internally by the organizations which utilizes ‘shared services model’ and makes variable usage of virtualized computing resources. The data stored in the model are managed within the organization (Weitz, 2010). Hybrid Cloud: As the name suggests, the hybrid model is the mixture of public cloud services and private cloud architecture. The model is designed to meet certain specific needs of customers (Weitz, 2010). Community Cloud: Community cloud model is used across the organizations having similar requirements and objectives. Community cloud model is established using public cloud services in order to ensure collaboration among the companies (Weitz, 2010). Cloud Computing Services Cloud computing services are provided mostly in the following ways: Software-as-a-Service (SaaS): Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) has been operational in the market since many years. Currently, businesses are more interested in shifting licensing software to subscribe services particularly on the basis of per user and per month among others (Weitz, 2010). Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS): Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) includes development of such environment that allows developers to build software applications that can be offered as services to customers or to general users (Weitz, 2010). Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS): Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) provides customers or users with storage, network and other various fundamental resource requirements in order to run arbitrary applications (Weitz, 2010). Literature Review According to Etro (2009), cloud computing is a recently evolved internet based technology that stores large information in servers and provides that information as services on demand to clients. Accordingly, its impact is spectacular on both consumers and companies. Furthermore, he stated that consumers can access all their documents and data from any devices such as laptops, mobile phones and tablets while the companies can rent hardware and software from the service providers and pay as they use the services like other services availed by the companies such as electricity (Etro, 2009). Petri (2010) postulates that, cloud computing is one of the most discussed IT innovations in the last few years. Hence, risk management is the most critical area which draws a serious attention. He emphasized that future is relatively uncertain when associating cloud computing with security factor. He critically points out that cloud vendors should quickly address the security and other related concerns for ensuring better customer satisfaction (Petri, 2010). According to Bein, Bein Madiraju (2010), cloud computing is a new paradigm of computing that has evolved in the recent times as an expensive way for providing storage and software. They further stressed that many companies are moving ahead with an intention to make cloud computing easy to use. They advocated that there are huge potential for consumers to exploit the cloud computing technology (Bein, Bein Madiraju, 2010). According to Gartner Inc (2012), continuous monitoring of cloud computing technologies and usual updates to the enterprises’ cloud strategies are necessary to prevent any cost related errors for the subsequent few years. It also stated that cloud computing technology will have significant impact on the level of its adoption over a period of time (Gartner Inc, 2012) According to Pokhriyal (2012), cloud computing would contribute towards increasing complexities relating to data storage and users access to applications as well as other frequently conducted processes. She also stated that risk of exposure of critical data is more with the use of cloud computing technology. She advocated that business firms may also witness security breaches and hacking that shall make the cloud storage relatively ineffective and inefficient (Pokhriyal, 2012). According to Willcocks, Venters, Whitey (2011), cloud computing technology is changing the ways of IT business services in terms of data delivering and managing. Accordingly, cloud computing has escalated the importance of delivering effective services and for this reason the IT and business services urgently need to raise the level of service competency and should focus on the availability of quality services to meet the customer expectations (Willocks, Venters, Whitley, 2011). In the words of Horwath, Chan, Leung, Pili (2012), cloud computing has the potential to bring certain drastic changes in the organizations as witnessed in case of the internet during the last decade of the 20th century. They emphasized that by applying cloud computing technology without proper care and due-diligence may result in unforeseen problems. Consequently, executives must be aware of risks and other issues of cloud computing in order to derive significant benefits out of the provided services (Horwath, Chan, Leung, Pili, 2012). According to Santos, Gummadi, Rodrigues (2012), cloud computing enables organizations to cut costs associated with resource storage, network bandwidth and other relevant data. However, they argued that concerns about the privacy, confidentiality and integrity of the data and computation can be considered to be the major deterrents for those organizations which are looking forward to embrace cloud computing (Santos, Gummadi, Rodrigues, 2012). According to Hinchcliffe (2009), cloud computing will transform IT business scenario by a large extent and it will have to balance between the risks and the benefits associated with cloud computing models. Therefore, he points out certain major risks associated with such transformations including security of organizational data that is stored in the cloud, loss of control over cloud resources and reliability factor. He also stated that the efficient use of cloud computing will enable market validation and prototyping of new approaches at much faster and relatively less expensive rate than ever before (Hinchcliffe, 2009). According to Weitz (2010), cloud computing will be playing a major role in the future of IT and shall bring in enormous opportunities for the organizations. Consequently, he stated that larger organizations will also have an opportunity for cutting the existing costs of IT infrastructure with the use of cloud computing models. However, he also highlighted the risks related with cloud computing and expressed his deep concerns relating to the security and confidentiality of certain relevant data (Weitz, 2010). Hyek (2011) in his report, ‘Cloud Computing Issues and Impacts’, postulated that, cloud computing models should comply with laws and regulations in each of its operations. The processing of data by the cloud service providers must be in conformity with governments’ requirements (Hyek, 2011). According to Curtis, Heckman, Thorp (2010), the most important factor related with the cloud computing model is the concern about the security and privacy of data while adopting cloud computing models (Curtis, Heckman, Thorp, 2010). According to the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (2010), in its report, ‘Cloud Computing: Opportunities and Challenges for Australia’ considers the importance of government and its roles in encouraging researchers and business sectors to adopt cloud computing models. The report emphasized that government should formulate strategies that initiate business sectors to adopt cloud models for their resource and application requirements. The report precisely described the responsibility of the cloud service providers in terms of proper management of data in order to prevent any situation that may result in loss of vital data (Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, 2010). According to Catteddu Hogben, (2009) cloud services provide expedient storage accessible by various devices along with other benefits including useful communication and instant multi-point collaboration. They also emphasized that level of risk may tend to vary significantly based on the type of cloud model. It is for this reason that customers should be aware of the probable risks associated with cloud computing models and they should strive to transfer the risks to the providers (Catteddu Hogben, 2009). Characteristics of Cloud Computing A few of the relevant characteristics of cloud computing are elaborated below: On-Demand Self Service: Cloud computing providers offer various computer services such as applications, e-mail and network without involving human interaction with various service providers engaged in certain specific services only. Currently, there are multiple organizations that provide cloud computing services based on on-demand self services such as Google, Amazon Web, Microsoft and IBM among others (Information System Audit and Control Association, Inc, 2012). Broad Network Access: Cloud services are available over the network, specifically over the internet and are accessed through certain standard mechanisms such as personal laptops, mobile phones, tablets and iPads among others (Information System Audit and Control Association, Inc, 2012). Resource Pooling: The cloud computing models of the providers are shared with various resources in order to serve multiple clients. The resources united together may consist of processing, network bandwidth, storage of data, memory, virtual machines and email service (Information System Audit and Control Association, Inc, 2012). Rapid Elasticity:The capacities of cloud services can be swiftly and elastically provisioned, in a few instances robotically as well to quickly balance out and release to scale in quickly. Furthermore, the capacities accessible for provisioning frequently emerge to be infinite and can be procured in any amount at any time (Information System Audit and Control Association, Inc, 2012). Measured Services: The resource usage of cloud computing can be measured and reported to both providers and customers related to the amount of services utilized. Hence, cloud computing service providers charge the customers for the resources that they have actually used i.e. ‘pay as you use’. Considering the fact, more the customers utilize the cloud computing services, more they have to pay and vice-versa (Information System Audit and Control Association, Inc, 2012). Multi-tenacity: Multi-tenacity is one key characteristics related to cloud computing which is being advocated by Security All iance. Multi-tenacity is related with the requirement for segmentation, ‘policy-driven enforcement’, control, service levels, billing models and isolation for the different consumer requirements (Information System Audit and Control Association, Inc, 2012). Cloud Computing: Opportunities and Risk Assessment Cloud Computing Opportunities Opportunities derived from cloud computing are related with cost reduction to increase flexibility and decrease complexity which benefits the customers in terms of higher returns on their investments. Certain vital opportunities and benefits provided by cloud computing comprise: Cost Saving: Cloud computing customers are liable to pay merely for computing services and resources that they use rather than making permanent investments on resources or leasing equipments that may or may not be utilized fully at all times. Cloud computing enables to share IT resources with multiple organizations and facilitates them to access as per their requirements which can be related as operating expenses (OPEX) and not as capital expenses (CAPEX) (Petri, 2010). Speed of Deployment: Cloud service providers can meet the needs of the organizations for computing resources quickly and efficiently than other internal informati on technology functions. The customers do not have to wait for months for crunching large data. They can simply rent resources for limited period and can avail huge benefits at considerably reduced time (Petri, 2010). Scalability and Better Alignment of Technology Resources: An organization is able to scale up as well as down its capability from a single server to multiple numbers of servers with no capital expenses through the use of cloud service models. An organization is also able to deploy additional storage capacity over the web (Petri, 2010). Decreased Efforts in Managing Technology: Owning and operating of IT functions are often costly and time consuming. However, cloud computing enables an organization to concentrate more time on its purposes and goals (Petri, 2010). Environmental Benefits: Cloud computing also results in environmental benefits. If all the organizations replace their private data centers with cloud computing, it will significantly reduce the overall power consumption and carbon emissions (Petri, 2010). Higher Value Added: Cloud computing does not only provide software functionality but it also provides the customers with relevant information and data which was traditionally supposed to be created by the customers themselves (Petri, 2010). Cloud Computing Risks Risk is an event that prevents the organizations from achieving their determined purposes and objectives. Certain risks associated with cloud computing are stated below: Disruptive Force: Facilitating innovation and cost saving aspects can itself be viewed as risk to the existing cloud computing organizations. By lowering the barriers to entry, new competitors may pose a serious threat to certain cloud computing business models (Horwath, Chan, Leung, Pili, 2012). Residing In the Same Risk Ecosystem as the Cloud Service Provider (CSP) and Other Tenants of the Cloud: Organizational reliance on third party involved in managing cloud solutions will increase legal responsibility and incident escalation among other core areas. By following the actions of CSP may impact the organizations in certain direct and indirect ways (Horwath, Chan, Leung, Pili, 2012). Lack of Transparency: A cloud computing service provider does not facilitate complete information regarding its processes and operat ions. Consequently, cloud customers have only little knowledge about the storage locations and algorithms that are implemented or used by the cloud service providers in relation to computing and controlling resources of customers’ data (Horwath, Chan, Leung, Pili, 2012). Reliability and Performance Issues: Even though efficiency of cloud computing may get disrupted due to risk events such as system failure that may occur without any early alerts to the end users. Hence, system failure may be viewed as a distinctive challenge posed to cloud computing (Horwath, Chan, Leung, Pili, 2012). Security And Compliance Concerns: Cloud computing supports various processes that may tend to evolve security and retention concerns in relation to its compliance with certain specific laws such as Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). The cloud service providers may have no obligation to reveal such information associated with privacy of certain laws such as US Patriot Act and EU Data Protection Directives among others (Horwath, Chan, Leung, Pili, 2012). High Value Cyber Attack Targets: The over-dependence of multiple organizations on single cloud service providers may tend to create vulnerability of cyber attacks then those used by a single organization (Horwath, Chan, Leung, Pili, 2012). Risk of Data Leakage: The risk of data leakage is also more where multiple organizations share their resources through cloud environment. Consequently, cloud service providers do not provide adequate data privacy and confidentiality of resources which the organizations intend to secure from intruders (Horwath, Chan, Leung, Pili, 2012). Conclusion Cloud computing has changed dramatically the ways in which the organizations communicate, collaborate and compute. In general, cloud computing refers to delivery of scalable IT resources over the web particularly internet. An organization can purchase or rent software on need basis or according to usage which results in less investment and consumption on the part of the organization. Cloud computing facilitates the organizations to manage their IT requirements remotely, at much lowered costs. It further enables organizations to share resources in a single place or through a single cloud service provider. The organizations do not have to make heavy investments on establishment of their own IT infrastructure as cloud computing models provide organizations with established database for fulfillment of their IT demand. Moreover, organizations and users are charged or billed on the basis of their resource consumption. Despite having numerous benefits of adopting cloud computing models, there also exist certain risk factors which restrict the scope of cloud computing. Security and privacy are the prime issues restricting the adoption of cloud computing. Since multiple organizations will be consolidated on single cloud computing, there exists more vulnerability of data hacking. Consequently, cloud computing service providers do not guarantee the adequate safety for data losses and leakages which at times deters organizations from adopting cloud computing solutions. Nonetheless, if organizations cautiously consider the risk factors associated with cloud computing related solutions then these risk events can be overcome efficiently. Considering this aspect, it can be stated that organizations should adopt cloud computing solutions. By adopting cloud computing solutions, they can avail numerous opportunities that shall help them to grow and sustain their business profitably. References Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering. (2010). The roles of government in cloud computing. Cloud computing: opportunities and challenges for Australia, pp. 13-19. Bein, D., Bein, W. Madiraju, P. (2010). Web applications and cloud computing. The impact of cloud computing on web 2.0, pp. 1-6. Curtis, W. B., Heckman, C. Thorp, A. (2010). Security and Privacy Considerations. Cloud computing: e-discovery issues and other risk, pp. 1-5. Catteddu, D. Hogben, G. (2009). Top security risks. Cloud Computing: Benefits, Risks And Recommendations For Information Security Cloud Computing, pp. 2-125. Etro, F. (2009). Features and implications of cloud computing. The economic impact of cloud computing on business creation, employment and output in Europe, pp. 2-33. European Commission. (2012). Introduction background. Advances in clouds, pp. 1-7. Gartner Inc. (2012). Gartner outlines five cloud computing trends that will affect cloud strategy through 2015. Retrieved from http://www.gartner.com/it/page.jsp?id=1971515 Horwath, C., Chan, W., Leung, E. Pili, H. (2012). COSO enterprise risk management for cloud computing. Enterprise Risk Management For Cloud Computing, pp. 1-20. Hyek, P. (2011). Security and privacy. Cloud computing issues and impacts, pp. 12-46. Hinchcliffe, D. (2009). Eight ways that cloud computing will change business. Retrieved from http://www.majorcities.org/generaldocuments/pdf/zdnet_eight_ways_that_cloud_computing_will_change_business.pdf Information System Audit and Control Association, Inc, (2012). Essential characteristics of Cloud Computing. Retrieved from http://www.isaca.org/Groups/Professional-English/cloud-computing/GroupDocuments/Essential%20characteristics%20of%20Cloud%20Computing.pdf Pokhriyal, R. (2012). Cloud computing myths explained: part 1. Retrieved from http://www.cloudtweaks.com/2012/10/cloud-computing-myths-explained-part-1/ Petri, G. (2010). Risks of cloud computing. Shedding light on cloud computing, pp. 25-30. Santos, N., Gummadi, K. P. Rodrigues, R. (2012). Towards trusted cloud computing. Retrieved from http://www.mpi-sws.org/~gummadi/papers/trusted_cloud.pdf Willcocks, L., Venters, W. Whitley, E. A. (2011). Clear view of the cloud: The business impact of cloud computing. Cloud computing, (1). Weitz, C. (2010). Barriers of cloud computing. A Balancing Act What Cloud Computing Means For Business, And How To Capitalize On It, pp. 1-9.

Revenge and Vengeance in Shakespeares Hamlet - Revenge or Scruples? :: Shakespeare Hamlet Essays

Hamlet: Revenge or Scruples? â€Å"'Vengeance is mine,' sayith the Lord†. What does this mean? I believe what the Christians meant it to mean is that we, as humans, have no right to seek revenge, that only â€Å"the Lord† has the right to decide when to take revenge. We say this, but do we follow it? No, I think not. We all try to take revenge into our own hands, in one form or another. Revenge is one strong theme that holds throughout â€Å"Hamlet†. We see Prince Hamlet try to execute a kind of private vengeance, an eye for an eye, which is completely opposite of the Christian teachings. Hamlet is a man who believes in heaven and hell and who feels that a man who challenges divine ordinance will ultimately face judgment. We might look at the ghost of the late king Hamlet as the part of us that wants to take vengeance into our own minds. Like the little voice in our heads that tells us to do something, when in our hearts we know it is wrong. When Horatio, Barnardo, and Marcellus tell Hamlet of their sighting of the ghost, Hamlet agrees to join them that night and see if he can observe the ghost firsthand and possibly speak with it. That night when Horatio, Marcellus, and Hamlet sight the ghost, it beckons Hamlet to leave the other two and speak to it in privacy. Hamlet follows, despite the protests of the others, who fear it may be an evil spirit, disguising as King Hamlet in order to gain their trust. Horatio suggests that it may lead him astray and then "assume some other horrible form / Which might deprive your sovereignty of reason / And draw you into madness..." (I, iv, 80-82). Hamlet insists on listening to the message of the ghost. Although he does not state it, perhaps Hamlet subconsciously considers that Horatio is right, that the ghost is indeed a false messenger sent to trouble him. Hamlet does not kill Claudius immediately following his encounter with the ghost because he is unsure of the ghost's accusations of Claudius and does not want to murder him without proper motive. Hamlet would suffer in the eyes of the people if he were to murder Claudius, the reigning king, and claim his motive was the words of a ghost. Hamlet already disapproves of Claudius due to his marriage to Hamlet's mother, Gertrude, so soon after the death of her first husband, King Hamlet. Prince Hamlet feels that the widow did not sufficiently mourn and that the marriage is incestuous due to the relation between the late

Effects of Plagiarism

Julia Fleming-Emery PRPE A108 P12 March 31st 2013 Cause and Effect Effects Of Plagiarism Plagiarism is the theft of credit for creating a document of information. It not only happens in schools but can also happen in the work area. Plagiarism is an act of academic dishonesty and most schools and university’s explain the consequences it can result it. Plagiarizing has many effects that are not only in schools. Plagiarizing can result in jail time, fines, and expulsion from a school or universities. Plagiarizing an essay or paper can result in jail time.Most cases with plagiarism are considered misdemeanors and can be punishable by fines. But, likewise you can serve up to a year in jail. Plagiarism is considered a felony under certain states and laws. There are many different forms of plagiarism If someone were to write a book using someone else’s material, ended up selling the material and making money depending on the amount of money earned the fine can be bigger and co uld result in more jail time. For example, if someone were to write a book that contained a different authors research, they could face a horrendous amount of fines and up to ten years in jail.Along with jail time you can end up paying a substantial amount of money in fines for Plagiarism. A misdemeanor you can end up paying upwards from $100 to $50,000. A felony can face up to $250,000 depending on the material. If the material makes more than $2,500 in profit then it can be considered a felony. Fines with plagiarizing all depend on the material that’s written depending on the amount of money that is made from selling what was wrote or published. Plagiarism is a serious offense no one wants to pay the fines that are brought upon it.I think the reason people plagiarize is because its easier and they are simply just to lazy to do the work themselves. I myself would not want the consequences that are brought upon plagiarism. Plagiarizing cannot only result in legal action but c an result in expulsion from schools and universities. Schools take plagiarism as a serious academic dishonesty. Along with expulsion from school students who are guilty of plagiarism face a failing grade in the course of which they committed the offense. College students can face losing their degree depending on the discovery of the offense.Expulsion from plagiarizing can ruin a student’s life and could have long-term effects on the student’s life. Students take the easy way out when they plagiarize and they get a good grade from it. In conclusion plagiarism can lead to jail time, fines and expulsion from schools or universities. Universities, schools and states take plagiarism seriously. Plagiarism has many effects that can follow you through your lifetime. Plagiarism is illegal and everyone should take the matter serious. If the work is hard instead of copying and pasting ask some around you for help.

Character Analysis of Florante and Laura Essay

I. Florante at Laura Florante and Laura are the main characters of the great metrical romance of arguably the greatest Filipino poet, Francisco Balagtas. Florante is the son of Duke Briseo and Princess Floresca of Albania and the main protagonist of the romance. Laura is the daughter of King Linceo of Albania and the love interest of Florante and is later married to him. This is a package deal, because they can’t stand alone on their own for their cultural meaning stems from them being together, as they symbolize love overcoming extreme difficulties, even the great divide of culture, family and religion. The relationship between Florante and Laura is so divine and special because their love for each other proved that love conquers all. Their love for each mother must set a standard to all of us that we should fight for the one we love and cherish the most. In the story, even if there were so many obstacles and problems that came into their lives they still manage to maintain what they have for each other. It should be an example to all of us of how real love is. II. Comparison or Parallelism Local: Crisostomo Ibarra and Maria Clara Crisostomo Ibarra and Maria Clara are the two protagonists in Jose Rizal’s novel Noli Me Tangere. They share a love that even distance can’t break. Just like the happenings between Florante and Laura. They’ve been separated or away from each other for some days, weeks, months or even years but their love stay. Another similarity is the love triangle present in both stories. In Florante and Laura, there is Adolfo who wants to destroy the love between the lovers to get Laura. In Noli Me Tangere, there is Linares who wants to marry Maria Clara. Even if there’s someone who tried to ruin their love they still remain faithful to each other. One of the best similarities of them is  that they are willing to die just to protect each other. Crisostomo is ready to fight the Spaniards or even the priests to set Maria Clara free but unfortunately Maria Clara died inside the convent and Crisostomo was left with revenge and guilt in his heart. On the other hand, Florante fight his enemies even if it means that it’ll cost his life. Good thing Florante manage to stay alive. Foreign: Romeo and Juliet The very famous Romeo and Juliet can be compared to our very own Florante and Laura because of the flow of their story and most significantly its theme. The theme is the difference of their culture and family. The Montagues and the Capulets are very nice enemies so if someone established an intimate relationship with one another it’s a sin. In Florante and Laura, there’s a conflict between cultures and because of that their families became nice enemies also. Same as Crisostomo Ibarra and Florante, Romeo has a competitor also for the hands and heart of Juliet, his name is Paris. Paris is the suitor of Juliet and the Capulets want Paris to be Juliet’s husband but we all know that Romeo is the one for Juliet. This shows that if you really love the person you will not be attracted to another person even if he do good to you or even if your family wants him for you. You should follow your heart if it is what makes you happy, you should fight for it even if it means that you will have a battle and war between people. The good thing that happens in the end of both stories is of course when their families finally have peace. This happened on Romeo and Juliet when both families realize that it’s wrong to fight each other for a very long time if they should have resolved it from the very first time it occurs when Romeo and Juliet died together. In Florante and Laura peace was made when all of the fights were ended and their religions and culture became one. III. Conclusion The similarities on the characters are very obvious. They would do anything for love and they symbolize love as being able to overcome obstacles and problems in life. I’ve learned that love conquers all and if you really love someone you should not be ashamed to fight for it even if the things that you will encounter are as hard as a diamond. Time flies so fast you’ll never know what will happen so you must cherish and do everything you can do to make every moment lasts. I think another thing that I’ve learned is that you should not be fooled by prejudice because some conflicts are caused by that. But the main lesson of the stories and the characters is love is unconditional and sacrificial.

Effects of technology change on Sony Corp The WritePass Journal

Effects of technology change on Sony Corp Introduction Effects of technology change on Sony Corp IntroductionThreats of technological change:Opportunities associated with technology change:Implementation of theories of changeIndustry competitorsThreats of entryThreat of substitute productsBargaining power of buyerEffects of technological change on Sony CorpImproved research and development:Objective of Sony RD:Steps taken by Sony Corp to incorporate technological change to gain competitive edge: Conclusion and recommendationsReferenceRelated Introduction Sony Corporation is one of the world’s top electronic company, based in Tokyo Japan. Sony came in to existence in 1946 and since then well known for its quality products. The main products of the company are Audio: Home audio, portable audio, etc. Video: Video cameras, digital still cameras, and DVD-Video players/recorders, and Digital-broadcasting receiving systems Televisions: LCD televisions Information and communications: PC, printer system, broadcast and professional use audio/video/monitors and other professional-use equipment Semiconductors: LCD, CCD and other semiconductors Electronic components: Optical pickups, batteries, audio/video/data recording media, and data recording systems The changes undergone by businesses in different industry have been largely driven by technological change and globalization, and partly by changes in the regulatory environment. Consolidation in the industry continues, but it takes different forms as the dominant industries corporations have redirected their consolidation policy, shifting from diversification and horizontal integration to targeted expansion into the new technologies. Thus, companies in the media sectors are quickly embracing the new technologies through acquisitions or alliances/partnerships with new media start-ups.the following chart shows the company organizational data of Sony corporation. Sony is world’s one of the major electronic company which obviously involve a lot of technological change management.Technologcal change presents many opportunities as well threats that must be taken into account while planning strategies. Technological innovation can dramatically influence the organization’s products services markets, suppliers, distributors, competitor, customers, manufacturing processes, marketing practices, and a competitive position. Sony being an electronic company has a major challenge of technological up gradation at all time to maintain the market position. Technological improvement can open up new markets which result in propagation of new and improved products. It also changes the relative cost position in an industry and provides existing products absolution. Hence technological changes involve both opportunity and threats with it. Sony Corp have been calling on a great criticism to boost up its profitability as the company has facing extreme pressure from other companies offering lower cost and gained an edge in the key market segments as flat panel TVs. Sony is the pioneer that first introduced the portable music to the industry but now embarrassingly Apple Computer Inc took the technology edge over it by introducing iPod player and iTunes online store. Sony is only now coming out with competing portable players. Sony Corp now desperately needs a pace of innovation by changing itself to the changing trends to maintain its competitive position in the market. First it has to see deeply inside the characteristics of technological change and that are it is changing at a greater sale, it’s getting cheaper becoming easily available and touching lives in more and mare areas. These can also be seen as the challenges related to technological change in the businesses. Technological change has its effects such as A product life cycle is reduced. New things will make old products skills knowledge obsolete necessitating continuous change. Competition has become from unexpected quarters. Customer demand has been changed they are always after new and improved products. Threats of technological change: There are certain threats associated with the technological change that can be Technological change might need to change the structure of the company, if the company is attuned to the changes or are unwilling to change it can become obsolete. The characteristics of the international consumer are changing. These changes can influence industries by changing the types and quantity of products and services desired. Rapid change in demand and increasing number of competitors   is another threat for the company. Opportunities associated with technology change: â€Å"Perception is one’s reality†. Customer perception about the company that the company is good or has improved, product and service evolves the opportunity for its success. New Knowledge is a significant source of entrepreneurial opportunity. For example, developing a wide array of innovative products that keep the customer associated with the company products. Implementation of theories of change Schumpeter (1936) argued that economic development emerged when ‘new combinations New combinations might be new product, new method, new market, new supply source or industry re-organisation. Sony focus is towards continuous improvement of product development introducing new improved manufacturing methods finding new supplier sources to earn more over less spending. Michael Porter (1979) has provided a model to better understand the industry context in which the firm operates to develop the edge over the rival firms. According to him industrial firm is influenced by five forces that determine the competitive intensity and therefore attractiveness of a market towards it. These are as follows Threats of entry Industry competitors Bargaining power of supplier Bargaining power of buyer Threats of substitute. Now we will study the Sony Corp strategy around Porters five force model. Industry competitors The intensity of competitors is the major determinant of the competitiveness of the industry. According to Porter, company should determine the extent to which the company’s value will be taken away by the head-to-head competition. When the competition among the firms is low the company is a sound company. To take the edge over the competitors the company can take several competitive moves. Temporary change in price for the time according to the demand and buyers ability. Improving product differentiation through innovation in manufacturing process or product itself. By effective use of distribution channel. Exploiting relations with suppliers. Technology advancement can reduce the level of competition. Companies that successfully introduce new technology, can easily charge higher prices and achieve higher profits, until competitors copy them or introduce substitute. Technological advancement can protect the company from competition. Threats of entry Potential and existing competitors can influence the profitability of the company. The threats of new rivals are based on the market entry barriers. Profitable business attract new firm which can result in new entrants and ultimately reduce the profitability. Therefore barriers should be placed for entry. Our strategy will be reduced pricing, brand equity and differentiation of product. Threat of substitute products The substitute product refers to the similar product introduce by other rivales.The threat of substitute product exist when the demand of the product is effected by the price change of substitute product. The company should observe the buyer propensity to substitute, number of substitute product available in the market and the quality and standard of substitute product to plan accordingly for the need of change. Bargaining power of buyer The determinants, through which buyer power can be judged, are the size and the concentration of customers. Other factors are the extent to which the buyers are informed and the concentration or differentiation of the competitors. So the company will focus to educate the consumer with necessary information. Effects of technological change on Sony Corp Innovation and advancements in technology open new path ways and provide new competitive advantages that are more powerful than existing ones. The latest trend in technological advancement is towards computers lasers, robotics, satellite networks, fiber optics, biometrics cloning, and other related areas that have paved the way for significant operational improvements. Moving forward, the company continues to make effective use of its brand, intellectual property and other assets, and to create and increase the value technology development. Intense competition and new market trends are the current threat for SONY.   There are new businesses entering in the industry so, company has to maintain its position and market share by proving new inventions to the industry at lower price. Technological shift is crucial for success for all businesses in the today’s competitive environment.Advances in computing and telecommunications have widespread implications changing the way we live and work in.above all globalization process has increased both the spread and the speed of change and the competitive pressures. There are five important factors for a successful technological shift. Levels of knowledge and expertise/ absorptive capacity Active RD to develop sufficient tacit knowledge Investment in RD to gain high value results. An open trading environment. Human capital investment. Technological improvements are need at all time if the technological change is not fast enough competitors will take the edge and you loss the potential profits. Company gain the profit when it will manage to introduce product before anyone else opportunity can come up in the various stages of the process as researchers and technicians continue to work for the monumental breakthrough. Improved research and development: The base for technological shift is to improve the research and development department of the company to the greater extent. There are certain strategically steps the company has taken to improve the research and development for the company’s products. The firms has decentralise their RD to benefit from different areas of excellence from the world. Developed the environment of knowledge sharing from different research institutes in the world. Built strong relations with leading economies of the world and receive implied knowledge transfers. Arranged many RD related events to search for the new ideas to flourish the company product. Objective of Sony RD: New ways of entertainment are emerging where people can easily share their personal content with others over the network or automatically organize their content according to their personal profile. Sony RD aims to create new value based on the linked concepts of inspiration and shared experience and to thus strengthen products and applications. Mission for Sony RD is Technology for Inspiration and Shared Experience.As we are moving into the era of connectivity and networking the need of technological shift is very important. The need is for inventing new applications that generate new kinds of inspiration and shared experiences. Steps taken by Sony Corp to incorporate technological change to gain competitive edge: Sony Corp is one of the largest movie, music and consumer electronics companies in the world but now they have planned closing down its Connect Music Store in Europe and the U.S. by keeping in view the technological change in these sectors. Instead Sony has planned to add Microsofts Windows Media technology to its new music players and allowing consumers to download copy-protected content from numerous Windows Media-compatible music stores on the Internet. The two new Sony players have video storage and playback capabilities and are the first in the digital players from the company not tied down to Sonys ATRAC (Adaptive Transform Acoustic Coding) audio format. Sony has improved Walkman products which offer great resolution, a bright screen, high-quality sound and a long battery life. The idea behind that is to provide the customers the choice to use multiple music sources. Sony Corporation today announced the commercialization of the worlds first demodulator LSI for high-definition television use conforming to the DVB-T2*2 (Digital Video Broadcasting Terrestrial 2) terrestrial digital broadcast standard adopted in the UK Conclusion and recommendations According to my research and analysis of the Sony Corp company strategy of continuous research and development is in the right direction. Company idea of invention and innovation and keep on improving things is what makes the company more powerful in terms of profit gains. It is a social process and increasingly dependent upon organised teams. Therefore company focus on developing efficient teams with new and innovative ideas. In the current market demand knowledge sharing is very important to bring about constant innovation to gain competitive advantage. The new source of competitive advantage rests on this ability to share knowledge and to innovate. Sony management of knowledge sharing between subsidiaries, between organisations and their customers and along and across networks is absolute. In my view the effect made by the company for technological transfer between the developed and developing worlds will prove to be profitable in the terms of economic gains and as well reputation of the company increase. In short Introducing new products with increased functionality and quality always get attention of the customer and it also helps in revenue generation. Despite of all the effects made by the company to focus on technology improvement and invention and innovation of new and improved products, company also needs to pay attention towards its competitors low price products which might attract the consumer. Companies coming from new markets are introducing new similar products at lower prices so educating customer about the product should also be the part of strategic planning of the company. Reference The Associated Press: New Sony CEO may signal strategy change Carlota Perez, 2001. Technological change and opportunities for development as a moving target: V S Rama Rao, January 1, 2010.Entrepreneurial opportunities- changes in technology: sony.net/SonyInfo/technology/rd/index.html smarthouse.com.au/iPods_And_Portable_Players/MP4_Players/C6W8Q5N9 quickmba.com/strategy/porter.shtml

Explore Our Pointers For Choosing A Grade TOEFL Topics

Explore Our Pointers For Choosing A Grade TOEFL Topics TOEFL Essay: Choosing the Right Research Topics All the topics that we have covered in this article can be found in the fort edition official guide to the TOEFL. This book holds a good reputation so you should make an effort and grab it! If you are to take a TOEFL exam, I would advise you to get this book and use it as our guide. Let’s now focus on the list of topics   below for a TOEFL essay: Question no. 1 Looking in the modern world, the internet has become a sensation that many people use on a daily basis. This has made access to information quite easy as compared to the previous generation. What are the ways that these aspects extend the accessibility of data? How does this influence our everyday life? Question no. 2 Many students prefer classes that they feel free to express themselves, talk to the teacher and the lectures given are on the minimum. Concerning this, several students have a different opinion in that less open discussions, and more lectures are the perfect combination for success. In your own opinion, which of the two options is the best? For the support information, you will add, utilize precise incentives and occurrences. Question no. 3 Have a look at the provided statement: the best research can be done by the use of sources such as publications or articles, as compared to website sources. Do you agree or disagree with this notion? To provide support for your point of reason, make use of motivations and occurrences. Question no. 4 Brainstorm on the following statement: grades motivate a student to study. Do you agree or disagree with this insinuation? As a way of providing a foundation to your opinion, use motivations and occurrences suitable to address this. Question no. 5 Take a look at the following account: while some people are content with the small countryside settlement, others prefer the big city life. Which of the two aspects do you align with? As a way of providing a foundation to your opinion, use motivations and occurrences suitable to address this. Question no. 6 Think through on the following statement: the popularization of television is the reason for the destroyed communication between people. Do you agree or disagree with this point of reason? As a way of providing a foundation to your opinion, use motivations and occurrences suitable to address this. Question no. 7 The people living around you are your neighbors.   In your own opinion, what characteristics define a good neighbor? As a way of providing a foundation to your opinion, use motivations and occurrences suitable to address this. Question no. 8 In your own opinion do you think that the people living in North America have become too dependable on cars for movement purposes? Question no. 9 Imagine a situation that you are to choose a country abroad that you will stay for two weeks. Which country will be your preferred choice? If so, why? As a way of providing a foundation to your opinion, use motivations and occurrences suitable to address this. Question no. 10 Some people prefer traveling with another group of people, while others prefer traveling alone. In which of the two options do you fall in? As a way of providing a foundation to your opinion, use motivations and occurrences suitable to address this. Question no. 11 Think through on the following situation: a particular firm needs to choose between spending a specific amount of money to support artists and redirecting the same funds to environmental protection. In our opinion, which of the two alternatives should the firm finance? As a way of providing a foundation to your opinion, use motivations and occurrences suitable to address this. Question no. 12 What strategy do you employ while trying to fix issues? While you at it do the strategy employed give youre your desired results? As a way of providing support to your opinion, use motivations and occurrences suitable to address this. Question no. 13 Use comparison and highlight the similarities and differences between your parents and your personal lifestyle. Based on the answer you get, in your opinion, which of the two lifestyles will be more gratifying even in the evolution of a new generation? Question no. 14 Humans these days have a prolonged life. Discuss the factors that influence this phenomenon. When drafting your paper, use brief but related motivations and instances. Question no. 15 A certain amount of people prefers spending money on things they are passionate about, while others are big time savers and have future goals that support this behavior. In your own opinion, which of the two options would you prefer? As a way of providing support to your opinion, use motivations and occurrences suitable to address this. Question no. 16 Most of the youths become university or college students based on the colossal amount of different motives (for example, they experience new things, acquire life skills, training for a career). In your opinion, what reason drives an individual to become a student? Question no. 17 What are the ways that someone’s actions are shaped by the TV shows and films they watch? As a way of providing support to your opinion, use motivations and occurrences suitable to address this. Question no. 18 Given a chance, what aspect of the town you come from would you like to change? As a way of providing support to your opinion, use motivations and occurrences suitable to address this Question no. 19 Humans can only be successful if they put in an effort to achieve their desired results. You cannot achieve success by luck. Do you agree or disagree with this idea? As a way of providing a foundation to your opinion, use motivations and occurrences suitable to address this. Question no. 20 Think through on the following situation: colleges need to distribute the same amount of funds to sports activities, just like they do for their college libraries. Do you agree or disagree with this opinion? As a way of providing a foundation to your opinion, use motivations and occurrences suitable to address this. Question no. 21 Many people visit museums whenever they are in a new country. In your own opinion, why do people like museums, justify your basis using motivations and occurrences. Question no. 22 Do you agree or disagree on the following statement? it is prudent to raise your kids in a rural setting as compared to urban areas. Provide reasonable justification for the basis of your opinion using reliable occurrences and motivations. Question no. 23 Some people believe that our actions and activities destroy the planet. On the other hand, others believe that these actions are beneficial to the planet. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? As a way of providing a basis to your opinion, use motivations and occurrences suitable to address this. Question no. 24 Most people get jobs to earn a source of living and sustain their daily lives. Can you give out other reasons why people need jobs? Justify your opinion using motivations and occurrences that relate to this. Question no. 25 People use different actions to ensure they preserve their health. What actions do you employ in your life to stay healthy? Justify your opinion using motivations and instances. Question no. 26 Picture the following situation: you have recently found out that commercial buildings are being constructed near your residential place. Do you agree or disagree with this project? As a way of providing a footing to your opinion, use motivations and occurrences suitable to address this. Question no. 27 While some students find it as an advantage to study with a group of people, others prefer studying on their own.   Which of these two aspects would you favor? To justify your opinion, use motivations and instances suitable to address this. Question no. 28 While other people find comfort and pleasure through dining in restaurants and high tables, others prefer cooking in the comfort of their houses. Which of the two categories are you in? Justify this using motivations and instances. Question no. 29 As some people think that class attendance should be graded, others do believe that it should be facultative. Which of the two options would you agree with? For justification purposes of the support to your opinion, use motivations and occurrences suitable to address this. Question no.30 A number of people believes that studying is well done when someone is alone, rather than having a professor teaches and explains it.   However, others do think that a professor is an integral part of learning to ensure you achieve the desired and required educational wisdom.   Which of the two alternatives do you agree on? To justify the basis to your opinion, use motivations and occurrences suitable to address this. Question no. 31 In your own opinion, what are the characteristics that your employer should possess? As a way of justifying to your opinion, use motivations and occurrences suitable to address this. Question no. 32 As a rule, human beings enjoy a long life these days. What are the reasons behind this? As a way of providing a basis to your opinion, use motivations and occurrences suitable to address this. Question no. 33 When you get employment, you are bound to interact inevitably with several different types of people with different characters. From your perspective, what are the characteristics that a work colleague should have? As a way of providing a foundation to your opinion, use motivations and occurrences suitable to address this. Question no. 34 Think through on the following situation: within 20 years, people will own less number of vehicles than they do today. Do you agree or disagree with this opinion? As a way of providing a foundation to your opinion, use motivations and occurrences suitable to address this. Question no. 35 Think through on the following situation: these days, many people spend most of their time entertaining themselves and having fun, more than they should be doing what needs to be done. Do you agree with this point of view?   As a way of providing a foundation to your opinion, use motivations and occurrences suitable to address this. Question no. 36 Think through on the following situation: life these days is simpler and less complicated as compared to the lives of our grandparents back in the days. Do you agree or disagree with this notion? As a way of providing a foundation to your opinion, use motivations and occurrences suitable to address this. Question no. 37 Think through on the following situation: we can source good advice, and valuable lessons from people who hold a higher level of professional setting as compared to our peers do you agree or disagree with this? As a way of providing a basis to your opinion, use motivations and occurrences suitable to address this. Question no. 38 Think through on the following situation: one should never assimilate an important measure on their own. Do you agree or disagree with this? As a way of providing a foundation to your opinion, use motivations and occurrences suitable to address this. Question no. 39 Think through on the following situation: You recently found out that a new shopping mall was to be constructed near your residential area. Do you agree or disagree with this move? As a way of providing a basis to your opinion, use motivations and occurrences suitable to address this. Question no. 40 Think through on the following situation: in some situation, it is advisable to lie. Do you agree or disagree with this? As a way of providing a footing to your opinion, use motivations and occurrences suitable to address this.

Islam communities Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Islam communities - Essay Example Though his message was initially rejected, by the year 630 he had succeeded in gaining control of Mecca, the economic and religious center of the Arabian Peninsula. Muhammed died after two years, this does not stop the Islam religion to spread rapidly. In 750 A.D. Islam spread out in Spain, India, Asia, and Africa. Some of the well known philosophers and mathematician were believed to be Muslim. In the time of the golden era Christianity and Islam clashed, as a result of the so called science of debate or Kalam. Kalam (literally the science of debate) denotes a discipline of Islamic thought which is referred to as "theology" or as "scholastic theology." This discipline involves the political and the religious controversies that engulfed the Islam community in its formative years, it deals with interpretations of religious doctrine and the defence of the interpretations by means of discursive arguments. The introduction of Kalam came to be associated with the Mu'tazilla, a nationalist school that emerged at the beginning of the 2nd century ah and the rose to prominence in the following century. Rationalism was discreted because of the failure of the Mutazilla, leading to a resurgence of traditionalism and later to the emergence of the Ashariyya School. The Asharite School gained acceptability within mainstream (Sunni) Islam. The Sunni comprises the 90% of all the Muslims, their name derived from the fact that they look both to the Koran and to the sunna in establishing proper Muslim conduct. The "sunna" is the behavior or example of Muhammed and of the early Muslim community. Another group arises in the Islam community is the Shiites. It comprises 10% of the Muslim community and usually lives in Iran and Iraq. The word Shi'ite means partisan and they are referred as the partisan of Ali. Ali is the son in law and cousin of Muhammed and one of the early Caliphs or successors to Muhammed as leader of the Muslim people. They believe that the leader of Islam should be among the descendants of Ali. The last of these divinely appointed leaders, or "imams" most Shi'ites believes to be in "hiding" in another realm of existence. The Ayatollah Khomeini was believed to have been a spokesman for this "hidden imam." The third group of Islam are the Suffis who seek a mystical experience of God, rather than a merely intellectual knowledge of Him, and who also are given to a number of superstitious practices. Beliefs of Islam To Islam there is no God but Allah. The early Islamic Arabs were polytheists. Muhammed is the instrument leading the Muslims to devote themselves solely to the chief God whom they called Allah which means God. They believe that Allah has a magical power and to worship others is considered blasphemy. The Islam religion also believes in angels and jinn. Jinn are spirits being capable of good and evil actions and of possessing human beings. The Muslims believed that they are being accompanied by jinn and angels one on the right to record good deeds and the jinn on the left to record the evil deeds. Muslims has great belief to their God's holy book called Koran. Chief among these are the Law given to Moses, the Psalms given to David, the Gospel (or Injil) given to Jesus, and the Koran given to Muhammed. According to Muhammed the Christian scriptures has been tampered and the real bible is the Koran. Difficulties and

How and why is a social group represented in a particular way Essay

How and why is a social group represented in a particular way - Essay Example In this writing, the emphasis will be on Margaret Atwood’s literary writing of The Handmaid’s Tale, as well as on the way Atwood has supported and written against the balace bwteen the two genders. Atwood’s tale main characters are played by the female gender and the story is even based on the same gender and even the narrator of the story is a female. The portrayal of the gender roles in Atwood’s novel is not restricted to the characters and the narrator; it goes far beyond explaining, highlighting, and conflicting with the views of feminism. Atwood does not project a world in which females have the power and ability to stand shoulder to shoulder with the male gender, she rather portrays an image of the society where females are governed by others and are not free and are subordinates to the elites (male gender). The story even projects that the male gender has gained their ability to govern the female gender with the assistance of aunts. Aunts in the novel are those who brain wash the female gender and preach them about how to become perfect slaves of the males. Aunts do not portray a positive image of the female gender as it is quite difficult to identify who they are in the real life. These aunts completely act against the ideas of equal rights for women. They have represent a female world where they are suppressed and live under the command of the male gender. These women are undoubtedly portraying an image of the women which is totally against the empowerment of the female gender in the society. Nevertheless, they have shown such activities which appear to go against men. They are constantly showing a negative taste for the male gender. Aunts have played different roles in the novel at different points of time; one of the roles was to underestimate the importance of female unity as seen throughout the novel. On the surface they seem to be completely against the