Social Concerns in Sociology Essay Example

Social Concerns in Sociology Essay Dying and bereavement all cause us extremely painful emotions, some of which other people do not survive. Not all people are capable of dealing with death and dying and of being left. Dealing with loss is a constant challenge that all of us will have to deal with at one point in our lives. A relative or a close friend may die, and dealing with it may take us years. It is a totally different story, then, if we take about dealing with loss in large numbers. In this case, death, dying and bereavement is not only a personal issue, but a social concern. For example, tsunamis hit a large town, or an earthquake strikes to totally destroy a country. Not all cases of massive deaths are caused by natural disasters, though. Even our fellow people are capable of executing evil plans to kill thousands of people. A classic and yet up-to-date example would be the conflict between the Palestinians and the IDF, also known as the Israel Defense Forces. This conflict has been existent for too long a time already, and the whole world was expecting that the conflict has been put to rest, only to find out that after a few years, the conflict is still here to be a more complicated and destructive one. We will write a custom essay sample on Social Concerns in Sociology specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Social Concerns in Sociology specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Social Concerns in Sociology specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The Current Social Issue When it comes to a seemingly-endless conflict between Israel and Palestine, it is no wonder that one will immediately think about the Israel-Gaza conflict. There is a conventional warfare, and a highly large-scale one at that, extending outside the boundaries of the Gaza Strip, which started when Operation Summer Rains was spearheaded by Israel. Gaza Strip refers to a coastal strip that outlines Egypt and Israel. It is a Palestinian City (Egeland, 2008, p. 45). The conflict starts from the so-called Operation Summer Rains. This is a codename used by the Israelites. Operation Summer Rains refers to military operation led by the Israel Defense Forces which they were planning to launch on June 28, 2006. During this date, the first major ground operation was also started exactly along the whole of the Gaza Strip (Egeland, 2008, p. 45). Israel was planning to ruin the said strip, and the actual planning was made from August to September 2005. After Operation Summer Rains, another tragic event happened on November 1. It was another operation for launching weapons of mass destruction, which the IDF referred to as Operation Autumn Clouds (Egeland, 2008, p. 45). The Reason Behind The Military Operations What Israel wants is to suppress the plans of Gaza. Gaza has been planning a firing on Israel, and Israel’s operations were all part of counter-attacks to shield itself from destruction that Gaza may cause. Aside from this, Israel also launched these operations to make certain that Corporal Gilad Shalit will be released.Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, captured Corporal Gilad Shalit on June 25 (Egeland, 2008, p. 45). Having Corporal Gilad Shalit captured was a big part of the whole conflict because during the time when he was captured by the Hamas, the Israel already surrendered to Gaza. There was a conflict between the Palestinian militant group and the IDF for the longest time, but when Israel already withdrew from Gaza, it was not expected that Hamas will still capture a personality and an asset of Israel (Egeland, 2008, p. 45). Researches and statistics show that there were a total of 757 missiles that hit Israel, all of which were coming from Gaza. Bombing lasted from the time Israel has withdrawn from Gaza, to the last days of June 2006. It was from this event that the IDF planned to retaliate towards Gaza. Israel used air weapons of destruction to attack Gaza. The said country used air raids and artillery fire (Egeland, 2008, p. 45). As the operation was taking place, shelling and rocket fire were growing. The development of the weapons was overwhelming, so it was indeed expected that several ground incursions were mounted into the strip of Gaza to attack not only infrastructures but militant groups, too. Even the tunnels located at the Philadelphi Corridor were all completely smuggled. Another overwhelming attack Israel has done to Gaza was to bomb its only source of electricity – its electrical power plant (Egeland, 2008, p. 45). After the attack, Israel announced that there would have been no retaliation at all and no damage would have been done if and only if Corporal Shalit was released as promised. Then again, after Israel has considered all the possible diplomatic means, and nothing worked to fix the relationship that has long been marred, then it had no choice but to execute the plans (Egeland, 2008, p. 45). Egypt had a significant role in this conflict because the said country served as a mediator. It became a big help in the release of Corporal Shalit. However, this has been possible because of set conditions. Egypt had the power and can effectively mediate between the issues of releasing the soldier only if Israel will free all the thousands of Palestinians it has detained (Egeland, 2008, p. 46). Operation Autumn Clouds started on November 1 and ended on the 26th through a ceasefire and a withdrawal. The deal regarding Corporal Shalit did not materialize. Ceasefire, during this time, was observed but not quite as religiously as expected, since Israel was still being hit by rockets (Egeland, 2008, p. 47). There was an average of around 45 rockets a month hitting Israel before the said country felt that it had to do a heavier form of retaliation compared to what it had already done before, hence the May 2007 violence. It was the next major revenge Israel has done (Egeland, 2008, p. 47). To better understand how much attack Israel was receiving, here are two comprehensive figures below: Figure 1. Monthly Distribution of Rocket Hits. Data from Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs Aside from the use of rockets, Gaza also used mortar shells to kill the people of Israel. The damage Gaza has been causing Israel was overwhelming. Another figure below shows how much Israel has been receiving mortar shell attacks from Gaza. These statistics suggest that it is indeed no surprise that Israel felt the need to retaliate. Figure 2. Monthly Distribution of Mortar Shells. Data from Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs Hamas did not hold itself accountable for all the damages and troubles it had caused Israel. It did not take any responsibility for the bombs and rockets thrown into Israel. Israel, on the other hand, did not raise artillery shells towards the Gaza Strip. It also did not fire tanks. Because of this, ceasefire was achieved even after the increasing issue between Fatah and Hamas (Naaman, 2005, p.29). The Roots All the groups from Palestine which were located along the strip of Gaza launched weapons of mass destruction into Israel all because Israel was known to have occupied the coasts after the 1967 Six-Day War. The conflict developed and became worse after the Second Intifida. The Second Intifida refers to a major war against the occupation of Israel. It was headed by the Palestinians located in the West Bank and Gaza (Naaman, 2005, p.29). In 2005, the plan of Israel saw it using soldiers and getting it out of Gaza. It also included dismantling the settlements of Jews that have been existent in the area for a long period of time. Israel was still manipulating and handling the peripheries of Gaza, including its airspace and coastline. The only area Israel did not occupy was the southern border because the said area was being controlled by the powers of the European Union and Egypt (Naaman, 2005, p.29). After the 2005 unilateral disengagement plan, Qassam rockets were being fired into Israel. The pacing of the conflict indeed grew undoubtedly faster in 2006 following the triumph of Hamas in the elections. It was during this time that Israel was hit with 757missiles, and it was after this event when air strikes and artillery fire was launched by Israel into Gaza (Naaman, 2005, p.30). From the last days of March to the last days of May 2006, the areas of launching of the Gaza Strip Qassam was attacked with a total of a minimum of 5,100 artillery shells. This was done in hopes of stopping Gaza from firing. In 2005, Hamas declared a ceasefire. However, Hamas did not pay or make up for the damages it has done to Israel. The leader of Hamas released a statement in February, saying that it was not an intention of Hamas to hinder other groups from using resistance with arms against Israel (Naaman, 2005, p.30). The statement of the leader of Hamas was significant because Israel was pressuring the government of Palestine to put the attacks to rest. Then again, Hamas was associated with terror attacks and rocket attacks used by other groups, including its engagement in its very own attacks, even after having considered ceasefire (Naaman, 2005, p.30). When it comes to its political context, the exchanges of attacks were a latent struggle in the territories of Palestine between Fatah and Hamas. The supporters and members of Fatah became dominant in the civil service and security forces of Palestine. Hamas, on the other hand, forwarded a complaint because they were hindering the new government’s capability to work effectively. The year 2006 was characterized by attempted assassinations, clashes and violent protests (Naaman, 2005, p.30). During this time, Hamas did not acknowledge the right to exist of Israel, nor did it reaffirm its allegiance to part agreements between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Because of this, the the Quarter (Russia, USA, UK and EU) and the government of Israel led a financial embargo on the government of Hamas (Naaman, 2005, p.30). On June 9, Gaza beach was attacked. From this incident, eight Palestinians were killed. After this, an internal military investigation by Israel was started. Chief of Staff Dan Halutz and the Defense Minister of Israel Amir Peretz appeared with Israel Defense Forces General Meir Klifi to let the general public know about the results of the investigation. It was known, then, that there were no chances that attacks were able to hit that specific location at the particular time (Naaman, 2005, p.30). The following interviews revealed the theories of Klifi, in which he said that the casualties may have been due to an ordinance from the past. It may also have rooted from a planted mine in Palestine. An employee of the Human-Rights Watch group based in the United States named Mark Garlasco said that the damages acquired by the victims from Palestine were not at all consistent with the bombing that came from underneath the sand. Hamas officially withdrew on June 10 from its ceasefire of 16 months and also started to be held accountable for the attacks caused by Qassam. The Social Impact of the Israel-Gaza Conflict Figure 3. Map of International reaction to the 2008–2009 Israel–Gaza conflict. Data from Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs On Children – According to the United Nations Children’s Fund, there were a total of 840,000 children in Gaza who were suffering from extreme stress. Because of the extremely violent events that happened, all children were traumatized. It should then be expected that there are psychological consequences that children have to deal with for a very long and almost unimaginable period of time, especially for the children who were in the middle of the conflict between the Hamas and the Israelites (Schlein, 2009). What trauma can this conflict not cause if, according to the United Nations, there have been more than 5,000 people who were wounded, and about a thousand were killed from Palestine. The United Nations Childrens Fund announced that out of all the people killed in this conflict, one third of them are children. According to Sigrid Kaag, the UNICEF Regional Director for North Africa and the Middle East, the children bearing all the harshness and violence coming from war and conflicts is nothing new. Whenever there is a social and political unrest, it is always the children who suffer most (Schlein, 2009). What, then, if these children are primarily affected? As these affected and traumatized children grow, it will be more difficult to let these kids know how important it is to be a good parent to their kids, and especially to the future generation. If these kids of today can no longer function well, then what else do they have to offer to their children and their childrens children? There will not be much normal life to live because the circumstances governing their everyday lives are more than challenging for their psychological, emotional, physical and mental capacity. It is never safe to expose children to house searches, displacements, home demolitions and killings. They need to do what a normal kid needs during development: go to school, meet friends, play and have fun. Because of the Israel-Gaza conflict, schools for children are now damaged. A lot of structures meant to teach these children no longer function as schools because extra buildings are needed to provide a shelter for all the families who were displaced during the war (Schlein, 2009). Raising children in this kind of environment is more like creating a future and a generation of anger and hate. Because of the Israel-Gaza conflict, even caregivers and parents themselves make an extra effort to look after the children. Psychological assistance is being raised by a massive scale and this is a classic manifestation of how much damage the deaths and violence is causing these kids (Schlein, 2009). On Students – Students around the world are getting busier these days. An example of an organization where students are exerting extra effort is Hillel. Hillel is known to be the worlds biggest Jewish school organization.    As an organization, there are more than 500 universities and colleges that share the same mission, vision and goals especially in recognizing the Jewish identity of students. The activities of the student-members of Hillel are now being active – all performances, efforts and activities are a manifestation of the students support to Israel. These students want to achieve stability and peace around the world, especially in the Middle East (Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life, 2009). The impact of the deaths from the Israel-Gaza conflict are felt even in the United States, because there are Hillels there, too. There had been candle-lit memorial services and new organizations being built to further show support to the victims of war (Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life, 2009). To the World Generally, the immediate effect of wars and conflicts in the society at large is that it causes large-scale damage to nations. A war is always possible if and only if there are two opposing parties who disagree. Because of the opposing parties, it automatically means, too, that there are opposing views. In this case, Israel and Gaza are not the only opposing parties, but their people, too. The supporters of each party also oppose each other. It is safe to say, then, that this whole culture of war breeds a whole new chain of hatred and violence. People give birth, while more people get killed. The future is definitely at stake, for when people are killed, resources become emptier than ever. It is through these people that economic bases became possible. It is through these people who kept the society moving. It is through these people who make this world a better place to live in. That being said, every life is worth taking care of, because every life is a big contribution to the betterment of human life. The Importance of Research Researching is a very important factor when it comes to social issues. People watch the news, read the papers, browse the Internet and learn about social issues. Then again, these methods are not enough even when these are all but part of research. Before a media outfit even releases news about a social concern, for example, the Israel-Gaza conflict, the reporter should research first and make sure that he gets his facts right before airing his news over the television. Researching is important because it gives us a space to discern our opinions and thoughts. It is a method by which an average-reasonable individual is given options as to what viewpoint to believe in. After all options are weighed, it is expected that a person assesses his thoughts and come up with a rational perspective. He then helps fight for a cause, or fight for what he thinks is right. Basically, the importance of research is to start a change. Research is the key to awareness, and awareness is the road to determine what has to be changed. Research erases ignorance and indifference. It makes the people know about the issue. It makes the citizens act, because researches show something that people need to know especially when it comes to public concern. Additional Conflicts It is also a vital part of the whole research procedure to know the advantages and disadvantages, what-could-have-beens, plan As and step 1s of supporting one side. It is expected that more conflicts and more problems will be discovered, but all these revelations are all equally important in helping the people decide about which side they think is ride, and what cause they think is right to protect. A conflict, be it intentional or unintentional, can be seen in the Israel-Gaza war because this has also been a war of religion.   Muslims and Jews suffer from unrest, too, and from opposing opinions regarding beliefs, principles and spiritual views. The students of Hillel are automatically in conflict with the other Muslim students of the world. Israel and Gaza did not intent to create this conflict. The two parties did not get into this whole fight to cause unrest in the academe. Social issues that are concerned with death, dying and bereavement are issues that help people let out their most painful emotions. As a person gets more depressed by the second, the conflict grows deeper, too. The opposing party appears to be more unforgivable, and the social issue will most likely remain a social issue for as long as it possibly can. References Auerswald, P., C. Duttweiler and Garofano, J. (2003). Clintons Foreign Policy: A Documentary Record. Kluwer Law International. Bleaney, C. H. (2008). Israel and the West   Bank and Gaza Strip. Clio Press. Egeland, J. (2008). A Billion Lives: An Eyewitness Report from the Frontlines of Humanity. Simon and Schuster. Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life. (2 February 2009). Students Around the World Respond to Gaza Conflict. Retrieved 15 February 2009 from http://www.hillel.org/about/news/2009/feb/gaza_crisis_response_worldwide_2009.htm. Naaman, N. (2005). Ancient Israel and Its Neigbhors: Interaction and Counteraction – Collected Essays. EISENBRAUNS. Schlein, L. (16 January 2009). UN: Gaza Conflict Will Have Long-Lasting Psychological Effect on Children. Voice of America. Retrieved 15 February 2009 from http://www.voanews.com/english/2009-01-16-voa63.cfm.

Definition and Examples of Reported Speech

Definition and Examples of Reported Speech Reported speech is the report of one speaker or writer on the words spoken, written, or thought by someone else. Also called reported discourse. Traditionally, two broad categories of  reported speech  have been recognized: direct speech  (in which the original speakers words are quoted word for word) and indirect speech (in which the original speakers thoughts are conveyed without using the speakers exact words). However, a number of linguists have challenged this distinction, noting (among other things) that theres significant overlap between the two categories. Deborah Tannen, for instance, has argued that [w]  hat is commonly referred to as reported speech or direct quotation in conversation is  constructed dialogue. Observations Reported speech is not just a particular grammatical form or transformation, as some grammar books might suggest. We have to realize that reported speech represents, in fact, a kind of translation, a transposition that necessarily takes into account two different cognitive perspectives: the point of view of the person whose utterance is being reported, and that of a speaker who is actually reporting that utterance.(Teresa DobrzyÅ„ska, Rendering Metaphor in Reported Speech, in Relative Points of View: Linguistic Representation of Culture, ed. by Magda StroiÅ„ska. Berghahn Books, 2001) Tannen on the Creation of Dialogue I wish to question the conventional American literal conception of reported speech and claim instead that uttering dialogue in conversation is as much a creative act as is the creation of dialogue in fiction and drama.  The casting of thoughts and speech in dialogue creates particular scenes and charactersand . . . it is the particular that moves readers by establishing and building on a sense of identification between speaker or writer and hearer or reader. As teachers of creative writing exhort neophyte writers, the accurate representation of the particular communicates universality, whereas direct attempts to represent universality often communicate nothing. (Deborah Tannen, Talking Voices: Repetition, Dialogue, and Imagery in Conversational Discourse, 2nd ed. Cambridge University Press, 2007) Goffman on Reported Speech [Erving] Goffmans work has proven foundational in the investigation of reported speech itself. While Goffman is not in his own work concerned with the analysis of actual instances of interaction (for a critique, see Schlegoff, 1988), it provides a framework for researchers concerned with investigating reported speech in its most basic environment of occurrence: ordinary conversation. . . .Goffman . . . proposed that reported speech is a natural upshot of a more general phenomenon in interaction: shifts of footing, defined as the alignment of an individual to a particular utterance . . . ([Forms of Talk,] 1981: 227). Goffman is concerned to break down the roles of speaker and hearer into their constituent parts. . . . [O]ur ability to use reported speech stems from the fact that we can adopt different roles within the production format, and it is one of the many ways in which we constantly change footing as we interact . . ..(Rebecca Clift and Elizabeth Holt, Introduction. Reporting T alk: Reported Speech in Interaction. Cambridge University Press, 2007) Reported Speech in Legal Contexts ​[R]eported speech occupies a prominent position in our use of language in the context of the law. Much of what is said in this context has to do with rendering peoples sayings: we report the words that accompany other peoples doings in order to put the latter in the correct perspective. As a consequence, much of our judiciary system, both in the theory and in the practice of law, turns around the ability to prove or disprove the correctness of a verbal account of a situation. The problem is how to summarize that account, from the initial police report to the final imposed sentence, in legally binding terms, so that it can go on the record, that is to say, be reported in its definitive, forever immutable form as part of a case in the books. (Jacob Mey, When Voices Clash: A Study in Literary Pragmatics. Walter de Gruyter, 1998)

Social Class College Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Social Class College - Essay Example In mapping the prospects of this nursing student, a future professional, one does see where the possibility strongly exists that economic and social opportunities will be readily available. Because of the socio-economic connections (because of social and market structures) these factors will have an effect on the future life chances of such a person (Savage, 74). Social class structures and demarcations have been somewhat eroded with the advent of generalised education, yet the distinctions still exist. As an educated person, one will have the ability and opportunity or chance (as propounded by Weber) to access not just different economic classes, but other groups and cliques whose defining characteristics depend on the very education that they have in common. Mike Savage has pointed out that persons (termed human capital) usually get paid an amount that reflects the amount of investment placed in the development of their skills (67). As a nurse, one will be a professional and will most likely get paid accordingly. In 1998, professionals earned an approximately 95% more wages than their clerical counterparts.

The ten most significant developments for the United States from 1945 Essay

The ten most significant developments for the United States from 1945 to the present - Essay Example On August 14, 1945, President Harry Truman announced that the war had ended. It was V-J day1. Truman, in addressing the crowds said "We face the greatest taskand it's going to take the help of all of you to do it." Celebrations across the country took place and people celebrated the sheer joy of knowing there was no more war. What they did not realize was that there were new tensions to be dealt with in our own country. We as a nation sat and wondered about the impact of atomic bombs in our world. Indeed President Truman, in his diary pondered "I hope for some form of peacebut I fear machines are ahead of mortals".While riding in an automobile procession in Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963, he was shot to death by an assassin firing from an upper floor of a building. The alleged assassin, Lee Harvey Oswald, was killed two days later in the Dallas city jail by Jack Ruby, owner of a strip-tease club. At 46 years of age, Kennedy became the fourth president to be assassinated and the eighth to di e in office.On the early morning of June 17, 1972, five men were arrested for breaking into the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate, an office-hotel-apartment complex in Washington, D.C. In their possession were burglary tools, cameras and film, and three pen-size tear gas guns. At the scene of the crime, and in rooms the men rented at the Watergate, sophisticated electronic bugging equipment was found. President Nixon attempted to use his presidential powers to quash the investigation into the incident. He attempted to avoid subpoenas ordering him to turn over tapes of the incident. The Supreme Court ordered that it was illegal for the President to use his presidential powers to thwart an investigation 5. Mid 1980's - America Becomes Aware of AIDS3 "The dominant feature of this first period was silence, for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was unknown and transmission was not accompanied by signs or symptoms salient enough to be noticed. While rare, sporadic case reports of AIDS and sero-archaeological studies have documented human infections with HIV prior to 1970, available data suggest that the current pandemic started in the mid- to late 1970s. By 1980, HIV had spread to at least five continents (North America, South America, Europe, Africa and Australia). During this period of silence, spread was unchecked by awareness or any preventive action and approximately 100,000-300,000 persons may have been infected." 6. Black Monday- the Stock Market Crash of 1987 The stock market crash of 1987 was the largest one day stock market crash in history. The Dow lost 22.6% of its value or $500 billion dollars on October 19th 1987. 7. 1992 - Riots in Los Angeles due to the Rodney King beating. Rodney King became a reluctant symbol of police brutality a decade ago when amateur photographer George Holliday provided evidence that was hard to ignore. The videotape Holliday shot showed several white Los Angeles police officers using their batons to beat King, who had led them on a car chase after they tried to stop him for speeding, was broadcast around the world. 8. Y2K - 1999 Y2K bug was a clicking time bomb for all major computer applications. The computer and system application companies came out with year 2000 compliant operating systems and system software. IT companies around the world spent billions of dollars to go through their entire application source code to look

What will happen vs what should happen with Government Warrantless Essay

What will happen vs what should happen with Government Warrantless Surveillance - Essay Example Warrantless Surveillance will continue to be a mode of operation by the Federal Government. Things will continue to go pretty much as they have since 2001. There will continue to be court cases which will challenge the right of the government to engage in what some would call an illegal operation. It is hard to argue against the security of our nation as being a reason for this action. Some people will continue to distrust the government and their reasons for gathering certain information and tapping foreign phone calls. When looking at utopia, our country would not need to gather this information because everyone would be doing what is expected of them and not out to harm their neighbor. The government would function as an arm of the people, providing for the common good of all Americans. The court system would be engaged in the enforcement of our laws and not arguing about what is constitutional or unconstitutional. A sad thing that would happen with the disappearance of warrantless surveillance, people would lose their job. The news shows on television would have to find something else to discuss and Senators Kerry and McCain would begin addressing more pressing

E-Collaboration for E-Businesses

E-Collaboration for E-Businesses 1. Working Title How does the development of e-collaboration provide e-businesses with a competitive advantage? 2. Introduction E-Collaboration, a relatively new concept that is shaping the way we do business. The development of this model has seen recent advances in inter-enterprise software and communication technologies which are shaping the way for digitalisation, mass communication, and globalisation. This emerging business tool has the ability to change the traditional foundations of business relationships. This report explores the concept of developing e-collaboration for e-businesses and the competitive advantage it provides to B2B (Business to Business), through the means of secondary qualitative research, books, journals, the internet and shared company information. 3. Literature Review 3.1 Defining E-Collaboration Goonatilake et al. (2009) state that e-collaboration is the use of internet and related technologies to assist distant clients in exchanging information for interactions between suppliers and customers, and everyone in between to move trade forward. Kock (2002) supports the aforementioned definition by identifying e-collaboration at an operational level as being a collaboration utilising electronic technologies amongst different individuals to achieve a common goal. E-Collaboration is a tool that breaks the boundaries of activities involving buying and selling. As cited in Samtani (2002, p.8) The Gartner Group believed that by 2005 nearly half of all Web-based commerce would be collaborative. Not only has collaboration become firmly established within many businesses it has changed many business models to incorporate B2B (Business to Business) integrations. The reasons for companies utilising e-commerce are mainly driven by the need to share resources and information. Wanga, Y. (Unknown, p.3) states that in collaborating the participating companies are sharing the supply chain the cost reduction, JIT process automation, increased potential opportunities on partnership, and the flexibility and adaptability. Samtani (2002, p.9) concurs with the above reasons for collaborating believing that it leads to shared databases, open tracking systems, enhanced inter-enterprise visibility and cooperation, streamlined business processes, new cost efficiencies and an expanded customer base for every collaborative partner. 3.2 B2B Model IPC E-Business Supply chain committee (2000) state The business-to-business (B2B) model is much more complex compared to the business-to commerce (B2C) model, which is more prevalent today. B2B spans the full spectrum of business processes, from raw material to the consumer. IPC E-Business Supply chain committee (2000) The diagram visualises the key elements of an e-collaborated e-business and its ability to manage end-to-end business transactions. As the trend towards outsourcing in the electronics industry continues to develop it is essential that all the main components are interlined: OEMs, EMS Providers, PCB Fabricators, Raw Material Suppliers and Component Suppliers to allow for automated processes. 3.2 Extranet Extranet is the term used for a private network within an organisation and other clients/suppliers who have access rights. Extranets have the ability to automate processes improving the business relationships. Businesses are currently more pressured into online ordering and inventory management because of their attractive benefits. Information is freely available 24/7 making communication easier between suppliers. Any changes needed to be made are simple in comparison to the traditional slow paper form saving time. Inventory and order processing can be easily changed without the delay of the post. Another added benefit of utilising an extranet is a much more effective collaboration and synchronization between clients. (Benefits of intranets and extranets, 2009) Business becomes more flexible with negotiable working hours because of their ordering system being connected 24/7. 3.3 EDI and API EDI is a tool that can be used by business to communicate with other businesses or suppliers. It reduces the need for paper documentation and reduces cycle time dramatically. PCMag.com, (Accessed November 2009) define it as being the electronic communication of business transactions, such as orders, confirmations and invoices, between organizations. API is the application that enables EDI. It is a platform that connects the companies together and standardises the layout of the data being transmitted so that it becomes meaningful to both parties involved. 3.4 Outsourcing Outsourcing is defined as the process of shifting/delegating/transferring a service/process/function to a third-parties/external service provider which would otherwise be an in-house function/service/process.'(CyberVillage.com, Accessed November 2009). Utilising outsourcing can be a crucial advantage to companies such as Dell, Nissan and Cummins. If the companies can source another company to make a component needed for the end product at a price that allows them to still have a viable profit margin, then this prevents the need to buy in the equipment and the expertise to do so. 3.5 The use of Web 2.0 Web 2.0 can be used as a means of selling products to customers and suppliers. This can be split into two categories of selling B2B or B2C. Websites such as eBay and Amazon.com can be used by businesses to sell directly to customers using a B2C model. Other websites such as nationalrail.co.uk can be used by 3rd party companies to sell train tickets on behalf of many train providers such as VirginTrains and the Eurostar. 3.6 Output of developing E-Collaboration for E-Businesses E-business collaboration allows businesses to have an active role in all aspects of its customer sales and marketing experience, from shopping and product configuration to fulfilment and feedback. Internet-enabled collaboration is creating a fundamental divide in the practice of global business and the management structures that guides it. http://www.industryweek.com/articles/e-business__e-collaboration_674.aspx Collaborated e-businesses pose the risk factor for many managers of organisations who have not adopted the collaboration phenomenon as old strategies do not constitute a sustainable competitive advantage. The managers of e-collaborated businesses are achieving industry advantages by adhering to two main characteristics (1) lowering interaction cost with the use of the internet and (2) they are primarily focused on the part of the value chain where they have a prominent advantage. With the business focused on the prominent advantage of creating an effective demand-driven (or customer driven) supply chain, e-collaboration has aided in providing the necessary tools and processes needed to manage the large of amount of information being shared throughout the cycle. Cost Reductions Globalisation Joint product development Another strategic imperative for collaboration is emerging from a basic transformation in discrete manufacturing. As the build-to-demand model replaces yesterdays build-to-stock paradigm, the ability to collaborate with customers and suppliers at a product engineering level becomes a primary competitive tool. It is a need that has been transforming the product strategies of companies that were once known only for their ability to deliver CAD/CAM solutions. This online collaboration will allow your active participation in all aspects of your customers sales and marketing experience, from shopping and product configuration to fulfillment and feedback. Short-term rewards include reduced costs through process automation and efficiencies. Long-term rewards include increased revenue, greater customer and partner loyalty, and the ability to create strong sell-side partnerships that help differentiate products E-business offers the opportunity for businesses to establish new competitive standards by expanding distribution channels, integrating external and internal processes, and offering a cost-effective method of providing products and services. The Internet provides online businesses with the ability to reach a global audience and to operate with a minimal infrastructure, reducing overhead, and providing greater economies of scale, while providing customers and businesses with a broad selection, increased pricing power, and unparalleled convenience. Impact On Key Value Drivers These changing economic assumptions within the context of the electronic economy have direct impact on economic value-add for manufacturers. Three primary value levers are exercised through the adoption of e-business. The associated value propositions can be quite compelling and span many of the key dimensions of business performance and success. In this context, e-business is clearly much more than just an electronic sales channel or an MRO procurement alternative, as many have defined it to be. Those who have been willing to adopt an e-business perspective are seeing tangible economic results. 15 All of the new tools of collaboration promote a model for manufacturing in which an enterprise is no longer inhibited by size or lack of it. And the collapsing of time and distance means that many of the old rules for corporate structure and strategy are being rewritten. Teresko, J. (2000) Aims Objectives To investigate the available tools to develop e-collaboration for an e-business, in order to achieve a competitive advantage. In order to achieve this aim the following objectives will be met: Investigate the use of e-collaboration for e-business Investigate the tools used to collaborate e-businesses API EDI Extranet Web 2.0 Understand the use of e-collaboration in small B2B and large B2B Explore the use of e-collaboration for Nissan and Renault and Google and Microsoft Case Studies Amazon.com   case study? Alliance between companies. For example Microsoft and Google. Are they going to buy out Google or collaborate to provide a better service to their customers? Effect on travel and transport? Retailers being able to provide train times from national rail through ADI. Analysis Successful example of E-Collaboration Nissan and Renault Nissan and Renault are one of the most formidable e-collaborations. Beginning in 1999 when Nissan UK was facing financial difficulties, Renault bought out 44.3% of the shares in Nissan. Nissan bought 15% of Renault shares but hold no voting rights. They also created the Renault-Nissan Alliance team, with both parties owning a 50% share. The two companies share their purchasing and information services as shown below. This partnership is successful due to many factors. Nissan are one of the leading petrol car manufacturers and Renault specialise in diesel. The Alliance have together co-developed common engines and gearboxes. These include a six-speed manual gearbox and a new V6 diesel engine. The Alliance also interchanges existing engines or gearboxes. For example, the Nissan 3.5-litre engine is used in the Renault Laguna and Renault 1.5 litre diesel engine is used in the Nissan Qashqai. In total, the Alliance share eight engines that are commonly used throughout the range of Nissan and Renault cars. Renault originally had no plant in South America, however from day one of the merger Renault have been able to utilise Nissans plant in Aguascalientes Mexico. Renault now produces the Clio for Mexico and Latin America. The Clio can be produced along side Nissans Platina as they share a similar architecture which drives down production and inventory costs. Nissan and Renault still however remain distinct recognisable brands which appeals to the customers. Nissan and Renault share their purchasing and information services. Within the RNIS (Renault-Nissan Information Services) the companies share a WAN, service providers and hardware. They also share systems e.g. Packaging Visibility System (PVS) that standardises the return of returnable packaging between shared suppliers, thus saving money. Outsourcing Dell spend a minimal 1.1% of their annual revenue on research and development, preferring to outsource various components to suppliers they collaborate with. They collaborate rather than compete with companies to provide customers with innovative ideas. This is vastly different to the methodology adopted by HP who invest 4.6%.of their annual revenue in research and developing components. This has previously given Dell the competitive advantage and enabled Dell to dominate the computer market. Outsourcing can be beneficial to companies who focus on other areas of production rather than research and development of specific components. Companies who outsource may pay a premium for buying in ready made components for their end product; however they compensate for that area of expenditure by ensuring they produce a very high quality end result that will attract customers. Outsourcing saves production time. If the business and their suppliers can successfully implement JIT (Just in Time) and components are delivered as per demand for the manufacturing line this will drive down product time. The increased number of products being manufactured within the same company in the same plant also increases the possibility of delays in such cases as a mainframe failures and machinery malfunctions. Out of house outsourcing can eliminate such problems. Nissan outsources to both in-house and out of house suppliers. They have improved their logistics by relocating many of their suppliers in-house, saving the time taken to get the components to the line and reduced the cost of transportation. To successfully outsource companies need to have confidence and trust in the suppliers. Nissan for example has implemented SAIS (Supplier Appraisal and Improvement System). This awards the suppliers demerits for mistakes such as parts mislabelled and accuracy percentages for delivery times. This allows Nissan remain in control over its suppliers and with the control reoccurring mistakes can be highlighted so that action can be taken. Nokia have recently published a press release in November 2009 to recall its mobile phone chargers that are produced by a third party supplier. The charger has a fault which can result in an electric shock. This can severely affect the client base of Nokia due to the inefficiencies of their supplier, customers may lose faith in Nokia and question how much of their outsourced components are quality assured by Nokia. Therefore ultimately meaning Nokia lose their competitive advantage in the mobile phone market. EDI and API Nissan Case Study Utilising EDI for communication between collaborated companies can provide numerous advantages. Sending an electronic message cross-country or globally requires only seconds or minutes instead of days. It can be agreed between the companies for the data to be sent in a certain format that can be instantaneously uploaded on the receiving companys system. Data files can be frequently communicated throughout a day between a company and a supplier via EDI; this is advantageous to a company dealing with a rapid stock turnover like manufacturing companies. The sending and receiving of information electronically can be of great benefit to a supplier too. The suppliers of NMUK (Nissan Manufacturing UK) will receive much earlier notification of NMUKs delivery requirements. This can be used by the supplier to enable them to minimise their inventory holding, improve their production scheduling and prepare in advance for logistics collections if necessary. NMUK also use EDI transmissions for the Self-Invoicing System. The objective is to have all suppliers who receive orders from Nissan by EDI to also be active for self-invoicing. This is saving Nissan money as they are not physically sending out the invoices. It is also reducing the possible errors caused by manual intervention may have when data needs to be input from one system onto another. Bibliography The effectiveness of using e-collaboration tools in the supply chain: an assessment study with system dynamics Oscar Rubiano Ovallea, Adolfo Crespo Marquezb,* a Escuela de Ing. Industrial y Estad!Ä ±stica, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia b Industrial Management, School of Engineering, University of Seville, Seville, Spain Received 1 February 2002; received in revised form 21 October 2002; accepted 18 January 2003 Goonatilake, R. Herath, S., Hearth, A., Tyska C.K. (2009) E-collaboration issues in global trade, transactions and pratices, European Journal of Scientific Research, 34 (3), p.326 [Online]. Available at: http://www.eurojournals.com/ejsr_34_3_04.pdf (Accessed: 02 December 2009). Samtani, G. (2002) B2B Integration A practical guide to collaborative E-commerce. London. Imperial College Press. IPC E-Business Supply chain committee(2000) The myths of E-commerce. An IPC White Paper Report p.5. Open Access [online] Available at: http://www.ipc.org/4.0_Knowledge/4.1_Standards/E-CommerceWhitePaper.pdf (see page 5) (Accessed : 29 November 2009). Teresko, J. (2000) Internet tools allow manufactures to join forces to enhance individual strenghts, Industry Weekly, 12 June [Online] Available at: http://www.industryweek.com/articles/e-business__e-collaboration_674.aspx (Accessed: 29 November 2009). Wanga, Y. (Unknown) A literature review. p.3, Open Access [online] Available at: http://conference.iproms.org/sites/conference.iproms.org/files/PID172674.pdf (Accessed: 27 November 2009).

The Role of Computers in Our Future :: Exploratory Essays Research Papers

The Role of Computers in Our Future As far as computers in the future, I feel that they are going to play a major role. They will be in everyday life, in everything we do. There will be many areas affected by the wide use of computers. Areas such as: home, work, schools, automobiles, electronics, and humans. Although these areas are already affected, they will be even more as we move into the future. To begin this discussion I will show you the effects on the work place and humans. As for humans in the work place, work will become easier. So this means less stress for humans because the computers will be doing all the work. This in turn means that humans will be doing less and less because the computers will be slowly taking over. As for a human going to work, this may only consist of telling a computer what to do all day. Or even from your own home, waking up and telling your computer what to do so you do not even have to go into work. Now for communication with computers, this may get so advanced that your computer may even ask you questions about the work it is doing and that you are getting paid to do. So this is where I see computers going as far as work and humans. Now for computers in the schools, I feel we will soon have no books and all work will be done on computers. Even homework will be done on the internet and e-mailed to the teacher. Children will be taught about computers at a younger and younger age. This in turn will make the younger generations more and more skilled in electronics and understanding how they work. This will have a very large impact on they way projects and or work is viewed. The next step is computers in the home. Computers will play a major role in homes. They will automatically pull the bread in to toast it with no lever. It will in turn tell you how your food is doing while it is cooking in the microwave and then tell you when it is done. Now to enter your own home you may only have to say â€Å"open door†. The computer will automatically scan your voice and unlock the door and let you in. So this is how I feel that computers will affect the home steed. The Role of Computers in Our Future :: Exploratory Essays Research Papers The Role of Computers in Our Future As far as computers in the future, I feel that they are going to play a major role. They will be in everyday life, in everything we do. There will be many areas affected by the wide use of computers. Areas such as: home, work, schools, automobiles, electronics, and humans. Although these areas are already affected, they will be even more as we move into the future. To begin this discussion I will show you the effects on the work place and humans. As for humans in the work place, work will become easier. So this means less stress for humans because the computers will be doing all the work. This in turn means that humans will be doing less and less because the computers will be slowly taking over. As for a human going to work, this may only consist of telling a computer what to do all day. Or even from your own home, waking up and telling your computer what to do so you do not even have to go into work. Now for communication with computers, this may get so advanced that your computer may even ask you questions about the work it is doing and that you are getting paid to do. So this is where I see computers going as far as work and humans. Now for computers in the schools, I feel we will soon have no books and all work will be done on computers. Even homework will be done on the internet and e-mailed to the teacher. Children will be taught about computers at a younger and younger age. This in turn will make the younger generations more and more skilled in electronics and understanding how they work. This will have a very large impact on they way projects and or work is viewed. The next step is computers in the home. Computers will play a major role in homes. They will automatically pull the bread in to toast it with no lever. It will in turn tell you how your food is doing while it is cooking in the microwave and then tell you when it is done. Now to enter your own home you may only have to say â€Å"open door†. The computer will automatically scan your voice and unlock the door and let you in. So this is how I feel that computers will affect the home steed.

Case Study Critique

Through the years the news has reported on several cases similar to the Jackson case. Each time this kind of neglect case is brought to light the public often wonders what happened. The most difficult part of this case is that the children were so malnourished they were not even growing at an average rate for children of their age. How could this have gone on for so long? With the amount of cases that social workers have it is a wonder that they catch any of these neglect cases.The social services system is bogged down with ark that each social worker carries a heavy case load and, unfortunately, this means that things go unnoticed. I feel that it is entirely possible that the case workers were asking the right questions however; maybe the parents had all of the right answers as well. When there was no food in the refrigerator maybe they simply explained that they needed to go grocery shopping and had not had time yet. A social worker does not have enough time to figure out who is ly ing and who is not.Although a social workers main concern is the welfare of the children, they also have to ensure that all of their families are seen in a timely manner. Whether we like to believe it or not our social workers may not have the time to ensure that the children in our system are being properly cared for. I do believe that the nine social services workers that spent time in the Jackson home should have been fired. These people had a duty to those children to protect them and I find it hard to believe that nine people were unaware of the circumstances in that home.They are trained to see when something is amiss and they all failed those boys. Justice was served as well as it could be. Am sure the boys will have horrible memories of their time in that home and it will forever haunt them. The amount of money they received probably did not make them feel any better about it but it probably helped them build a better life elsewhere. As for the time that was served in jail b y the mother, I do not feel it was long enough.

Some questions with answers managerial economics

Some questions with answers managerial economics Managerial EconomicsQ.1.0) For each of the following events, assume that either the supply curve or the demand curve (not both shifted). Explain which curve shifted and indicate the direction of the shift.a.From 1950 to 1979 the wages paid to fruit pickers increased while the number of fruit pickers employed decreased.b.During the same period the price of radio sets declined, while the number of radio sets purchased increased.c.Housing prices are rising but more houses are sold.d.Australian Airlines reduces its average plane fare by 30 percent in order to attract more customers.Ans.a) In this case the number of the fruit pickers has decreased while the wages of the fruit pickers has increased. Thus, the demand has not changed. The supply of the fruit pickers has decreased, hence, the fruit pickers supply has shifted to the left.b) In this case the price of the radio sets declined while the number of radio sets purchased increased.Perfectly elastic demandThis means the demand has incr eased. The demand curve has shifted to the right.c) In this case the housing prices are rising but more houses were sold. The demand of the houses has increased. The demand curve has moved to the right.d) In this the Australian Airlines reduces its average plane fare by 30 percent in order to attract more customers. The aim here is increase the revenue in the future. The supply is been increased to accommodate the increasing customers. The supply curve is moved to the right.Q.2.0) Explain the meaning of elasticity? What are the different types of elasticities? What are the factors that affect each type of elasticity? Of what use are these elasticities to business?Ans.Elasticity is a measure of the responsiveness of one variable to changes in...

The English Channel Tunnel essays

The English Channel Tunnel essays For many, many years there have been several attempts to connect England and France. Bridges and tunnels have been conspired, but all attempts failed. Many thought it could never be done, but England and France have finally been connected via the English Channel through a subaqueous tunnel. The English Channel Tunnel is one of the worlds greatest engineering feats. For more than two centuries, there have been numerous attempts and plans to link England and France across the English Channel. Iron bridges, undersea tunnels, causeways and damns were suggested in every way and combination possible. The main reasons for the attempts that failed were due to lack of technology and funding. (Featherson 4) In 1987, a dream became a reality for all of Europe when preliminary work on a tunnel under the English Channel began. Construction on the project was one of the worlds largest undertaken on the planet. The tunnel was more than a hole in the ground. Its one of the worlds largest engineering projects ever, says Gordon Creighton, a project developer. (Featherson 3) The two main stations are on Shakespeare Cliff in England and Coquelles in France. The English Channel Tunnel was a complex web of tunnels. There were a total of about twelve tunnels; six on Englands side and six on Frances side. The tunnels on each side started at the bottom of a 110-meter shaft. There are three main tunnels; two main rail tunnels and one maintenance tunnel. (Kirkland 255) This is actually an easy tunnel. It is just a long, long process of construction, says Peter Bermingham, a project engineer. (Newman 40) The service tunnel is used to transport emergency as well as maintance equiptment. The two rail tunnels were to transport the trains traveling in each direction. The the basic tunnels; service and two main rail tunnels; were designed in a clever way. The two rail tunnels were on ...

Week 1 Discussion HUM 112 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Week 1 Discussion HUM 112 - Assignment Example Consequently, there are several well-known painters when it comes to Baroque style paintings representing not only the era of the period but also the flamboyant and rich culture. Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669) created a portrait painting of a young woman. Emphasis of the portrait is placed on the various white accessories such as lace cuffs, gloves, coifs, and the large millstone ruff. In another different painting from the same period, describing the details of the woman costumes, the significance was accorded to the overall portrayal and appearance of a rich heritage. Moreover, another baroque painting by Portrait of Marchese Spinola, the female fashion is seen to have changed so much from 1630s and 1660s (Hill, 2011). The whole silhouette changed, from the elevated wasted gowns of 1630s to that of long and slender wasted in 1660s. Paintings that have been viewed clearly provide more details when observed keenly. They do not just represent the painter, but also the particular message being conveyed by each of the art viewed within that period. The baroque paintings are not just distinguished by the rare presentation of the surrounding, but also the messages that are successfully presented by the painters. Baroque style paintings remind me of Christian film and videos. Nonetheless, the work that distinguishes the baroque style paintings is contradictory and stylistically complex. Moreover, the desire of evoking emotional states through appealing to the senses in dramatic ways underlies its very manifestations (Hill, 2011). The qualities associated with baroque include sensuous, drama, grandeur, emotional, vitality, and tendency to blur the distinctions between various

Pestle Framework of Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Pestle Framework of Business - Essay Example From this discussion it is clear that  regarding the influence of the political environmental factors, matters of restrictions, policy, and other derivatives of the environment determine the nature of operations in ways that determine the trends of business. These factors have the capacity of enhancing the nature of business just as they have the potential of providing some robust framework that is used for the general performance of the business.This discussion highlights that it is important to consider some of the issues attending to the processes of business in terms of the various issues that affect and are in turn affected by the environmental factors. An awareness of these factors is necessary for the processes of planning, strategizing, budgeting, and the general management of the business. The development of strategy is usually determined by the ability of the business to use all the positive values and qualities that are necessary for the sustenance of the business. In es sence, the levels of success or failure of a business is necessarily determined by the manner in which the business connects with environmental factors as considered within the aspect of reality.  The political environment usually occurs in ways that are generally available for the determination of the levels of performance of the business. It is important to consider the fact that the political factors are connected to the other macro-economic factors that determine the nature of the operating environment.... The political environment usually occurs in ways that are generally available for the determination of the levels of performance of the business. It is important to consider the fact that the political factors are connected to the other macro-economic factors that determine the nature of the operating environment. Political factors in the environment of business could be conducive or hostile depending on a range of factors. Political environments that feature stringent conditions and policies will essentially stifle the aspect of competition within the process (Murray-Webster, 2010, p. 121). The realization of the range of factors that attend to the issues and values of the organization will essentially lead to the development of issues based on some of the matters that attend to matters of relevance and the determination of a range of factors that attend to the issues related to commerce and enterprise. Some of the issues that affect the operations of business are largely regulated by the fact that issues affecting business are essentially regulated by concerns in the world of business. Regarding the economic forces, certain economic factors have a direct impact on the manner in which businesses operate as understood within the framework of environmental factors. Generally, some of the issues that attend to the matter of challenge are necessarily controlled by the manner in which certain issues and processes are regulated. Economic growth and exchange rates are some of the economic factors that affect the performance of businesses within certain economic environments (Cheverton, 2005, p. 30). Economic growth encompasses a range of factors such as the availability of efficient banking services and robust and dependable