Digital Fortress Chapter 4

The crypto door beeped once, waking Susan from her depressing reverie. The door had rotated past its fully open position and would be closed again in five seconds, having made a complete 360-degree rotation. Susan gathered her thoughts and stepped through the opening. A computer made note of her entry. Although she had practically lived in Crypto since its completion three years ago, the sight of it still amazed her. The main room was an enormous circular chamber that rose five stories. Its transparent, domed ceiling towered 120 feet at its central peak. The Plexiglas cupola was embedded with a polycarbonate mesh-a protective web capable of withstanding a two-megaton blast. The screen filtered the sunlight into delicate lacework across the walls. Tiny particles of dust drifted upward in wide unsuspecting spirals-captives of the dome's powerful deionizing system. The room's sloping sides arched broadly at the top and then became almost vertical as they approached eye level. Then they became subtly translucent and graduated to an opaque black as they reached the floor-a shimmering expanse of polished black tile that shone with an eerie luster, giving one the unsettling sensation that the floor was transparent. Black ice. Pushing through the center of the floor like the tip of a colossal torpedo was the machine for which the dome had been built. Its sleek black contour arched twenty-three feet in the air before plunging back into the floor below. Curved and smooth, it was as if an enormous killer whale had been frozen mid breach in a frigid sea. This was TRANSLTR, the single most expensive piece of computing equipment in the world-a machine the NSA swore did not exist. Like an iceberg, the machine hid 90 percent of its mass and power deep beneath the surface. Its secret was locked in a ceramic silo that went six stories straight down-a rocketlike hull surrounded by a winding maze of catwalks, cables, and hissing exhaust from the freon cooling system. The power generators at the bottom droned in a perpetual low-frequency hum that gave the acoustics in Crypto a dead, ghostlike quality. TRANSLTR, like all great technological advancements, had been a child of necessity. During the 1980s, the NSA witnessed a revolution in telecommunications that would change the world of intelligence reconnaissance forever-public access to the Internet. More specifically, the arrival of E-mail. Criminals, terrorists, and spies had grown tired of having their phones tapped and immediately embraced this new means of global communication. E-mail had the security of conventional mail and the speed of the telephone. Since the transfers traveled through underground fiber-optic lines and were never transmitted into the airwaves, they were entirely intercept-proof-at least that was the perception. In reality, intercepting E-mail as it zipped across the Internet was child's play for the NSA's techno-gurus. The Internet was not the new home computer revelation that most believed. It had been created by the Department of Defense three decades earlier-an enormous network of computers designed to provide secure government communication in the event of nuclear war. The eyes and ears of the NSA were old Internet pros. People conducting illegal business via E-mail quickly learned their secrets were not as private as they'd thought. The FBI, DEA, IRS, and other U.S. law enforcement agencies-aided by the NSA's staff of wily hackers-enjoyed a tidal wave of arrests and convictions. Of course, when the computer users of the world found out the U.S. government had open access to their E-mail communications, a cry of outrage went up. Even pen pals, using E-mail for nothing more than recreational correspondence, found the lack of privacy unsettling. Across the globe, entrepreneurial programmers began working on a way to keep E-mail more secure. They quickly found one and public-key encryption was born. Public-key encryption was a concept as simple as it was brilliant. It consisted of easy-to-use, home-computer software that scrambled personal E-mail messages in such a way that they were totally unreadable. A user could write a letter and run it through the encryption software, and the text would come out the other side looking like random nonsense-totally illegible-a code. Anyone intercepting the transmission found only an unreadable garble on the screen. The only way to unscramble the message was to enter the sender's â€Å"pass-key†-a secret series of characters that functioned much like a PIN number at an automatic teller. The pass-keys were generally quite long and complex; they carried all the information necessary to instruct the encryption algorithm exactly what mathematical operations to follow tore-create the original message. A user could now send E-mail in confidence. Even if the transmission was intercepted, only those who were given the key could ever decipher it. The NSA felt the crunch immediately. The codes they were facing were no longer simple substitution ciphers crackable with pencil and graph paper-they were computer-generated hash functions that employed chaos theory and multiple symbolic alphabets to scramble messages into seemingly hopeless randomness. At first, the pass-keys being used were short enough for the NSA's computers to â€Å"guess.† If a desired pass-key had ten digits, a computer was programmed to try every possibility between 0000000000 and 9999999999. Sooner or later the computer hit the correct sequence. This method of trial-and-error guessing was known as â€Å"brute force attack.† It was time-consuming but mathematically guaranteed to work. As the world got wise to the power of brute-force code-breaking, the pass-keys started getting longer and longer. The computer time needed to â€Å"guess† the correct key grew from weeks to months and finally to years. By the 1990s, pass-keys were over fifty characters long and employed the full 256-character ASCII alphabet of letters, numbers, and symbols. The number of different possibilities was in the neighborhood of 10120-ten with 120 zeros after it. Correctly guessing a pass-key was as mathematically unlikely as choosing the correct grain of sand from a three-mile beach. It was estimated that a successful brute-force attack on a standard sixty-four-bit key would take the NSA's fastest computer-the top-secret Cray/Josephson II-over nineteen years to break. By the time the computer guessed the key and broke the code, the contents of the message would be irrelevant. Caught in a virtual intelligence blackout, the NSA passed a top-secret directive that was endorsed by the President of the United States. Buoyed by federal funds and a carte blanche to do whatever was necessary to solve the problem, the NSA set out to build the impossible: the world's first universal code-breaking machine. Despite the opinion of many engineers that the newly proposed code-breaking computer was impossible to build, the NSA lived by its motto: Everything is possible. The impossible just takes longer. Five years, half a million man-hours, and $1.9 billion later, the NSA proved it once again. The last of the three million, stamp-size processors was hand-soldered in place, the final internal programming was finished, and the ceramic shell was welded shut. TRANSLTR had been born. Although the secret internal workings of TRANSLTR were the product of many minds and were not fully understood by any one individual, its basic principle was simple: Many hands make light work. Its three million processors would all work in parallel-counting upward at blinding speed, trying every new permutation as they went. The hope was that even codes with unthinkably colossal pass-keys would not be safe from TRANSLTR's tenacity. This multibillion-dollar masterpiece would use the power of parallel processing as well as some highly classified advances in clear text assessment to guess pass-keys and break codes. It would derive its power not only from its staggering number of processors but also from new advances in quantum computing-an emerging technology that allowed information to be stored as quantum-mechanical states rather than solely as binary data. The moment of truth came on a blustery Thursday morning in October. The first live test. Despite uncertainty about how fast the machine would be, there was one thing on which the engineers agreed-if the processors all functioned in parallel, TRANSLTR would be powerful. The question was how powerful. The answer came twelve minutes later. There was a stunned silence from the handful in attendance when the printout sprang to life and delivered the cleartext-the broken code. TRANSLTR had just located a sixty-four-character key in a little over ten minutes, almost a million times faster than the two decades it would have taken the NSA's second-fastest computer. Led by the deputy director of operations, Commander Trevor J. Strathmore, the NSA's Office of Production had triumphed. TRANSLTR was a success. In the interest of keeping their success a secret, Commander Strathmore immediately leaked information that the project had been a complete failure. All the activity in the Crypto wing was supposedly an attempt to salvage their $2 billion fiasco. Only the NSA elite knew the truth-TRANSLTR was cracking hundreds of codes every day. With word on the street that computer-encrypted codes were entirely unbreakable-even by the all-powerful NSA-the secrets poured in. Drug lords, terrorists, and embezzlers alike-weary of having their cellular phone transmissions intercepted-were turning to the exciting new medium of encrypted E-mail for instantaneous global communications. Never again would they have to face a grand jury and hear their own voice rolling off tape, proof of some long-forgotten cellular phone conversation plucked from the air by an NSA satellite. Intelligence gathering had never been easier. Codes intercepted by the NSA entered TRANSLTR as totally illegible ciphers and were spit out minutes later as perfectly readable cleartext. No more secrets. To make their charade of incompetence complete, the NSA lobbied fiercely against all new computer encryption software, insisting it crippled them and made it impossible for lawmakers to catch and prosecute the criminals. Civil rights groups rejoiced, insisting the NSA shouldn't be reading their mail anyway. Encryption software kept rolling off the presses. The NSA had lost the battle-exactly as it had planned. The entire electronic global community had been fooled†¦ or so it seemed.

Conflict and Reconciliation Essay

A state primarily consists of three vital things, without which a state would no longer be called a state. These three things namely – people, territory and government. The three of them are dependent and interdependent on each other. It is difficult to have them separated and be considered as the sole cause of a problem. The territory is not in our hands, this is the land that we got after independence. The government is what runs the country, but, there is nothing that we, citizens can do. All we get to do is elect a representative party of the government every four years. And lastly, we have the people of the country. This is yet another vital component of a state. Without this, a state would be a deserted piece of land. (Muller, 2005) There have been instances where the so-called people of the land are not one. In fact, there have been conflicts between the people. Well, there are a lot of conflicts. But it is never the conflict that is harmful, it is never the clash of ideas that breaks the country, but the behavior of the conflict is what drives people away from being one. Once there is a rift between them, there is no going back. It is difficult to bring the people out from their then built in schemas. After a conflict which has taken out peace form one sect of the country, it is difficult to have them stop stereotyping the other one. There is a key word that I have used in the previous sentence. The word sect caught my attention as soon as I was done writing the sentence. I ask myself, is our country divided into sects? Is that what is causing the conflict? Is it the cause of the rifts that take place every day? Is it the cause of the grudges built in people? Is this what makes them stereotype others that are not in their sect? Well, after hours of pondering, I say yes. This is why we are not one. This is exactly why we can not have a civil discussion among people of different sects without having any clash of ideas. The division of sects in the country is the very reason of as to why we give the term â€Å"Many Americas† to this country. Let’s consider a couple of examples that might invoke us and might bring us to a conclusion that the division of people into sects is not the only cause of the so-called â€Å"Many Americas†. There is no doubt that we have different communities in this country. Well, every nation does, it is not like our nation is different from the rest. It is just that we do not have to over look the priorities and the benefits of the sects that are small in number. It is human nature to consider the things that are obvious and are right in front of us. Although it is not right not to consider the sects that are in minority. Lets take an example of the people contemporarily living in the country. We have a lot of Indians present, some are working, some are studying and some are living as illegal immigrants. In fact a lot of them are living as illegal immigrants. Definitely, the clash of ideas and compromise has to be there. Without compromise, the clash of ideas between them, will grow and will soon develop into huge unsolved rifts. This is just one trivial example. Just to mention that I am not considering the illegal immigrants, who are staying in the country because they want to and not because they can stay? Their story is pretty different. If they can not be hired for any job because they do not hold a passport or a green card or hold a long expired visa – well, they are to blame. There are different cultures, different religions, different races, cultures, beliefs, doctrines, creed, color. There is so much that has been separating us. This is what people usually say. I do not second their notion. It is highly incorrect for them to say that if some one is in the minority, they do not belong to this nation. If some one has a different skin color than me, they are just different. Well, I say such people are nothing but shallow. There is not much that we can do to make them turn around and understand that although there are people of different doctrines living in the same piece of land as us, but they are still Americans, they are still a part of us. Just telling them that they are wrong is not going to change any thing. The schemas that people develop and stick to the fore front of the minds of the people, do not just develop in a day. It takes a lot of years to develop them and it takes just seconds to make them even worst. By this I mean that it is difficult to drive the schemas out, however, it is not difficult to build upon them. It is easier said than done. Many Americas is not many, its just one. It’s a matter of perception. Let’s take a trivial yet crucial example of the positive instances never being counted or accounted for. I was with my friends at the beach. The Indians at school are known for stealing trinkets from the kids at school. My friend’s watch got stolen from our spot. We were all worried and the first thing that she did was point â€Å"I† for stealing it. Lets take â€Å"I† as the Indian girl who was blamed. Just because she was around our spot at the beach does not necessarily mean that she stole it. Well, she was embarrassed and humiliated in front of all the kids there. It was a school trip so all the kids from school were there. Her entire bag was toppled; all the things inside it were forcibly thrown out of it. I tried to stop my friend but, she would just not let it go; it was an expensive watch. Well, at the end we found out that some one’s dog took it. But the point of the entire story is that she did not do it. Even after the incident, they all still blamed the Indians for taking away things ever time something got lost. It is not a matter to be proud of. We are all one. We are all one nation. It is ok to share the same piece of land with some one who is a little different from us. Although this was just one example, there are many others that I will be mentioning about in the final paper. The entire point of this rough draft is that no matter how different one may be, we are all living and sharing the same piece of land. The belief that this is my land more that it is yours just because there are more people like me on this land than you; this idea is to be driven out of our heads as soon as we can before matters worsen. There is not much that we can do to make them forget the existing schemas and understand that although there are people of different doctrines and beliefs, living in the same piece of land we are, but they are still Americans, just like us and they are still a part of us. We all together make this nation. It is not just one sect or two, it is many Americas that make this beautiful, peaceful country, our country. And just telling those people that they are wrong is not going to change any thing. The schemas that people develop and stick to the fore front of the minds of the people, do not just develop in a day. It takes a lot of years to develop them and it takes just seconds to make them even worst. By this I mean that it is difficult to drive the schemas out, however, it is not difficult to build upon them. Hence, we are altogether one nation no matter how many creeds and sects our nation has. Reference: David J. Whittaker, Conflict and Reconciliation in the Contemporary World Gilbert H. Muller, Many Americas Reading and Writing across the Cultural Divides

Death Penalty Issues Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4250 words

Death Penalty Issues - Essay Example However, the death penalty was revived in the year 1978. By the year 1998, the state legislature provided another choice for executing the condemned prisoners. This was by means of lethal injection. In March 2000, legislation was enacted in this state that made death by lethal injection the primary procedure for executing those condemned to death (Tennessee Department of Correction, n.d.).   With the reintroduction of capital punishment in 1916, the prison wardens were required to maintain an official ledger that provided details of the executed. During the period 1916 to 1960, executions were conducted exclusively at the Tennessee State Penitentiary in Nashville. The execution of Coe by lethal injection, in the year 2000, was this state’s first execution, after nearly four decades (Tennessee Department of Correction, n.d.).   The Tennessee Code  § 39 – 13 – 202 describes the offenses that merit the capital punishment. These are; first, the intentional and premeditated killing of another. Second, the killing of another during the perpetration or attempted perpetration of first-degree murder; terrorist act; rape; robbery; arson; burglary; aggravated child abuse, neglect or rape; rape; rape of a child; or aircraft piracy. Third, the killing of another individual resulting from the unlawful discharging, placing or hurling of a bomb or destructive device (Palmer, 2013, p. 335).   Code  § 39 – 13- 204(i) of Tennessee stipulates that the prosecutor has to prove the existence of one of the following statutory aggravating circumstances, during the penalty stage of the proceedings. First, the murder was perpetrated against a person who was not older than 12 years of age and the accused was 18 years or older. Second, the accused had been convicted, previously, of one or more felonies that had involved violence to the person (Palmer, 2013, p. 335).

Official Development Assistance and Poverty Reduction Essay

Official Development Assistance and Poverty Reduction - Essay Example The Reality of Aid Report (2010:9) though note that the manner in which these agreements are implemented is too technical to actually transform the manner in which aid is governed to actually make it more effective and relevant to the poor for whom it is aimed. It shows that the agreements have not changed the reality of aid relationships since what is actually practised are technical aspects related to aid management rather than a focus on development policy making. The report concludes that even though reforms in aid effectiveness have delivered some benefits, they have not made considerable difference in how aid is viewed or to the extent to which it empowers or improves the lives of those who need it most (pp.25). From ODA’s definition, its key objective is to promote â€Å"economic development and welfare of developing countries† (OECD, 2008:1). Such development such developing healthcare facilities, educational facilities or even infrastructural development is oft en aimed at reducing poverty levels experienced by these countries as it increases the capacity of the countries to earn a decent living and to live in healthy states. In essence therefore one may relate poverty reduction as the key objective of ODA. So if ODA is not able to effectively meet its objectives as noted by the rise in poverty over a twenty year period as shown, then should aid be counted as official development assistance even if it does not reduce poverty levels? This paper argues that nothing should be counted as official development Assistance until it has been proven to reduce poverty. Official Development Assistance (ODA) ODA is defined as aid flows from donor countries of the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) list to countries eligible for such aid found on the DAC... From this essay it is clear that from ODA’s definition, its key objective is to promote â€Å"economic development and welfare of developing countries†. Such development such developing healthcare facilities, educational facilities or even infrastructural development is often aimed at reducing poverty levels experienced by these countries as it increases the capacity of the countries to earn a decent living and to live in healthy states. In essence therefore one may relate poverty reduction as the key objective of ODA. So if ODA is not able to effectively meet its objectives as noted by the rise in poverty over a twenty year period as shown, then should aid be counted as official development assistance even if it does not reduce poverty levels? This paper argues that nothing should be counted as official development Assistance until it has been proven to reduce poverty.This discussion highlights that  ODA is defined as aid flows from donor countries of the OECD Develo pment Assistance Committee (DAC) list to countries eligible for such aid found on the DAC list, these aid must first and fore most be given by official agencies or countries to the other countries or official institutions within the country where each aid is given with the core purpose of promotion welfare and development in the developing countries.  The area of focus of the definition in this paper is on the main objective of ODA whose purpose is to increase development and reduce poverty levels.

Organisational Communication Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Organisational Communication - Essay Example Therefore during the time of participation there is a need of information flow from both the sides. However the process of communication can be in the form of interacting, talking and writing as well. The present world of business is more saturated and also the companies have global presence. Such endeavors make communication even more multifaceted. Communicating across borders requires sound communication abilities that would allow people from different areas to cooperate with each other. The communication process can be divided into 5 dimensions. The five dimensions are described below:- International or Unintentional. Verbal or Nonverbal. Internal or external. Communication which involves Humans or Machines. Communication among individuals or groups. In the context of the project, only internal and external communication within the organization will be portrayed. Internal communication refers to the way of communication that takes place within the organization. The communication b etween the employees of an organization is denoted as internal communication. It is also important to achieve organizational objectives (â€Å"Internal communications†). ... The communications are:- The internal communication Employees: - The Company mainly uses E-mail and fax to communicate within the employees. The employees have their customized programs installed on their computers, so as to receive and send E-mails. Fax is also another medium which is being highly used in the company. Management: - In order to communicate with the top management of the organization pagers are mainly used. However customized E-mail programs are also used. Also the company in order to conduct vital meetings the company uses video conferencing. The external communication In this context the communication takes place among the company and its end customers, distributors and suppliers. The company in its external communication strategy uses various techniques, but remains transparent about the offerings. In order to portray the offerings the company used the promotions from the company is mainly TV advertisements and other trade and consumer schemes. Customers: - In orde r to directly communicate with the customers the company sends direct E-mail from the customer information database. Distributors and Suppliers of Coca Cola: - In this respect the company makes use of fax and video conferencing techniques. Now in the case of Pepsi, the internal and external communication also plays an important role towards the success of the company. In respect with its internal communication, the company mainly uses E-mail and also uses verbal communication. In order to communicate with the internal employees the company mainly uses meetings to communicate information within the team members. The external communication method of Pepsi is almost similar to that of Coca cola. Pepsi also uses TV advertisements

Topic to be selected from a list Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Topic to be selected from a list - Essay Example The government of United Kingdom introduced a scheme known as Sure Start in 1989 to ensure that children receive the best possible start in life (Thompson, 2010). This initiative was led by Gordon Brown, who was the chancellor of Exchequer during that time (Thompson, 2010). The goal of this program was to provide a good start to the children, so that they can build upon it in the future. The support is provided in terms of ensuring good education beginning from the early years; providing facilities for childcare; ensuring good health care and ensuring family support for children’s well-being (Roberts, 2000). Additionally, the project also has the larger goal of community development so that children can have a head start to in their adult life as a result of spending their childhood with a robust and healthy community (Roberts, 2000). This study takes a closer look at the contribution of Sure Start to the lives of children and families in the UK. It also attempts to assess the impact, the challenges and the future outlook related to this program. The study starts by documenting the origins and functioning of this scheme and then moves on the various contributions that it has made to the lives of children and families. Then, it also takes a look at both the local and national assessment of the scheme, the view of researchers and its future outlook. The performance of Sure Start has been under the scrutiny in recent times and scholars as well as the media have been debating on the effectiveness of this program. Hence, it is necessary to understand the ways in which this program may have had an impact on both The research is undertaken through a literature survey and review of available research and literature on the topic of project Sure Start. As such, numerous journal articles, books, newspaper articles, and authentic websites were perused and

Key leadership principles, 5 Levels of listening, 4 developmental Essay

Key leadership principles, 5 Levels of listening, 4 developmental stages of empathic listening - Essay Example Going through the section on habit five, Covey asserts that even though individuals are always taken through other aspects of communication such as reading, writing and speaking, listening is similarly of great significance. According to Covey, any communication process involves five levels of listening. The first level is ignoring, which is characterized by not really paying attention to the perceptions of the other party, and that the practice of pretending is the second level of listening. Covey emphasizes that the aspect of hearing only a few positions, which is known as selective listening is the third level of listening and that attentive listening that is characterized by taking note of one’s energy on the words being said is the fourth level. The author strongly believes that in as much as people are able to make sense of the perceptions of others when they go through the four levels of listening highlighted above, there is need to practice emphatic listening, which is essentially skill based and truncated from both character and the relationship that exists between the parties at hand. Emphatic listening is of great significance in communication because it focuses on listening with intent to understand rather than concentrating on the how to reply, control and manipulate the conversation (Covey 248). Similarly, Covey holds the opinion that emphatic listening is far-reaching in communication, as it enables the parties involved to look inside their frames of reference and see through the worlds of each other, thereby understanding how each party feels instead of exhibiting sympathy. The author recommends that emphatic listening should make use of the ears, eyes and the heart and though it has often been put forward that s uch an approach makes individuals more susceptible to manipulation, it is important, as it provides accurate data to work with. To demonstrate how productive emphatic listening is during

Retention Intervention Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Retention Intervention - Essay Example To counteract a high turnover rate, a set of retention techniques can be used to avoid/resolve conflicts and improve the company image. Retention means retaining those employees who share the company values and fit with the company profile. When staff retention is a program, a workforce development program can be initiated. An organization cannot survive if its top performers quit. Loyal and dedicated workers are needed if the company’s strategic objectives are to realized. The management must retain valuable employees in order to ensure the long term success of the company. An employee who spends a longer duration with an organization becomes more familiar with its rules and guidelines and has less adjusting issues. This can save the company valuable time it will otherwise have to spend on training and helping adjust new recruits. Whenever an employee resigns, it is the responsibility of the HR to intervene and find the cause of resignation. There can be many reasons for a resignation which includes lesser salary, lack of growth, negative ambience etc. The primary role of the HR is to keep track of any trends or patterns which may emerge in resignation data which suggest that there is a problem for the employees. In order to ensure that the retention issue and resignation does not arise in the first place, the recruitment of the right candidate by the HR department is necessary. The HR department should recruit people who fit the company profile. It is enticing to hire a person by forcing him to stay for a lesser salary but this is a bad tactic. The person might stay for some time but will eventually leave. The recruitment process therefore should be tailor made to ensure the right people are hired who won’t cause a retention problem to arise in the first place. There are many retention techniques that an HR department can undertake. These include the launch of motivational

Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 4

Assignment Example One of the various changes experienced by the health care system is the change of continuum of care. Continuum of care refers to involvement of integration of various systems of care that assists patients from time to time through various means of services of health (Columbia University Medical Center, 2012). For example: in the past care was restricted to health care organizations and settings, but now health care providers are needed to provide services at different settings such as home and community centers. Now nurses are required to be culturally competent so they can deal with different patients coming from different cultural backgrounds and understand issues in the context of patient’s culture. The focus of health care systems used to be on helping patients get better, now the focus has shifted to disease prevention and individual well being. Accountability of the health care service providers have even changed. In the past, care providers were paid for their services on the basis of fee for each service. This promoted health care professionals to increase the number of services and they started focusing on quantity of service rather than quality of service. One method used to fix this issue is creation of Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs); such organizations have been promoted and accepted by insurance companies who cover health care and by the government. ACOs are created in such a way that certain amount of service providers obtain responsibility of caring for a batch of patients and focus is on treating and providing health service to the entire batch (Dickerson, 2011). Compensation is paid to these service providers by Medicare and insurance companies in return for saving the expenditure and cutting down the cost of treatment while providing very high quality treatment to the patient. Another new system that is gaining popularity in health care system is patient centered medical homes, this system has not only changed the previous method s of providing care, and it has even increased the required amount of nurses and their competencies (Haney, 2012, p.5). Medical homes comprise of providing health care services in teams, the leader of this team is a physician and his task is to provide health care services to patients on an ongoing and continuous basis with the main aim of achieving higher quality health care for patients. This approach specializes in providing health care services to the youth, kids and adults. An important component of this system is care coordination and for the purpose of care ordination, highly trained staff is required who know how to use technological advancements and they should have the ability to work in teams. Surveys have shown that people have started giving importance to prevention of diseases and well being of individuals over healing diseases, this issue has even been addressed in legislative and funding for prevention has been increased by the government (HelathCare, 2012). The shif t from treatment to prevention and wellbeing of patients and individuals has been given great importance by Nurse Managed Health Care Centers. These facilities charge less than what physician led health care centers charge and there is an increase in demand for such centers because of the continuous increase in cost of health care services. The focus is on care systems that are community based has been increased and more people have been covered through health care insurance

Film Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words - 1

Film Analysis - Essay Example At the conclusion of the discussion, after each technical code has been analysed, a conclusion will be drawn upon to combine each code into one and to dissect these and then to combine them back together to create the overall stylistic expression of the text, which will be considered as 'sombre realism'. The Mise en Scene in the 2002 film The Pianist, works around a realistic perception of stylization which is seen throughout the film. The use of dull colours to emphasize the depressive feeling of the characters is highlighted with their costume, set decoration as well as the buildings around them. The text is set in the early 1940's period of World War II and every part of the mise en scene has been carefully created to conform with this era in order to make it seem realistic. Natural soft lighting is used throughout the text, and it is only used in scenes out of the Jewish Ghetto. For example, an interior scene within the apartment of one of the protagonists' friends who is trying to help him shows very bright natural light to create a binary opposition between the world of the main character, and that of the Polish people who are considered much more contented. This use of three point lighting reflects both worlds in very different ways. Inside the Ghetto, very little lighting is used, and many grey and brown shades of colour are used together with the lack of lighting to create the necessary sensitivity to evoke the emotions of hopelessness and despair. Make up and costume also plays an imperative part in establishing the realism of the text. At the commencement of the film each character is considered well groomed and looking in good health, all with costume consistent with that of the pre-war period. Also, it would be near impossible to tell the difference between a Jew and a Pole. However, as the text progresses, the health and look of the Jewish people living inside the Ghetto decreases, this is made very relevant considering the ways in which they are living. All of this culminates in the end, after the protagonist has made it so far to reach the end of the war, albeit looking much discarded; he manages to borrow a German officer's coat to keep him warm. This proves to be a bad idea when the Polish police begin shooting at him, thinking he is a German. This creates an ironic stylized effect which is unknown throughout the previous sections of the text. As noted before, realism plays a very important part in such a film set in such a time. The acting styles within this text also reflect that fact. A very serious undertone is used throughout, with very little humour to set the sombre undertones that is needed to in effect echo within the text. The use of language code between characters throughout the text is somewhat inconsistent, to also evoke the realism of the time. For example, German officers only speak German throughout the text, whether this is speaking to other officer's or the Jews themselves. The Jew's on the other hand speak English consistently, while speaking German and Hebrew sporadically at certain times throughout the text while communicating with other characters. Cinematography The cinematography in The Pianist is effective in creating the desired depressive war time effects all throughout the film. The camera is efficient in drawing attention to the very small important details that the mise en scene puts out

Challenges and Gaps Essay Example for Free

Challenges and Gaps Essay At the core of any discussion on the themes of globalization is education. The graduates or products of the institutions of learning, whether public or private, become responsible in carrying out research and development (R D) in the world systems – information and communication, science and technology, environment, economy, politics, intercultural understanding and cooperation. As such, academic institutions at all levels are responsible primarily in education that teaches the skills, knowledge, and technology of the current century. However, the characteristics of global education are quite varied although the basic elements are common to educators. Globalization, at the same time is a promise of interrelationships; it is also foreshadowing possible threats and risks. The challenges are many and costly depending on its relevance and on the priority needs of the country. Gaps within the different countries vary – some wider as it is between the developed countries and the developing ones; others are narrower among countries of the same categories. Nonetheless, one thing is certain in the uncertainties of the future of globalization. Global education as an inevitable consequence of globalization will have its micro and macro level characteristics, it is promising as well as threatening, its challenges are posed to the institutions of learning, and considerable gaps will continue to exist among nations. Global education has been defined in various ways but the commonalities and character are more or less explicit. The Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) in their 1991 Yearbook defined it as (Philosophy and Definition n. d. ): Global education involves learning about those problems and issues which cut across national boundaries and about the interconnectedness of systems – cultural, ecological, economic, political, and technological. Global education also involves learning to understand and appreciate our neighbors who have different cultural backgrounds from ours; to see the world through the eyes and minds of others; and to realize that other people of the world need and want much the same things. J. Michael Adams, during his stint as president of Fairleigh Dickinson University (2004) gave his insight on what global education is and he said: It is an education that ensures that students will be able to succeed in a world marked by interdependence, diversity and rapid change†¦one that provides knowledge and understanding of cultures, languages, geography and global perspectives. Most importantly, global education is one that enables students to understand their roles in a global community and teaches them how their actions can affect citizens throughout the world†¦that it demonstrates how events around the world can affect students in their own lives and therefore cannot be ignored. Scripps College (Strategy Two: Globalization n. d. ) looks at globalization as a complex and multidimensional phenomenon entailing both opportunities and risks for all the inhabitants of our planet, and it will provide its students with the conceptual tools, adaptive skills, and experiences necessary for fulfilling lives in an interconnected world characterized by rapid transformation and uncertainty. From these open-minded definitions, we are brought to a close of what global education can mean. It is dynamic because it is a process and it is not coming to a halt. It is about the interrelatedness, interconnectedness, and interdependence/cooperation of the people and nations of the world as one belonging to the global community/village that is constantly influenced by the rapid changes brought about by science and technology and man’s exploitation of the earth’s resources. It is altogether addressing the concerns of each and every nation such as poverty. It is a striving to understand each other’s differences, live in peace in diversity, while taking the subjective view of things from other cultures’ perceptions. It is educating the students and the young in general in the competitive skills to become aware of citizenship both at the local and at the world level and to be able to acquire the necessary tools as a survival kit. Globalization, while it poses opportunities and promises, are not bereft of the risks and dangers that simultaneously comes along with the numerous uncertainties brought about by it. Through the interrelatedness among nations, peoples, economies, and cultures, ideas and innovations are swiftly shared. Education is shared through various forms of exchanges around the globe. However, on the other hand, the risks of globalization cannot be underestimated. J. Michael Adams (2004) shares his opinion on the mutual dependencies of nations yet apprehensive that the useful outcomes of globalization are not mutually shared. Furthermore, borderlessness, which is a characteristic of globalization, can cause the increase of threats to mankind like ruin to the environment, the speedy spreading of contagious diseases, and violence in terrorism. To cite an example is the nagging problem where to dump and how to manage the devastating unimaginable volumes of garbage all over the continents and more so in the long run. In the case of pandemic diseases such as the current AH1N1 or commonly called the â€Å"swine flu† went â€Å"global† in no time at all because of the profusion of travels. Moreover, terrorism in different degrees occurs in many parts of the world. Globalization is in itself a challenge to every citizen of the world. Illiteracy has no place in globalization; it is in fact opposed to globalization. Science and technology, the cyberspace, and the information generation do not make meaning to the unschooled and neither do they benefit from it. Then, it is not just the unschooled that will be misplaced but including those students who will not strive, through their competent teachers and schools, to acquire the necessary skills to cope or adapt or survive in the borderless society. This brings us to the burden of responsibilities of the learning institutions charged with the (global) education of the young. Because of the uncertainties in globalization, the latter creates challenges that must be intellectually addressed by the academic community. For one, countries have been categorized as Developed Countries and Developing or Underdeveloped, First World and Third World. The discussion in Philosophy and Definition (n. d. ) is a very good starting point. First, the concept of global education is an initiative proposed from the end of the United States and the other developed countries in the Euro-West. As such it comes almost naturally to them as a matter of a natural course of action in the â€Å"shrinking of the world† as a global village. Different institutions have a range of approaches to global education. Take the case of the University of California Approaching the 21st Century (n. d. ) as it addresses a range of issues with appropriate and corresponding initiatives. The issues, specifically referring to inculcate to the undergraduate students address cultural diversity, skills needed in the continuing sophistication of technology, research, collaborations, and the finance to distribute for sharing the knowledge. These issues are pointing to some of the perceived aims of globalization – to learn to accept and live in coexistence in harmony with a wide variety of people of different cultures and races; to learn the lifelong skills to competitively make a living in this technologically-driven era; to further encourage research to dynamically cope with changes and development; that any effort geared at globalization is every citizen’s look out not just in the community but in the community of nations; and whatever knowledge gained must be shared. The case of Scripps College â€Å"Strategies and Initiatives† (n. d. ) is similarly facing the challenges by preparing its (all women) students for tomorrow’s globalization. Accordingly, it aims to understand the complexities of globalization and to be approached across the disciplines by considering such things as broadening the curriculum in a particular discipline while incorporating the issues of globalization. Scripps emphasizes of women issues and their active participation in all spheres of the society. To adapt to the rapid changes taking place, giant companies like Cisco, Intel and Microsoft (January 2009) make a resounding call for the private sectors to join hands with the public institutions because even governments are facing reduction in resources. Collaborating, the three companies spearhead the assessment research and development by assessing globally the outcomes of the skills of the students to enable them to join or qualify in the future workforce. From the same source, it is gathered that â€Å"In the global economy, it is the world’s best performing education systems, not simply improvement by national standards that have become the yardstick for educational success. † As countries take steps in approaching global education, gaps are created in the process. Third World countries, when it comes to the issue of global education, they are in a quandary between their domestic concerns as stipulated in their respective philosophies of education and quite the comparison, what is called for in global education. There is no doubt that the developing countries understand the concepts of global education and its accompanying elements. However, Third World countries in spite of their awareness of the existence of the movements in many countries, they are preoccupied with their priorities taking into consideration their own relevant needs at the domestic level such as nation-building. Necessarily, they log behind the First World. Secondly, finances to address globalization are an important matter that Third World countries are not able to cope with competitively. For instance, the report of the Research Universities UNESCO Forum on Higher Education, Research and Knowledge (2006) presents statistics that explains financial constraints responsible for the considerable gaps. Developed countries on average spend 2. 5 percent of the gross domestic product on R D. While India allocates 1. 2 percent; Brazil, 0. 91 percent; China, 0. 69 percent, most developing nations devote less than 0. 5 percent of GDP to research and development. The figures, quite representative of the Third World, imply many things to global education in the context of developing nations. While developed countries excel in R D, developing countries lag too far behind. How to close these gaps is an effort to address such as the position advanced earlier by Cisco, Intel and Microsoft (2009). Much coping has to be undertaken by the developing countries while simultaneously addressing their own domestic priorities. Thirdly, Tony Wagner in his â€Å"The Global Achievement Gap† (2008) observes (supported by statistics) that â€Å"even our best schools don’t teach the new survival skills our children need†¦Ã¢â‚¬  and that â€Å"generally school educators do not have a sense of urgency of change because they are being busy attempting to increase the number of standardized tests and lose vision for the change. † Under what he believes is the present unfortunate scenario in the educational system, he has proposed what he calls the seven survival strategies to close the gaps or remove the â€Å"educational obstacles. † Addressing the achievement gap he is referring to, Wagner cited samples of schools that teach hands-on and project-based learnings where students â€Å"think, plan, organize, and work in a team† while teachers act as classroom facilitators and coaches only. More than ever, the present time attests to the common saying that the only thing constant in this world is change. Every forthcoming change is almost uncertain. The educational system, entrusted with the knowledge and skills acquisition of the young must be keen to the clues of the changes in the environment from which the philosophies of education are culled. A very important component thus, of the learning system in addition to critical and analytical thinking, is problem-solving. Equipped with problem-solving tools along with the basics of education, the future citizenry are well prepared for any changes and uncertainties. Underlying all these efforts is a sure move towards the ideal in globalization that is, peaceful and positively developing the world without compromising nature while carefully addressing terrorism on the other through active intercultural understanding. The challenges of the uncertain future must be the shared responsibility of the public and private sector because every citizen’s being will be affected by the changes brought about by globalization. Gaps must not widen through the concerted effort of the haves and the have-nots. As globalization must go on beyond anyone or any nation’s control, every individual has a stake in it. Globalization is a promise of a better world although the risks may be dangerous to mankind if not averted; the challenges are high and costly but the world can make it work through cooperation; gaps can be narrowed through generous sharing. Works Cited Adams, J. Michael. â€Å"What is Global Education? † Farleigh Dickinson University President’s Update. 7 October 2004. 21 June 2009. http://www. fdu. edu/newpubs/presupdates/041007. html â€Å"Cisco, Intel and Microsoft Lead Collaboration to Improve Global Education Assessments. † Learning and Technology World Forum. 12-14 January 2009. 21 June 2009. http://www. latwf. org/latest_news-3. html â€Å"Philosophy and Definition. † Issues in Global Education – Global Education: A Worldwide Movement, Newsletter of the American Forum for Global Education. n. d. 21 June 2009. http://www. globaled. org/issues/150/c. html Scripps College: Globalization. Strategies and Initiatives, Strategy Two: Globalization. 21 June 2009 http://www. scrippscollege. edu/about/strategic-plan/globalization. php â€Å"The University of California Approaching the 21st Century† n. d. 21 June 2009. http://www. ucop. edu/ucophome/pres/WhitePaper/21stwp. html â€Å"UNESCO Forum on Higher Education, Research and Knowledge: Universities as Centers of Research and Knowledge Creation: An Endangered Species † United Nations University Institute of Advanced Studies Research Universities in the 21st Century: Global Challenges and Local Implications. 29 November to 1 December 2006. 21 June 2009. http://www. ias. unu. edu/sub_page. aspx? catID=35ddIID=181 Wagner, Tony. â€Å"The Global Achievement Gap. † Education Review. Rev. Brenda L. H. Marina and Hsiu-Lien Lu. 21 June 2009. 5 April 2009. http://www. asu. edu/reviews/rev788. htm Frost, Robert. North of Boston. 1915. Project Bartleby. Ed. Steven van Leeuwen. 1999. 29 October 1999 http://www. bartleby. com/118/index. html.

The Management Styles At Coca Cola Business Essay

The Management Styles At Coca Cola Business Essay Coca Cola is one of the leading manufacturer of the carbonated drinks all around the world . Over the past decades , the Coca Cola remained on the top of the industry . The company was able to withstand the World War II and even took it as the business opportunity rather than a liability . It was even able to surpass the Asian Financial Crisis and even gained better access in the markets that it was not able to fully enter . Coca Cola exhibited the efficient change management as the part of the strategic management process . Change management is the process in which it manages the change in the side of the people . Their individual change management and the organizational change management are the theories of the change management . Aside from the theories , there are also four strategies of the change management which are the Empirical rational , the normative reductive , power coercive and the environmental adaptive which the company has been successfully adopted but it is now faci ng major jolts in its business operations and the competitors are gaining the advantage out of the same . Based on the above case-let , analyse the position of the company with respect to : Coca-Cola Corporation Management Strategies with respect to its technological advancement in 21st centaury . Change in Information System due to changes in the world -wide market structures . ANSWER : Management Styles at Coca-Cola http://www.snre.umich.edu/sites/all/files/styles/blog_image/public/images/coca-cola_logo.jpg The success that the management team has in motivating its employees to meet their objectives is based on the management style they adopt . There are three main management styles democratic , autocratic and the laissez-faire style . The  democratic  leadership style  consists of the leader , sharing the  decision making  abilities with the group members by promoting the interests of the group members and by practicing  social equality . The  authoritarian  leadership style  or  autocratic  leader  keeps strict , close control over the followers by keeping close regulation of the policys and procedures given to the  followers . To keep main emphasis on the distinction of the authoritarian leader and their followers , these types of the leaders make sure to only create a distinct  professional  relationship . The  laissez-faire  leadership style  was first introduced by the Lewin , Lippitt and White in 1938 , along with the autocratic leadership and the democratic leadership styles . The laissez faire style is sometimes described as the hands off leadership style because the leader delegates the tasks to their followers , while providing little or no direction to the followers . The North London Coca Cola branch has ethos or culture than is run in the laissez-faire style meaning the hands off approach . If the workers are meeting their KBI , Key Business Indicators , then the managers and the directors of the company take this relaxed style of coordinating their business . They have a vision to refresh everyone everyday and the values to take pride in their work , to be honest , fair and determined to win and have a passion for the action . With the same spirited investment as the worlds premier marketer and beverage industry leader for more than 118 years , Coca Cola are focused on the strategic workplace programs that help assure the success of our commitment to embracing the similarities and differences of the people , cultures and ideas . Diversity Advisory Council the Companys corporate Diversity Advisory Council consists of the representative group of employees from all the levels , functions and the business units of the organization . The Council develops recommendations for all the senior management on advancing the companys efforts , towards achieving our diversity objectives . Employee Forums Coca Cola believe that the sense of community enhances their ability to attract , retain and develop diverse talent and ideas as the source of competitive business advantage . In the United States , through employee forums , the employees can connect with the colleagues who share similar interests and backgrounds . In these forums and elsewhere , the employees support each others personal and the professional growth and enhance their individual and collective ability to contribute to the company . The success at Coca Cola is due to their laissez-faire culture and the culture is important because it can affect the people and the things to do with the business . If the culture of the business is not clear, it can affect the presence and the punctuality . This means that if Coca Cola had a firm and unfriendly culture , it could result in their staff not coming to work because of the poor working atmosphere , or they might not like the work they are given , so they either come in late or take the day of work . This would result in the business losing out on the work and have less time to call in for the replacement . The culture of the Coca Cola could have an affect on the industrial relations between the managers and the workers. So if the Coca Cola didnt have a warm and genial culture , it would cause more disagreements between the staff and the managers and the staff would not be motivated to work . For example staff may have to cut down on the rest days , this could cause arguments as all the staff would be tired from working everyday and would not have time to recover or time to relax down . However if the company had an inviting culture then the managers and the staff would get very well as the staff , would have less stress to compete with and would have the friendly environment to work in and the work could be done more efficiently . Team working is the sub culture within the Coca-Cola Company . Teams are accountable for the activities like :  · Quality  · Utilisation and  · Yield Within the system , there needs to be a balance of Utilisation , the speed the factory works at and the Yield . The Yield is the amount of raw materials lost or wasted . Teams also vary in the number and are lead by the team leader . A part of the culture and the management style in the Coca Cola Company in Edmonton , is its Employee Engagement . This consists of the following five points : * Realizations , delivery of the hard stuff is simply not enough . * Openly acknowledge this to the workforce . * Do what it takes to engage every employee in the space of 16 days . * Involved everyone in the design of the management style consistent with our vision and the values . * Identified talented individuals across the operation act as the internal facilitators to train out the new behavioral standards . On the factory floor at the Coca Cola , there is an autocratic system of the management where the employees are controlled by the managers and follow their procedures . There are also the elements of the democracy by the team work and uniform . Employees of the company all wear the same uniform , even if they are a manager , a director or a team leader . This means that there is no demarcation and there is the same uniform for the each level of the hierarchy , so nobody feels intimidated . The CCE have also adopted a Quality Culture and to maintain the quality within their products , they have the TQM department . This means the Total Quality Management where they have the staff , who deals with the quality of the Coca Cola . TECHNOLOGY ADVANCEMENT AT COCA COLA http://www.mobile-ent.biz/cimages/05dc7b5069fb141e89bda2d6ccd00217.jpg Over the past decade , the Coca Cola Company has invested around $60 million in the research and development to advance the use of the climate friendly , hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) free cooling technologies . HFC gas is the well known contributor to our planets global warming . The Company has improved their energy efficiency of the cooling equipment by around 40% , transitioned to HFC free insulation foam for the new equipment , eliminating around 75% of the direct GHG emissions and is phasing out the use of HFCs in all the new cold-drink equipment as of 2015, with more than 500,000 units of the HFC free refrigerated equipment already in use throughout the Coca Cola system . In the bottling plants , the Coca Cola has stabilized the emissions system wide and is working to return to the 2004 levels , while also achieving the 5% absolute emissions reduction below the 2004 baseline in the developed countries by 2015 , with the commitment to grow their business without growing the carbon in its manufacturing operations . Till date , the Coca Cola system has improved its energy efficiency of the global manufacturing operations by around 14% since 2004 . In 2010 the global greenhouse gas emissions from the manufacturing were reduced by around 2% , even as the sales volume increased by 5% . The emissions reductions can also be realized outside of the plant walls where the Coca Cola operates the largest heavy duty hybrid electric delivery fleets in North America with more than around 700 hybrid electric delivery trucks on the road . These trucks reduce fuel and the emissions by nearly 30% . There also are more than 800 light duty hybrid vehicles deployed in North America for the sales representatives . The Company also participates in the consumer facing cause campaigns related to the climate protection measures . In 2011 , with long-term conservation partner WWF the Coca Cola Company helped launch the Arctic Home , the largest cause marketing initiative ever executed by the Company or WWF . Active in the US and Canada , the campaign aimed to raise the widespread awareness and the funds to help protect the polar bear and its habitat . On related fronts , the climate change will alter the amount of available fresh water , further increasing demand for this critical natural resource . The sustainability of the Coca Cola Company products depends on the reliable access to the sources of water , as water is the main ingredient in every product the Company makes . It also is critical to the agricultural ingredients for its beverages . The Company set a global goal is to safely return to the nature and communities an amount of water equivalent to what is used in its beverages and their production by 2020 . To achieve this goal , the Coca Cola is focused on reducing its water use ratio , while increasing the product volume , recycling the water used in the manufacturing processes and returning it to the environment at the level that supports the aquatic life and replenishing or offsetting the water used in the finished beverages by participating in locally relevant community water projects . The Company is also working in innovative the ways to prevent waste over the life of its packaging . In 2009 , the Company launched PlantBottle packaging , the first ever fully recyclable PET plastic beverage bottle made partially from the plants . In 2011 , the Company introduced more than 6 billion PlantBottle packages in the 20 markets , helping save the equivalent annual emissions of around 100,000 metric tons of the carbon dioxide . By 2020 , the Companys goal is to use the Plant Bottle packaging for all of its PET plastic bottles . INNOVATION AT COCA COLA http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/Coca-Cola_Products_-_soon_in_more_environemtally_friendly_bottle.jpg Coca Cola has been able to survive in the this changing market because of its ability to systematically innovate and to deliver the new products . It was apparent that the market was changing and in order to keep up with these changes , the Coca Cola had to move from the single core product to the total beverage company . The company began operating in the decentralized environment that was unfeasible in the previous years . Now the Coca Cola offers around 400 different products and is dominating the beverage industry . This is made possible by the companys ability to innovate and adapt to the changing markets . Globalization : Technology is continually changing the business and these constant changes have been making it more feasible and profitable for the businesses to expand their operations globally . Now the Coca Cola is taking the advantage of the large revenue opportunities , made possible by participating in the global market and it now offers products in nearly 200 countries around the world . TECHNOLOGICAL ANALYSIS : Technological Analysis for the Coca-Cola : Technological change creates the opportunities for the new products and product improvements and of course the new marketing techniques . Some factors that cause companys actual results to differ materially from the expected results are as follows : The new technology of the internet and television which use special effects for the advertising through the media. They make some products look very attractive . This helps in the selling of the products . Introduction of the cans and the plastic bottles have increased sales for the Coca Cola as these are very easier to carry and one can easily bin them once they are used . Due to the introduction of these machineries , the production of the Coca Cola company has been increased vastly then it was a few years ago . The Coca Cola has started the operations of its RD facility in India , with a view of localizing its product portfolio . The major focus would be on the non carbonated drinks and the flavours . The companys RD team has already rolled out the drinks such as Maaza aam panna and also athe Maaza mango milk drink and is also exploring the options to enter some new categories in India such as the juices in the localised flavours , energy drinks , sports drinks and the flavoured water . These initiatives are taken by the company to further expand their product portfolio . With the increasing importance of the 360 degree media tools and the overall ad spend on the social media sets likely to grow by around 44% , the Coca Cola has increased its ad spend on the internet . The case in point is the recent 2009 Sprite campaign , which was first launched on the internet .

Effect of Family Disruption on Family Finances and Children

Effect of Family Disruption on Family Finances and Children Critically discuss the evidence underlying the claim that the deterioration of economic conditions that usually results from family disruption is the major explanation for the lower ability and achievement of children in disrupted families. This paper considers whether, and to what extent, the deteriorated economic situations caused through family disruptions and economic deprivations are the main reasons for children’s lower competences and attainments. Firstly, the association between disrupted family and economic circumstances are considered in line with some recent economic theory. Secondly, the reasons why economic circumstances arising from family disruptions are identified as being the foremost predictors for lower ability and attainment of children in disrupted families. This claim is examined. In addition, issues within previous studies are then investigated. Lastly, the implications for enhancing children’s outcomes regarding this issue are also discussed. How family disruptions are linked to deteriorated economic conditions Due to a dramatic change of family structure in modern societies, questions about the impact of family disruptions (e.g. separation/divorce, step-parenting, remarriage) on economic conditions, measured by home ownership, income and size of the residence, have appeared to be increasingly significant. There have been a number of studies explaining the relationship between disruptions in family life and economic circumstances. Numerous longitudinal and cross sectional research reveals that disruptive events in families cause economic disadvantage (e.g. Amato, 2000; Duncan, Yeung, Brooks-Gunn and Smith, 1998). Divorced individuals typically have greater economic deprivation than married individuals (Marks, 1996; Ross, 1995). Researchers have reported that women are likely to have more serious problems with economic consequences in comparison with men (e.g. Holden and Smock, 1991; Ross, 1995; Smock 1994) and that lone mothers are considered to be in the poorest situations after separation or divorce (Ram and Hou, 2003). For example, the longitudinal study of Bianchi, Subaiya and Kahn (1999); focusing on the gender gap in economic well-being among the couples with children after family disruptions in the United States, found that there was a 36% decline in living standard of custodial mothers, whilst noncustodial fathers experienced a 28% increase. It can be seen that in general, mothers’ post-divorced standards of living was merely a half that of the fathers. Moreover, to compare with divorced men or married women, lone mothers tend to have more monetary problems over longer period. Amato (2000) explains this incidence that â€Å"women, compared with men, have more interrupted work histories prior to divorce, experience greater work–family conflict (due to their responsibility for children), and are more likely to experience employment and wage discrimination† (p.1277). However, the deleterious economic conditions can be relieved in step-parent families (Amato, 2000) Why is economic deprivation from family disruptions claimed to be the major predictors for low outcomes of children? Over the last few decades, researchers have focused attention on the economic consequences of changes in family structure, identifying family disruptions as key causal explanations for lower children’s outcomes. It has been found that the deterioration of economic conditions, caused by disruptive events in the family such as single-parenting and divorce are greatly related to negative outcomes among children (Pearson and Thoennes, 1990; Bronstein, Stoll, Clauson, Abrams and Briones, 1994; McLanahan and Sandefur, 1994; Duncan, Brooks-Gunn, Yeung and Smith, 1998; Gue, 1998; Amato, 2000; Ram and Hou, 2003). Household income is often considered to be significant in explaining children’s outcomes (Mulkey, Crain, Harrington, 1992). Congruent with the explanation of Haveman and Wolfe (1995) The income level of the family in which a child grows up is perhaps the best measure of the level of economic resources devoted to the child by the parents, and is often included in the studies of children’s educational attainment (p. 1855). It is well known that different types of family have different effects on children’s ability and outcomes due to their differing economic situations (Schneider et al., 2005). Intact families usually have more income than single-parent families, and this advantage becomes a part of developing children’s educational outcomes (McLeod and Shanahan, 1993; Duncan et al., 1998; Schneider, Atteberry, Owens, 2005). On the other hand, children from single parent-households have more limitations in economic resources in comparison with children from intact families. Single parents, particularly lone mothers often spend more time outside of the home to compensate for the economic loss due to separation or divorce. This is likely to affect children’s ability and academic outcomes because of reducing time for involvement with their children. Parents who have lower incomes due to a separation or divorce are less able to provide their children with material resources such as school equipment, computers and extra lessons (Ross, 2005) Negative impacts on academic achievement of children related to living in separated families, often results from reduced provision of economic resources. Boggges (1998) has suggested that there are few effects on children’s academic performance when the economic status is controlled in research, achievement were found. However, persistent negative effects on graduation rates were found. In addition, Schneider et al. (2005) argues that although step-parenting families (non-traditional families) are often more advantaged in economic resources, the outcomes of the children remain lower than the outcomes of children from traditional families. This is because step parents may not provide step children with the resources like they might towards their biological children (Schneider et al., 2005). Ram and Hou (2003) similarly propose that â€Å"children in step families are no different from those raised in lone-parent families in a number of spheres, including cognitive skills, hyperactivity, and indirect aggression, even after economic condition and familial resource variables when held constant† (p. 326). This is commonly compatible with the studies of some researchers who found children from step families less well performing in school and exhibiting more emotional and behavioural difficulties (Coleman, Ganong, and Fine, 2000; Hanson, McLanahan, and Thomson, 1997; McLanahan and Sanderfur, 1994; McMunn, Nazroo., Marmot, Boreham and Goodman, 2001) In addition, children who live with other types of two-parent households, such as with grandparents or relatives, are also likely to have more disadvantages than children living in intact households, and the same or lower level than children in lone-parent households (Chase-Lansdale, Brooks-Gunn and Zamsky, 1994). According to Downey (1994), although children in lone-mother families often lack economic resources, some children in lone-father families have problems with a deficiency of interpersonal resources such as involvement in children’s tasks. He also suggests that children’s outcomes in both types of family are roughly equal (Downey, 1994). Moreover, it was found that children who live with the same gender or opposite gender parents slightly differ in outcomes. While economic situations have often been considered as the most significant factors in explaining children’s outcomes of the disruptive families, the study of Kerr and Beaujot (2001) investigating Canadian children found that there are low income is less important than other factors such as the function of family, number of children in households, educational level and age of the parents. Similarly, Mulkey et al (1992) argue that economic conditions are not a significant mediator between lone-parent families and the low attainment of children. They also state that living in lone-mother households is not more detrimental than living in lone-father families, and income is not the major issue explaining the relationship between family structure and children’s academic performance. Problems with the studies The findings of some studies have been ambiguous when indicating the association between family structure changes and children’s outcomes. For example, do deteriorated economic conditions in disruptive families often affect the child’s educational outcomes? Or do children with lower ability or lower attainments usually come from families with monetary problems? In addition, the prior problems before parental divorce or separation are often neglected. According to longitudinal research by Ram and Hou (2003) children of several disruptive families were already registering academic difficulties. Second, there is little specific mention regarding the time within the lifecycle of the child of the deteriorated economic situations. Duncan et al. (1998) suggest that the economic situations amongst children in the early years have the most influential impact on attainment, especially among children in low-income families (Cherlin, Chase-Lansdale and McRae, 1998; Duncan et al., 1998; Amato and Sobolewski, 2001). This should be different from the findings derived from adolescents. Therefore, a clearer specification of period when economic deprivation takes place should be inserted. Third, the comparisons of income across different types of households are ambiguous. There is an unclear distinction between the income before disruptions and the income after disruptions. For example, some families may have financial problems before disruptions. Furthermore, the stability of income also should be considered because earning cycles in each family differ, and may vary across the year. Lastly, it can be seen that ethical considerations are not adequately addressed in a number of studies even though the research touches upon highly sensitive areas of family life and predictions of children’s achievement. Such matters are usually quite confidential and the complicated relationship that might negatively affect the subjects, so the reader needs to know how the data for the research was gathered and in what conditions. For example, the protection and welfare of the participants, the use of deception, confidentiality and the anonymity of data are issues that should have been addressed and considered more fully in order that subsequent research operates within accepted ethical boundaries. Implications Public policy Public policy should be more focused on the welfare of single-parent families, particularly lone-mothers. As several studies have reported, single-mothers or custodial mothers are more likely to have more financial problems than any other types of family (e.g. Holden and Smock, 1991; Ross, 1995; Smock 1994). After disruptions, they have to spend more time outside of the home in order to earn money to compensate for the loss of family income. This association in single-parent families seems to be unrelieved until re-marriage happens. In addition, if income can be considered as a significant factor in predicting childrens’ later achievement, it also acts as the resource to provide the means for their progression. One implication of these findings is the need for critical considerations about higher pay for women and income support programmes, in particular, for single mothers who have to bring up their children on their own to assist them cope with problems derived from economic deprivation after disruptions. Also, more extensive child care and support should be provided in order to meet the needs of these children. Schools Teachers should be more deliberately concerned with their reactions and behaviour to children from lower income families. Some teachers tend to react to such children differently due to their economic backgrounds (Mulkey et al., 1992). In addition, the understanding of misbehaviour of the student is important. Some inappropriate behaviours of students in classrooms may occur due to depression or bereavement from disruptive events in their family. Therefore, whenever the behavioural problems of students appear, instead of focusing on them only, teachers should consider the contexts of students such as family backgrounds in order to prevent misunderstanding as well as find the way to assist and support children. Furthermore, teachers in schools should have more concern and care about their own behaviours as a role model for all students because the students, especially the children in their early years tend to observe and replicate teachers’ behaviours. Parents Parents are the individuals who are likely to be the most influential role models for children’s lives. A careful family plan may be one strategy to ensure stability for the child. The home environment should also be considered because it is a significant source of learning. â€Å"The quality of the home environment – its opportunities for learning, the warmth of mother-child interactions, and the physical condition of the home – accounts for a substantial portion of the powerful effects of family income on cognitive outcomes† (Duncan et al., 1998, p.209). Furthermore, having a stable level of income is important because low and unstable income leads to economic pressures that may cause conflict between partners experiencing serious financial issues (Conger et al., 1993). The income level of the family is a powerful predictor of the economic pressure that has both direct and indirect impacts on children’s achievement (Duncan et al, 1998). Conflictin g or disruptive events in the families can also be traumatising events for children. Parents should avoid using force and presenting unpleasant behaviours at home and in front of the children, because it may be the cause of later aggressive behaviours from children. Conclusion It appears in several studies that economic conditions are the significant explanations for the association between family structure and children’s achievement. The diminution of material resources due to deteriorated economic conditions, which often derive from disruptive events in families, has significant impacts on educational outcomes of children (Ram and Hou, 2003). In several studies, when income is restricted, children in disrupted families tend to have lower attainments than children in intact or non-divorced families. Research reports that the majority of children in intact families are at an academic and social advantage in comparison with children in non-intact families. A child’s achievement generally depends on the economic resources that are given by parents, children who live in an intact family tend to have high attainments. This is because lone-parents have less income and have less time to be involved in household activities such as helping children to do their homework. This leads to the lower outcomes of children. Children who grow up in lone-mother families tend to have the lowest attainments in comparison with growing in other types of families. In addition, although children who live with step families have opportunities to have more economic resources than those who live with single-parent families, the researchers state that there is no difference between the educational outcomes of children in lone families and the child outcomes in step-parenting families (Coleman et al, 2 001; Henson et al, 1997; Ram and Hou, 2003). It might therefore be concluded that the deterioration of economic circumstances after separation or divorce may explain part, but by no means all, of the lower outcomes among children who have experienced parental disruptions.

El Ninos Wrath :: essays research papers

El Nino’s Wrath Microscopic, photosynthetic phytoplankton produce seventy one percent of the world’s Oxygen. A reduction in the world’s phytoplankton population would be detrimental to all terrestrial and aquatic life. The event known as El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is a complex interplay between the ocean and the atmosphere causing a reversal in the trade winds, which in turn moves warm water masses to opposite sides of the Pacific Ocean. Better known for it’s atmospheric effects, El Nino also plays an important role in reducing the phytoplankton population. El Nino halts the process of upwelling, which moves nutrient rich water from the deep, up to the surrface. Upwelling is essential for the production of phytoplankton. Without phytoplankton as the base of the food chain in the ocean, all other aquatic life would cease to exist. El Nino can be attributed to the increase of global warming caused by Carbon Dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. El Nino will continue to i ncrease proportionaly to the Earth’s rising temperature and thus, reducing the world’s phytoplankton population; resulting in catastrophic ecological effects as the base of the ocean’s food chain continues to be destroyed. Winds affect upwelling. Winds that blow along the coasts of North and South America drag the water along with them. â€Å"The Earth’s rotation then deflects the resulting surface currents away from the coastlines.† (Wallace 11) Because the surface water moves away, colder, nutrient-rich water comes up from below and replaces the previous warm water, a phenomenon known as upwelling. (Wallace 11) Basically, the wind blows towards the equator and the rotation of the Earth pulls the water away from land similar to the way a cube of ice stays in one place as you rotate a glass of water. The glass could be interpreted as the Earth, and the ice cube as the mass of water. Relative to the glass, the ice or water stays in one spot as the glass or Earth rotates around. The winds that blow along the equator also affect the properties of upwelled water and also the food chain. â€Å"Without wind, the dividing layer between the warm surface water and the deep cold water, known as the thermocline, would be nearly flat; but the winds drag the surface water westward, raising the thermocline nearly all the way up to the surface in the east and depressing it in the west. The cold water below the thermocline is rich in nutrients.

What is Social Science Essay -- Sociology, Social Status, Social Inter

What is the job of social science? Social science focuses its attention on the social aspects of human nature; its job is to study how individuals can relate with and communicate with each other. â€Å"Social scientists study the social environment in which we live in an attempt to understand human society and to predict how people will interact in a given set of circumstances (Mack, 2004, p584). In this essay, I discuss the role of social science for societies and individuals, how individuals relate to societies and the function of rules in societies as a main concern of social science. Social science’s duty is to train human being how to deal with social status. As we were born, we were part of a society; we were a member of a family; families are the first breaks of societies. So, all of us were coping with social groups since we were born: families, schools, peer groups and even media shape our social environment. Mack (2004) noticed in his data, â€Å"All human beings are social. People have to interact with other people in order to survive. Since all human beings live in a society, which is to say that every person is a member of some human group, it is just reasonable to speak of a social environment† (p584). Social science teaches us, as members of society, how to deal and interact with social environment. The question is why do people need to learn that knowledge? The answer is that human being are social creatures, hence they need social science to improve their social abilities. It is hard for a human being to live by himself out of a society. Even thought it is possible for a human being to survive in solitude, without any kind of social connection, not all of his talent could flourish in isolation. Skills like communicati... ...ience knowledge is a powerful resource for understanding and coping with the growing complexities, uncertainties and risks in our world† (Kazancigil, 2003, p379). Individuals are the parts which form societies as a whole. Individuals have a mutual relationship with societies. Both of them are under the control of social science; social science’s tool for overseeing them is legislation. Various rules shape diverse societies where individuals interact differently. It is not an option to be a part of society or not, since we were born we became a part of society. So, as long as we relate to societies, we should care and learn about social science. Through social science we learn the reasons of our actions and our manners. If we required modifying our behaviours in order to mature and boom our talents, social science is here to help us and show us the ways. What is Social Science Essay -- Sociology, Social Status, Social Inter What is the job of social science? Social science focuses its attention on the social aspects of human nature; its job is to study how individuals can relate with and communicate with each other. â€Å"Social scientists study the social environment in which we live in an attempt to understand human society and to predict how people will interact in a given set of circumstances (Mack, 2004, p584). In this essay, I discuss the role of social science for societies and individuals, how individuals relate to societies and the function of rules in societies as a main concern of social science. Social science’s duty is to train human being how to deal with social status. As we were born, we were part of a society; we were a member of a family; families are the first breaks of societies. So, all of us were coping with social groups since we were born: families, schools, peer groups and even media shape our social environment. Mack (2004) noticed in his data, â€Å"All human beings are social. People have to interact with other people in order to survive. Since all human beings live in a society, which is to say that every person is a member of some human group, it is just reasonable to speak of a social environment† (p584). Social science teaches us, as members of society, how to deal and interact with social environment. The question is why do people need to learn that knowledge? The answer is that human being are social creatures, hence they need social science to improve their social abilities. It is hard for a human being to live by himself out of a society. Even thought it is possible for a human being to survive in solitude, without any kind of social connection, not all of his talent could flourish in isolation. Skills like communicati... ...ience knowledge is a powerful resource for understanding and coping with the growing complexities, uncertainties and risks in our world† (Kazancigil, 2003, p379). Individuals are the parts which form societies as a whole. Individuals have a mutual relationship with societies. Both of them are under the control of social science; social science’s tool for overseeing them is legislation. Various rules shape diverse societies where individuals interact differently. It is not an option to be a part of society or not, since we were born we became a part of society. So, as long as we relate to societies, we should care and learn about social science. Through social science we learn the reasons of our actions and our manners. If we required modifying our behaviours in order to mature and boom our talents, social science is here to help us and show us the ways.

Father LaTour as the Hero in Death Comes for the Archbishop Essay

Father LaTour as the Hero in Death Comes for the Archbishop In Willa Cather's Death Comes for the Archbishop, the heroic ideal whose definition began with Moby-Dick is again viewed. Father LaTour is clearly seen as having an elevated status, concern and understanding for the people, and a desire to make a lasting mark on the land that becomes his home. These characteristics were seen in differing ways in both Ahab and Jo in Little Women. In The Red Badge of Courage, the concept of courage in the hero was addressed. This quality too is seen in Father LaTour. Father Vaillant also displays many of these characteristics. Both priests are fully consecrated, they just live it out differently. They have committed themselves to self-sacrifice for the sake of those whom they seek to serve and exhibit strong inner courage in the setting aside of self. However, Father Vaillant's very presence has hinged upon the influence of Father LaTour in his life, thus ultimately pointing back to Father LaTour s the heroic figure in the novel. "The new Vicar must be a young man, of strong constitution, full of zeal, and above all, intelligent. He will have to deal with savagery and ignorance, with dissolute priests and political intrigue. He must be a man to whom order is necessary--as dear as life" (Cather 8). With this opening description, Cather introduces the caliber of man to be found in Father LaTour. When he discovers the juniper tree in the shape of a cross, his immediate response is one of grateful worship. He is described as ". . . a priest in a thousand . . . . His bowed head was not that of an ordinary man . . ." (Cather 18). Father LaTour's role as a leader is found partly in his position in the church, but it is validated b... ... the opportunity comes, he recognizes that intellect is not everything and that his life's fulfillment is in his serving until death among his Mexican and Indian populace. The country thought in the Prologue to drain him of his youth (p. 8), becomes in the end the source of life for him. Father LaTour lives what he preaches. This makes it possible for him to say he shall die from having lived (Cather 267). Father LaTour assumes his role of leadership, impacts the lives of those he encounters, displays great courage, and above all is self-sacrificing. He does not hope for personal gain in his actions. Ultimately, Father LaTour exhibits many heroic characteristics in an unassuming manner that leads to the addition of this quality to the working definition of the heroic. Works Cited Cather, Willa. Death Comes for the Archbishop. NY: Vintage Books, 1990.

International dairy queens decision Essay

International dairy queen is a successful company that owns licenses and services to dairy queen restaurants, orange Julius stores and karmelkom shoppes. Currently, international dairy queen operates over 6000 chains globally and the number is yet to increase as international dairy queen seeks to venture more into the Middle East market. Environments International Dairy Queen Stores’ decision to open a subsidiary in Bahrain presents challenges and opportunities to the company. Before developing any strategy plans International Dairy Queen should perform a SLEPT analysis which is a critical look into social, legal, economic, political and technological influences. This is because it will not operate in a vacuum and these environments indirectly affect business activities. In addition these business environments are constantly in a changing state and companies need to be aware of these changes. This enables the company to stay ahead of these changes and act in a proactive way rather than reacting hurriedly to adapt to the changes. In the Middle East, Bahrain particularly stands out as the ideal location because it has numerous opportunities. Bahrain is a vibrant country with a multicultural population owing to the numerous tourists that visit. Many people refer to it as the ‘Middle East lite’ due to its substantial resource endowment, vibrant market economy and state of the art infrastructure, stable political system and high investment rating. International dairy queen would do well having business in Bahrain. The population is large and diverse plus the hot climate and tourist attractions attract restaurants business. The description above of Bahrain demonstrates that, indeed there are untapped opportunities for international dairy queen. The general pointers to a mature economy that include a ready market for goods and services, a friendly legal environment as well as a stable political system are evident in the case of Bahrain. There is need though to avoid over glorifying the country by giving a brief of some of the potential challenges that international dairy queen will have to contend with if entry into Bahrain market will prove to be a success. The political system comprises of all processes, structures and activities that prevail in a country. On the other hand, the legal system comprises of the laws and regulations enforced in a country. (Lucas, 2000) In international business, there are global legal issues that prevail beyond country’s boundaries such as intellectual property, product safety and liability and anti-corruption regulations. The political/ legal framework in Bahrain lays out the regulations and laws governing trade. Particularly, there are rules governing registration of companies import tariffs, ownership, trade registrations, customs payment and so on. International Dairy Queen Stores will have to comply with these laws and regulations if it is to trade in Bahrain. In addition, there are laws that stipulate environment regulations. This regulation prohibits creation of pollution, or any culture that contravenes moral standards. International Dairy Queen is a well established company whose activities are eco friendly. Laws regarding registration of foreign companies are stiff but not impossible. The government permits wholly owned foreign companies. However, restrictions on the importing products from parent company are imposed. Laws regarding employment stipulate the number of employees who must be sponsored from the local community. Licensing is easy as the government stretches good will to foreign investors. International Dairy Queen has to critically look into these laws and rules and their impact to its operation before proceeding any further. Lastly, health and safety laws are enforced to protect the customers from substandard goods that may cause harm to consumers. International dairy queen should pay attention to the rules that directly affect its operations. Social factors and cultural factors are equally important. These factors encompass the tastes, preferences, lifestyles, fashion, demographic factors and patterns of behavior. (Lucas, 2000) it is important to note that the tastes and preferences of people are very dynamic. The attitudes of people also change. The vast population largely comprises of young and aged fun loving people. The numbers of foreigners, who visit the country, make the setting ideal for International Dairy Queens products. Citizens of Bahrain love the good things in life. They have an expensive taste and International Dairy Queen Stores’ products match this standard. The current trend towards eating healthy diets and sugar free products may have an impact on international dairy queen. Cases of obesity in children and the negative effects of high sugar consumption raise concern among consumers. This will mean that international dairy queen invests in promoting it desserts and probably develop tasty and high quality sugar free desserts to cater for the sensitive consumers. Although the change in customers’ tastes and preferences differ across different age groups, International Dairy Queen Range of products caters for all. When evaluating the economic factors in the external environment, the key areas that one needs to look at is the interest rates, wage rates, general level of prices i.e. inflation rate and the customer’s purchasing power. (Lucas, 2000). The economy of any country tends to fluctuate from time to time. This characterized by periods of booms and repressions. The direct impact of these changes is price increase. Currently Bahrain’s economic condition is stable. Interest rates are low and demand high. People disposable income are high and they are willing to spend more on luxuries as dining out and International Dairy Queen comes in. by locating its stores at strategic locations where impulse buying is constant for 8instance the shopping malls, beaches and gas stations. International Dairy Queen can take advantage of this situation to expand in the Middle East in this case Bahrain. Technological factors are vital and need to be considered. This is because technology gives organizations a competitive advantage and facilitates globalization. Whenever one assesses the technological factors of any place the following questions come to mind. Does the technology enable production of high quality goods and at a cheaper cost? Does the technology offer innovative products that allow better ways of operating? Most importantly, does the technology provide better or new ways of communicating with customers? These questions play a guiding role in deciding what technology to utilize in order to gain a competitive edge. Technology in Bahrain can be described simply as state of the Art. Their transportation and communication system is highly advanced and the people are highly skilled. Given that international dairy queen is a dedicated company to quality it has to ensure that the franchisee are highly educated and its employees do not compromise on quality service delivery. Hence the highly skilled population in Bahrain should come in handy when a franchise opens. International Dairy Queen being a company involved in mass production is particularly keen on acquiring fast and efficient technologies. Total quality management is also of great importance to International Dairy Queen Inc. This is because its dairy products are very sensitive to quality. International Dairy Queen Inc is dedicated to satisfying customers’ expectations and the technological advances in Bahrain facilitate this. Bahrain has all the facilities the company needs thus setting a part Bahrain as the country of choice in the Middle East. The advanced communication system in Bahrain will facilitate easy communication with customer if international dairy queen decides to use customer relationship management to market its products. Markets The characteristics of the market place are vital in international dairy queen’s decision on pricing. There are various types of markets and they include commodity markets, controlled and uncontrolled markets, vertical high and vertical low markets. In the case of international dairy queen, it operates in a commodity market. This is because it has many buyers and competitors and at the same time non unique products. Thus, they enjoy minimal price flexibility. (Sunjen, 2000) The pricing of International Dairy Queens products will greatly depend on the presence of competition, economic conditions, cost of production and laws regulating prices in the new market (Bahrain). In addition, factors such as product awareness, prospects perceptions, ability to pay, products life cycle, elasticity and cost of channels of distribution will similarly affect pricing of international dairy queen products. (Sunjen, 2000) Most countries impose laws which regulate prices of goods such that prices don’t fall below a predetermined level. This is meant to prevent dumping. In this case International Dairy Queen is not affected; however, the economic conditions will influence pricing of International Dairy Queen Products. How so? Inflation causes increase in prices of virtually everything; raw materials, wages, interest rates hike. The cost of production reflects on final cost of a product. If the technology used to produce a product is costly then final cost of a product is also high. International Dairy Queen has invested greatly in modern facilities and state of the art technology. Most of the processes are automated. This will play a significant role in minimizing cost of production. In addition, costs of acquiring raw materials increases during inflation which eventually translates to high price of goods. Pricing of a product is influenced by the force of demand and supply. This is because if demand for a product increases prices of the product will also increase. This is the theory. However, this is not always the case. In the presence of competitors firms react by reducing their prices so as to retain customers to competitors. International Dairy Queen being a new company in Bahrain should consider to competitors and its comparative advantage. International dairy queen is a new company in Bahrain. This being the case its existence is unknown to people in Bahrain. The goal of International Dairy Queen should therefore be creating awareness and penetrating the market in Bahrain. This in itself will influence pricing. for example, using a promotional strategy. This is whereby it lowers prices of its products as a way of promotion. The effect is that customers get attracted to sample the range of products and make repeat purchases. A customer’s perceptions about a company’s product greatly influence pricing. How so? Positive perceptions regarding quality and superiority enable a company to price its products highly. Alternatively, the intention or desire to appeal and identify its product with the high class group should influence pricing. This is called premium pricing and a company using this strategy will price its products expensively as an indicator of quality. The availability, quality and cost of distributive channels influence pricing in that the eventual cost is transferred to the consumer. International dairy queen uses franchises to market its products thus eliminating the risk of long distribution channel and ensuring quality service to its customers. (Idq website) products usually undergo life cycles and each stage in a products life cycle dictates its price differently. Products in n early life cycle attract higher prices. International dairy queen being new to Bahrain enjoys this advantage as its products are still new to the market. D1 D2 This graph shows the effects of S changes in production (supply) and P1 purchasing power (demand) and P2 how these changes offset the equilibrium. Q1 Q2 Source: Self Organization Organizational structures vary across organizations depending on the objectives of a firm and its culture. This structure is important because it gives a frame work of allocating functions and processes to different departments in the organization. In order for a company to be successful in its operations it needs a good structure. A good structure is one that is efficient and flexible yet facilitates smooth communication and relationship among different sections in the organization (salaman, 2001) there are different types of organizational structures. They include; centralized and decentralized structure, hierarchical structure, tall structure, matrix structure and flat structure. It seems to me that international dairy queen uses the hierarchical structure. This is because each level is one above the other and each manager has a given number of staff directly under his span of control. The organizational structure International Dairy Queen Inc has both formal and informal structure. The formal structure shows the flow of hierarchy from the top level management to the lowest level. An organizational chart has been used to show the level of hierarchy in International Dairy Queen. International Dairy Queen has a centralized system and all the subsidiaries follow the same centralized system. That is all the department report to the director and all the employees report to their respective managers in the various departments. The informal structures within the company although not written on paper has strong presence within this company. Staff groupings are productive because they improve level of motivation and sharing of information. The company encourages productive groupings. The concept behind International Dairy Queen having this organization structure is to clearly show the relationship among the people in the organization. It also gives little of different position. The departments also have their own department organization structures. The purpose behind having this organizational structure is that flow of information is enhanced. This is especially so true for a big company such as International Dairy Queen. Absence of such a structure would cause distortion of information, and inefficiency. The structure shows a diagrammatic illustration of how departments should relate and the hierarchy of authority. The organizational structure allows free flow of information which enables the company to coordinate its various activities. This in turn increases the efficiency of services. Corporate Chart Source: Self Process Understanding the business process assists in gauging the success of a company in terms of higher profit gains, physical expansion, better quality products, increased market share and accumulation of assets. According to Davenport (1993) he defines a (business) process as â€Å"a structured, measured set of activities designed to produce a specific output for a particular customer or market. It implies a strong emphasis on how work is done within an organization, in contrast to a product focus’s emphasis on what. A process is thus a specific ordering of work activities across time and space, with a beginning and an end, and clearly defined inputs and outputs: a structure for action. Taking a process approach implies adopting the customer’s point of view. Processes are the structure by which an organization does what is necessary to produce value for its customers. † The business process allows an organization to measure how well the business is doing and measure whether the products and services meet customers’ needs and requirements. (Barnes, 2001). The success of International Dairy Queen Store’s investment depends a lot on how much its consumers get value for their money. Consumers of the company’s dairy products should perceive that they get the best their money can buy. Therefore, value adding should start right from the suppliers, production and packaging to distribution and selling process. At each stage, the product should be improved without adversely hiking price of the final product. Consumers should get best quality at minimal cost. Customer process analysis focuses mainly on acquiring and retaining customers as well as satisfying their needs. Adding value to customers requires in depth study into impacts of pricing, timely distribution, variety and so on. Time and cost is essential and should be analyzed so that it is cost effective. In the case of International dairy Queen Stores, its success in Bahrain depends greatly on the strategy the company will employ in attaining its goals. The marketing program should anticipate customers’ needs and cater to them. A modernized system of informing customers and getting feedback is essential. Relationship marketing, where customers’ queries and suggestions are personally addressed needs to be analyzed. Furthermore, the efficiency of implementing market programs and the dedication of employees to quality service delivery needs to be analyzed. The production process can be enhanced through the use of modern technology so that the time needed to produce a product is reduced. Conclusion In summary the decision to venture in the Middle East is timely. As seen the business environment tremendously affects the business. They can either affect your business negatively or positively. Therefore, it is advice able for international dairy queen to manipulate their effects to work out for its benefit. Markets are dynamic and there influences on pricing of products are significant. International dairy queen has a variety of options in determining its prices depending on its goals. A clear understanding, consideration and implementation of the issues discussed plus international dairy queen’s vast experience trading in foreign countries will come in handy in building a successful subsidiary in Bahrain. Bibliography Barnes, W. ed. (2001) Understanding Business: Process. London: Routledge. Davenport, T (1993) Process innovation: Reengineering work through information Technology. Boston. Harvard business school press. Lucas, M. ed. (2000) Understanding Business: Environments. London: Routledge. International dairy queen: The Middle East. Retrieved from http://www. dairyqueen. com/en-Intl/DQ+Around+the+World/Middle+East/default. htm accessed on August, 29, 2007 Salaman, G. ed. (2001) Understanding Business: Organizations. London: Routledge. Suneja, V. ed. (2000) Understanding Business: A Multidimensional Approach to the Market Economy. London: Routledge.