Monday, September 30, 2019

Inc Narrative Report Essay

For our group, the INCredibles, we are assigned to organize an event which has something to do with a group and its cooperation. The two most important thing when we say â€Å"LEADERSHIP†. As described, â€Å"LEADERSHIP† is the activity of leading a group of people or an organization or the ability to achieve a specific goal. Leader steps up in times of crisis, and is able to think and act creatively in difficult situations. Unlike management, leadership cannot be taught, although it may be learned and enhanced through coaching or mentoring. Through this as a student, we are after a good and responsible leader that could really lead us for the best. Through teambuilding activities, different strategies and different leadership is being standout. Teambuilding is defined as the ability to identify and motivate individual employees to form a team that stays together, works together, and achieves together. For our event, entitled â€Å"Many Paths, One Spirit, A legacy of Leadership† we are after for a good leader and especially this event is after for a true and a strong bond. Our event took place at Ouans worth farm, Kanlurang Mayao, Lucena City. The call time of the organizers is at 7:00 in the morning. And for our participants which are the DSC Officers, their call time is at 9:00 in the morning at Manuel S. Enverga CTHRM Study Area. When we got at the venue, everyone is busy designating and planning the last minute petty things to be solved. Then after that, we started putting thing into place. We started cutting papers for the souvenirs and started blowing up the balloons, while other members of the group is still at Zharina’s House and busy preparing the food for our event. We also decorated and started arranging the tables at the conference room and putting some finishing touches. Then after that everyone is settled and other members already know their designated stations for the Amazing Race, and we are only waiting for the arrival of our participants but the DSC Chairman arrived as early as 8:00 in the morning. Then our participants arrived at 10:00 in the morning and it also started the registration, the assigned for the registration is Lindsey Hidalgo, Vera Javier and Karen Tagon. After the participants finished the registration, the program officially begins. The event started with a prayer hoping the event would be successful and also at the same time to attain our main goal that is to have unity, cooperation and a strong bond among the DSC Officers. As the participants log their names at our registration forms, they were at the same time given their IDs and they are also to choose a balloon that indicates which group they would belong. After that Czarina Miranda the emcee of that day’s event, she welcomes whole heartedly the participants and calls on immpediately Nadine Almozara for her to start the day with a prayer. After the Opening Prayer, the Opening Remarks was given by Nina Lumenario. Then the emcee immediately instructed the participants on how the Amazing Race would work and what are the rules. The stations includes the following: Calamansi relay, bilangan ng monggo, spell me DSC, kadena, obstacle, pulot ng basura, harina, and eat all you can (includes ampalaya, banana, calamansi and tomsto). Then after that, the emcee instructed the participants that its time for them to know their respective groups. The first group includes Alexis, Meco and Nino. The second group includes Crio, Hazel, Tyrone, and Chesca. And the last group includes Paul, Alvin and Janica. After that the groups where formed and they need to make a name for their group and to present a yell. Paul’s group is named as the â€Å"TAMARights† inspired by the FEU Tamaraws, they performed their yell first. Alexis’ group is named as â€Å"Orange and Lemons† inspired by a Filipino Local Band. And the last group, Crio’s group is named as â€Å"BLUEtooth† inspired by a cellphone specs. Crio, Paul and Meco added spice whenever they throw jokes to each opther that makes also the event fun. And its now time for the groups to start the Amazing Race. The process is that they where given a clue that would took them to their destination and in that way they would be starting in dif ferent stations. In every stations that they’ll be accomplishing the Station Manager would give them a letter that is a key for a keyword â€Å"CTHRM DSC† and the first to complete this letters, they are the winner. So the game started it’s a thrill. We could really see the cooperation and the hardworks of our participants and we are really thankful because they really supported our event. The first group to arrived at the conference room and completed the letters is Paul’s Group and the are the TAMARights. Second who arrived is Alexis’ Group, the Orange and Lemons. And last is Crio’s Group, the BLUEtooth. So because Crio’s group finish last Meco started throwing jokes at Crio. And once4 again everyone laugh and enjoyed. Then after the picture taking. We started distributing lunch for our participants, our lunch is extraordinary because it’s in a banana leaf and we need to eat together but its really fun. We enjoyed eating like it’s all back to basic. After we finish our lunch, the second game begins and it is to solve a jigsaw puzzle. Alexis’ Group won the challenge, next is Crio’s group and lastly it’s Paul’s group. The next activity is to make their flags that would be symbolizing their group and everyone really made a good job. The event was tiring but it was really worth it, it’s fun and it really bonded the relationships of the participants and also the organizers. Alvin, the DSC Chairman, gave some message that really made us realize and also touches us. Immediately after that Donna, our Event Manager gave a Closing Remarks and after the program everyone was having a free time to sit and jam with the participants and to distribute their snacks and at the same time Paul gave us some intermission number and he does some impersonations. That ends our event and we really think that our event achieves our goals. And as we finish this event we are hoping that this would give our participants a more clearer and more deeper understanding about leadership.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Comparing IFRS to GAAP Essay

In the Accounting industry, there are various principles and guidelines by which financial accountants, analysts, and organizations need to abide by. The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) issues standards (IFRS) that have been adopted by the United States and several countries outside of the U.S. (Kimmel, Weygandt & Kieso, 2010). The IFRS along with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), professionals in the accounting industry use these guidelines as a baseline on which accounting practices are built upon. These standards are governed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) which ultimately oversees U.S. financial markets and accounting standard-setting bodies. Moving forward, the elements of IFRS and GAAP will be discussed to illustrate the similarities and differences and how it relates to Accounting and used in business practice. IFRS 8-1: Fair-Value Measurement Fair value measurements provide users of financial statements with an accurate picture of the value of a company’s assets. Both IFRS and GAAP require firms to include information regarding fair value measurements practices in the notes of financial statements. Under either system, companies will be required to report assets at either book value or fair value, depending on the situation. As a general rule of thumb, all assets in the same class must receive the same valuation treatment. In regards to the value of receivables, IFRS uses a two-tiered method that first analyzes individual receivables, and then looks at receivables as a whole to determine if there is any impairment. (KPMG, 2012). Comparing IFRS to GAAP Essay IFRS 9-1: Component Depreciation Component depreciation happens when an asset has fundamentally different parts that should be depreciated with different treatment. Under IFRS, firms are required to use component depreciation if the parts of the asset offer varying patterns of benefit. The reasoning behind this is that it provides a clearing picture of the asset’s book value. This method is also permitted under GAAP, but U.S. companies rarely use it in practice (Ernst & Young 2012) IFRS 9-2: Revaluation of plant assets The reevaluation of plant assets can be defined as the process of change values from book value to fair value. This process is required in the event that there have been substantial economic changes in the market have occurred. For example, if a company purchased a building 10 years ago and it has appreciated due to a real estate boom, it can be reevaluated to fair value. If an asset is to be reevaluated under IFRS, it is required that all assets in its class must be treated with the same valuation method. This ensures that companies maintain consistency in valuations for the same types of assets. IFRS 9-3 Product Development Expenditures Companies that utilize GAAP standards are required to expense all research and development costs by reporting them on the income statement. In contrast, IFRS only places this requirement on research costs. Once technological viability has been reached, it is optional for a company to start reporting development costs as capital expenditures. This allows the costs to be depreciated over the useful life that the technology provides (Brice, 2009) Comparing IFRS to GAAP Essay IFRS 10-2 Contingent Liability In the most basis sense, a contingent liability is an obligation that has a probability of occurring in the future. These items will not be included in financial statements, but should be disclosed within the notes. The company will also be required to measure the nature of the contingent liability in subsequent accounting periods. (Ernst & Young 2014) Imagine an oil company  that was involved in an accidental oil spill in the Pacific Ocean. An example of a contingent liability would be potential fines imposed by the Union for environmental violations. The company may not know the extent of the fines yet, but they should be disclosed as a contingent liability in the notes. Because the fines can be predicted, it is necessary to report the information to users of the financial statements. IFRS 10-3 Similarities and Differences in Accounting Liabilities The basic principles of accounting for liabilities between GAAP and IFRS nearly identical, but there are several minor differences. On the balance sheet, GAAP requires liabilities be reported in order of liquidity, while IFRS requires reverse order of liquidity. When it comes to reporting interest expenses, GAAP permits both the effective interest rate method and the straight-line method; however IFRS will only allow the effective interest rate method. Furthermore, IFRS has special rules for contingent liabilities, which is not a requirement under GAAP. In the grand scheme, the differences between IFRS and GAAP are fairly small. Each has specific requirements related to the reporting of assets and liabilities, which can result in slightly different financial results. Both FASB and IASB are working actively to modernize their accounting rules with changes in the evolving business climate. In summary, both systems are important for maintaining high quality accounting standards in the global economy. Comparing IFRS to GAAP Essay References Jerry J. Weygandt – Paul D. Kimmel – Donald E. Kieso – Financial Accounting – Hoboken – John Wiley and sons inc. – 2011 – 7th Ed Retrieved from: http://www.cpa2biz.com/Content/media/PRODUCER_CONTENT/Newsletters/Articles_2009/CPA/Sep/DevCosts. Retrieved from: http://www.ey.com/GL/en/Issues/IFRS/IFRS-Overview KPMG. 2012. IFRS Compared to US GAAP: An Overview. KPMG

Friday, September 27, 2019

Strategies set in place do not solve the drug problem around the world Research Paper

Strategies set in place do not solve the drug problem around the world - Research Paper Example There are several social and environmental factors why people start using drugs. Types of drugs consumed depend upon the price and accessibility of particular drugs. There are many other reasons that push the young people towards drug abuse like family tensions, peer pressure, poor school performance, low self-esteem, inadequate social skills, depression and so on. There are various drug policies all over the world to fight against this grave social problem. Most of the policies strive towards creating awareness of the evils of drug abuse. With the rapid change of lifestyle, growing competition among peers in educational and professional arenas, drug abuse is an ever increasing social malady. The governments’ efforts of creating strategies to cope with drug abuse have so far been essentially unsuccessful. This paper focuses on drug policies and their inadequacy among young generation. Drug policies To fight drug use, it is imperative that effective preventive strategies be imp lemented. Such strategies must cover all stages of life, from infancy to adulthood. Such strategies can keep the youth away from consumption of all kinds of drugs including alcohol. The Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP) has adopted six kinds of preventive measures. The first one is Information dissemination that is designed to create awareness about drugs and alter the youth’s perspective of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. The second one is Preventive education that enables the youth to acquire personal and social skills for better health, and this keeps them away from drug use. The third one includes Alternative approaches that assume that young people who get engaged in drug-free activities with be benefited by those activities rather than through activities concerned with drugs. The fourth one is Problem identification and referral involves those youth who have already been addicts of drugs and have drug-related physical or emotional problems, and suggesting t o those youth regarding appropriate treatments. The fifth one is Community-based process that enhances resources in the communities, for instance, building training agencies to promote awareness through education. The sixth one includes Environmental approaches that build policies to increase protection measures and reduce risk factors of drug use (Promising Strategies to Reduce Substance Abuse, 2000, pp.1-2). Legal drugs like alcohol and tobacco, and illicit drugs like cocaine, heroin, marijuana have many harmful affects. Alcohol consumption can lead to road accidents, domestic violence and crime. Heavy drinking can cause chronic diseases like liver cirrhosis and brain damage. If pregnant women consume alcohol, then there is possibility of birth defects. Smoking tobacco is a major cause of breathing problems and cancer. Illicit drug use can cause road accidents, violent outbursts and crime. Then there is also the risk of getting affected by HIV/AIDS through unsafe injection of illi cit drugs. The goal of National Drug Strategy 2010-2015 is to reduce the social, economic and health problems that occur due to drug use. The three approaches adopted are demand reduction, supply reduction and harm reduction. By demand reduction strategy, prevention measures are taken to reduce the consumption of alcohol and other drugs in the community. It also guides people to recover from the addiction and return to normal life. By supply reduction strateg

Mgt 501 management theory and practice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Mgt 501 management theory and practice - Essay Example The present study would analyze the business dynamics of Mc Donald’s with regards to the aspect of organizational culture and the constituting aspects of internal and external factors that affect organizational culture. The choice of the organization assumes significance considering the fact that the company is one of the best known brands and has operations across diverse geographical regions making the aspect of culture as an extremely vital aspect in determining the company’s business prospects. McDonalds was established in the year 1955 by the legendary personality Ray Croc in the United States of America. The company since then has grown a long way to emerge as one of the most popular restaurant chains having a dedicated presence in almost every region of the world (McDonalds, 2011). The company at its present date has a dedicated presence in about 119 different nations and employing a large number of individuals. The stocks of the company are listed on the bourses of the New York Stock Exchange. The company has been adding new products in its menu list consistently over the years and has also developed an impressive franchising strategy to spread its footprint across the globe. The company has also developed at attractive work culture that has helped in retaining and attracting a talented pool of human resources to meet the challenges of the highly turbulent and fluctuating business environment (McDonalds-a, 2011). Analysis of Organization Culture Organizational culture is an important facet of business organizations in the present business environment. Organizational culture is influenced by both internal as well as external factors. The importance of culture as highlighted by Lussier (2008) who stated that organizational culture is largely an implication of the personality and the work environment in an organization. The author also highlighted some of the internal factors such as organization mission, resources available with a company, s tructure and attitude of the management as the factors that largely influence the culture in an organization (Lussier, 2008, p.46-48). Keyton (2010) identified communication as another strategic factor that determines the aspect of organization culture in a particular company. The author also pinned out the importance of organizational culture towards generating positive and negative values in a company. The author highlighted that positive culture generates greater value while negative culture creates a negative set of values that ultimately helps in generating a favorable working condition. Internal communication has a key role to play in this regard as a smooth flow of information helps in generating positive sentiments in an organization that helps generate long term advantage for a company (Keyton, 2010, p.166). Figure 1: Elements influencing Organizational Culture (Source: Cameron & Quinn, 2011) The figure shown above reflects some of the factors that affect organization cultu re. These include assumptions, official norms and contractual obligations of the company, the artifacts and the behavioral patterns of the individuals in an organization. The figure clearly identifies that behaviors and other artifacts associated with an organization are largely observable and can be monitored and hence influenced by an organization through its policies. Therefore the role of evaluation and monitoring acts

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Middle east economy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Middle east economy - Essay Example On economic issues, there has been a traditional shaping of the way the economies are run largely by the common religion that the region shares. The political stability of the region has also not been stable owing to the many Islamist groups that have constantly fought for islamisation of all policies in the region according to the rules of the Quran. This region has not developed well relative to the world level of emerging markets (Kuran). This paper therefore seeks to establish the historical facts that have led to this underdevelopment since the development of the Islamic law and the Quran. The economic institutions that existed in pre-modern times were of the idea that all laws are to be implemented under duress. The major focus will be on historical institutions that that accounted for the subsequent institutional evolution in the region. Economic Institutions The growth of economy in the Middle East draws its historical background to the development of Islam. This brought in t he economic institutions based on advanced contract law. The Islamic law brought in principles, regulations and procedures that governed the development of the economy of this region. ... However, economic scholars of the time were not able to agree on the definition of ‘lending’ or what really constituted ‘interest’. Islam jurists supported the credit money in which there was devising strategies that allowed interest to be charged without violating the Quran principles. There were no financial institutions and therefore the lenders were just individuals and society groups. The third issue shaping the economic governance of the region was economic governance that was shallow. Most of the governance was made by the state in which case mosques, libraries and caravanserais were built and financed directly by the state. These, being Muslim states were built on the basis of two very basic principles; Provisionalism as well as Fiscalism. Any order that was contrary to these principles was not directly allowed and did not therefore get the support of the national government. Weak property rights as well as arbitrary succession were the order of the day which was reported during the early practices of economy. The Muslim statesmen in the region starting with those in the state of Saudi Arabia had tax policies that were very concrete. The same was soon spread to other areas of the missile east that had embraced civilization earlier on especially the pre-Islamic civilization. These laws however became obsolete especially in Iraq, Syria, Iran and Palestine. Therefore, just like in civilizations that were coeval, there was tax discrimination in that the non-Muslims paid more taxes than the non-Muslims. This principle was unsystematic and many more communities received expropriation. However, as the practice became more applicable, there was the extent of confiscation and imposition of new taxes in the economies. This means that this industry

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Reflection of Gender and Power in the Salem Witchcraft Trials Essay

Reflection of Gender and Power in the Salem Witchcraft Trials - Essay Example An analysis of the event, with reference to the cultural norms prevalent during the era, reveals that gender is one among the salient factors that contributed to the culmination of the Salem Witchcraft Trials. In colonial New England women were considered as promiscuous and female children were assigned the lowest social status. Thus, it transpires that in a male dominant society, through implicating women in witchcraft, men have actually attempted to demonstrate their power within a patriarchal system by punishing the hapless females from the lower strata of society in the name of the Salem Witch Trials. During the trials, many including Constable Joseph Herrick deposed that they either had seen or were informed that one of the main accused, Sarah Good, had gone â€Å"barefoot and bare-legged† and â€Å"afflicted† Elizabeth Hubbard and other young girls (Godbeer 77). This contention has also been substantiated by the afflicted Elizabeth Hubbard, who testified that she had seen Sarah Good’s apparition â€Å"afflicting the body† of other girls (75). It transpires that the neighbors of the accused had malevolent intentions towards her and in connivance with the governing class that held the power, she was implicated in witchcraft. In this context, it needs to be recalled that Puritans held the notion that the native inhabitants of New England â€Å"belonged to the Devil† until the arrival of the Protestants and that religion had exercised power over the government (17). Thus, women like Sarah Good have been falsely implicated with witchcraft, tried and executed in Salem, which is a reflection of misuse of power during that regime. Another major factor to be considered is that religion has played a crucial role within the society in colonial America and religious leaders had a dominating presence due to which their â€Å"advice extended beyond spiritual matters† and, hence, they had a say in â€Å"economic and political c oncerns, as well as gender relations† (Parrillo 52). Thus, in the absence of a â€Å"civil government of its own† religion assumed the power in governance, which it could use in any manner to attain its objectives (Godbeer 19). Such was the power of the church that the affected young girls actually believed that they were possessed and were â€Å"fighting a war against their inner demons† (23). Under the circumstances, the afflicted persons, who believed that their neighbors caused the problem, had to choose between the options of either spiritual retribution or taking legal action against them. Thus, the decision of â€Å"subjecting a supernatural crime to judicial scrutiny† was taken, for which strong evidence is required. However, since religion wielded a higher power than logic, women who were assigned a lower social status within the social system were tried and put to death by the powerful church, to restore the faith of more prominent citizens. Anot her major factor to be considered in Salem Witchcraft Trials is that for a mysterious occurrence in a village, the entire community implicated members of one gender as if women were to be blamed for all that was bad and men to be praised for all the good. This notion stems from the patriarchal system in the society, which never wanted to recognize the significance of women within in the familial and social contexts. For the powerful church and male chauvinists as well the government it was an easy way out to blame women from the lower social strata like Sarah Good and

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

World Trade Organization Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

World Trade Organization - Essay Example As an business community organization, its main focus is set upon creating a uniform set of trade rules between nations that will ensure a smooth, efficient, trustworthy, and assured business transaction among member nations. As an advocate of free and global trade, WTO gives consumers the opportunity to have a greater market for demand and choice of various products as imported from various nation suppliers. The end result, as the organization envisions it, is supposed to be a more balanced, prosperous, peaceful, and accountable economic world. Balance and accountability in the economic world... That statement carries a tremendous weight in the WTO. As such, the organization also functions as a dispute settler among its member countries in relation to their trade agreements. To quote: Trade friction is channelled into the WTO's dispute settlement process where the focus is on interpreting agreements and commitments, and how to ensure that countries' trade policies conform with them.

Monday, September 23, 2019

Marketing plan for Riverford Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Marketing plan for Riverford - Essay Example The measure has also downgraded the staff level into a manageable number with the delivery system maintained. Cost of the merchandize transacted The summation of the products sold to the clients within the next three years will be obtained from the sellers who have been tasked with keeping a record of the orders completed (Kotler, Keller, Brady, Goodman, and Hansen 2009, p16). Based on the past records, the records have suggested that Riverford affords to deliver to at least 600 homes within England on a daily basis. With the launch of the website service, the number is expected to rise to a minimum of 1000 deliveries daily. The transport cost per delivery is expected to cost 15% of the total delivery made, generating a profit of 23% of the total expenses used in production. The costs of internet services included in the profit ratings include $235 per month, which includes the e-mail service fee. Other Costs The number of trucks to be added in the new delivery routine is expected to be added in the field. The total cost per truck will hike by 10% within the next two years costing $500,000 per truck. The growth would be based on the ability of the company to employ new employees on the management field with four supervisors on the new branches to cost $2500 monthly. The demoted clients are to be compensated as they have helped generate the needed profit and will cost the company an additional $5000 annually for the next three years. The money used in rent for the new offices to be established to complement the existing blocks is estimated to be costing the financial departments a total of $4, 500/month. The other facilities needed would be new refrigerators to preserve some of the products and extra expenses on the packaging that would utilize the biodegradable packing bags to preserve the environment. There is the need to engage in other marketing ventures to sell the newly attained idea to present online marketing franchise (Baker & Hart 2007, p34). The marke ting ventures would include presenting the products on online magazines, covering magazine ads and utilizing community advertising spaces. The company wishes to extend the services to a market beyond the UK presentation hence the desire to collaborate with major restaurants like McDonalds. This would cost an added fee of $1500/month in employing skilful advertisers. The above mentioned criteria can be analyzed to present the vision to present the new service on the desired demographic. The leading groups to be served would be included in the family and company setting (Kotler, Keller, Brady, Goodman, and Hansen 2009, p41). Break even To achieve the desired goods for retention of the employees and deficit the expenditure, there is the need to produce monthly sales of $50, 000 to cater for the incurred costs. The assumption would be placed in the need to venture into new strategies of advertising and completing the sales. The company expects to realize elimination of the competition f rom small-scale businesses and adopt the system of product selection and delivery. Sales forecast The sales have picked up since the company started supplying fruits to the customers who appreciate a wider concentration of the products needed. There company also presents an establishment of the branches that not only specialize in the vegetables, but also witness participation in producing juice that sells the

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Family and community Essay Example for Free

Family and community Essay Several factors influence student’s learning. These may be enumerated as individual experiences, talents, and prior learning, as well as language, culture, gender, health, family, and community. It is essential to understand and analyze these factors to make successful students from the perspective of the teacher. Individual experiences Individual experiences of students influence student learning as it is only through the use of meaningful information, personal experiences and the student’s thoughts and beliefs that they can develop their knowledge and enhance their learning strategies and cognitive skills. Their experiences and responsibilities make them goal oriented and they contribute to their individual learning. Through their experiences, they will be able to access their preference of learning and its pace. However, as these preferences may not always help them, the educators must help them with their experiences and preferences and modify whenever required. Experiences also create individualism and differences among the students. Thus, the educators must be sensitive to their differences and allow them to adapt in their own ways, building their individual approaches and strategies. As the student learns to relate new information with his or her experience, his knowledge broadens and deepens. As we will learn later on, individual experiences, both academic and personal, builds our prior knowledge, which is very important for the students and effects student learning. (Edelman, 2005) Talents Some individuals are born with and some develop their individual talents and capabilities. The talent of an individual determines the nature of the relation among his new experiences and new information gathered. Thus, his talent can reorganize, modify and even add to his existing knowledge. However, there is some distinction among talent and giftedness. While giftedness requires one to possess and use his spontaneously expressed and completely untrained natural abilities or gifts or aptitudes so that he can be among the best in his age group, on the other hand talent requires the capability to systematically develop knowledge and skills or abilities in one field so that the child can be above others in his age group. Thus, talent influences the learning abilities of a child greatly. As talents are nothing but natural anilities of a child, faster and easier learning processes help to develop greater natural abilities or talents in a student. Talent affects the intelligence of a student, which determines his ability to reason things. A student’s talent also motivates him to perform better than the others helping in his learning process. (Kar, 2006) Prior learning A student’s prior learning affects his capabilities, approaches and strategies thus, influencing his learning abilities. As said earlier new knowledge needs to be integrated with the student’s prior knowledge to increase his learning abilities. Nevertheless, if the student does not have any prior knowledge then this integration will not take place isolating the new knowledge, which the student will not be able to utilize in his new tasks. In addition, those students who have some idea about a certain topic learn faster than others do. They can readily link their prior knowledge to the new one infusing them to increase their knowledge database. Prior knowledge also generates curiosity and interest in the student to learn more thus, helping him in his learning. Students also learn faster and can remember things better if they can link new information to an appropriate prior knowledge. This mainly helps during examinations. The students also listen to their educators and pay better attention increasing their learning. Prior learning definitely influences student learning since it builds up self-esteem in the student and they find themselves in familiar grounds when attending a lecture. In addition, the process of learning begins with prior knowledge and proceeds with newly presented information. In addition, if the students do not have any understanding or knowledge about what they are learning they may become frustrated feeling inadequate and unsuccessful. (Edelman, 2005) Language A student’s language greatly affects his learning abilities. As most of the students are proficient in their native languages, they are more comfortable when taught in the same language. They understand more and thus, are able to learn more. Nevertheless, they also need to learn the universally dominant language, English, even if it may be difficult for some students to learn. All the educators may not be proficient in the student’s native language and thus, if he is not able to understand the language used in the lectures he will be left behind in his studies. Thus, there should be a common language of interaction between the students and educators and among the students themselves so that they can communicate with each other. Thus, the more the student is academically sophisticated in his language skills the easier it will become for him to increase his abilities and knowledge. (Fletcher, 2005) Culture Culture includes religion, ethnicity, socio-economic background and even at times gender. Thus, it is evident that culture definitely affects student learning. Their individual experiences in their early years and values of their cultures affect their process of learning. As students remember and learn things faster when they can relate new information to prior knowledge, if they can link their classroom instructions to their experience and culture they will be able to familiarize with the topic faster. In addition, students having same cultural backgrounds have similar styles of learning and can thus, help each other to learn and perform better. This is also important as sharing information increases ones knowledge database. A child’s roots and cultural values and experiences affect his academics and learning process as it makes them independent in their thinking and open to learning new things. It also affects their accuracy, objectivity, analytical thinking and independence. Their values and cultures transform into their learning experiences increasing their knowledge, aptitude and thinking and improve their learning abilities making them better competitors. A student’s personal and cultural experiences also influence his language, which plays an important role in his learning abilities. (Kar, 2006) Gender Gender is also one of the factors that mildly influence a student’s learning process. Sometimes not only the gender of the students affect their learning process but also the gender of the teacher. This is because most of the times, female educators consider male students inattentive and disruptive and female students are a little hesitant to approach male educators. Also sometimes, the educators prefer only male or female students in their class depriving the other sex valuable instructions. It has also been seen that since female students outscore the male ones, the educators prefer to teach the female students. However, this can have negative affects on the learning process of the male students who deserve equal opportunities. Nevertheless, it has also been seen that most of the boys attend their educational institutions less than the girls attend and thus, sometimes fall behind the girls in their academics. On the other hand, in some communities the girl students are not allowed to attend schools and colleges due to their culture. This affects the learning process of the girl students who, even if they are interested in learning, are not allowed to do so. Sometimes the gender of the educator affects communication between the student and teacher as some students pay more attention and give better performance if taught by a teacher of the same gender. However, the gender of the educator does not matter as long as the educator is able to support and recognize the talent in the students and the students are able to learn from them effectively. (Edelman, 2005)

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Complexometric Determination of Water Hardness Essay Example for Free

Complexometric Determination of Water Hardness Essay When a polyatomic ligand with multiple lone pairs of electrons available for bonding to a central metal ion forms a complex with a metal ion, a process known as chelation takes place. Metal ion impurities can be found by using disodium salt of EDTA to determine the concentration of M2+ by complexometric or chelometric titration. Erichrome Black T makes it easy to see when the EDTA has completely chelated the metal impurities. When the metal cation is still present in the water, the solution will be a complex with a pink tint. Once enough EDTA has been added to the M2+ solution the metal ions complex to the EDTA leaving the indicator solvated causing a color change from pink to blue. Once the color has changed to blue, the titration has reached an end point and the M2+ metal ion impurities in hard water can be calculated. Procedure: Prepare 500 mL of 0.004 M disodium EDTA solution by dissolving 0.7-0.8g of Na2EDTA in 500 mL deionized water. Standardize the solution by using a 10 mL transfer pipet to add 10 mL of standardized calcium ion stock solution to a 250 mL Erlenmeyer flask and mixing it with 30 mL of deionized water. Add 3 mL of ammonia/ammonium chloride buffer (pH 10) to ensure that the calcium ions remain in the solution for accurate results. Add four drops of Eriochrome Black T indicator solution so that a color change can be visible during titration. Once the solution is prepared, titrate it with the disodium EDTA solution. Add the solution quickly at first and once the color changes from pink to violet slow down the titration until the color changes from violet to blue. Then record the results. Part 2 Unknown After receiving an unknown prepared water sample record the unknown in your lab notebook (unknown #76). After the unknown has been recorded, transfer 25 mL of the sample into a 250 mL Erlenmeyer flask with 20 mL of DI water. As in part one, add 3 mL of ammonia/ammonium chloride buffer (pH10) to the solution along with four drops of Erichrome Black T indicator. Once the solution has been made, titrate the solution with the standardized disodium EDTA solution and calculate the hardness of the prepared water sample from the titration. Compare the results to the expected range for municipal water hardness on your city’s water quality lab website. Data: | Test 1: Standardization of EDTA Mass of CaCO3: 0.01 g Moles of CaCO3: 9.910^-5 Molarity of the 250 mL standard Ca2+: 3.9610^-4 M Column1| Trial 1| Trial 2| Trial 3| Volume of Ca2 Titrated (mL)| 10| 10| 10| Moles Ca2+ Titrated | 9.910^-5| 9.910^-5| 9.910^-5| Moles EDTA| 9.910^-5| 9.910^-5| 9.910^-5| Initial Buret reading (mL)| 1| 1| 1| Final buret reading (mL)| 26.3| 26.5| 27| Volume of EDTA (mL)| 25.3| 25.5| 26| Molarity of EDTA (M)| 0.0039| 0.0039| 0.0038| Average Molarity of EDTA| | 0.0039 M| | Test 2: Unknown Determination Sample #76 Column1| Trial 1| Trial 2| Trial 3| Volume of Water Sample Used (mL)| 25| 25| 25| Initial buret reading (mL)| 1| 1| 1| Final buret reading (mL)| 14.8| 15| 14.9| Volume of EDTA used (mL)| 13.8| 14| 13.9| Moles EDTA| 5.3810^-5| 5.4610^-5| 5.4210^-5| Moles Ca2+ in sample| 5.3810^-5| 5.3810^-5| 5.3810^-5| Moles Ca2+ per liter| 5.3810^-4| 5.3810^-4| 5.3810^-4| Grams CaCO3 per liter| 0.054| 0.055| 0.055| Water hardness| 29.73| 30.61| 30.17| Average water hardness (ppm CaCO3)| | 30.17| | | | | | | | | | | | | | Calculations: Test 1: Calculate Mass of CaCO3 used in the reaction: 10 mL Ca2x 1L/1000mLx 1g/1L= 0.01 g CaCO3 Calculate Moles of CaCO3 0.01 g CaCO3x 1mole CaCO3/100.1 g CaCO3= 9.910^-5 moles CaCO3 Molarity of 250 mL of standard Ca2+ solution 9.910^-5 moles CaCO3/0.250 L= 3.9610^-4 M Ca2+ Moles Moles of EDTA Moles of EDTA=Moles CaCO3, 1 to 1 ratio. Molarity of EDTA Trial 1 (10 mL CaCO3 sol/25.6 mL EDTA @ end point)x (1L CaCO3 Sol/1000mL CaCO3 sol)x(1 g CaCO3/1 L sol)x(1 mole CaCO3/100.1g CaCO3)x(1 mole EDTA/1 mole CaCO3)x(1000 mL EDTA sol/1 L EDTA sol) = 0.0039 M Trial 2 (10 mL CaCO3 sol/25.5 mL EDTA @ end point)x (1L CaCO3 Sol/1000mL CaCO3 sol)x(1 g CaCO3/1 L sol)x(1 mole CaCO3/100.1g CaCO3)x(1 mole EDTA/1 mole CaCO3)x(1000 mL EDTA sol/1 L EDTA sol) =0.0039 M Trial 3 (10 mL CaCO3 sol/26 mL EDTA @ end point)x (1L CaCO3 Sol/1000mL CaCO3 sol)x(1 g CaCO3/1 L sol)x(1 mole CaCO3/100.1g CaCO3)x(1 mole EDTA/1 mole CaCO3)x(1000 mL EDTA sol/1 L EDTA sol) =0.0038 M Average Molarity (0.0039 M+0.0039 M+0.0039 M)/3=0.0039 M Test 2: Calculate moles of EDTA Trial 1 0.0138 L EDTA(3.910^-3 moles EDTA)= 5.8310^-5 Moles EDTA Trial 2 0.014 L EDTA(3.910^-3 moles EDTA)= 5.4610^-5 Moles EDTA Trial 3 0.0139 L EDTA(3.910^-3 moles EDTA)= 5.4210^-5 Moles EDTA Moles Ca2+ Moles of Ca2+ equals moles of EDTA Moles of CA2+ per liter Moles Ca2+ x 10 to get Moles per leter Trial 1 5.8310^-5 Moles EDTA(10)= 5.3810^-4 Moles Ca2+ per Liter Trial 2 5.4610^-5 Moles EDTA(10)= 5.4610^-4 Moles Ca2+ per Liter Trial 3 5.4210^-5 Moles EDTA(10)= 5.4210^-4 Moles Ca2+ per Liter Grams CaCO3 per liter Calculate by multiplying moles of Ca2+ by grams per mole of Ca2+ Trial 1 (5.3810^-4 Moles Ca2+/ 1L)(101.1g/1mole)= 0.054g/L CaCO3 Trial 2 (5.4610^-4 Moles Ca2+ /1L) (101.1g/1mole)= 0.055g/L CaCO3 Trial 3 (5.4210^-4 Moles Ca2+ /1L) (101.1g/1mole)= 0.055g/L CaCO3 Water Hardness Trial 1 (13.8 mL EDTA/25 mL sample)(1 L EDTA sol/1000 mL EDTA)(5.3810^-4 mol EDTA/1L EDTA)(1 mol CaCO3/1 mol EDTA)(100.1g CaCO3/1 mol CaCO3)(1000mg CaCO3/1g CaCO3)(1000mL Sample sol/1L sample sol)= 29.73 ppm CaCO3 Trial 2 (14 mL EDTA/25 mL sample)(1 L EDTA sol/1000 mL EDTA)(5.4610^-4 mol EDTA/1L EDTA)(1 mol CaCO3/1 mol EDTA)(100.1g CaCO3/1 mol CaCO3)(1000mg CaCO3/1g CaCO3)(1000mL Sample sol/1L sample sol)= 30.61 ppm CaCO3 Trial 3 (13.9 mL EDTA/25 mL sample)(1 L EDTA sol/1000 mL EDTA)(5.4210^-4 mol EDTA/1L EDTA)(1 mol CaCO3/1 mol EDTA)(100.1g CaCO3/1 mol CaCO3)(1000mg CaCO3/1g CaCO3)(1000mL Sample sol/1L sample sol)= 30.17 ppm CaCO3 Average water hardness (29.73+30.61+30.17)/3= 30.17 ppm CaCO3 Conclusion: The water hardness of a known and unknown sample solution has been determined by means of titration with disodium salt of EDTA to calculate the concentration of M2+ metal ion impurities in hard water in a process known as chelation. After running tests and calculating the water hardness in an unknown sample it was found that there was 30.17 ppm CaCO3 in the sample.

Friday, September 20, 2019

CSR For Nestle And MTN

CSR For Nestle And MTN Nestle (a high-income company) and MTN (a low-income company) have different approaches regarding CSR. This report will describe and evaluate those approaches. Introduction This is a brief description of each company highlighting some facts concerning their development. Section one Identifies the different types of stakeholders that the company should consider while mapping its local/global activities. Using the Stakeholder Saliency Model, allocates those stakeholders for both companies, taking into account two things: who has the most/least power in steering the companys decisions and whether or not this stakeholder is interested in CSR initiatives. Two differences have been identified: Nestle: firstly, host governments in developing countries are Dangerous Stakeholders and do not show much interest in CSR; secondly, social organizations, NGOs and the media are Dangerous Stakeholders and in favour of CSR. MTN: firstly, host governments in developing countries are Dominant and show interest in CSR; secondly, social organizations such as NGOs and the media are Demanding and in favour of CSR. The reasons behind this include: Host government in developing countries: corrupt government may find the high-income corporation (Nestle) an enticing opportunity to seize unlike MTN. Moreover, MTN which originated in a developing country, has a great deal of experience with such governments. Social Organization: MTN does not have a negative direct impact on peoples lives, unlike Nestle. Also MTN is not recognized globally while Nestle is since MTN operates only in developing countries while Nestle operates globally. Section two In this section the report answers the following: whether CSR initiatives adopted by both companies increased/decreased over time, and also who was behind the changes and why they occurred. It was found that both companies have increased their CSR initiatives especially in the globalization era for Nestle, and particularly since the 1970s as many social organizations emerged and FDI occurred in that period. Section three The report shows how authors classify the stakeholders perspective in different ways: some classify them according to the local economic situation; others in a developing countrys context; others classify the social and environmental issues depending on regions. A Ponte et al typology using four approaches (engaged/disengaged, proximate/distant) is applied to the above classifications. An analysis was made with the following results: There are many perspectives which support CSR initiatives and argue that those initiatives are good for business, especially the engaged approaches, and they support their argument with evidence. They are also good for society whether the approaches are engaged or disengaged. At the other end of the spectrum, there are many who do not agree with the benefits brought by CSR initiatives and believe it is bad for business and useless for society. II. Introduction The purpose of this report is to analyse, compare and contrast the socially responsible approach of two multinational companies (Nestle and MTN). This will be approached in the following order: firstly, a brief description for each company will be provided; secondly, the report will allocate the stakeholders using the stakeholder saliency model for each company showing the similarities and differences. This will be followed by a brief description regarding the changes of CSR approach for both companies and the reasons for these changes. The third section includes a critical analysis of both approaches using Ponte et al typology and two contrasting viewpoints. Finally, a conclusion sums up the findings showing the future of CSR for both companies. III. Brief History with some facts regarding CSR, Nestle  [1]  , It was in the 1860s when a pharmacist Henri Nestle developed a food formula for those infants who experienced problems in breastfeeding. This welcome innovation from Nestle is now sold all over the world (Nestle History, 2009). Some facts about the company include: 1905-to date: Healthy growth in general with some periods of struggle with a lot of mergers and acquisitions, one of the most important being with Movenpick Ice Cream. 1970s-1980s: Heavy attacks from social organizations and individuals for the unethical marketing activities encouraging mothers in the developing world to use its products instead of breastfeeding. (Douglas,1986) 1998 Nestlà © Corporate Business Principles was produced and updated to include the principles of the UN Secretary Generals Global Compact: Labour Standard, Human rights, the Environment (Nestle report, 2001) Creating the Shared Value scheme for a healthier world in the 21st century. (CSV mission, 2009) MTN Group  [2]  , Founded in 1994, MTN Group is a telecommunication company; it services in 21 countries across Africa and the Middle East. (MTN Report 1 and 2, 2009). 2007: MTN was the best tax payer for the year ending 2005/2006 in many African countries.(MTN History, 2007) 2007: Established the Corporate Social Responsibility Foundation. .(MTN History, 2007) 2009: According to management consulting firm Oliver Waymans annual State of the Industry report, MTN achieved the fourth place among the top 60 global performers in terms of its shareholder performance index (SPI) at the end of 2008 with total revenue of 102,526 million rand  [3]  , (MTN Report 1and 2, 2009 ). IV. Section one: Corporate social responsibility: CSR is the commitment by the company to behave ethically with its stakeholders and to fulfil all obligations of minimizing any harm and maximizing the benefits for society, humanity and the environment and that includes commitments by companies to contribute to social development and enhance the standard of peoples lives  [4]  . Stake holder Identification: According to many authors Mercier (1999), Freeman (1984), Donaldson and Preston (1995), stakeholders are usually all those groups or individuals that may affect or be affected by the organizations daily working process, and also include all those who could have shares or interests in the same organization (Cited in Perqueux, 2004.P:6). From the definition given above it could be interpreted that organizations should classify their stakeholders interests and power in a way that brings satisfaction because they will be assessed and evaluated by them in the future, and that what Rossouw and Sison (2006, p41) argued for when they described the corporations as a nation state is that they must be honest with its citizens otherwise they will be overthrown. From the two definitions mentioned above and by using the Stakeholder Saliency Model, this report will now show two things at the same time. The first is to show who stakeholder has the most or least effect in mapping the business activities, and second to what extent this allocated stakeholder is CSR driver for both companies showing the similarities and differences. An explanation for these will be provided. Nestle Power Discretionary Stakeholder: other inter-national institutions e.g. IMF, World Bank Dominant Stakeholder. Dangerous Stakeholder: Governments in developing countries, social organizations, NGOs, media. Demanding Stakeholder: people Definitive Stakeholder: Main Shareholders Dormant Stakeholder: Shareholders (Minority interest) Depending Stakeholder Legitimacy Urgency MTN Power Discretionary Stakeholder: other Inter-national Institutions such as IMF, World Bank Dominant Stakeholder: Government in developing countries Dormant Stakeholder: Shareholders (Minority interest) Demanding Stakeholder: Social organizations, NGOs, media. Dangerous Stakeholder Definitive Stakeholder: Main Shareholders Depending Stakeholder Legitimacy Urgency . The main similarities: Main Shareholders (Definitive Stakeholders with fake CSR ): As they supply the organization with the funds needed to build up capital, thus they have the right to vote, control and change the corporate structure if required, Mantyssari (2005), and that would have a substantial influence in mapping the companys business activities and other activities related to CSR. The following example shows how Nestles first priority is its shareholders and how Nestle manipulates the CSR approach. This happened when it announced the intention to transform Nestle into the worlds leading wellness organization to promote healthy eating by people through providing functional food instead of its ordinary range, spending SFr 2 billion on research and development in 2008. However, many experts point out that there is no substantial evidence that eating functional food makes people healthier. Lausanne and Vevey (The Economist, 2009. p39-95) indicate also to the reasons behind that by showing that in America the growth of functional foods between 2002-2007 was 15.8% a year while ordinary foods was only 2.9% suggesting profit was the main driver nothing else. The same is applicable in MTN regarding definitive shareholders, especially when looking closely at their annual report (2008 p172), showing the percentage of share capital, equal to 25%, was owned only by 8 shareholders, so this group of 8 has the majority portion of power to direct the company activities in the way they prefer, which is making profits. Minority interest Shareholders (Dormant Stakeholders with no effects on CSR): they do not have the enough power to steer the company in the responsible direction nether on its policy IMF, World Bank, WTO (Discretionary Stakeholders with a neutral position regarding CSR): through their regulation and requirements and conditionality they open new routes for investing. However, that does not oblige the MNCs to invest nor to participate in social responsibility initiatives. The main differences: Host governments in developing countries are Dangerous Stakeholders and do not show too much interest in CSR for Nestle, while they are Dominant and show interest in CSR for MTN) Jones (2005, p:9) pointed out that host governments use a lot of subsidies to attract foreign organizations, such as low custom tariffs or free capital movement in order to overcome difficulties (poverty, diseases, deathà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦) Applying this to the selected companies: Nestle: this type of stakeholder should be allocated under Dangerous for many reasons. Nestle lacks experience in dealing with developing governments policies. Another reason is that kleptocratic government may find the high-income corporation (Nestle) an enticing opportunity to seize. For example: the BBC announced in December 2002 that Nestle was trying to persuade the Ethiopian government to pay USD 6 million instead of 1.5 million as compensation for nationalizing one of its subsidiaries in Ethiopia. This example shows how the Ethiopian government took possession of Nestlà ©s subsidiary without any previous notice or consultation. MTN: originally from SA, and all of its investments are located in Africa and the ME (developing countries). It has a great deal of experience with such governments so do not need to put it under Dangerous stakeholders unlike Nestle. But even though MTN has put governments under the Dominant category MTN has to comply with the King codes in South Africa  [5]  which include very strict rules regarding CSR initiatives in order be listed in JSE securities exchange and to be accepted by the government and society. (Institute of Directors in South Africa, 2009) Social organizations, NGOs, Media are Dangerous Stakeholders and in favour of CSR for Nestle, while Demanding and in favour of CSR for MTN: Nestle: Because of the nature of the business of Nestle (covering world-wide and working in the field of nutrition), it may be found that a lot of social organizations along with the media always attack it aggressively, especially if they discover the unethical approach of its social responsibility, pushing it to make more and more effort in the field of CSR. For example: the General Synod of the Church of England called for a ban on Nestle and asked Church commissioners to disinvest their GBP 1.1 million in it. Moreover in 1974 the British charity War on Want released a leaflet The Baby Killer criticising Nestle for the bad effects of its marketing strategies in Africa. (Kotler et al. 2009) MTN: However, there are many examples showing MTN has a good reputation among those organizations who praise its efforts to serve the people and bring prosperity to society. For example, South Africa media (South Africa info, 2008) praised MTN when it declared its intention, along with other operators, to establish a fibre network across the Sub Saharan centres in an effort to meet the soaring needs of their subscribers and connect the African continent with the rest of the world. The reason for this approval is because MTN does not have a negative direct impact on peoples lives, unlike Nestle. Also MTN is not recognized globally as Nestle is since it operates only in developing countries. V. Section two: This report will now answer the following question which way is the CSR changing and what are the main causes for this? In 1869 Henri Nestle said: During the first few months, the mothers milk will always be the most natural nutriment, put promoted Nestle products as a substitute. However, in 2007 Nestle stated that Nothing is a substitute for or equivalent or superior to breast milk Kotler et al. (2009). These two statements raise two questions: the first one is Did Nestle admit the guiltiness about its previous promotion?; secondly, If yes, then who was behind it? Actually to answer these questions, we have to consider that through Nestle growth, a lot of pressure and outside forces have pushed the company to change its attitude towards satisfying its stakeholders and make responsible efforts rather than only profit. Blowfield and Murray (2008, p:41-66) claim that the relationship between business and society changed through three eras: the industrial revolution, the mid-twentieth-century welfare state and globalization. Furthermore, through these eras there was a shift in corporate social responsibility, from a theoretical concerned with normative behaviour of the organization, to CSR as management practice, especially in the 1970s. Ackerman and Bauers (1976 cited in Blowfield et al, 2008) argue also that what a company can do to respond to social expectation rather than theoretical ideas of what it should do is what matters. This is reflected in public confidence over the years (see Appendix 1) which suggests public confidence began to incre ase in the late 1970s with a slight decrease in 1991. (Source: Frederick 2006) In relation to the two companies in this study, it may be that Nestle actually took into consideration social responsibility after the harsh boycott in the 1970s when it learnt a lot from that lesson and started to increase its commitment to society and allocated social organizations and media as dangerous stakeholders. MTN is a relatively new company established only in the 1990s, which could be viewed as the globalization era so has a high standard of CSR knowledge (King I, II, III code). Thus, it could be concluded that there was an increase in CSR initiatives owing to greater awareness among stakeholders, especially over the last three decades, and that increase was related directly to globalization and its characteristics such as free trade, rises in FDI in developing countries, soaring demands of the media and the NGOs. VI. Section Three: This section will be divided into three parts: Analysis of the different stakeholders perspective approaches, Depending on the outcome of the first part, the report will use Ponte et al typology to allocate the approach of both companies. A further analysis of these approaches will be conducted using two contrasting viewpoints. Many authors classify the stakeholders perspective in different ways. Some classify them according to the local economic situation such as Cannon (1994) by giving five types of societies which need different reactions from the business to help the economy out of the crisis: the high-stress environment (suffering from long time economic downturn), structurally disadvantaged areas (business in remote areas), the crisis zone, the transitional zone (change of the importance of industry in same area), and the powerhouse industry that used to drive the main local growth and now facing high competition from others. Other authors such as Hamann et al (2005) explore the stakeholders perspective in a developing countrys context when they pointed out some realities to be considered in achieving a successful CSR in South Africa: first, a long history of poverty and inequality: second, the need for effective CSR to destroy the bad image of exploitation and racism created by companies over a long period in those countries; third, the suppression of black economic empowerment which mostly comes from corruption: fourth, the need to enhance social aspects such as human rights and democracy. Others classify the social and environmental issues depending on the regions, showing the different CSR requirements among countries and they emphasise that each region needs its own CSR initiatives. For example, the USA needs to address renewed calls for nuclear power and to deal with air pollution, while some African countries need more concentration in improving the infrastructure and solving the conflicts between tribes and governments (PWC, 2006; Ethical Corporation, 2006 cited in Blowfield Murray,2008) (see appendix 2 for more details). Using the above mentioned methods, now Ponte et al typology can be used to allocate initiative approaches used by Nestle and MTN: Company Engaged CSR activities the factory and farmer scheme in China which has direct impact on company operations since it eliminates the suppliers and at the same time gives the farmers technical support. (Nestle China, 2009) Disengaged CSR initiatives: Nestle Nigeria along with the Red Cross started an initiative, an educational programme in 2003 to increase the awareness of HIV among people in Nigeria (Nestle Nigeria, 2009) Distant CSR activities the factory and farmer example in China, because the farmers are not one of Nestlà ©s workforces they are a separate entity and might be paid low prices for their milk supply. (Nestle China, 2009) Proximate CSR activities: Nestle creates job opportunities. It has now more than 265,000 employees worldwide from 100 different countries. (Nestle, 2009) Engaged and Proximate: the EcoShape bottle produced by Nestle North America in 2007. This example could be regarded as an engaged activity since it reduces the bad effects on the environment (will reduce the CO2 emission by 356,000 tons within three years) and at the same time it is proximate because it is closely related to the company operations (since it impacts on the environment in the same location as its operations). (Nestle America, 2009) -Engaged CSR activities: the Environmental Management System is one of MTNs policies to reduce the production waste by recycling and encouraging the employees to act socially responsible. (MTN Environmental Policy, 2009) Disengaged CSR initiatives: Arts and Aids awareness educational program for communities, conducted by the MTN foundation and regarded as a totally disengaged scheme carried out by MTN. (MTN SA foundation, 2009) Distant CSR activities: No distant CSR initiatives found. -Proximate CSR activities: the Arts and Aids awareness educational program could be regarded as a proximate CSR scheme since MTN originally operated in Africa and the Middle East. (MTN SA foundation, 2009) Engaged and Proximate: the 21 days of Yello care started in 2007. This scheme of 21 days gives the opportunity for MTNs employees to directly engage with the CSR initiatives programme with a prize as a reward at the end of this scheme for the best team. One team was rewarded for building a small pedestrian bridge. (MTN Yello, 2009) Now, the report will analyse the Ponte et al typology mentioned above showing two contrasting viewpoints: In favour of CSR: Good for business when (Engaged whether Proximate or Distant): Porter and Kramer (2006, p:83) indicate that working in a healthy society will keep the company healthy (health care for the workforce) and also supply it with a competitive advantage (efficient use of resources: water, land) and all of these will be achieved by Integrating Business and Society through CSR activities. Other authors praise the role of CSR in marketing and this could be applied in bringing a bright image to the company and to some extent increase its sales Hardeep and Sharma (2006). For example, Ogrizek (2002) said: There are clear and concrete market-driven benefits and competitive advantages for companies, which integrate their business policies with CSR. In respect of the two companies in question there are a lot of initiative approaches for both companies from their websites which all could be regarded as marketing tools and green sheen attempts (the new brand of Nestle: Nescafe Green blend). Good for society when (Engaged whether Proximate or Distant): advocators of this model argue that governments in the developing countries on their own cannot meet the increasing demands of the society and development requirements and this is actually what Samuel et al (2009.p394) found when they conducted research in Nigeria showing how CSR initiatives being carried out by 22 organizations complement government efforts to build up a stable economy. Furthermore, this perspective is also supported by the neo-liberalism theory in which many authors stress that only business and free markets can sustain the individual rights, society and the environment (Burchell, 1996, Barry et al 1996, Peter and Olssen 2002 cited in Zajda, 2009 p:15). No one could deny that Nestle creates job opportunities for 265,000 employees worldwide from 100 different countries and also that MTN donated about 1.5 Rand million to buy clothes with the help of the Red Cross in South Africa in response to attacks by f oreign nationals in 2008 (MTN SA foundation, 2009). At the economy level, The Economist (1999) emphasized the contribution of MTN as a mobile company in bringing the poor and isolated into the global economy. Opposed to CSR: Bad for business when (Disengaged): advocators for this approach are usually those who argue in favour of shareholder interests and indicate that the main objective of any company is only to maximize the shareholders value and minimize any kind of expense. That becomes very clear when Lawrence (1999) describes how the company should create a value management system in five steps in order to achieve the shareholder value, neglecting any component related to non-profit activities because it just an expense. Also, as mentioned earlier in this report, Mantyssari (2005) describes the shareholders as the heart of the business who supply it with the funds needed for the daily operations, so managers have to keep them satisfied by a high level of yield. Furthermore, some say that CSR is not only waste of money but also it distracts the managers from focusing on their real duties since effective CSR, which is not only a charity cheque, needs special talent and efforts, and that is also emphasized by Porter and Kramer (2006, p:91) when they argue that organizational adjustment that matches good CSR initiatives is what matters more than kind intentions. Useless for society and development (Criticizing all Ponte et al approaches): many protestors criticise the effects caused by MNCs activities all over the world since their negative effects outweigh their CSR initiatives. They think whatever the companies do for the societies is only a green sheen. For instance, Nestle is proud of itself, saying it always provides work opportunities for people, indicated that 97% of their workforces are distributed all over the world The Economist (1997.p153). However, for Corpwatch (2005) the truth is it exploits the workers in an awful manner and Corpwatch complained that 286,000 children work as slaves in the Ivory Coasts cocoa farms (90 hours a week with very low wages) and point out that Nestle is the third largest importer of cocoa from the Ivory Coast. Also it could be argued from bad for business angle as there is general agreement that if CSR is not focused and organized it will often come to nothing or may sometimes have harmful results. VII. Conclusion: From this report, a lot of findings can be drawn by analysing the corporate social responsibility approaches for Nestle and MTN. This report started by showing the importance of the different types of stakeholders that try to steer the companys activities in the way they desire, whether in a business or CSR approach. Using the Stakeholders Saliency Model these stakeholders have been allocated and two major differences were found. The first one is, Governments in developing countries where Nestle operate should be put under Dangerous stakeholder since they lack experience in dealing with such governments and the high-income corporation could also be seen an enticing opportunity to be seized. However, MTN (a low-income company) is the opposite case since it originated in such an environment. The other main difference between them is the danger of social organizations for Nestle such as NGOs and the media since it works globally and works in the field of nutrition, hiring people from po or countries, so may be targeted by such institutions. In contrast, MTN does not have a direct impact on peoples lives and is not recognized globally like Nestle since it operates only in developing countries. The report then analysed and evaluated the CSR approaches for both companies using Ponte et al typology to allocate them in four dimensions, engaged/disengaged, distant/proximate. It was found Nestle and MTN use all of them except for MTN which did not use distant CSR initiatives. The report attempted to answer the question which stakeholders were satisfied and which were not, no matter what type of approach was adopted, by contrasting two points of view (with and against CSR) and arguing them in four different aspects. Through the analysis of the aspect Useless for society, it was found some organizations and institutions are still not satisfied by the CSR initiatives and need deeper indicators, going beyond the basics and taking into account the real influences on the surroundings. Regarding the future of CSR, some authors such as Murray and Blowfield (2008, p:365-369) emphasised that the context analysis such as the mega trends (climate change, demographic change, poverty) will be no less important than simply examining the CSR approaches taken by the company.

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Religion :: essays research papers

Religion "Religion" is a simple word that divides humanity in several groups. It is the claim of many influential Christian and Jewish theologians that the only genuine basis for morality is in religion(Nielsen 13). The morals and beliefs of children are greatly influenced by their home life. It is sad how children grow up, not able to research into their beliefs, but conform to the beliefs that have run in their families for generations. Not many children break away from the traditional religion in their family because it has been practiced and influenced for many years. If one should participate in breaking tradition, he could be challenged by the family to show reasoning behind the change(Kaplan 258). In doing this, society still will be diverse, but at least that is one more person trying to express an opinion. The Old Testament is an accurate and valid resource to use when trying to explain Christianity and faith. For example, it is amazing how one can justify his faith to a strong Catholic family whentrying to prove that salvation is a free gift and not a time card for "good works." There is much difference between the religion of Catholicism and non- denominational Christianity. Though both groups believe in one God, the same God, growing up in the midst of the bickering of the two groups can confuse a child and bring bitterness toward this God that Christians believe is all-loving. School is an area where temptations are thrown in people's faces each day. Many people are challenged each day in these situations; children may be challenged in their home or in school because of the issue of salvation and trying to maintain a strong-willed mind as a young Christian. Catholic children are taught their religion in CCD classes, and the result is the children learning to be good in order to go to heaven. Many of the the things they are taught come from the Old Testament. The Christian Bible includes the Old Testament unlike Judaism where their bible is the Old Testament. Children learn Christian virtues such as faith, obedience, piety, chastity, love, mercy, and humility(Garner 272). Catholic children are also taught that if they do sin, than they simply can go confess their sins to a priest and then they are forgiven. According to the Old Testament, salvation is free gift and forgiveness is given straight from God, not through some high standing official in the Church. Catholics are given a bad name, and their religion is considered to be hostile towards others and unethical at times(Hudnut 22).

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Precision Guided Munitions :: Weapons Guns Gun Essays Reseach Papers

Precision Guided Munitions During the Persian Gulf War of 1991 a new class of weapons made its debut and presaged a revolution in military affairs. Although precision-guided munitions (PGMs), ranging from laser-guided bombs to Tomahawk cruise missiles, represented only a fraction of the total ordinance used in Iraq, the effect they had was electric. The television footage of a bomb dropped from more than 6 miles above descending onto its target and hitting with absolute precision was at once fascinating and jarring. The Gulf War demonstrated the power that precision aerial attacks possessed. The accuracy and lethality of air launched munitions during the Gulf war was in sharp contrast to the relative crudity of aerial bombing during World War II. In Iraq and later in Kosovo, precision-guided munitions (PGM) demonstrated their capabilities. The US waged a type of warfare in these campaigns that was markedly different from World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. The US is still coming to grips with the implications of the new type of warfare it has released. The development of accurate precision-guided munitions was not revolutionary, but an evolutionary process that took the course of half a century. Today most precision-guided munitions can be classified by their guidance or propulsion systems. Precision-guided munitions affect the military in three areas. First precision-guided munitions have challenged time-honored traditions of mass. Second, precision-guided munitions have unique information needs. Finally, the capabilities of precision-guided munitions have significant implications on acquisitions policy. Regardless of whether or not precision-guided munitions are part of a larger revolution in military, the implic ations of precision-guided munitions for the US military are significant. Historical Evolution of Accuracy Ever since man first threw stones at their fellow men, the elusive goal of killing one’s opponent from a distance, with absolute precision has been a holy grail of warfare. Weapons such as bows and arrows, rifles, and artillery, were all designed for increased lethality at longer distances, with less risk to the operator. PGMs provide just that capability; that is the capability to put ordinance on target with precision at long ranges. Precision has always played a role in warfare. Whether it was marksmanship with bow or rifle, the ability to place a projectile on target contributed greatly to victory. PGMs were designed with just that function in mind.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

Middle Eastern airline Emirates has appointed Chemistry

Middle Eastern airline Emirates has appointed Chemistry Communications to handle its direct marketing account. The agency replaces DDA and is tasked with developing customer management strategies, as well as other direct activities. Emirates has appointed VCCP and sales promotion agency Gasoline to its roster to work on as-yet unspecified projects. The appointment follows the Dubai airline’s decision to hire Grey London to create a global advertising campaign for its business-class service. Emirates will offer daily non-stop flights between Los Angeles and Dubai on September 1.The new flight runs a distance of 8,339 miles, taking 16 hours and 35 minutes from Dubai to California; the duration of the return flight will be slightly shorter at just under 16 hours.Emirates currently flies twice daily to New York and once daily to Houston.  Emirates is to promote its new Dubai-Sao Paulo service through a digital campaign that will include the longest ad ever.  The advert will al so air on cable TV, allowing it to be recognised as the longest ever by Guinness World Records. Emirates has ended its management contract with Sri Lankan Airlines, fuelling speculation that it may sell its 43.6% stake in the Dubai-based carrier.Emirates has valued its share at $150 million, with Mr Clark saying its purchase would be one â€Å"hell of an opportunity† for a regional carrier  The Emirates Group has posted a 23.5% rise in group net profits to  £500 million backed by a record  £424 million profit at its airline. The government-owned airline added 3 million passengers over the financial year ending 31 March, 2007.  During the 2006-07 financial year Emirates added 12 new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft and launched new services to Nagoya, Tunis, Bangalore and Beijing, while increasing frequency to existing destinations like Dusseldorf and ZurichEmirates Airline, the government-owned Dubai carrier, has reported a 29% increase in year-on-year net profit to AED1.2 b illion ( £171.6 million) for the fiscal first half ended 30 September 2006.  Passenger revenue rose 31% for the period, with the number of passengers increasing 20% to 8.39 million.  Emirates announced that it has launched service to 10 cities since January 2006, with its total network now standing at 87 destinations.Almost four months after its initial announcement that the new A380 superjumbo would suffer launch delays in June 2006, after which point several further postponements have been tabled, Airbus parent company EADS has issued a â‚ ¬4.8 billion profit warning, more than double that mooted when the first problems occurred. The figure works against EADS’ â€Å"baseline plan† for the period between 2006 and 2010, and will be recorded as a shortfall in operating profits.Separately, the A380’s biggest advance order customer, Emirates, which has requested 45 of the total 159 ordered aircraft, has said that as a result of the latest delays, which put the A380’s release at no earlier than August 2008, it is â€Å"reviewing its options.†On 25th October 1985, Emirates flew its first routes out of Dubai with just two aircraft—a leased Boeing 737 and Airbus 300 B4. Then as now, our goal was quality, not quantity, and in the years since taking those first small steps onto the regional travel scene, Emirates has evolved into a globally influential travel and tourism conglomerate known the world over for our commitment to the highest standards of quality in every aspect of our business.Though wholly owned by the Government of Dubai, Emirates has grown in scale and stature not through protectionism but through competition—competition with the ever-growing number of international carriers that take advantage of Dubai’s open-skies policy. Not only do we support that policy, but we see it as vital to maintaining our identity and our competitiveness. After making its initial start-up investment, the Govern ment of Dubai  saw fit to treat Emirates as a wholly independent business entity, and today we are thriving because of it. Our growth has never been lower than 20 per cent annually, and the airline has recorded an annual profit in every year since its third in operation.Continuing our explosive growth while continually striving to provide the best service in the industry is the secret of Emirates’ success. The Emirates Group announced record net profits of Dhs  3.5 billion (US$  942 million) for the financial year ended 31st March 2007. The 28.8 per cent increase in profits versus the previous year speaks  of a  promising future of an airline we feel is greater than the sum of its many parts, which now include: ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   An award winning international cargo division ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   A full-fledged destination management and leisure division ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   An international ground-handler ·Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   An airline IT developer.With a fleet of 113 aircraft, we currently fly to  over 100 destinations in  62 countries around the world, and our network is expanding constantly. Nearly  800 Emirates flights depart Dubai each week on their way to destinations on  six continents. In fact, Emirates' flights  account for nearly 40  per cent of all flight movements in and out of Dubai International Airport, and our aim is to increase this market-share to 70 per cent by 2010 without compromising our reputation for quality.  Toward this end, Emirates has made numerous significant announcements regarding the future of its already state-of-the-art fleet.In 2001, Emirates demonstrated its confidence in the industry’s future growth by announcing the largest order in aviation history, valued at US$15 billion. A staggering 58 new aircraft, a mix of Airbus and Boeing, were to join the rapidly expanding fleet.  In 2005, Emirates announced the largest-ever or der for the Boeing 777 family of aircraft – 42 in all – in a deal worth Dhs 35.7 billion (US$ 9.7 billion).At the 2006 Farnborough Air Show, Emirates signed a Heads of Agreement for 10 of Boeing’s new 747-8F aircraft, to be powered by General Electric’s GEnx jet engines, in a deal worth US$ 3.3 billion.  At the Dubai Airshow in November 2007, Emirates announced a historic civil aviation aircraft order when it signed contracts for a 120 Airbus A350s, 11 A380s, and 12 Boeing 777-300ERs, worth an estimated US$34.9 billion in list prices. The agreement with Airbus comprises firm orders for 50 A350-900s and 20 A350-1000s, plus 50 options for the A350-900s. The first A350 will be delivered to Emirates in 2014.Emirates also firmed up orders on the eight A380s for which it had signed letters of intent earlier this year, and placed firm orders for an additional three of the double-decker aircraft, bringing its total firm order for the A380s to 58.References:http s://www.emirates.com/uk/english/about/history.aspx [Cited 14 March2008]http://academic.mintel.com/sinatra/oxygen_academic/†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦..[Cited 14 March2008]https://www.emirates.com/ua/russian/ [Cited 14 March2008] Stephen J. Porth (2003) Strategic Management: A cross- Functional Approach. Second edition Hamel, G. (2002). Leading the revolution: How to thrive in a turbulent time by making innovation a way of life

Monday, September 16, 2019

Paper Three Rough Draft Essay

Languages define a culture itself and every language in the world expresses the heart and spirit of people who speak it. Languages explain the human capacity for acquiring and using complex systems of communication. Everyone has a language that they convey and pursue in everyday activities. Gloria Anzaldua, author of â€Å"How to Tame a Wild Tongue†, is a Mexican American woman who takes great pride in her culture, but struggles to keep the form of Spanish called, â€Å"Chicano Spanish† alive. Born and raised in South Texas, Anzaldua will always have Mexican culture in her blood, but living in such a strict American society, she feels pressured to choose to speak either an English that American society would appreciate, or Castilian that the Mexican society would agree with. Growing up, Anzaldua slowly realized that others mistreated her because her language was poor. She expresses herself in the text through her personal experiences, struggles, and her gender role with in her language and culture. Everyone has a specific role that they associate with when it comes to speaking different languages. Anzaldua describes this by saying, â€Å"My ‘home’ tongues are the languages I speak with my sister and brothers, with my friends† (â€Å"Tongue† 36). With Chicano Spanish and Tex-Mex as some of the most dependent languages for her, she also speaks a total of five different languages that she picked up from school, reading literature, and different cultures. She feels most confident when she speaks in her native tongue, without the distraction of adjusting to another language. She knows how to speak many languages, but is always having to speak differently according to different cultures. As time went on, the Chicano language grew rapidly, and now includes elements from seven different languages, such as Standard English, Working class and slang English, Standard Spanish, Standard Mexican Spanish, North Mexican Spanish dialect, Chicano Spanish, and Tex-Mex. Eventually, the Chicanos started to believe they needed a language that could be identified as their own. According to Anzaldua, Chicanos are â€Å"complex, heterogeneous  people,† and because of that, they speak many different languages (â€Å"Tongue†, 36). Is the way we speak always how others you want to interpret it? Growing up, Chicanos believed they spoke poor Spanish. They would feel uncomfortable talking to others because mainstream American culture discouraged the use of their language. She describes the discrimination, â€Å"It is illegitimate, a bastard language. And because we internalize how our language has been used against us by dominant culture, we use our language differences against each other† (â€Å"Tongue†, 38). Therefore, Chicanos felt obligated to use their own dominant language because they were proud of their culture. In this way, Anzaldua takes pride in herself and the language she speaks. She expresses this pride by saying, â€Å"So, if you want to really hurt me, talk badly about my language. Ethnic identity is twin to linguistic identity- I am my language† (â€Å"Tongue†, 39). Anzaldua believes that even if you live in a country where the language you speak is not accepted, still continue to use your native tongue because it defines who you are as a person. â€Å"I will no longer be made to feel ashamed of existing. I will have my voice: Indian, Spanish, white. I will have my serpent’s tongue- my woman’s voice, my sexual voice, my poet’s voice. I will overcome the tradition of silence† (â€Å"Tongue† 40). Aristotle classifies language by the use of persuasive arguments and using the three different types of persuasive appeals (pathos, logos, and ethos) (Aristotle 489). Whereas Anzaldua believes there are no right or wrong way to use language. Aristotle view of language is more persuasion whereas Anzaldua’s view is more social and applies more to modern day speaking. Many have the difficulties of speaking certain languages, but imagine those not being able to speak words because of the inability to even hear the words being spoken. This is why her view is more relevant to people today. Anzaldua expresses herself throughout her life of having a challenging time speaking her language; similarly, I Jordan Kohl, believe that language is a special device that s hould not be taken for granted. As someone who has sensorineural hearing loss, I know that language can have many complications. If you cannot hear, you cannot speak. Pronouncing words or phrases beginning with certain letters such as a, ‘’S†, â€Å"W†, and â€Å"T†, has taken numerous years for me to conquer. Anzaldua’s way of learning new languages was through listening at school, radio, TV, and reading newspapers  and magazines; mine was through reading lips, speech therapy, wearing hearing aids, and various hearing tests. While Anzaldua’s experiences may have had a struggle to maintain a positive outlook on her language conflicts, mine was to keep track of listening to other people’s words. Aristotle’s view of persuasive arguments obviously does not apply to my life as much as her does. How we communicate with each other is the way we connect. Anzaldua illustrates that the language we speak should not isolate people from each other. Be proud of the language you speak, even if others do not agree. I myself believe that any language should be honored because some cannot even hear the words. Anzaldua’s perspective has helped people have a better understanding of the importance being appreciative of languages. Language cannot be separated from culture as an independent aspect because any language is a culture itself. Work Cited Anzaldua, Gloria. â€Å"How to Tame a Wild Tongue.† Borderlands/La Frontera: The New Mestize (2007) 33-44. Print. Aristotle. â€Å"Rhetoric† 489-501 Print.

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Factors affecting math performance of the students

The actual coding of a program is done by a(n) a) systems analyst b) software engineer c) end-user d) database administrator Answer: B Difficulty level: Easy page: 389 Response: Software engineers would complete the coding of a program. . Program objectives, desired outputs, needed inputs, and processing requirements are all recorded in the a) program tracking log project management database program specifications document c) d) management information system Answer: C Difficulty level: 389 page: 390 Response: All of these items are outlined in the program specifications document. 4. The information software produces after it has processed the input is called a) flowchart b) output c) objective prototype Response: The output is what has been produced after the input has been processed. 5.The information that a program requires in order to accomplish its objective is called the a) data contribution c) effort input Answer: D Response: Once you know the output, you then determine the inp ut data and the source of this data. 6. The program's processing steps are grouped into logically-related programming statements called a) modules unit c) object component page: 392 Response: Processing steps are called program modules (modules). 7. Flowcharts and pseudopodia are examples of tools used in the program phase. A) specification b) design c) code d) test page: 393 Response: Pseudopodia and flowcharts are tools used in program design. . The programming tool that uses linked symbols to show the sequence of steps needed to solve a programming problem. A) grid table pseudopodia c) algorithm d) flowchart Response: Flowcharts graphically present the detailed sequence of steps needed to solve a program by using symbols. 9. In a(n) structure, one statement follows the other with no conditions having to be met. A) selection b) loop sequence conditional Response: In the sequence structure, one program statement follows another. 10. The structure involves repeating a sequence until a condition is met. A) loop selectionResponse: A loop structure will repeat so long as a certain condition remains true. 11. An IF-THEN-ELSE statement is part of the structure. A) loop Response: IF-THEN-ELSE structures are part of the selection structure. 12. In the course of creating program specifications, the end-user should sketch out the desired a) splash logo icon Response: The end-users should sketch out the desired output that they want out of the computer system. 13. The control structure used to perform a series of statements one after the other is called a) sequential c) loop random Response: In the sequential structure, one program statement follows another. . When a program makes a true or false decision, it is an example of a(n) logic structure. A) if-then-else b) do until c) do while d) what-if Response: If-then-else resembles a true/false decision. 15. When a program repeats a portion of software code as long as a certain condition doesn't exist, it's using a(n) str ucture. A) Response: This is an example of the do until structure. 16. The actual writing of a program in a programming language is called a) program design b) logic structure language translation d) coding page: 396 Response: Writing the program is called coding. 17.Which of the following is not necessary for a good program? A) reliability catches common errors colorful graphics d) well-documented Response: Colorful graphics are not necessary for a good program. 18. Eliminating errors in a program is also called the program. A) debugging b) modularizing c) coding clarifying page: 399 Response: Debugging is testing a program and eliminating errors. 19. A program error that violates the grammar rules of the programming language is a(n) error. A) modular b) logic syntax language Response: Syntax error is a violation of the grammar rules of the programming language. . Error could be the result of the programmer making an incorrect calculation. A) b) general protection c) logic breakpoi nt Response: Logic errors are created by incorrect or missing specifications. 21. Refers to testing by a select group of potential users in the final stage of testing a program. A) Manual testing b) Desk checking c) Attempt at translation d) Beta testing page: 400 Response: Beta testing refers to testing by a select group of potential users in the final stage of testing a program. Re explanations that tell other programmers In programming, what's happening in the software code. ) restrictions b) tables c) documentation d) selections Response: Documentation is written to explain what is happening in the software code. 23. As much as percent of the total lifetime cost for an application program is for maintenance. A) d) 75% Difficulty level: Hard page: 402 Response: As much as 75% of the total lifetime cost for an application program is for maintenance. 24. Which of the following refers to tools that are used to design, code, and test software? ) XML b) CAD c) CASE d) pop page: 403 Re sponse: CASE tools are used to automate the development process. They can aid n program design, coding, and testing. 25. Software that helps programmers prepare reports, draw flowcharts, and generate software code for prototypes is a(n) a) CAUSE (computer assisted Unix software environment) tool b) CASE (computer aided software engineering) tool c) COOL (computer licensed operations code) tool d) CULL (combined users licensed protocols) tool Response: CASE tools help programmers prepare these items. 26.Object-oriented programming is a type of assembler language a) b) allows you to interact with objects when coding software c) is a type of machine language inverts source code into machine language code Answer: B page: 404 Response: Object-oriented programming focuses on letting you interact with the objects (defined procedures) when coding software. 27. POP languages use combinations of objects natural and nonprocedural statements binary coded instructions d) abbreviations and mnemon ic Difficult level: Easy Response: Object-oriented programming uses combinations of objects. 8. Machine language is composed only of a) keyword statements b) hexadecimal numbers c) memory address toggles d) So and Is page: 405 Response: Machine language is composed of Is and So. 9. Language is made up only of binary digits. A) Procedural b) Machine c) Assembly d) Natural Response: Machine language uses binary code. Which of the following lines of code comes from a first generation computer language? A) b) 00010 1010 1101 0001 1010 this Total=Total + Totals set total to sum of totals Response: Machine language (first generation) used So and Is. 1. These languages use abbreviations and mnemonics that make it easier for humans to understand. A) assembly b) machine language d) COBOL Response: Assembly language uses abbreviations or mnemonics that make it easier or humans to understand and use. 32. Languages are designed to express the logic used instead of Just performing calculations. A) Machine b) Procedural d) Low level Response: Procedural languages are designed to express the logic – the procedures – that can solve general problems. 3. Procedural languages are part of the generation of computer languages. A) first second third fourth Response: Procedural languages are part of the third generation of computer languages. Procedural languages must be translated into machine language using compiler or interpreter a(n) a) b) assembler interpolator ) application generator Response: Procedural languages must be translated into machine language using a compiler or interpreter. 35. A compiler performs the following function. ) translates and executes each program statement one at a time b) converts the source code into machine language code c) translates instruction codes from assembler language into machine language d) uses statements to tell objects to perform actions on themselves Answer: B Response: Compiler converts procedural language program (sour ce code) into a machine language code (object code). C++ is considered a A) machine language ) assembly language c) procedural language natural language Response: C++ is a procedural language. 7. Converts the programmer's procedural language program into a machine language. A) interpreter compiler d) analyst page:405 Response: A compiler converts procedural language program into machine language An interpreter performs the following function. A) translates and executes each line of code one at a time b) translates high-level language statements uses statements to tell objects to perform actions on themselves d) translates software code from assembly language into machine language Answer: AResponse: Interpreter converts the procedural language one statement at a time into machine code Just before it is executed. 39. Problem-oriented languages are which generation of language? A) first page: 406 Response: Problem-oriented languages are fourth generation languages. Fourth-generation la nguages use a) procedural statements nonprocedural statements c) assemblers symbols Response: Fourth-generation languages are nonprocedural languages.

Saturday, September 14, 2019

Music Masters and Rhythm Kings Essay

It is a rare opportunity to witness masters of the old tradition relishing in their element: sweat on their foreheads as beats and strings pulsate the story of a past almost forgotten. It is a gift if one is fortunate enough to see them live, but seeing them and hearing their music on the limited capacity of film is still a treasure, much like watching some of the best keepers of old time Southern music in Peggy Bulger and Melissa Shepard Sykes’ film Music Masters and Rhythm Kings. We review musicians Eddie Kirkland, Neal Pattman, Homer â€Å"Pappy† Sherill and the Hired Hands, and Florencio Baro as they recount the origins of their music and how they have come to imbibe it. Southern music is essentially an amalgam of two musical cultures combined despite a clash of ideals and beliefs, and despite centuries of oppression and dispute. As Charles Joyner, a Southern Culture historian mentions in the film, it is impossible for the Southern peoples not to be influenced by the culture of another race, especially if they are so ingrained in their society. Though these people might argue against these relations, there is no denying the immense influence of African culture in the language, the mannerisms, and especially, the music of the South. History dictates that traditional South American music finds its roots in the harsh working fields. Pappy Sherill phrases this perfectly when he says that these farmers do â€Å"as a way of putting joy to themselves [sic] while they’re working. † At the same time, Southern music also represented the subversive culture of the African slaves. Their music became their way of expression because they knew that the â€Å"white man can have no control†. Bringing their own kind of musical tradition from their homeland, they created a new one that came to represent and signal the changing dynamics of the American South. In the film, we see Pappy Sherill and the Hired Hands, one of the few old-time string bands that play actively in the South. Their music embodies the respite that Southern farmers crave after a day of toiling under the hot sun. It is a fast-paced jig that consists of music from a fiddle, a guitar, a banjo, and a cello, all coming together in an energetic symphony of strings. Pulling it all together is Sherill, who at a very ripe age still remains as one of the best fiddle players in the country. Folklorist Glenn Hinson defines his playing as propelled by advanced technique that harkens back to the days when fiddlers made their instruments cry and sing. Playing professionally since he was thirteen years old, Sherill was a prodigy who created music despite financial setbacks. He only owned a proper wooden fiddle when he managed to save money from a side job, and only after using a tin fiddle for some time. In 1976, Sherill won the award for Best Old-Time Fiddler in the National Fiddlers Championship, opening doors for him to play in many road show and concerts. But, when Pappy sang and played out of joy, Eddie Kirkland and Neal Pattman sang the sonorous, highly emotional tunes of the blues. Eddie Kirkland grew up harvesting cotton, and during the production of the film had once again stepped foot in the cotton fields. Drawing back to memories of those hardships, Eddie remembers doing this grinding, back-breaking work as a child. It was only the â€Å"field hollers, work songs†¦ and spirituals† of the African-American people that pushed them to go on. Arising from this work songs were the Blues, a uniquely Southern music that Kirkland loves so dear. As we can hear from the film, Kirkland’s music is derived from years of toil and work, echoing a time of inequality and hardship. He describes it as â€Å"heart-wrenching Blues. † And so it is, with the soft, poignant, yet irregular riffs of his guitar accompanied by his soulful voice, we feel sadness and desperation. But, he goes beyond this by also singing songs of love following the Blues format. It is a rare opportunity to hear the Blues as it could’ve been played at the beginning of the 19th century, in the backwaters of the rural South. Also reminiscent of Kirkland is Neal Pattman, a maestro of the blues harp, who also rose from the working fields. His music, as any Blues music would be, touches the heart and with his harp he creates an even more wrenching elegy. We follow the flow of his music as it rises and stops, as he accompanies it with his voice. We listen and we are transplanted back into the days of old when the whiteness of the cotton fields is an unwanted sight. Hailing from further South is Cuban musician Florencio Baro. A singer and percussionist, his music remains a pure representation of his African heritage. His songs are sung in his ancestors’ native African language that as a child he has learned to understand and to appreciate. Much like South American music, his music as a combination of two cultures brought together despite odds. Historically, his music arises from the spiritual cult of Santoria, a religion established by African slaves brought to Cuba. What started out as spiritual hymns as a way to once again reconnect with their distant land, is now heard as Afro-Cuban music. It is played with an energetic combination of African percussions and Cuban guitars. In Baro’s hands, the music achieves a life of its own. The beats throb as Baro’s voice sing of the woes of the African slave, weaving itself in and out of the notes, all in a way that is dramatically hypnotic. And entranced the audience were as they glimpse at this fragment of the past that, unfortunately, seldom reaches the majority’s ears. These men represent a bygone era of music that is formed when culture clash and are forced to combine. But, in retrospect, what we are singing of now and what our music is today, all boils down to the undying pursuit of expression that these men have achieved.